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: 4.4

4.4

262 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

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 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. Zocalito is one of the only downtown restaurants than can handle large groups.
Private party contact
Mackenzie Riley: (720) 923-5965

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

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 262 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Denver / Colorado
Good for business meals
Denver / Colorado
Great for outdoor dining
Denver / Colorado
Mexican
Denver
Good for business meals
Denver
Great for outdoor dining

CA
CASBAR
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We went with a large group and they couldn’t be more accommodating and helpful. Excellent service and good food and drinks. Recommend!
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SZ
ShaunaZ
Denver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food! I cannot wait to return. I picked this restaurant for a birthday dinner for my husband and it was a huge hit. Ian was very helpful, quick, and attentive. Wonderful hidden gem in Denver.
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RC
RobertC
Denver
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was all excellent! Fresh and tasty! The service was top-notch!
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s
sboulder
Denver
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very good high end Latin food with as much or as little spice as you want paired with great tequila or specialty tequila drinks. Or wine if you prefer. Really like this place for a great meal before a show or anytime.
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CD
ChristiD
Charlotte
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic!! The filet was what I ordered and it was a creative and amazing dish...
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EM
EMBO
Denver
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food w layered, subtle flavoring at reasonable prices, and attentive service. Telling my friends about this gem!
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LR
LaurieR
Denver
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner here. It was a casual night out for us. Shared the skirt steak which was delicious. Mole on the side as my husband doesn’t like spicy food. Wonderful blend of flavors. Looking forward to our next time!
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EP
EftonP
Dallas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food - a refreshing change from the Tex-Mex that seems to be everywhere.
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BG
BirthdayGirl1234
Denver
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
Unfortunately, the dishes (especially the calamari salad) served for restaurant week were not tasty.
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M
Mollsmcdvm
Portland
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! Fantastic food, great service and the music was phenomenal. I chose this based on the Oaxacan flair to the menu, which can be hard to find well-executed in the US. Zocalito did not disappoint. A table of 8 and they let us know they were understaffed for the night. We didn't feel a thing except great service, delectable drinks and amazing food. I will be back, even though I'll have to fly in from the west coast!
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a
adventurous79
Denver
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall2food1service1ambience1
This was probably the most disappointing dining experience I've had in Denver at this level of price. My husband and I have traveled to Oaxaca and absolutely love the food. So I made reservations a month in advance to make sure that we could have a nice meal. When we arrived for our 5:15pm reservation, there was only one other party in the entire place. This it was surprising because not only had I been called but separately texted beforehand to confirm my reservation as they said that they were overbooked. We were seated in a booth immediately. Not five minutes later we were asked to move to an out-of-the-way corner of the restaurant, with the reason being given that they had a packed night and needed that booth for another party. The two tops that had been combined into a four top were grossly uneven in height, which I pointed out to the server. He shrugged it off and said that's what it was. We were also seated immediately next to a table of 8 people in town for a conference, so our nice intimate romantic dinner was anything but. We ordered the fried calamari as an appetizer, which was chewy, the crust completely falling off as soon as you tried to pick it up with your fork. I ordered the kurobuta pork tenderloin and my husband ordered the grilled prawns. The rice and beans portions were tiny (probably one tablespoon worth - seriously), the rice tasting like it was from the day before. My husband said his shrimp was rubbery, as if it had been defrosted improperly or was not fresh. The most egregious thing, though, is that *both* of us thought our food was under-salted, which shouldn't happen when you're laying $30+ for your plates. We had to ask the waiter for salt, which he brought to finally make the food palatable. The only things that tasted good were our drinks, and at $16-$19 each, they'd better taste good. The kicker - the restaurant remained mostly empty by the time we left, including one of the four booths that we were moved from.
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AM
AliciaM
Denver
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Go! It’s so good. Get the cheese dip. So so so yummy.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food!
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SL
SkyLJ
Denver
25 reviews
vip
3.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience5
Food was wonderful. Service not so much.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
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
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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.
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HG
HarleyGuy
Denver
39 reviews
5.0
39 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 😉
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Every dish was delicious!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
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.
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AF
AliceF
Los Angeles
10 reviews
3.0
10 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.
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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.
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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.
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c
ctdj
Denver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A terrific dinner before heading to DCPA. I will definitely return.
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KK
KristinK
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
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.
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KD
KDub
Denver
3 reviews
3.0
3 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.
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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!
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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.
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JD
JeffD
Denver
1 review
vip
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!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
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.
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JC
JulieC
Atlanta Metro
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.
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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.
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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.
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CS
CraigS
Phoenix
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and chef
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k
kimberlym
Denver
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 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.
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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.
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c
chitown
Greensboro
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great flavors. The black cod was wonderful.
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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!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
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
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SS
SteveS
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 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.
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k
kimberlym
Denver
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 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!
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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 4.4 stars by 262 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

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 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. Zocalito is one of the only downtown restaurants than can handle large groups.
Private party contact
Mackenzie Riley: (720) 923-5965

Zocalito Latin Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Private dining

Additional information

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

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