Machete Tequila + Tacos — Restaurant in Denver

TLDR: I got food poisoning from their food and they did nothing to correct it.

It’s with a real sense of disappointment that I find myself writing this, after years of being a regular at Machete Tacos—a spot I’ve not only enjoyed but recommended to friends countless times. I’ve always considered it more than just a place to grab a bite; it was a part of my weekly routine, a place where I felt comfortable. That’s why what I’m about to share is particularly hard.

Recently, I had a terrible experience with food poisoning after eating there. It’s the kind of ordeal that knocks you off your feet and makes you question everything. When I reached out, they promised me a refund, which I thought was a decent move, acknowledging the severity of the situation. But, that promise turned out to be empty. No refund came, and my follow-up attempts were met with silence.

The situation took an even more disappointing turn when I finally got a hold of Johnny, the general manager. I was expecting, or at least hoping for, some understanding, maybe even an apology. Instead, I got indifference and a cold shoulder. It felt like a slap in the face, especially after years of loyalty.

I’ve always seen Machete Tacos as more than just a taco joint. But this experience has shown me that at the end of the day, how a place treats you when things go wrong says a lot more than how they treat you when you’re just another customer walking through the door.

So, with a heavy heart, I’m saying goodbye to Machete Tacos. It’s not just about the food poisoning, although that was bad enough. It’s about feeling valued and respected. To Johnny and the rest of the team, I hope my experience serves as a wake-up call. Good food isn’t the only thing that keeps people coming back—it’s also about good people and respect.

To anyone else considering a visit, think about what you value in a place. If you want to avoid food poisoning and lies, stay far away from Machete.

For me, it’s time to move on and find a new spot that values its customers as much as its cuisine and ensures their food is safe to consume.

To the owner of this location: some serious changes need to be...

I would refer to this as more of a VERY LOUD bar with a food option, than a restaurant. I took my My friend out to dinner for her birthday, and she suggested the place since she'd been before. I had no idea what to expect. One would think they're walking up the stairs into a fairly nice restaurant in the middle of downtown Denver, but looks can be deceiving. The first thing you notice when stepping inside the building are the fenced-in cages of tequila bottles, the macabre decor, and the darkness (Dia de Los Muertos skulls, skeletons, and cherubs decorating the black walls, etc.). But as soon as we entered, we were pleasantly greeted and seated, then water was served right away. There were quite a few patrons on an early Friday evening, so it must have been happy hour, I'm guessing? I didn't notice a lot of food on tables, and it seemed like most people (who appeared to be between the ages of 21--30-something) were drinking alcoholic beverages. My friend had been to the "restaurant" before and she liked it, so we were there to eat some street tacos. It took awhile for a server to notice us, as we had been observing three of them standing by the bar---two were talking, one was doing something on their mobile phone. Once our nice server saw us, she came to our table and took our order, (2 tacos each, plus a small bowl of chips with four different salsas), the food came fairly quickly. I ordered chicken and pork tacos, and my friend had beef and barbacoa. My chicken taco was very delicious, but the pork one seemed overly seasoned to me--taking away from the other ingredients, and it had a few pieces of gristle, unfortunately. My friend said she liked both of her tacos and seemed pleased with the place, but, to tell you the truth, I really couldn't wait to get out of there. Although the food was mostly okay, but a bit pricey----the noisy atmosphere was definitely not for me. If you like loud music, macabre decor, and an eclectic version of street tacos, then by all means,...

A Culinary Brilliance at Machete Tequila + Tacos - A Divine Feast!

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My dining experience at Machete Tequila + Tacos was nothing short of a revelation! The restaurant presented the most divine culinary masterpieces - a true Mecca for food enthusiasts seeking traditional Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist.

I was enthralled by their shrimp quesadilla, which boasted a beautiful medley of flavors. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, delightfully tender, and luxuriated in a luscious blend of melted cheese and spices. The crisp, golden brown tortilla added the perfect contrast to the rich filling, bringing out a tantalizing harmony of textures.

The lobster tacos represented artistry on a plate. Each taco cradled a generous portion of succulent lobster cooked to perfection, accompanied by a refreshing slaw and creamy avocado crema that elevated the entire dish. The combination of bold flavors and fresh ingredients created a festive dance of sensory delights, leaving me craving more.

But it was the chicken enchiladas that stole my heart. Tender, juicy chicken encased within a delicate corn tortilla, smothered in a flavorsome sauce, and topped with a generous sprinkling of cheese. Each mouth-watering bite took me on a journey to the heart of Mexican cuisine.

And, of course, I can't forget about the iconic margaritas! 😋 The house margarita embodied the perfect balance of zesty and sweet, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of their skilled bartenders. Sipping on it was an absolute pleasure, ending a remarkable dining experience on a high note.

In conclusion, Machete Tequila + Tacos is an exceptional dining gem that should not be missed! The creativity and quality they bring to the table make it the ultimate destination for Mexican cuisine aficionados. No words can do justice to the gustatory delight I experienced - I'm already eagerly planning...