Estes Park Mexican restaurants, I have to remind myself, are nowhere near Mexico. Most people think of the Americanized version of Mexican food when they think of Mexican. Since I grew up in Texas, I have tasted some REALLY GOOD Mexican food, and as a result, I tend to be a fairly harsh critic of Mexican restaurants.
What you'll find in Estes Park won't rival Tia Maria's, but it's perfectly palatable.
Casa Grande 220 E Elkhorn, (970) 577-0799, $$ Mexican restaurant with nice décor on the Riverwalk. My experience with the food has been hit or miss.
Chelito's Mexican Restaurant 145 E Elkhorn, (970) 586-0886, $$ Decent Mexican food (I'm so picky!) with a nice rooftop patio.
Cisco's Restaurante y Cantina 509 Big Thompson Ave., (970) 586-5444, $ Mexican food with a lighter, fresher flair.
Ed's Cantina 390 E Elkhorn, (970) 586-2919, $$ I gotta admit, I kind of miss the old Ed's. Before they remodeled, it was a cheesy sports bar with funky things like buffalo heads on the walls. Now it's got a more upscale image and *sniff sniff* a less character. The food is decent and the people very friendly.
Grumpy Gringo 1560 Big Thompson Ave., (970) 586-7705, $$ Mexican for gringos! The margaritas are popular, though.
The Other Side Restaurant 900 Moraine Ave., (970) 586-2171, $$-$$$ The Other Side offers two menus- steak/seafood and a lighter sandwich/burger menu. Beautiful views of their pond; lots of ducks and geese entertain adults and kids alike. They are listed in this category because they offer the occasional Mexican buffet night, cooked by people who know what good Mexican food is.
Taco Bell/KFC 537 Big Thompson Ave., (970) 586-0408, $ Fast food "Mexican" and fried chicken. Does this even count?!
My favorite? Well, like I said, I'm a harsh critic. The couple of times I've eaten at Chelito's (although it's been a couple years), I was pleasantly surprised. The Other Side's Mexican Buffet, if you can catch it, is yummisimo.
