Where to Find the Best Tacos in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has quietly become one of the best taco cities in the Mountain West. Forget the chains — the best tacos in Colorado Springs come from family-run taquerias, converted gas stations, and hole-in-the-wall spots that most tourists walk right past. As a local who’s been eating my way through this city for years, I can tell you: the taco scene here punches way above its weight.
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This isn’t a list pulled from Yelp’s algorithm. These are the 9 spots where locals actually line up — the places we recommend when friends visit from out of town. From $2 street tacos to creative gourmet builds, here’s where to eat.
1. Taco Star — The Legendary Street Taco
Address: Multiple locations (S. Nevada Ave is the classic)
Price: $2-$3 per taco
Must order: Al pastor, carne asada, lengua
Taco Star is the answer when someone asks “where do locals actually go?” These are no-frills street tacos — soft corn tortillas, perfectly seasoned meat, fresh cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. The al pastor has that smoky, slightly sweet char that rivals anything you’d find in a Mexico City taqueria. Cash-friendly and consistently excellent.
2. Supermercado Los Altos — The Hidden Gem Inside a Grocery Store
Address: 2630 W. Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Price: $2-$4 per taco
Must order: Barbacoa tacos, carnitas, horchata
The best-kept secret on the Westside. Walk past the produce aisle to the back counter and order some of the most authentic tacos in the city. The barbacoa is slow-cooked and falling apart. The carnitas are crispy-edged perfection. Grab a Mexican Coke and eat at one of the small tables inside the market. This is the real deal.
3. Senior Manuel Mexican Cuisine — The Neighborhood Staple
Address: 4670 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Price: $3-$5 per taco
Must order: Birria tacos, street taco platter
Senior Manuel has been a North Nevada favorite for years. The birria tacos come with a cup of rich consomme for dipping — addictive doesn’t begin to describe it. The portions are generous, the staff is friendly, and the salsa bar lets you customize your heat level from mild to “why did I do that.” Great for families.
4. Taqueria Pueblo Viejo — Authentic and Unassuming
Address: 3406 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917
Price: $2-$4 per taco
Must order: Cabeza tacos, suadero, tripa (if you’re adventurous)
This is where you go when you want the full taqueria experience. The menu reads like a map of regional Mexican street food — cabeza, suadero, tripa, buche — alongside the standard carne asada and pollo. Everything is made fresh, the tortillas are hand-pressed, and you’ll spend less than $15 for a feast. Academy Blvd has a lot of options, but this place earns repeat visits.
5. Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill — The Upscale Casual Option
Address: Multiple locations (Briargate and Powers)
Price: $4-$6 per taco
Must order: Baja fish tacos, green chile chicken
When you want tacos that are a step up from street-style without going full sit-down restaurant, Salsa Brava nails it. Their Baja fish tacos — crispy battered with a creamy chipotle slaw — are some of the best in town. The green chile chicken taco is a Colorado Springs staple. Fast, fresh, and family-friendly. Great lunch spot.
6. La Casita Patio Cafe — Old Colorado City Classic
Address: 2414 W. Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Price: $4-$6 per taco
Must order: Green chile tacos, smothered burrito (not a taco, but trust me)
La Casita has been serving Colorado Springs since the 1970s. The patio on Colorado Avenue is one of the best outdoor dining spots in the city — especially in summer. Their green chile is legendary, and it makes its way into everything on the menu. The tacos are hearty, covered in house-made salsa verde, and come with perfectly seasoned rice and beans. If you’re visiting from out of town, this is the “Colorado” taco experience.
7. Hacienda Colorado — The Scenic Splurge
Address: 175 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Price: $5-$8 per taco
Must order: Street taco trio, tableside guacamole
Hacienda Colorado sits at the base of Cheyenne Mountain with stunning views. This is where you take out-of-town visitors when you want to impress them. The street taco trio lets you sample different proteins, and the tableside guac is made fresh right in front of you. Pricier than the street spots, but the atmosphere and quality justify it for a special meal.
8. TacoRiendo — The Food Truck Legend
Address: Various locations (check social media for daily spots)
Price: $2-$4 per taco
Must order: Suadero tacos, quesabirria
TacoRiendo is one of those food trucks that has a cult following. They park at various spots around town and announce locations on social media. The suadero tacos are silky and rich, and their quesabirria is loaded with melted cheese and served with a deep-red consomme that’ll change your perspective on what a taco can be. Worth the hunt.
9. Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant — The Southeast Sleeper
Address: 3100 E. Platte Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Price: $3-$5 per taco
Must order: Carne asada tacos, combo plate
Ruben’s doesn’t have a flashy Instagram or trendy decor — it has great food and loyal regulars. The carne asada is grilled to perfection, the portions are huge, and the combo plates are some of the best value in town. This is the kind of place where the staff remembers your name after two visits.
Pro Tips for Taco Hunting in Colorado Springs
- Go during off-peak hours. The best spots get packed at noon and 6 PM. Hit them at 11 AM or 2 PM for shorter waits.
- Cash is king at most authentic taquerias. Some accept cards, but a few are cash-only.
- Ask for the house salsa. Many places have a special salsa that’s not on the table — you just have to ask.
- Order by the taco, not the plate. At most street-style spots, you can mix and match 4-5 different tacos for under $15 and try the full menu.
- Don’t skip the drinks. Horchata, Jamaica (hibiscus water), and tamarind agua fresca are half the experience.
Explore More Colorado Springs Food and Activities
Colorado Springs is packed with incredible local food and things to do. Check out our other guides:
- Best Breweries in Colorado Springs — pair your tacos with a local craft beer
- Colorado Springs on a Budget: 3-Day Itinerary
- 25 Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs This Spring
- Best Day Trips from Colorado Springs
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