Little Anita's New Mexican Foods — Restaurant in Denver

This is a small place. My wife started coming here because it is near her office, and she eventually brought me along. The draw, for her, is the way they make "classic style" tacos. You know what I mean, the kind of tacos that were first introduced to mainstream culture in the United States in the 1950's. Hard, u-shaped shells packed with ground beef and cheese, topped with lettuce and tomatoes. Maybe a little salsa, but nothing else.

Nowadays, there are wonderful tacos everywhere. There are authentic tacos de adobada, made much like they have been made for centuries. There are creative new variations offered at modern hot spots. The classic taco, however, has become a somewhat neglected orphan. Try and order one almost anywhere and you will most likely be disappointed.

Little Anita's tacos are made with loving care, and are tasty and satisfying. They are not throwaways. It's nice to get these "old kind" of tacos, carefully made, like you may remember them. Like the tacos that first conquered the United States back in the middle of the last century!

Of course, Little Anita's offers much more than tacos. I find their housemade chile rellenos particularly appealing. The refried beans are delicious, and can stand with the best Denver has to offer. I also enjoy their various yummy and filling breakfast dishes.

I did not know that this small place was part of a Little Anita's regional chain (New Mexico and Colorado) until I visited their website. They have links there to cooking-behind-the-scenes videos also available on YouTube. I'm not sure what distinction separates New Mexico's Mexican food from Colorado's - but it may have something to do with the red salsa being hot and the green being mild, instead of the other way around. There are some dishes that are a bit unusual from other Mexican restaurants I’ve visited, such as calabacitas, posole and green chile, horchata, and stuffed sopapillas. Which reminds me: stuffed or not, the...

Tried this for the first time and it was very disappointing compared to the reviews. Got a Plate #3 and the only thing good was the chile realleno. The taco was probably the worst taco I have had in a good ten years and I eat Mexican on a regular basis. The taco was very bland and the meat was hardly seasoned if at all. The enchilada or so they call it was OK at best. Lastly the tamale was soggy but at least tasted like a tamale but once again it was just OK and soggy.

My girlfriend ordered the nachos.... what a joke. First of all I saw some other posts before I wrote this that they thought the chicken was canned and I would agree 100%. Also I'm pretty positive that they microwaved the nachos to get the shredded cheese to melt. They came out soggy with overcooked cheese that was already hard. I could make better nachos in my sleep. Here is an idea for you Little Anita's... if you are so lazy that you have to microwave your nachos, use your already melted queso. It would be quicker and it would be a better product. Lose the microwave!

Far as the price is concerned. You can get better at national chains for half the price and better quality. I seriously have no idea how this place has 4 stars. Do people only eat here and cook ramen at home?! I hate writing bad reviews but I can't stand to let this place be 4 stars because it isn't even a solid 3. More like a 2 star. However, I'm giving it 1 star because the use of canned chicken and a microwave that ruined the nachos after my wallet got raped. I also had a nice case of the chorro about two hours after eating here. Even my body knew this place was terrible. Not coming back here. If you do go here... people only rave about their burritos, which I didn't have. So I would recommend sticking to the burrito and hope it is...

2nd Update in 2025. Will not be returning. They don't read delivery notes. They only provide half portion of queso. They forget items. Every time. No more.

-- Update 2025 --

Used to be great. Gone downhill over the past 10 years. The pandemic and pivot to delivery services isn't being adapted to. Almost every time, I asked for red sauce on the side, or order a side of red. It costs an extra $1.50 for the side of chili, sometimes that side is very very small. While having it delivered, at least five times all the sides are never included. This is even after leaving notes to please do not forget the sides. The notes are either not read or not understood. Please pay attention to the order in full from now on. It is unacceptable that this is a reoccurring behavior, especially with deliveries. This review went to a two-star review from a five star review of mine in 2015. It was once my favorite restaurant in town. Please improve.

2015 -- @littleanitas #Denver It's just good. Very good. #Pozole is the best!

I am particular about the Mexican restaurants I partake in visiting. I am picky. I usually prefer homemade. But there is something about Little Anita's that keeps me coming back. It's the red sauce used to smother their stuffed sopapillas. It is spicy and it is freakishly and unnaturally delicious. It is addicting. I get a beef and bean stuffed sopapilla smothered in red goodness.

The posole is the best I have had outside of homemade. I get it to go so I can savor the delight in my own home. I usually get a few extra flour tortillas. The after meal sopapillas I eat plain without honey.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. Go yo! You'll be glad you did. Such an om nom...