Al pastor is one of those tacos that separates the good taco shops from the great ones. When it is done right, the pork is marinated, stacked on a spit, and shaved off in thin, slightly crisp pieces, usually with a little pineapple riding along.
Colorado has quietly built a strong lineup of spots that take this taco seriously, and some of them are worth planning a whole afternoon around. Below are seven taco shops across the state, from Denver to Colorado Springs, where the al pastor earns the extra miles on your car.
Whether you are already a fan or just curious, this list gives you a solid map to follow. Save it, share it, and pick your next stop.
1. Tacos Tequila Whiskey, Denver, Colorado
Starting in Denver makes sense, and this spot on Colfax has a following that goes back to its street-cart roots. What began as a mobile operation grew into a brick-and-mortar shop known for creative fillings and a lively menu.
The al pastor here leans traditional, with marinated pork balanced by bright toppings. The corn tortillas hold up well, which matters when you are eating fast.
The shop is easy to reach if you are already exploring the Colfax corridor, and the vibe stays casual. I like this stop when I want tacos without a long formal sit-down meal.
Parking on Colfax can take a minute, so plan for that. Once you are settled, the al pastor is a reliable reason to keep coming back.
2. La Fogata Mexican Restaurant, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs has a long list of family Mexican restaurants, and this one has stayed a local favorite for years. The menu is broad, covering everything from enchiladas to fajitas, but the tacos are where a lot of regulars land.
The al pastor comes marinated and seasoned, served in the classic street-taco style with onion and cilantro. Portions tend to be generous, which is a fair thing to expect from a full-service spot.
What sets this place apart is the sit-down comfort. You are not eating standing up at a counter, so it works well for a slower meal with a group.
If you are passing through Colorado Springs and want tacos without hunting for a truck, this is a dependable choice.
3. Tacos El Norte, Denver, Colorado
Some taco shops treat al pastor as an afterthought. Here it gets the respect the dish deserves, prepared in the style that made it famous in Mexico City.
The pork is stacked and cooked so the outer edges get that thin crisp before it lands on your tortilla. Pineapple often joins the party, which adds a touch of sweetness against the seasoned meat.
The setting is no-frills, and that is part of the appeal. You come here for the food, not the decor.
For anyone who wants al pastor that tastes closer to the traditional trompo method, this is a strong stop in the Denver area. Bring cash just in case, and keep your order simple to let the pork shine.
4. Adelitas Cocina y Cantina, Denver, Colorado
Over on the south side of Denver, this restaurant has built a reputation for regional Mexican cooking that goes beyond the basics. The menu reflects a focus on traditional recipes rather than generic Tex-Mex.
Al pastor fits naturally into that approach, with marinated pork that carries real seasoning. The tacos work as a starter or as the main event, depending on how hungry you are.
The full-service setting makes it a good pick when you want to sit down, order a few dishes, and take your time. It is a step up from a quick counter stop without becoming fussy.
I would save this one for a relaxed dinner when tacos are the goal but comfort matters too.
5. Tacos Junior, Denver, Colorado
Neighborhood taquerias often outshine the flashier spots, and this longtime Denver shop is a good example. It has served the community for years with a straightforward, affordable menu.
The al pastor keeps things classic, with seasoned pork tucked into soft tortillas and finished with the usual fresh toppings. A salsa selection lets you adjust the heat to your liking.
Prices stay friendly, which makes it easy to order a few tacos and try more than one thing. That approachability is a big part of why it has stuck around.
For a quick, honest taco run in Denver, this is the kind of place I would point a friend toward without hesitation.
6. El Taco de Mexico, Denver, Colorado
Few Denver taco spots carry the reputation this Santa Fe Drive institution has earned. It has been a fixture in the city for decades and is often mentioned when people talk about the best Mexican food in town.
The counter-style setup keeps things simple, and the menu covers a range of tacos and classic plates. Al pastor sits comfortably among the options for anyone who wants marinated pork done in the traditional way.
Regulars come here for consistency, and the shop has kept its identity even as the neighborhood around it has changed. That staying power says a lot.
If you want a taco stop with real Denver history behind it, this belongs high on your list.
7. Tacos El Chuy, Aurora, Colorado
Heading east into Aurora opens up another strong stretch of taquerias, and this one is worth the detour off the usual Denver routes. Aurora has a deep bench of authentic Mexican food, and shops like this help explain why.
The al pastor arrives seasoned and stacked with fresh toppings, served in the street-taco style that lets you eat two or three without slowing down. A squeeze of lime brings it all together.
The casual setting keeps the focus on the food, and orders tend to move quickly. That makes it an easy stop when you are short on time but not willing to settle for a drive-thru.
Round out the list here, and you will have covered a solid map of Colorado al pastor from the Springs to Aurora. Pick a direction, and let the tacos lead.
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