3 Margaritas Downtown Cocina Mexicana — Restaurant in Denver

This 3 Margaritas blew our minds.

Walking in the atmosphere was just like wow. So many interesting things and details to look at. All of the amazing authentic and artistic decor was beautifully integrated into everything from tables, are, elephant foot glasses, walls... So many beautiful and unique nods back to Guadalajara everywhere.

We ordered drinks and where beyond pleasantly surprised. First my date ordered a churo beer. Our fantastic waitress thought they where out because it was seasonal. However she started scoping the handles at the bar while he scanned the menu. She quickly corrected that she might be wrong and would check before something else was ordered. We where so glad she did because the churo beer was by far an amazing surprise. It was so smooth and full of flavor. Just wow. And it came out in a huge elephant foot glass.

I ordered the carbón negrito. This drink was so good. I had something similar in the Dominican Republic, but never learned the name of it in order to re order or rereplicate at home. So when it came out and it had the smokey, rich, sweet, light spice, layered flavores I was beyond happy!! It was so good with the fresh berries muddled into it. I loved every single drop of it!!!

Then our food came out....

We where already really impressed with this place and the staff, so we expected good food. What we got was some of the most amazing food we have ever had the privilege to eat.

My street tacos barbacoa where hands down the best tacos I have ever had. Even when traveling Mexico and the Caribbean where I live off tacos these are easily in my top 2 favorites. I can't decide if they are tied for all time number one or not. They DEFINITELY are the number 1 that I have had in Colorado! They came with onions and cilantro. I did not want onions and asked for them to be removed. I was then taken back when the food came out and not only did it not have onions, look, and smell amazing but they still had cilantro!! Most places mix the onion and cilantro so not eating one means you can't have the other. I did also order a side of beans and rice that somehow where still on par with everything else we had had so far. There was a small green and red sauce on my plate The green was like magic!!! The flavors... OMG.. I don't even have words!! Use caution though it is very spicy.

My date ordered a burrito. I want to say chipotle with carne asada. It was also out of this world. Neither of us left one bite of anything on our plates. Before we even made it to the door we where already planning another trip to Denver just so we could eat here again. Only this time we will have to bring my Mom. Mexican is her favorite and I know THIS 3 MARGARITAS will become her all-time favorite Mexican food place just like it is now ours.

I must also give our waitress many thanks. She went out of her way to ensure we got the drinks we wanted, food was prepared specially, chips and dip never ran low, and that we had everything we needed. She was truly fantastic. I unfortunately do not remember her name but we sat at the last tall table to the left of the bar when walking in on New Years Eve around 6pm. Right by the stairs. Our waitress was always just a few steps away if we needed anything. She also never interrupted our conversation. She was super friendly and willing to talk but also respected that we where out and probably wanted to talk to each other. I feel like this is a fine line to master in service. Too little and a client feels neglected, too much and the guests feel like they can't speak to each other without having to stop. This girl we had thought had it MASTERED and then some. She was truly amazing!!

Altogether a perfect place for a night or afternoon out with friends, family, or date night. AMAZING food, fun festive atmosphere, GREAT staff, delicious drinks, and good prices! This is definitely a new...

So not worth the time, money or upset stomach…

HORRIBLE FOOD: Me and my cousin decided to go here for dinner. We both ordered the chimichangas. They were gross, very bland and small. The best thing was the beans and rice. The chimichangas were not even fried, they were soggy, like they barely left it in the fryer. And before you say “well they are smothered, what do you expect”, half of mine didn’t have any chili on it and it wasn’t crunchy at all and very soft! And JUST came out the kitchen! It was not something I ordered at home and waited for someone to deliver! Not worth the price at all!

LACK OF WAITRESS: The waitress lacked in attentiveness! A table next to ours kept trying to get her attention as well as me and my cousin. She would obviously ignore us and keep walking. I could tell a couple of other tables were trying the same to get her attention. We kept laughing with the table next to us about how awful the situation, food and service was there. Not laughter because of how much we were enjoying it, but how much of a joke it was. We (my table) literally only talked to our waitress three times, and all in the beginning. The last time (third time) being a couple bits into our food asking how it was … then she never talked to us again. She never checked on us seeing if we needed refills, which we did. Never asked us when we were done if we wanted dessert, which we didn’t but we’re still never asked. Never anything after that last time .. more explained below.

FAKE MANGER: It took forever to be able to pay! We were sitting there for the longest time with empty plates and drinks. Including the table next to us! Finally, who knows how much longer later, I got up and walked to the bar, explained where I was sitting and asked for a manager. When at the bar I saw our waitress laughing and talking to a few staff members, probably where she was all the times she was missing. She made eye contact with me and then looked back the group of people. Ok, maybe she didn’t recognize my face since she lacked the contact with my table! Anyways, a few moments later, someone .. who was obviously not a manager, came to the table (mine and the one next to us) and we explained our situations. All the manager did was a small apology for everything and said “Well she is very busy, you should have got up and got her like you did at the bar”. Really!? I should have to chase my server around the restaurant or walk up to her at a different table saying what, “we need you next”!? We were all brought our bill by this not the manager person, not our waitress! He literally walked up, dropped off the bill and walked away saying nothing but the words “Again I want to apologize.” Our server would still walk by us, not making eye contact or anything during this time!

THE BILL: Our bill had extra stuff on it we did not order, it had THREE chimichangas plates when all we ordered was two. We just left cash on the table and left. We paid for the full bill, even what we did not order! But obviously no tip! I hate to be that person to not leave a tip, but we were charged an extra plate and never really attended to. We felt unwelcome and like we were bothering the workers there! When asked for a manager, just a regular staff member was sent. Either the worker at the bar never told the manager and just told someone else to go acting like one … or the lack of caring really starts with the manager and they told a staff member to handle it vs them!

We are not excited about our choice to dine here for dinner! Very disappointed and upset at the fact we spent our money (extra money) on the food we got...

If you’re anywhere near Denver and looking for an unforgettable Mexican dining experience, stop what you’re doing and get to 3 Margaritas. This place is the real deal — from the first warm chip to the last satisfying bite of dessert, everything here hits the mark.

Let’s start with the atmosphere — colorful, festive, and filled with energy. The interior feels like a celebration of Mexican culture, with hand-painted murals, vibrant tiles, and authentic decor that makes you feel like you’re on a mini vacation. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or having a night out with friends or family, the vibe is always warm and welcoming. The staff? Top-notch. Friendly, attentive, and always smiling — you can tell they enjoy what they do and take pride in making your experience great.

Now onto the food — which is the real star here.

I’ve been here multiple times and have tried a variety of items, but let me talk specifically about the chimichanga — hands down, one of the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly crisp on the outside, golden and crunchy without being greasy, and absolutely packed with flavor on the inside. I usually go for the shredded beef, which is juicy, well-seasoned, and slow-cooked to perfection, but the chicken is also phenomenal. It’s served smothered in their house queso (get it with the white cheese sauce — trust me), with a generous helping of guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, and pico de gallo on the side. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and balanced — you get the crunch, the creamy toppings, and that burst of flavor from the meat and spices.

The portion size is generous — enough to fill you up and maybe even have a bit left to take home (though I rarely do, because it’s too good to leave behind).

Their chips and salsa come out hot and fresh. The salsa has a great kick to it — flavorful with just the right amount of heat, and you can tell it’s made in-house. I usually pair it with their signature margarita, which is just the right strength and not overly sweet. Speaking of margaritas — they live up to the name. They have a full menu of margarita variations, from classic lime to mango, strawberry, and even spicy options, all made with top-shelf tequila if you’re feeling fancy. They’re strong, delicious, and come in sizes that’ll make you smile.

I’ve also tried the enchiladas, tamales, and carne asada on previous visits — and they’ve all been excellent. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Service is always quick, and the staff checks in without hovering — the perfect balance. They remember faces and treat regulars like family, which adds a personal touch you don’t always find.

Bottom line: 3 Margaritas is a must-visit in Denver if you want authentic, flavorful, and feel-good Mexican food. The chimichanga alone is worth the trip, but the whole experience — the service, the drinks, the vibe — makes it a place you’ll come back to again and again.

Can’t recommend it...