Looking for the best Mexican food in Aurora? We’ve been cooking in this city since 1990, and we know what people crave. Fresh tortillas. Bold salsas. Carne asada grilled to order. And service that fits your day, dine-in, drive-thru, or delivery on DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Here’s our clear, local guide to the Aurora Mexican food scene, plus what we do at El Chubby’s to stand out. We’ll keep it simple and honest so you can pick your next meal with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- For the best Mexican food in Aurora, prioritize spots with fresh tortillas, housemade salsas, and meats grilled to order.
- Pick sit-down restaurants for groups and atmosphere, or go counter-service and drive-thru for fast, hot meals and easy takeout.
- Judge tacos by quality meat and sturdy tortillas, and test a kitchen with simple salsa verde and a squeeze of lime.
- Plan ahead for birria, barbacoa, pozole, and menudo, as these weekend specials sell out early across Aurora.
- Breakfast burritos rule Aurora mornings—customize eggs and meat, and choose plain, chili inside, or smothered with green chili and cheese.
- For a direct line to the best Mexican food in Aurora, El Chubby’s delivers with daily green chili, grilled-to-order carne asada, online ordering, delivery, and a speedy drive-thru.
The Aurora Mexican Food Landscape
Aurora’s Mexican food is diverse. You’ll find long-time family spots, fast-casual drive-thrus (that’s us), and full-service restaurants with big menus and full bars. Many kitchens, ours included, prep fresh salsas daily and cook meats to order. Portions are generous across town, and prices range from budget-friendly to mid-range.
Regional Styles You’ll Find
You can taste different regions on the same block. Northern-style grilled meats like carne asada. Michoacán-style carnitas. Jalisco-style marinades. Seafood plates that nod to the Pacific coast. Some places lean traditional, abuela-style stews and braises. Others offer Tex-Mex comforts like queso and fajitas. We keep our focus on fresh grilling, housemade chili, and old family recipes.
Sit-Down Versus Counter-Service
Both have a place. Sit-down restaurants are great for groups and slow meals. Counter-service and drive-thru are best when you want hot food fast. At El Chubby’s, we run a fast, fresh model with a full menu, online ordering, and delivery. You choose: a quick taco run, a smothered burrito on your couch, or a relaxed dinner in our dining room.
Tacos That Set The Bar
Good tacos come down to two things: quality meat and a tortilla that holds up. In Aurora, the best Mexican food starts here. We grill to order, keep the toppings simple, and let the salsa do the talking.
Al Pastor, Carne Asada, And Carnitas
Popular picks across town include al pastor with a clean chili-pineapple note, tender carne asada with a bit of char, and slow-cooked carnitas that stay juicy. Our house favorite is carne asada, thin strips of steak grilled with jalapeños, onions, and tomatoes. Want chicken or shrimp? We do those too. Soft tortilla or crunchy shell, you set the tone. Add house guacamole if you like it rich and bright.
Tortillas And Salsas Make The Difference
Fresh tortillas change everything. So do salsas that aren’t from a jug. Mild, medium, or hot, heat should carry flavor, not just burn. We make our green chili fresh every day and are known for it. If you want a clean read on a kitchen, try a simple taco with salsa verde and a squeeze of lime. You’ll know in two bites.
Beyond Tacos: Mains, Moles, And Weekend Specials
The best Mexican food in Aurora isn’t just tacos. It’s plates that eat like a full meal, with rice, beans, and a sauce you want to scoop with the last tortilla.
Birria, Barbacoa, And Pozole
You’ll see more birria around town, slow-braised beef with a deep, red consomé. Barbacoa shows up on weekends too, tender and rich. Pozole, with hominy and chili broth, is a cold-weather favorite. When you spot these as specials, plan ahead: they sell out fast. We run hearty stews on select days and keep menudo in the rotation for those who want it just like home.
Enchiladas, Chiles Rellenos, And Fajitas
These are Aurora staples for a reason. Enchiladas hold sauce well. Rellenos bring a crisp shell and molten cheese. Fajitas are all about sizzle and char. Our combo plates let you mix and match, enchilada with a smothered relleno, or a burrito, enchilada, and taco on one plate. It’s a smart way to try more without guessing.
Breakfast, Bakeries, And Sweet Finishes
Morning traffic in Aurora loves Mexican breakfast. So do we. Fast, filling, and easy to customize.
Chilaquiles And Breakfast Burritos
Chilaquiles hit the spot, crispy chips, salsa, eggs, and cheese. But breakfast burritos run the city. Eggs with bacon, sausage, steak, ham, or chorizo: potato if you want more heft. The key choice is how you want it served: plain, chili inside, or smothered with green chili and cheese. We offer all three, plus a deluxe option with lettuce and tomato on top. Huevos rancheros and huevos con chorizo round it out for sit-down breakfasts.
Panaderías, Cakes, And Traditional Drinks
Panaderías are fewer here than on the west side of Denver, but you can still find pan dulce and special-order cakes. For dessert at our place, think sopapillas, fried ice cream, churros (yes, cinnamon or Oreo), and mini apple empanadas. Add horchata or a cold Mexican Coke, and you’re set. Save room, it’s worth it.
How To Choose: Criteria And Local Tips
Picking the best Mexican food in Aurora comes down to a few checks. Here’s how we judge, and how we hold ourselves to the same bar.
Freshness, Nixtamal, And Housemade Salsas
Ask what’s made in-house. Tortillas, salsas, and chili tell you a lot. If a spot nixtamalizes corn and presses tortillas fresh, that’s a strong sign. We make our green chili daily and grill meat to order. Taste the salsa first, balance matters.
Price, Portions, Service, And Ambiance
Most places here offer big portions at fair prices. Counter-service is faster and easier for takeout. Sit-down restaurants give you more atmosphere and time at the table. We keep lines moving at the drive-thru and still plate for dine-in like it’s family dinner. Delivery on DoorDash and Uber Eats helps when you’re staying in.
Neighborhoods, Parking, And Peak Times
You’ll find clusters along E Mississippi Ave and central Aurora. Parking ranges from easy lots to tight strips. Expect crowds on weekend brunch and dinner. If you’re coming at peak, order online, use the drive-thru, or plan a little cushion for dine-in. We do our best to keep wait times short either way.
Conclusion
Aurora’s Mexican food scene is broad, lively, and reliable. From quick counter-service tacos to slow, saucy weekend plates, you can eat well on any schedule. If you want a straight path to the best Mexican food in Aurora, come see us at El Chubby’s. Try the carne asada, tacos, fries, or enchiladas. Get our hot green chili the way you like it: inside, smothered, or deluxe. Dine in, roll through the drive-thru, or order on DoorDash or Uber Eats. We’ll cook it fresh and keep it honest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dishes define the best Mexican food in Aurora?
Standout plates include tacos with grilled-to-order carne asada, al pastor, or juicy carnitas; weekend birria, barbacoa, and pozole; and staples like enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and fajitas. Fresh tortillas, bold salsas, and daily green chili separate great kitchens. Portion sizes are generous and prices range budget-friendly to mid-range.
How do I choose the best Mexican food in Aurora?
Check for freshness cues: housemade salsas, daily green chili, and, when possible, fresh-pressed tortillas. Consider value (portion-to-price), service style (drive-thru, counter, or sit-down), and convenience (parking, online ordering, DoorDash/Uber Eats). Taste the salsa first—balance of heat and flavor is a reliable quality test.
Is counter-service or sit-down better for Mexican food in Aurora?
Both fit different needs. Sit-down restaurants suit groups and slow meals with full bars. Counter-service and drive-thru excel for hot food fast and easy takeout. Many spots, like fast-casual kitchens, still offer full menus with online ordering and delivery, so you can match speed with variety.
When are peak times for the best Mexican food in Aurora, and how can I avoid waits?
Expect crowds during weekend brunch and dinner. To skip lines, order online, use drive-thru, or plan a buffer for dine-in. Weeknights and off-peak hours are smoother. If you’re targeting specials like birria or pozole, arrive early—popular items often sell out quickly.
Does nixtamal and fresh tortillas really matter for the best Mexican food in Aurora?
Yes. Nixtamalized corn yields tortillas with better aroma, texture, and nutrient availability. Fresh-pressed tortillas hold fillings without cracking and elevate tacos and enchiladas. While not every spot nixtamalizes, choosing kitchens that make tortillas and salsas in-house is a strong indicator of top quality.
Are vegetarian or gluten-free options common at Mexican restaurants in Aurora?
Many Mexican menus offer vegetarian choices like bean-and-cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, or potato-and-egg breakfast burritos. Corn tortillas are typically gluten-free, though cross-contact is possible. Always check each restaurant’s menu and ask about preparation to confirm ingredients, dedicated fryers, and smothered-sauce gluten status.