Most of Denver’s restaurants are young. The boom of the last couple decades has inspired a lot of openings. The subsequent competition along with the volatile nature and razor thin margins of the industry have caused a lot of closures. The pandemic and the shutdown only exaggerated both those trends, and yet the city’s culinary and cocktail scenes have emerged from the other side with national recognition by way of myriad accolades, including Michelin stars. But some staples – a few cornerstones helmed by the pioneers that preceded the wide-ranging and largely unthinkable list of spots the city has now – have survived and thrived through all the changes. Re-introducing, for a third time: Tamayo, which originally opened in 2001.
“This is the first major renovation since 2013,” said Chef Richard Sandoval, who owns and operates elevated Mexican eateries all over the United States, each with their own unique identities. “After more than a decade, we felt it was time to reimagine the space to reflect how both Tamayo and Denver have evolved. The goal was to celebrate our history while creating an environment that feels fresh, modern, and vibrant for the next chapter.”
From the outside, its location on the corner of Larimer and 14th has evolved as Larimer Square has turned into a pedestrian-only block, expanding its patio with outdoor dining and furniture that spill into the bustling energy and foot traffic. On the inside, Tamayo’s renovation has transformed almost every corner of the dining rooms and bars. “We brightened the space with lighter tones, more natural textures, and a more open and airy design,” continued Sandoval. “It feels warmer and more energetic compared to before. At the same time, we made sure to keep Tamayo’s connection to Mexican craftsmanship and tradition intact. The result is a space that feels dynamic and welcoming while still rooted in authenticity.”
Restaurant renovations are often multi-faceted, not only impacting the physical space, but also what matter most. “We took the opportunity to refine the menu with dishes that feel bold, contemporary, and craveable,” Sandoval expanded. “Some of the most exciting new additions include the Bone Marrow & Tuna Chicharròn, where crispy tuna and guacamole meet xni-pec salsa on blue corn tortillas, and the Quesa-Birria, a rich beef barbacoa taco with melted cheese and charred salsa. For lighter options, guests are loving the Coliflor a la Leña, roasted cauliflower with peanut chili sauce and poblano cheese cream, and the Tinga Vegana, a jackfruit taco that balances spice and freshness. These sit alongside classics, giving our guests both the familiar and the new.
Another new addition has been brunch, which takes advantage of the return to life that Larimer Square and downtown more broadly have been seeing over the past couple years. “Guests love dishes like the Shrimp Cocktail Ceviche, served with chipotle cocktail sauce and marinated olives, which offers a fresh and vibrant start, and the Chicken Adobado, paired with roasted corn and cilantro pesto. Alongside colorful agua fresca cocktails in flavors like passionfruit and prickly pear, brunch has quickly become a favorite and brought new energy to the weekends.”
With all the culinary updates, the drink menu, too, continues to evolve and modernize. “The bar continues to be a heartbeat of Tamayo. We introduced creative spirit-free cocktails like the Noloma, made with Seedlip Notas de Agave, grapefruit shrub, ginger, and mango pearls, which feels sophisticated and refreshing. For our cocktail program, drinks like the Mucho Humo, with Abasolo corn whisky, Nixta, mole bitters, and mesquite smoke, showcase the depth of Mexican spirits. Our margarita list has also been refreshed with options like the Cadillac Margarita.”
Since re-opening a couple months ago, Tamayo seems poised to continue pushing forward as a consistent cornerstone of both Larimer Square and the Denver dining scene. “The response has been incredible. Our longtime guests are thrilled to see Tamayo’s evolution, and new visitors are discovering us for the first time. The refreshed space and menu have created a real buzz, and it feels like we are perfectly positioned to match the energy of Larimer Square.”
