Pupusas Lover — Restaurant in Denver

2000 years is long time to wait for a meal! And pupusas have been around for at least that long, according to archeologists. They studied the ancient Pipil tribe of Central America and found evidence of this cuisine in the ruins of Joya de Cerén, known as “El Salvador’s Pompeii.” It may have been the birthplace of pupusas, so long ago. Or at least a significant franchise!

Pupusas are now known as the national dish of El Salvador, but Honduras has also laid claimed this dish, and this controversy has involved chefs, archeologists, and government officials. In 2005, Honduras officially ceded its claim to El Salvador, but competitive feelings remain. Costa Ricans have their own style of pupusas, too.

We have our own outpost here in Denver: Pupusas Lover. It is a small restaurant, but it has a very long list of pupusas on their menu, and many other Salvadoran specialties as well. There are plantains, fried yuca, chayote squash. Be forewarned: Salvadoran dishes sometimes have the same name as Mexican dishes, but may be completely different. Salvadoran enchiladas are more like a tostada. Tamales are wrapped in a banana leaf.

A pupusa begins as a thick ball of dough made from masa (cornmeal flour). This is rolled and then hollowed to add ingredients such as meat, cheese, or veggies. Then it’s rolled again to seal the center, then flattened and baked on a stovetop or middle with dry heat, not fried. Curtido goes on top - its a slaw made out of cabbage and carrots with vinegar, chiles, and oregano. Oh, add hot sauce, too!

On my recent visit, I ordered the Loroco, queso, and frijoles pupusa, and a second pupusa with chorizo. The loroco is an edible tropical flower. To be honest, I couldn’t really detect its flavor or texture in my pupusa. Perhaps the cheese and beans packed too much of a punch. Still, the meal was very tasty! Salsa roja and salsa verde are both available - and watch out, the roja is rich and very hot! A milder, tomato-based sauce offers a third option.

Of course, you don’t have to wait 2000 years to enjoy pupusas. You can also avoid any arguments about its origin. Just make your way to this restaurant, tucked away in a block otherwise given to Middle-Eastern shops and eateries. Look for the bright orange sign with the picture of El Salvador's colorful national bird, the turquoise-browed motmot. You'll have found the right place. And don't worry! The national bird of Honduras is the scarlet macaw, so no...

This was my first time visiting Pupusas Lovers, and I came based on the great reviews and vegan options. The food looked amazing, and I was genuinely excited to try it after a 3-hour flight. I arrived right around 9 a.m. when they opened.

There were two gentlemen already seated, and a woman was working in the back. When she finally came to the front, she walked right past me and took their order without so much as a greeting. Once she was done, she returned to the front, looked at me, but still said nothing. I greeted her and mentioned I’d be dining in—but it was clear there was a language barrier. That’s okay—I had Google Translate ready and speak a little Spanish, so I was willing to work with that.

Unfortunately, the issue wasn’t just about language. I waited 30 minutes as she prepared their food without acknowledging me again. Then another customer walked in, greeted in Spanish, and was served immediately—before me. At that point, it became obvious: I wasn’t welcome here. I hadn’t received water or any attempt at service.

Feeling completely ignored and disrespected, I left. I brought my business to another restaurant that was far more welcoming. Looking back at other negative reviews, I noticed similar concerns about customer service and I now understand why.

I don’t take lightly what feels like discrimination, and while I could offer recommendations, it feels pointless when basic hospitality isn’t even extended. When you...

We'd been meaning to try Pupusas Lover for several months because it's been so highly reviewed. We finally made it in and loved it so much we went back to back nights for dinner because we wanted to try more stuff. IT'S SO GOOD! I've had very little Salvadorian food before trying Pupusas Lover and I'm hooked now. 100% recommend anyone interested go try it out! The owner, Claudia, is a really friendly and helpful lady who took her time explaining the menu items to us and making some great recommendations. I believe she said she and her sister own it together and her sister does more of the cooking. Whoever is cooking, they are amazing and Claudia is so sweet and welcoming. It's awesome to eat at a place where those cooking the food take as much pride in it as they do! Writing this review is making me want to go there for lunch. Oh, and don't be phased by the building it's in; it's a part of a strip that could use a little clean up but inside Pupusas Lover is warm, clean, and homey.

I'd recommend going with a friend or two and ordering stuff from each part of the menu to share. Claudia will help you...