COLORADO
CHERRY CRICKET
DENVER
5 / 10
Voted "Best of Denver, Readers' Choice Winner", I was eager to experience this culinary treat. Walking in, the atmosphere was overcrowded, and loud. The layout of tables and chairs were very close together, and you were basically touching the people behind you. After receiving little help from the staff, we waited about an hour for our food. The presentation of the food looked delicious when it arrived to our table. Though It wasn't hot when we got our, oil was running down the sides, and the flavor was lacking. The vibe was very rushed - get your food, eat, and leave. They are a popular restaurant, though the crowds could have resulted from how late it was, and many restaurants in the area were closed. The fries were good, warm crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. The kid's mac and cheese was delicious as well. The chili was very greasy, we didn't realized it was part of the hamburger, until after we ate. I didn't feel like there was a lot of flavor to the burgers. The prices were high and didn't match the portion sizes. Kid's meals were very small and we all felt like stopping to get more to eat before heading to the hotel.
TACO LIBRE
DURANGO
10 / 10
Authentic. Original. Eclectic. I still dream of this place, this was truly a phenomenal experience. You want immersion, you have it. You want some of the best birria you've ever tasted? Done. The food was sizzling when it arrived at the table, the flavor was downright "knock your socks off" delicious. The Quesabirria... again, phenomenal. Venturing into the bathrooms, they were the extremely clean. The colors of purple, yellow, and green flow with the vibe of the rest of the restaurant and were some of the most beautifully designed bathrooms I've ever seen. There was plenty of seating inside, the layout and spacing felt calm and private. There are two outside patios, in the back of the restaurant and in the front. We sat in the front, to enjoy the fresh air and social life. The mountains looed in the distance, lights flickered above like fireflies, the air was thick with the scent of sizzling Mexican masterpieces, and the playlist? Absolute fire. This wasn't just dinner --- it was magic served on a dinner plate. The outside patio is met with a small town feel, colorful sunsets, and the crisp air speaks to your soul. I would move to Durango, Colorado just to eat here everyday! Portion size, perfect. Prices, perfect! The churros are also PHENOMENAL!