Menu & Pricing
🌮 Street Tacos ($16-$19)
• Al Pastor (marinated pork) - $16
• Chicken Tinga - $16
• Carnitas (pulled pork) - $16
• Steak Tacos - $16
• Shrimp Tacos - $19
• La Cocina Taquiza (9 assorted) - $31
🔥 Las Famosas Fajitas ($21-$28)
• Veggie Fajitas - $21
• Chicken Fajitas - $22
• Pork Carnitas Fajitas - $22
• Steak Fajitas - $23
• Shrimp Fajitas - $25
• Combo (chicken-beef) - $26
• Ultimate Sizzling Fajita (bacon ranch) - $24
⭐ Especialidades ($21-$25)
• Pork Carnitas - $21
• Traditional Chicken Mole - $21
• Arroz Con Pollo - $21
• Mexican Alambre - $21
• Carne Asada - $22
• Fish Tacos (beer battered cod) - $22
• Carne Asada-Camarones - $25
What Makes La Cocina De Mama Special
La Cocina De Mama delivers the best Mexican food in Colorado - and that's not tourist hyperbole. With 1,369+ reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this family-style restaurant sits off the main Elkhorn strip where locals actually eat. The fish tacos stand out as some of the best you'll find anywhere.
The location matters. While downtown Estes Park restaurants fight for overpriced street parking, La Cocina has its own free lot. You escape the crowds, pay less, and eat better. One couple ate lunch here, then came back for dinner the same day - that's the real endorsement.
Service runs fast without feeling rushed. Food arrives hot and fresh, portions are generous, and the outdoor patio offers mountain views for nice weather. The staff treats regulars and first-timers the same - like family.
What to Order (Signature Dishes)
Fish Tacos ($22) - Three flour tortillas with beer-battered Alaskan cod, lettuce, pico de gallo, and special sauce. Among the best fish tacos you'll find anywhere. I'd order this every time for a true Colorado-Mexican experience.
Chicken Street Tacos ($16) - Consistently praised across reviews. Tender, well-seasoned chicken with fresh toppings on soft corn tortillas. The best value on the menu for quality-to-price ratio.
Chicken Fajitas ($22) - The best chicken fajitas you'll find in Estes Park. Arrives sizzling with all the fixings - rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, pico, and tortillas.
Jalapeño Margarita - Excellent with the right amount of kick. The cucumber margarita also works well for something different.
Chilaquiles (Breakfast) - The absolute best chilaquiles in Estes Park. Served all day, making this perfect for post-hike brunch at any hour.
💡 Pro Tip: Yes, they charge $3 for chips and salsa instead of giving them free. Order them anyway - they're house-made, crispy, and the salsa has just the right amount of kick. Worth every penny.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)
Best for: Post-RMNP hikers craving real food, families with kids ($8 kids menu, clean bathrooms with changing station), budget-conscious diners wanting quality at $10-20/person, and anyone avoiding downtown parking chaos.
Skip if: You want fine dining atmosphere (this is casual and family-style), expect free chips and salsa (they charge $3), or need downtown walkability.
Looking for other options? Check Elevations Eatery for elk stew or Bird & Jim for wild game.
Practical Information
- 📍Location: 361 S St Vrain Ave, off the main downtown strip
- ⏰Hours: Daily 11am-8pm (open 7 days)
- 🚗Parking: Free lot on-site - no downtown hassle
- 📅Reservations: Walk-ins welcome; can get busy - arrive early
- 🍳Breakfast: All-day breakfast menu available
- 👶Families: Kids menu $8, clean bathrooms with changing station
- 🌿Patio: Outdoor seating with mountain views
💡 Money Hack: Street tacos at $16 for three with rice and beans is your best value. Skip the $10 guacamole appetizer and add guac to your main for $1.50-$2 instead. Margarita pitchers serve 3-4 drinks and cost less than ordering individually.