Boulder, Colorado is renowned for its vibrant culinary landscape, where global flavors meet a community passionate about fresh, sustainable food. Amidst this thriving scene, Cilantro Mexican Restaurant stands out as a beloved destination for those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.
Locals and visitors alike flock to Cilantro for its bold flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Each dish on the menu is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, carefully crafted to delight both the adventurous foodie and the comfort-food enthusiast.
The restaurant’s approach balances tradition with creative flair, inviting diners to explore a menu that celebrates both classic favorites and innovative new creations. Whether you’re gathering with friends for a festive night out or seeking a cozy spot for a solo lunch, Cilantro promises a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
Dive into the heart of Boulder’s Mexican food scene and discover what makes Cilantro’s menu a true standout in the city’s bustling restaurant landscape.
Appetizers and Starters: Setting the Stage
The appetizer selection at Cilantro Mexican Restaurant perfectly captures the essence of Mexican hospitality—warm, inviting, and irresistibly flavorful. Each starter is designed to awaken the palate and pave the way for the meal to come.
With a combination of classic street fare and inventive small plates, the menu offers something for every preference.
From the moment you sit down, you’re greeted with complimentary house-made chips and salsa—crisp, lightly salted chips paired with a zesty salsa featuring fresh tomatoes, onions, and a touch of lime. The appetizer menu builds on this promise of freshness, featuring ingredients sourced from local farms whenever possible.
The result is a selection of dishes that are both vibrant and deeply satisfying.
One standout is the Queso Fundido, a bubbling skillet of melted cheeses topped with chorizo or sautéed mushrooms. The Guacamole Tradicional is another must-try, made tableside for a customizable experience that lets guests choose their preferred spice level and mix-ins.
For those craving something lighter, the Ceviche de Camarón offers a refreshing blend of shrimp, citrus, and crisp vegetables.
“The appetizers at Cilantro are more than just starters—they’re a celebration of Mexican flavors that set the tone for the entire meal.” — Local Food Critic
- Queso Fundido: Melted cheese with chorizo or mushrooms
- Guacamole Tradicional: Tableside with fresh avocados
- Ceviche de Camarón: Marinated shrimp, lime, tomato, avocado
- Elote: Grilled street corn with chipotle mayo and cotija cheese
Whether you’re sharing plates among friends or savoring a starter solo, Cilantro’s appetizers deliver the ideal kick-off to a memorable Mexican meal.
Tacos: The Heartbeat of the Menu
No Mexican restaurant menu is complete without tacos, and Cilantro elevates this beloved staple with a creative, ingredient-driven approach. The taco selection is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to both tradition and innovation.
Each taco is carefully constructed, balancing flavors and textures for a truly satisfying bite.
At the core of Cilantro’s taco offerings are fresh, house-made corn tortillas. These tortillas provide the perfect foundation for an array of fillings, each showcasing a different aspect of Mexican culinary artistry.
Whether you prefer classic carne asada or adventurous vegetarian options, there’s a taco to suit every palate.
Among the favorites are the Al Pastor tacos, featuring marinated pork, pineapple, and onion, and the Carnitas tacos, where slow-braised pork is finished with a hint of citrus. The Hongos taco, filled with sautéed mushrooms, poblano peppers, and a sprinkle of queso fresco, is a hit with plant-based diners.
Signature Tacos: A Comparative Overview
| Taco | Main Filling | Key Flavors |
| Al Pastor | Marinated pork, pineapple | Sweet, smoky, savory |
| Carnitas | Slow-braised pork | Citrus, tender, rich |
| Hongos | Mushrooms, poblano peppers | Earthy, mild heat, creamy |
| Pescado | Grilled fish, cabbage slaw | Bright, crispy, fresh |
- House-made tortillas—crafted daily for optimal freshness
- Wide variety of fillings—from traditional meats to creative vegetarian options
- Customizable toppings—salsas, pickled onions, and fresh herbs
Each taco tells its own story, offering a bite-sized journey through the flavors of Mexico. Whether you mix and match or stick to your favorite, the taco menu at Cilantro promises a truly authentic experience.
Enchiladas and House Specials
Cilantro’s enchiladas and house specials are a celebration of regional Mexican cooking, showcasing both familiar comfort foods and chef-driven creations. These dishes are crafted with care, reflecting a deep respect for traditional recipes while embracing modern culinary techniques.
The Enchiladas Verdes are a perennial favorite, featuring tender chicken rolled in corn tortillas and smothered in a tangy tomatillo sauce. Each bite balances the bright acidity of green chilies with the creaminess of melted cheese.
For guests looking for something extra hearty, the Enchiladas Rojas offer a savory red chili sauce, braised beef, and a generous dusting of queso fresco.
Beyond enchiladas, the house specials highlight unique regional dishes you won’t find elsewhere in Boulder. The Pescado Veracruzano brings coastal flair, with grilled fish topped with a tomato-olive-caper sauce, while the Pollo con Mole features chicken bathed in a rich, complex mole sauce.
Enchilada Sauces: Flavor Profiles
- Verde: Tomatillo, cilantro, mild heat
- Roja: Ancho and guajillo peppers, smoky, robust
- Mole: Chocolate, nuts, dried chilies, warm spices
“The house specials at Cilantro are a love letter to Mexico’s diverse culinary regions. Each dish is both a comfort and a revelation.” — Executive Chef, Cilantro
With generous portions and a focus on flavor, these main courses are perfect for those seeking a memorable, satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for pairing suggestions; many of these dishes shine even brighter when enjoyed with a craft Mexican beer or a signature margarita.
Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Options
Cilantro Mexican Restaurant understands that modern diners crave both variety and inclusivity. As such, the menu features an array of vegetarian and vegan options that showcase the versatility of Mexican cuisine.
These dishes go far beyond simple substitutions, delivering bold flavors and creative combinations that appeal to all diners.
The Verduras Tacos are a standout, featuring grilled seasonal vegetables, avocado, and a zesty salsa verde. The Vegan Enchiladas utilize house-made vegan cheese and a flavorful black bean filling, topped with a rich, dairy-free mole sauce.
Even traditional favorites like the Elote can be prepared without dairy for plant-based guests.
Cilantro’s kitchen team approaches vegetarian and vegan cooking with the same care and creativity as their meat-based dishes. By sourcing local produce and exploring the depth of Mexican spices, they create meals that are as nourishing as they are delicious.
Popular Plant-Based Dishes
- Verduras Tacos: Grilled vegetables, avocado, salsa verde
- Vegan Enchiladas: Black beans, vegan cheese, mole sauce
- Calabacitas: Sautéed zucchini, corn, peppers, herbs
- Ensalada Mexicana: Mixed greens, jicama, citrus vinaigrette
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, Cilantro’s menu is a welcoming haven. Every dish is marked clearly for allergens and vegan/vegetarian status, making it easy to order with confidence.
Salsas, Sauces, and Sides: The Finishing Touches
No Mexican meal is complete without the vibrant array of salsas, sauces, and sides that bring everything together. At Cilantro, these accompaniments are given the same attention to detail as the main dishes, ensuring that every element on your plate is thoughtfully crafted.
The salsa selection is particularly impressive, featuring options ranging from mild and tangy to fiery and bold. Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, and Habanero Salsa are all made in-house, utilizing fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
The result is a spectrum of flavors that can be mixed, matched, and layered to suit your taste.
Alongside the salsas, Cilantro offers a selection of sauces that enhance the complexity of every dish. Creamy chipotle sauce adds smoky depth, while cilantro-lime crema provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint.
The side dishes range from fluffy Mexican rice to slow-cooked black beans and street-style elote.
Comparing Salsa Heat Levels
| Salsa | Main Ingredients | Heat Level |
| Salsa Verde | Tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro | Mild-Medium |
| Pico de Gallo | Tomato, onion, cilantro, lime | Mild |
| Habanero Salsa | Habanero peppers, tomatoes | Hot |
- Freshly prepared daily for maximum flavor
- Customizable spice levels to suit every taste
- Perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, and more
“The salsas and sides at Cilantro transform every dish into a personalized adventure. Don’t be afraid to experiment with combinations!” — Boulder Food Blogger
Whether you crave a gentle kick or a fiery punch, the salsas, sauces, and sides at Cilantro offer limitless opportunities to enhance your meal.
Signature Drinks and Desserts
Cilantro’s beverage menu is as thoughtfully curated as its food offerings, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary drinks that complement the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. From handcrafted margaritas to artisanal aguas frescas, there’s a beverage to suit every mood and occasion.
The Classic Margarita is a perennial favorite, made with fresh-squeezed lime juice, premium tequila, and a splash of orange liqueur. For something unique, try the Mezcal Mule, which blends smoky mezcal with ginger beer and lime for a refreshing twist.
Non-alcoholic options include Horchata—a creamy, cinnamon-infused rice drink—and Jamaica Agua Fresca, made from hibiscus flowers.
Desserts at Cilantro are the perfect finale, offering both traditional Mexican sweets and modern interpretations. The Churros con Chocolate are a crowd-pleaser, featuring crisp, cinnamon-dusted pastries served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.
The Tres Leches Cake is equally indulgent, with its moist sponge soaked in three types of milk and topped with whipped cream.
Popular Drinks and Dessert Pairings
- Classic Margarita + Churros con Chocolate
- Mezcal Mule + Tres Leches Cake
- Horchata + Flan de Coco
- Jamaica Agua Fresca + Mexican Wedding Cookies
“Don’t skip dessert at Cilantro—their sweets are a loving nod to Mexican culinary tradition, made with the same care as the savory dishes.” — Boulder Dessert Enthusiast
From the first sip to the last bite, the drink and dessert menu at Cilantro ensures your meal ends on a high note.
Family Meals, Kids’ Menu, and Takeout
Cilantro Mexican Restaurant is committed to serving the entire Boulder community, which is reflected in its family-friendly offerings and convenient takeout options. The menu is thoughtfully designed to accommodate groups of all sizes and ages, making it a go-to spot for gatherings, celebrations, and weeknight dinners alike.
The Family Meal Packages are a standout, offering generous portions of popular dishes like tacos, enchiladas, rice, and beans—all bundled for easy sharing. These packages are perfect for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
For younger diners, the Kids’ Menu features approachable favorites such as cheese quesadillas, chicken tacos, and mild rice bowls. Each meal is balanced and nutritious, with portion sizes designed for children.
Takeout and Delivery Highlights
- Online ordering for seamless pickup or delivery
- Family-style meals designed for convenience
- Kid-friendly options that don’t compromise on quality
- Recyclable packaging for sustainability
Cilantro’s commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone—from busy parents to solo diners—can enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal with ease. Whether dining in or taking out, the restaurant’s hospitality shines through in every detail.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Beyond the menu, Cilantro Mexican Restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere that enhances every aspect of the dining experience. The space is designed to reflect the warmth and vibrancy of Mexican culture, with colorful decor, festive music, and attentive service.
Guests are greeted with genuine hospitality, whether they’re regulars or first-time visitors. The dining room strikes a balance between lively and comfortable, making it suitable for both casual lunches and special celebrations.
Outdoor seating is available during warmer months, providing a picturesque backdrop of Boulder’s scenic beauty.
The staff at Cilantro are well-versed in the menu and always happy to offer recommendations or accommodate special requests. Every guest is made to feel welcome and cared for, no matter the occasion.
- Colorful, inviting interiors inspired by Mexican artistry
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Flexible seating for groups, couples, and solo diners
- Outdoor patio with mountain views
“Dining at Cilantro is like being welcomed into a friend’s home—every meal feels special, every guest leaves satisfied.” — Boulder Resident
With its unique blend of ambiance, service, and culinary excellence, Cilantro has become a cherished part of Boulder’s dining scene.
Conclusion: Why Cilantro Mexican Restaurant Delivers an Unforgettable Experience
Choosing Cilantro Mexican Restaurant in Boulder is more than just selecting a place to eat—it’s embracing an experience rooted in tradition, creativity, and genuine hospitality. Every element, from the carefully curated appetizer selection to the inventive taco menu and comforting house specials, reflects a dedication to excellence that sets this restaurant apart.
The menu is thoughtfully inclusive, offering robust options for vegetarians, vegans, and families, while never sacrificing flavor or authenticity. The vibrant salsas, handcrafted drinks, and decadent desserts round out a dining experience that is as joyful as it is delicious.
What truly elevates Cilantro, however, is its commitment to community and service. With a welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff, and a passion for sharing the best of Mexican cuisine, every visit feels like a celebration.
Whether you’re a longtime Boulder resident or just passing through, Cilantro Mexican Restaurant offers a taste of Mexico—and a sense of belonging—that lingers long after the last bite.
