Zocalito Latin Bistro

Name: Zocalito Latin Bistro
Address: 999 18th Street, Denver, CO, United States, 80202
Telephone: (720) 923-5965
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

248 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Top Tags:

Zocalito Latin Bistro now in Denver, Colorado, is home to chef Michael Beary, the man who is doing more than anyone to bring the authentic ingredients and true flavors of Oaxaca to America. Over the years, Beary has traveled widely in the Oaxaca region and now works directly with farmers and food artisans who supply him with rare chile peppers and other ingredients.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(720) 923-5965

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
Hours of operation
Happy Hour Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(720) 923-5965
Website
http://www.zocalito.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Michael Beary
Catering
For Catering details please contact us at 720-923-5965
Private party facilities
For Private Events please contact us at 720-923-5965. Variety of spaces and parties are available feel free to ask.
Private party contact
Mackenzie Riley: (855) 913-2151

Location
999 18th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Neighborhood
Downtown / LoDo
Cross street
Between 18th and 19th on Curtis St.
Parking details
Parking is validated for up to 4 hours. Access the Denver Place parking from Curtis Street.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Wings in Denver

Manchego Potatoes Gratin$13.00
baked with Spanish chorizo and marinated shitakes
Pico de Gallo Salsa and Guacamole$10.00
with fresh lime tortilla chips
Rock Shrimp Ceviche$15.00
Lime cured shrimp tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro, red onion and chilcosle chile sauce
Carnita & Black Bean Sopes$13.00
Pork loin braised with orange and jalapenos, atop thick tortillas with cheese
Steamed Mussels$15.00
with red onions, tomatoes and achiote sauce. Achiote paste is made from annato seed, adding a Guatemalan touch
Guacamole with Chapulines or Cheese$15.00
Panela cheese mixed with guacamole and served with chips
Mayan Fried Calamari$12.00
served with annato seed-garlic vinaigrette. Annato seed is the saffron of central America
Chorizo & Poblano Cheese Dip$14.00
served with warm corn tortillas and tomato salsa
Sauteed Mushrooms & Pumpkin Seeds Cheese Dip$13.00
with chimicurri sauce and fresh lime chips

Rellenos

Chicken Relleno$15.00
Peeled poblanos stuffed with roasted chicken cheese, onions, and tomatoes. Served with a mild tomato salsa and sour cream
Pasilla de Oaxaca Relleno$16.00
stuffed with black beans, vegetables and cheese served in a red mole
Santa Leaf Relleno$17.00
stuffed with Oaxacan mozzarella and Serrano ham with spicy corn, tomatillo and chamoy sauces

Soups

Aztec Soup$10.00
with avocado, panela cheese, corn truffles and chips in a chicken, tomato and chicostle chili broth
Tortilla Chicken Soup$10.00
This soup, made famous in Mexico, has different variations throughout the Americas. We make ours with corn, poblanos, tomatoes and cheese
Red Pozole$11.00
Traditional pork stew in a red chile-tomato broth with accompaniments

Salads

Shrimp & Octupus Seafood Salad with Avocado & Cotija Cheese$19.00
Tossed with cactus, julienne onion, jalapenos and a lemon-red chilhuacle dressing
Sauteed Calamari, Cucumber & Kale Salad$17.00
calamari sauteed with pico de gallo and served with the kale and cucumber tossed with a smoky pinenut-lemon dressing
Caesar Salad$11.00
served with garlic croutons, anchovies & smoky pasilla spice
Romaine Hearts Salad$10.00
with avocados, tomatoes, and avocado-lime dressing
Serrano Ham Salad$20.00
with Spanish chorizo on sauteed apples and fresh field greens dressed in a orange vinaigrette

Seafood

Broiled Black Cod$26.00
Topped with red chilhuacle pico, broiled aoli and served over rice
Seafood Stew$28.00
This stew is a hearty tomato-chile broth with cod, calamari, shrimp, mussels and avocado
Grilled Prawns$30.00
in a spicy red chilhuacle chile sauce with sauteed onions, tomatoes, jalapenos. Served with rice and avocado
Grilled Colorado Red Trout$29.00
with poblano-tomatillo salsa, capers, meyer lemon-negro chilhuacle chile vinaigrette and rice

Meat

Skirt Steak Layered with Oaxacan Mozzarella$29.00
Topped with a dark mole made from the rare negro chilhaucle chile. Served with black bean and cheese tacos
Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin & Red Mole$29.00
with sauteed cactus, corn truffles, goat cheese and served with manchego potatoes gratin
Grilled Beef Tenderloin$31.00
with avocado-tomatillo salsa, chili crema broiled corn and gratin potatoes

Poultry

Grilled Duck Breast$28.00
With a pasilla de Oaxaca-orange rub and a chunky avocado salsa with pomegranite reduction. Served with manchego potatoes
Oaxacan Chicken$27.00
A breast wrapped in banana leaf with chorizo, cheese, tomatoes, potatoes, onion, corn and spicy yellow chilhaucle chile salsa

Vegetables

Grilled Vegetables$25.00
Choyote squash, tomato, tomatillo, cactus and poblanos tossed with a chilcostle salsa. Topped with cheese, spicy peanuts and served with rice

What 248 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Denver / Colorado
Innovative
Denver / Colorado
Mexican
Denver
Innovative

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SL
SkyLJ
Denver
22 reviews
vip
3.0
22 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food4service2ambience5
Food was wonderful. Service not so much.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
La comida muy rica. Diferente a lo que estamos acostumbrados y muy mexicana
C
Culinaryhiker
Portland
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
We dined on a night when very few people were there so the atmosphere felt a little sparse. The menu is very creative and includes dishes from Mexico, Central America, and South America. The food was very good.
HG
HarleyGuy
Denver
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing time at Zocalito! Matt was absolutely fantastic and took our experience to a different level. Then there was the food, from presentation to taste took us to another place. When Mike the owner came out and introduced himself and took time to talk to us, I knew we had found a special place! I think we might go back 😉
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Every dish was delicious!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was beautifully seasoned and super tasty. The Pork tenderloin was cooked just right - tender and full of flavor. All the spice levels were right on. Loved it.
AF
AliceF
Los Angeles
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
I appreciate that they accommodated a party of 8 at the last minute. It seemed like they were short staffed and our server was running around like crazy to take good care of us. The food was good - we ordered a bunch of things and shared. The atmosphere was average - nothings fancy, but ok.
GE
GeeksEat
Denver
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Looking for more upscale Latin food then this is the place to go. Everything about our experience was first rate from the excellent margaritas to the entrees. The food was perfectly spiced and very flavorful.
DM
DavidMnM
Denver
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Neat "more than your typical burrito" Mexican restaurant. As in loved their roasted duck breast the last time I was there. Excellent value and lightly used during the early evening hours so convenient for a pre-DCPA dinner on show nights.
c
ctdj
Denver
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A terrific dinner before heading to DCPA. I will definitely return.
KK
KristinK
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was fantastic... even the tortilla chips were cooked to perfection. Light airy and perfectly salted. We were there on a Saturday night with live music which was at the right sound level, very entertaining and a great sound overall. We sat outside, which was beautiful, allowed an ESA outside as well. We received great service. A definite must dine location while in downtown Denver.
KD
KDub
Denver
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Has potential, but food quality was lacking. Food was over-seasoned to cover up the lower quality. Pozole was very good. Shrimp ceviche was so-so. Shrimp was tiny and not super fresh. Calamari was not good - over salted and tasted like they were trying to cover up that they were using a lower quality product. The lettuce in the Cesar salad was brown, old and wilted. The restaurant is beautiful and service was good, but food was underwhelming and mediocre. It wasn’t just one menu item that was off. Multiple things were lacking quality and freshness. We were excited to try it because the menu looked interesting as it featured some unique options, but it did not quite hit the mark.
OK
OK2bpicky
Western NC
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent meal. Our waiter was especially helpful. Lovely meal all around!
RL
RichardL
Denver
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reliably great dinner experience. Some of the best food in Denver, flavors unlike anywhere else.
JD
JeffD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a Tuesday and not very busy. The flavors here are pure Oaxacan! Mole was on point, the salsas were fantastic, and the Ceviche was done very well. I recommend highly!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was delicious with interesting flavor combinations. Everything cooked to perfection and lovely plating. Enjoyed the sangria too. Will definitely be back.
JC
JulieC
Atlanta
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
We enjoyed our dinner here, seafood stew and Oaxaca chicken. We started with the bean dip which was superb and both enjoyed our mains, both had a bit of spice. The servers were very attentive and offered good suggestions when asked.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Some of our food was fantastic, but other items just so so. I’m particular, the shrimp and octopus salad was, one, not a salad, two, the shrimp was really low quality, three, there was virtually no octopus, and four, it was extremely over priced.
D
ronDnyc
Washington DC
15 reviews
vip
1.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Made a reservation for 5 via the application — Reservation Number: 1024357-12984. When we arrived we were told that the kitchen was already closed. And that they could not serve us. I explained that the app took the reservation. What a disappointment.
CS
CraigS
Phoenix
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and chef
k
kimberlym
Denver
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious! The queso appetizer is just delectable. All the food was prepared in an artful and thoughtful way- we had a great night.
C
Cd172
New England
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 28, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
We arrived at the restaurant for our Monday night reservation and the restaurant was closed. We did not receive any cancellation notification and Zocalito's posted hours did not reflect the change. There was no note on the door, it was just closed. Extremely unprofessional behavior, still haven't heard from them.
c
chitown
Greensboro
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great flavors. The black cod was wonderful.
MD
MarissaD
Denver
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food was great, but drinks were VERY expensive and we had expected a livelier environment. That said, I had the grilled prawns and they were AMAZING!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Good was excellent and the Chef Owner was fantastic. They were obviously short staffed but service was not bad. Will definitely be back
SS
SteveS
Denver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic meal for six. cocktails, apps, entrees, and desserts were all delicious...interesting flavors, beautifully presented and well thought out. Pleasant outdoor patio seating. Matt took great care of us.
k
kimberlym
Denver
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Utterly scrumptious- we could have had a great night just eating the queso but the entrees were divine with an artful presentation. The desserts were delicious and if you love bananas- go for the crepes! It was overall excellent!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
The restaurant is perfectly nice but unremarkable. The food was decent if a bit overpriced. Nothing wrong but not in a rush to go back.
T
Trains007
Atlanta
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Don’t judge a book by its cover. The ambiance was not that impressive, but the food was phenomenal. The different flavors were unique and delicious. The drinks were as unique with their specialty being mezcals. Definitely recommend this place
AD
AllisonD
Atlanta
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent. Very fresh and delicious. They were short-staffed the night we were there and the waiters were hustling and working hard to keep all of the tables happy. We were patient and understanding. Hopefully everyone else was as well because they were trying their hardest to take orders, bring drinks, deliver food, and seat new tables. Even though they were short-staffed, we never felt neglected and the food was worth it. We were here for a conference and had a table of six. Everyone was very happy with their food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience3
The crew appeared short staffed but they really hustled and gave us an outstanding experience. Matt took care of our group. Drinks were great and the food was delicious
EH
EHart
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
They did a great job serving our party of 14. Staff was very nice and food was good.
P
Packersgirl
Washington DC
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was great and the food was incredible. I’m definitely coming back when I come back to Denver.
AW
AmyW
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a hidden gem. The owners were amazing, the food and cocktails were also amazing. Unique dishes prepared very well. We will definitely go back.
N
Neil
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful meal, and service was great! Portion sizes were small, but filling.
DL
DratsLasers
Denver
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous authentic Oaxacan and Mexican food....no rice and beans here. Down to the actual alebrijes on the walls and counters (carved and hand painted wood sculptures) this place is showcasing food made with love and care and respect. Come in for a great experience!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food with intense flavors. Highly recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 5, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
The banana crepes were incredible!
RS
RichardS
Denver
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on March 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, beautifully prepared. It was our first time dining there and we will return.
JS
JenniferS
Denver
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience4
Our first time dining here. Food was excellent. We tried the bean dip appetizer special and 2 entrees: the Skirt Steak and Pork Tenderloin. Both are very tasty with great mole sauce. Our server warned us that it's a little spicy so we asked for the sauce on the side. The service could be better. There are only 2 server, and 10 tables to wait on so they are always in a rush, but they still did a great job of checking if we need another drink, refill water, asked us how the food is. I have been in other restaurants that has enough servers and couldn't get their attention to get a water refill. So kudos to Zocalito to being attention even though they are busy. We will definitely come back.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Zocalito Latin Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (720) 923-5965.

Zocalito Latin Bistro is rated 4.7 stars by 248 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(720) 923-5965

999 18th Street, Denver, CO 80202

Additional information

Cross street
Between 18th and 19th on Curtis St.
Neighborhood
Downtown / LoDo
Hours of operation
Happy Hour Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking is validated for up to 4 hours. Access the Denver Place parking from Curtis Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Michael Beary
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.zocalito.com/
Phone number
(720) 923-5965
Catering
For Catering details please contact us at 720-923-5965
Private party facilities
For Private Events please contact us at 720-923-5965. Variety of spaces and parties are available feel free to ask.
Private party contact
Mackenzie Riley: (855) 913-2151

Featured in

The Best Wings in Denver

Zocalito Latin Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Private dining

Additional information

The Best Wings in Denver

Main

Manchego Potatoes Gratin$13.00

Pico de Gallo Salsa and Guacamole$10.00

Rock Shrimp Ceviche$15.00

Carnita & Black Bean Sopes$13.00

Steamed Mussels$15.00

Guacamole with Chapulines or Cheese$15.00

Mayan Fried Calamari$12.00

Chorizo & Poblano Cheese Dip$14.00

Sauteed Mushrooms & Pumpkin Seeds Cheese Dip$13.00

Rellenos

Chicken Relleno$15.00

Pasilla de Oaxaca Relleno$16.00

Santa Leaf Relleno$17.00

Soups

Aztec Soup$10.00

Tortilla Chicken Soup$10.00

Red Pozole$11.00

Salads

Shrimp & Octupus Seafood Salad with Avocado & Cotija Cheese$19.00

Sauteed Calamari, Cucumber & Kale Salad$17.00

Caesar Salad$11.00

Romaine Hearts Salad$10.00

Serrano Ham Salad$20.00

Seafood

Broiled Black Cod$26.00

Seafood Stew$28.00

Grilled Prawns$30.00

Grilled Colorado Red Trout$29.00

Meat

Skirt Steak Layered with Oaxacan Mozzarella$29.00

Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin & Red Mole$29.00

Grilled Beef Tenderloin$31.00

Poultry

Grilled Duck Breast$28.00

Oaxacan Chicken$27.00

Vegetables

Grilled Vegetables$25.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Zocalito Latin Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Zocalito Latin Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Zocalito Latin Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Wings in Denver