Tamayo is a staple restaurant in Denver's Larimer Square & one of the best spots for innovative Mexican plates.
We arrived and were seated in a booth in the main dining room, adjacent to the bar. The aesthetic of the restaurant was lively and buzzing with cantina styled seating and a large Mexican inspired mural behind the bar. Our server Asa was attentive and quick with service. General Managers, Scott & Peter were active on the restaurant floor assisting customers & staff throughout the duration of our meal.
To start I had the Spicy Mango Margarita made with serrano-infused tequila, citrus, mango purée, and a tajin rim. This margarita was bursting with tropical mango flavor and packed some serious heat; I loved it.
For Guacamole we had the Tuna Guac made with chili morita ponzu, sesame seeds, jicama cilantro, and pickled fresno. The Tuna Guacamole was phenomenal - there were generous pieces of fresh tuna throughout. Each bite of guac held that freshness and was overall light on the palate. The perfect appetizer for spring and summer.
For Antojtos we had the Queso Fundido and the Red Snapper Ceviche.
The Queso Fundido was made with melted cheese, chili morita salsa, and the addition of chorizo. The queso came to the table bubbling hot in a skillet. The cheese was thick making for epic cheese pulls. The chorizo added meaty texture and spice to the queso.
The Red Snapper Ceviche was made with mango-habanero, red onion, radish, chili pasilla powder, and garlic olive oil. The ceviche burst forth with strong acidity that tingled on the tongue. The red snapper tempered the acidity with its meatiness & chew.
For our Especial mains we had the Camarones al Chipotle & the Chile Relleno.
The Camarones al Chipotle were made with tequila flambéed shrimp, corn masa huarache, house blend cheese, black bean purée, and chipotle cheese sauce. The flambéed shrimp were juicy and generously coated in thick, creamy chipotle sauce. The chipotle sauce added subtle heat to the dish.
The Chile Relleno was made with poblano chili, pork-chorizo picadillo, sweet plantain, and chile pasilla salsa. The relleno was packed with bold Mexican flavor and stuffed to the hilt with hearty pork-chorizo. The poblano had a gentle warm, spice that was complemented by the savory pork & cheese.
For sides we had the Mexican Corn on the Cob. The corn cob came in a pair of two and were served street style on sticks,. The grilled corn was covered in creamy aioli and dusted in cotija cheese - so good.
For Postres (dessert) we had the Empanadas de Platano made with bananas, walnut cream, cinnamon, sugar, coconut ice cream, and crème anglaise. These delicious plantain empanadas were the perfect sweet ending to our meal. The pastry bread had a crisp, flakey exterior that was coated in cinnamon sugar. The easy taste of banana went beautifully with the tropical...
Read moreCame here for a bachelorette brunch. We will never come back here for one reason and that is the because the server. We did the bottomless brunch that included a fixed menu of food and drinks. Our server said he would have the kitchen bring out several plates of food so we can divide and share between the table which we loved that idea(we could ask for whatever we like we were just a big group and this worked for us) half way through brunch he brought another round of mimosas but also said do we want any breakfast shots (we thought this was something special he was doing for the bride and we thought it was included with brunch since he offered and made a big deal about how it took so long to get them because he was looking for a special bottle) turns out he charged us and extra $80 on top of our $400 tab for the shots he offered. We finished brunch got the check and mind you the bride and guest were tipsy and in a great mood! We pay the bill and he brings the receipts out to sign and fill out tip. We fill it out and before we can even stand from the table he came back to the table and started to yell at us about how we did not tip enough and went into a whole spiel about how he splits his tips so by the time he has to split the tip that he was basically paying for our meal. We he showed the receipt I realized the mistake I made because we split the check due to me paying for the bride and 2 guest and the other two guest paid separate so we agreed to tip 20% but had a miss understanding on who was writing what amount on each receipt. which I was happy to fix but when I tried to explain our mistake he cut me off and very loudly began to lecture the whole table and every time I tried to explain to fix the mistake he just got louder. Basically insulting the group of girls and being condescending, he kept saying how he is basically paying for our meals and that's how he makes a living so we were stealing money from his pocket. He walked away but then brought a new receipt slamming it down and said "so you can correct it" with so much attitude. And continued to stare at us while he took care of a table next to us. It was an honest mistake of miscommunication between tipsy bridesmaids that could have easily been fixed if addressed correctly. We immediately left because the bride was embarrassed he had tried to shame us publicly for a simple mistake. Ruined what could have been a great first experience for our...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of hosting a reception dinner at Tamayo for a corporate event and I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. With a party of 40 guests, the restaurant provided a great atmosphere, excellent food, and top-notch service that made our event truly memorable.
From the moment we began planning the event, Meg, one of the staff members at Tamayo, was there to guide us every step of the way. Her professionalism, attentiveness, and dedication were evident in the seamless planning process. She patiently listened to our ideas and preferences, offering valuable suggestions to ensure that the event was tailored to our specific needs. Meg's exceptional assistance made the entire planning experience a breeze.
On the day of the reception, Brooke, our designated server, exceeded our expectations. Her phenomenal service and attention to detail were remarkable. Brooke made sure that every aspect of the event ran smoothly, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the celebration. She was responsive, organized, and attentive to our every need, ensuring that we and our guests felt truly cared for.
The food at Tamayo was simply outstanding. Each course was expertly crafted, beautifully presented, and - most importantly - delicious. Our guests raved about the quality of the food.
The restaurant's location provided a beautiful view of downtown Denver, enhancing the overall ambiance of the evening. The combination of great food, excellent service, and a stunning backdrop created an unforgettable atmosphere for our dinner.
Tamayo's commitment to making our event truly personalized and unique was exceptional. They allowed us to incorporate our own touches and ideas, making the evening feel truly special and reflective of our vision. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the custom signature drink to the flawless execution of the event.
Overall, I highly recommend Tamayo for any group function or special event. Their great atmosphere, excellent food, and impeccable service, spearheaded by the outstanding efforts of their staff, create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're planning a reception dinner or any other celebration, Tamayo is the perfect venue to make your event a...
Read more