When your craving for Tuesday tacos, sizzling carne asada or ice-cold margaritas hits hard, Vail’s Mexican restaurants are ready for you. Choose your favorite place — from unexpected local gems and casual family-friendly joints to creekside locales with spectacular vistas and chic spots for tequila cocktails.
Find Your Perfect Vail Mexican Restaurant
Best Mexican Restaurant in a Hotel
Del Toro Mexican Cuisine
2211 N. Frontage Rd. W., Suite 3, Vail, CO 81657; 970-763-5171
Found in the Highline Vail, A Doubletree by Hilton, Del Toro Mexican Cuisine delights with authentic flavors. Snag an extra-large cushy booth and kick off your meal with decadent nachos for the group topped with grilled skirt steak, black beans, spicy pico, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. Or get yourself a treat like a soul-soothing bowl of tlalpeño soup (a traditional, chicken-and-veggie Mexican stew) the perfect warmer for chilly days. Then, chow down on entrees like tender rib-eye steak in a cheese-crusted corn tortilla or chicken in a rich mole sauce. For something extra special, try the owner’s top pick — Molcajete Campechano. It’s an elaborate must-try dish with grilled steak, chicken and shrimp simmered in a green sauce and served in a volcano bowl with poblano rice, black beans and melty Monterey Jack cheese.
Not full yet? Order flan, an iconic custard-based dessert, or some cinnamon-sugary churros to dip in scoops of ice cream. Come in early for happy hours everyday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or enjoy a family dinner with a selection of kid-approved options.
Best Mexican Restaurant in West Vail
Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant
2161 N. Frontage Rd. W., Vail, CO 81657; 970-393-5105
Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant in West Vail is a great spot for groups and family dining. You can settle into tile-decorated tables and comfy banquet seating that can accommodate almost any sized party. The menu’s so big it may take a minute to explore, with family recipes, daily dinner specials, à la carte options and large combos.
Picky eaters can order simple items like plain cheesy quesadillas, a crispy chicken tostada or savory ground-beef taco. And vegetarians will find a range of options from deep-fried chimichangas filled with sautéed veggies to plant-based enchiladas slathered in green sauce, cheese and sour cream.
If you’re traveling with kiddos, stop at nearby parks to burn off excess energy. With a small field and a playground set with twisting slides and swings, Buffehr Creek Park was made for post-meal family romps. In Ellefson Park, sledding is the big attraction come winter with a steep hill that brings giggles and smiles. By the time you reach your lodgings, your youngsters will be ready to snooze.
Best To-Go Mexican Restaurant
Ruta Del Sabor
211 N. Frontage Rd. W., Vail, CO
When hunger strikes and you need something fast, Ruta Del Sabor is the perfect solution. Nestled in a corner of the Ace Hardware parking lot, this tucked-away spot feels like a local secret. Follow signs to the drive-thru entrance where you can order Mexican home-style meals and sides packed fresh and ready for the road.
The menu leans into comforting classics. Try a torta or Mexican-style sammie, layered with meat, cheese, tomato, lettuce, mayo and avocado sauce on fresh-baked bread. Or go straight for guest favorites: savory barbacoa tacos and birria burritos filled with slow-cooked, fall-apart meat that you’ll think about long after you’ve left. Plus, save room for treats like chocolaty flan or fresas con crema topped with pecans.
Can’t wait to dig in? Head to the picnic table by the sidewalk surrounded by a growing grove of aspens and chow down with two mountain peaks rising up behind you — an unexpectedly perfect backdrop for your meal.
Insider Tip: Stop by earlier in the day — Ruta Del Sabor just serves during lunch and early dinner hours — and remember, it’s drive-thru only.
Best Mexican Restaurant for Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Dishes
El Segundo
223 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657; 970-763-5470
If you’re seeking some of the most creative tacos in Vail, El Segundo delivers with bold, globally inspired flavors. The lineup includes the Hot Korean, the Hawaiian Mahimahi and the zingy 24-Hour Carnitas — pork shoulder brined in citrus for 12 hours, slow-cooked for another 12, then finished with yellow onion, aromatic cilantro and roasted salsa de árbol on a grilled corn tortilla.
Plant-based and gluten-free foodies will find plenty to love here, including the Sesame Sticky Bowl with red radish, tamari-garlic slaw, kimchi, toasted peanuts, pickled onion and cucumber over toasted sesame sticky rice. Check out El Segundo’s online menu for dietary details. No matter which dish you choose, you can round out your meal with a temping cocktail made with one of the 100-plus tequila options, like Don Julio 1942 and Maestro Dobel Anejo.
For outdoorsy ambiance, sit on the wraparound patio, where sunny views of Gore Creek and Vail Village set the scene. Choose an umbrella-shaded table on the creek side to listen to rushing water as you dine Inside, El Segundo dazzles with glass mosaic lights and accent murals splashed in turquoise, tangerine and rooster red.
Best Hidden-Gem Mexican Restaurant
La Cantina
241 S. Frontage Rd. E., Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-7661
Tucked away in the Vail Village parking structure, La Cantina is one of those hidden gems happily visited by those in the know. Step inside and you’re greeted with a casual, no-frills vibe and scrumptious San Diego–style Mexican cuisine.
It serves up all the classics, like pillowy, fried sopapillas topped with cinnamon, sugar and drizzles of honey, generously stuffed burritos and crispy taquitos that are impossible not to finish. Just looking for a drink? Stake out a perch at the tiled, wood-top bar to enjoy a creamy, traditional horchata or bright, citrusy margarita.
Pro Tip: Go with a few friends and order a spread — swapping plates is half the fun, and you’ll get to sample more of the menu’s greatest hits. Once you’ve had your fill, wander over to the nearby Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame for a little post-meal exploring.
Best Mexican Restaurant in Lionshead Village
Casa Jalisco
616 W. Lionshead Cir., Vail, CO 81657; 970-763-5107
Located in Lionshead’s Concert Hall Plaza, Casa Jalisco is an easy spot to hang after a long day of snowshoeing, horseback riding or shopping around the villages. Near lodging and even a bus stop, you can stroll over for lunch or dinner without worrying about parking.
Inside, the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with cheery yellow walls adorned with portrait-style paintings that highlight the restaurant’s heritage. Large-screen TVs near the bar make it a fun place to catch a soccer match while you snack and sip.
The menu is perfect for sharing, too. Crowd-pleasers like crispy quesadillas, taquitos rancheros, fresh guacamole and Mexican fondue — a melty mix of pork sausage, onions and tomatoes — are ideal for family-style dining. Or lighten things up with the Fiesta Taco Salad, which reimagines carne asada with tender grilled skirt steak, avocado, queso fresco, tomatoes and sour cream atop a bowl of crisp romaine.
Sip-Worthy Tequila & Margaritas in Vail
A delicate balance of sweet, tart and salty — margaritas are a classic cocktail perfect for après in the afternoon or a round of evening drinks with friends. Check out some Vail eateries with their twist on margs as well as other tantalizing concoctions made with tequila and mezcal.
Please note: While many establishments offer signature drinks, menus are subject to change. If a drink listed here isn’t available, ask your bartender for their own twist.
Mas Finas at Sweet Basil
193 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657
True to its name — Mas Finas, meaning finer — is a cocktail worth dressing up for. Reserve a table at MICHELIN-recommended Sweet Basil and savor a glass, handcrafted using Gran Coramino Reposado, Sandeman sherry, sweet Punt e Mes, Cardamaro and demerara sugar. Pair it with seasonal dishes like roasted lamb sausages and mint chimichurri or Argentine shrimp with green onion aioli on toasted brioche.
Golden Veil at The Remedy Bar
1 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657; 970-477-8600
Renowned for its rich and indulgent haute cocoa, The Remedy Bar in the Fours Seasons also knows how to make a mean tequila cocktail. If you’re only getting one round, try the Golden Veil, which earns top marks for its sweet blend of Repo tequila, pineapple, honey and egg whites (they give the drink a smooth, velvety texture). For round two, you can’t go wrong with the tequila- and mezcal-based Oaxacan Old Fashioned or the spicy Vail Fire House with mezcal, aperol, lime and Fresno chiles. Savor your drinks at the sleek, stone-top bar or enjoy them with fresh air, firepits and stunning peak views on the terrace.
Saved By the Bell at Root & Flower
288 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657; 970-763-5101
With its eclectic energy and chic approach, Root & Flower brings a refreshing take on the classic wine and cocktail bar — including a tantalizing array of concoctions like Saved By the Bell. This time-tested sipper combines mezcal and tequila with red bell pepper, chile and lemon for smokey and spicy hints. Or try something new to the menu like the citrusy Sangre del Sol highlighting tequila, blood orange, rosemary and tropical fruits.
Want to make cocktails like your bartender? Learn a few secrets of their incredible skills with a customizable cocktail-making class — like how to make a margarita of your own.
Tequila Cocktails at Avanti F&B Vail
458 Vail Valley Dr., Vail, CO 81657; 970-763-6017
Nothing says après quite like alfresco bevvies and breathtaking mountains. Claim a table on Avanti F&B Vail’s large, sunny patio, then hit up the food hall bar for new tequila creations from the rotating drink menu. Past crowd-pleasers include, De La Calle (made with Chile tequila, pineapple fruit brandy, lime and a dash of fizzy ginger beer) and Fire on the Mountain (tequila with mango, lime, agave, a spicy tincture and tajin).
Or stick with popular staples, like the Frosé. This delightfully frozen cocktail can’t be beat on toasty summer days, especially with an added mezcal float. Meanwhile, marg traditionalists can savor their must-have without the extra frills — just blanco tequila, lime and agave.
The Standard Margarita at Mountain Standard
193 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-0123
Set back against the banks of Gore Creek, Mountain Standard created their own version of the classic marg with the Standard Margarita. It starts with a Suerte Blanco base and doubles up on orange liqueur with Grand Marnier and Jones Family triple sec, followed by that zesty-sour lime and a salted rim. Or sample something less traditional like the Yamnesia with ingredients like Don Julio Reposado and cinnamon liqueur, plus the flavors of sweet potato, black walnut and lemon.
The Raspberry Margarita at The Red Lion
304 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-7676
The Red Lion is a cool spot for live music and evening cocktails, especially if you’re a fan of tequila. Order drinks with friends on the open-air, brick terrace or embrace the mountain-pub ambiance indoors — think wall-mounted snowboards and ski photography. We suggest starting with the Raspberry Margarita, a fruity mix of Sauza Gold, triple sec, raspberry liqueur and the restaurant’s own margarita mix. Ready for round two? Try another marg variation (Red Lion has more than a dozen options), like Sauza Hornitos Margarita or one crafted with mezcal.
Start Your Morning in Vail With Breakfast Burritos
Searching for the perfect pre-adventure bite? Vail’s breakfast burritos are a morning must. Whether you like them stuffed, spicy or simply delicious, these local treats offer a tasty jumpstart before you dive into your day of fat biking, sightseeing or shopping.
First Chair
278 Hanson Ranch Rd., Vail, CO; 970-763-5222
When it comes to breakfast burritos, the menu at First Chair boasts a spectacular variety, including two items with recipes from Los Amigos, a legendary Vail Village eatery that celebrated its last season in April 2025. With First Chair’s laid-back atmosphere and filling Classic, Denver, Hangover and Basic burritos, it’s a beloved spot for early-rising adventurers headed to the slopes. The signature burrito selection (available starting at 11 a.m.) is great motivation to wake up, even if you enjoy additional snooze time.
Order extras to-go for a picnic on a mountain deck or a mid-hike treat, just plan to pack out what you pack in. Then, return in the afternoon for a Mexican-style cocktail, courtesy of Los Amigos, wine, seltzer or beer.
Yeti’s Grind
141 E. Meadow Dr. #108, Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-1515
A locals’ favorite — especially during the morning coffee rush — Yeti’s Grind offers hearty, no-fuss burritos to savor with your morning java. Protein-pack your tortilla with bacon or sausage plus eggs, roasted potatoes and cheese, or pair your sweet honey-lavender latte with the OG Green Chili for a spicy kick. Vegans will love the burrito stuffed with veggies, black beans, rice and salsa. If you’re not in a rush, sink into a thick, leather arm chair in the back and people-watch as you eat.
Big Bear Bistro
297 Hanson Ranch Rd., Vail, CO; 970-445-1007
Close to Gondola One (#1), you can chow down on breakfast favorites morning, noon and night at Big Bear Bistro. For burrito connoisseurs, it’s the chance to customize your order by the wrap (plain, spinach, tomato or whole wheat), the meat (sausage, bacon, applewood-smoked ham or chorizo), the filling (add avocado or remove what you don’t like) and the spice (jalapeños, salsa and/or green chile). Add a chocolate-strawberry crêpe, a gooey cinnamon roll or a healthy cup of fresh fruit for a sweet treat.
Joe’s Famous Deli
288 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657; 970-479-7580
Widely known for its grilled and deli sandwiches, Joe’s Famous Deli also serves up a fantastic trio of breakfast burritos: the Powder Day, the Southwestern and the Huevos Rancheros. Each comes wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, stuffed with two scrambled eggs and a slew of tasty ingredients, from black beans and Swiss cheese to rosemary-roasted potatoes and crispy bacon. After mountain biking down aspen-lined singletrack or Nordic skiing across groomed trails, enjoy hearty toasted sammies for lunch with a side of handmade ice-cream for dessert.