Nestled in the vibrant heart of Fort Collins, Taqueria Del Barrio has quickly become a standout destination for anyone seeking authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant’s menu is a testament to the culinary traditions of Mexico, blending time-honored recipes with fresh, local ingredients.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of tacos al pastor or just discovering the magic of Mexican street food, the variety and depth of flavors at Taqueria Del Barrio promise something for everyone.
Walking into this taqueria feels like stepping into a festive Mexican plaza, where aromas of sizzling meats and fragrant spices dance through the air. The menu is both inviting and adventurous, encouraging diners to explore beyond the familiar.
Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, from hand-pressed tortillas to vibrant salsas made daily, reflecting a commitment to quality and authenticity.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a casual lunch with friends, or a special dinner, Taqueria Del Barrio’s menu invites you to savor the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, right in the heart of Fort Collins.
The following sections provide a detailed look at the menu, offering insights into popular dishes, unique specialties, and the unforgettable flavors that set this taqueria apart.
Authentic Tacos: A World of Flavor
Tacos are the soul of Taqueria Del Barrio, and the menu celebrates this classic Mexican staple with a wide range of options. Each taco is a small masterpiece, combining freshly prepared ingredients with traditional techniques.
The restaurant’s dedication to authenticity shines through every bite, from the choice of proteins to the house-made salsas.
The foundation of any great taco is its tortilla. At Taqueria Del Barrio, tortillas are hand-pressed daily, ensuring a soft, slightly chewy texture that perfectly complements the fillings.
Customers can choose between corn and flour tortillas, both prepared with care and respect for tradition. This attention to detail elevates even the simplest taco into a memorable experience.
Protein options range from well-loved favorites like carne asada and pollo asado to more adventurous choices such as al pastor and barbacoa. Each meat is marinated and grilled to perfection, resulting in bold, layered flavors.
Vegetarian diners will appreciate options like hongos (mushrooms) and calabacitas (zucchini), which are equally satisfying.
To further customize your taco experience, the menu features a variety of toppings and salsas. From the fiery house-made salsa roja to the tangy cilantro-lime crema, there’s a flavor for every palate.
The combination of textures and tastes makes every taco unique.
- Carne Asada: Grilled steak, savory and tender
- Al Pastor: Marinated pork with pineapple, sweet and spicy
- Pescado: Crispy fish, topped with slaw
- Hongos: Sautéed mushrooms, a vegetarian delight
“The tacos at Taqueria Del Barrio are the real deal—each bite takes me back to Mexico City.” – Local Food Critic
Signature Salsas and Fresh Garnishes
No meal at Taqueria Del Barrio is complete without sampling their array of signature salsas and fresh garnishes. These accompaniments are more than mere condiments—they are essential elements that enhance and balance each dish.
The salsa bar is a favorite among regulars, offering both bold heat and subtle flavors.
Salsas are prepared fresh daily, using ripe tomatoes, aromatic chilies, and fragrant herbs. The range includes everything from mild, tangy salsa verde to spicy habanero blends.
Each salsa is crafted to complement specific dishes, allowing guests to tailor their meal to their desired level of heat and flavor.
Garnishes such as pickled onions, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges are always available. These bright, crisp additions not only add visual appeal but also offer a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the main components.
The interplay between the salsas and garnishes elevates every dish.
- Salsa Roja: Smoky and spicy, ideal for beef tacos
- Salsa Verde: Tangy, with a hint of heat, perfect for chicken and fish
- Habanero Salsa: For those who crave serious spice
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh and zesty, a classic topping
Comparing Salsas: Flavor and Heat
| Salsa | Flavor Profile | Heat Level |
| Salsa Roja | Smoky, robust | Medium-High |
| Salsa Verde | Bright, tangy | Mild-Medium |
| Habanero Salsa | Fruity, intense | Very Hot |
| Pico de Gallo | Fresh, crisp | Mild |
Burritos and Bowls: Hearty and Satisfying
For those seeking a more substantial meal, the burritos and bowls at Taqueria Del Barrio are a popular choice. These dishes offer generous portions and the freedom to customize every element, making them perfect for both hearty appetites and specific dietary needs.
Each burrito and bowl is built on a foundation of quality ingredients.
Burritos are lovingly wrapped in large, warm flour tortillas and packed with your choice of protein, rice, beans, cheese, and other fillings. The interplay of textures—from tender meats to creamy beans to melty cheese—makes each bite a satisfying experience.
Bowls offer a lighter, gluten-free alternative, with ingredients layered artfully in a bowl, allowing flavors to shine.
A variety of add-ins are available to personalize your meal. Options include black or pinto beans, cilantro-lime rice, grilled vegetables, and a choice of salsas.
Guests can also opt for extras like guacamole, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños for added richness and zest.
- Classic Burrito: Choice of protein, rice, beans, cheese, salsa, all wrapped up
- Veggie Bowl: Grilled vegetables, black beans, rice, avocado, salsa verde
- Breakfast Burrito: Eggs, potatoes, chorizo, cheese, served all day
“Burritos here are next level—packed with flavor and always satisfying.” – Regular Customer
Street Food Specialties: Beyond the Taco
Taqueria Del Barrio’s menu extends well beyond tacos, showcasing a variety of street food specialties that capture the lively essence of Mexican cuisine. These dishes offer a glimpse into the diverse flavors found in markets and street stalls across Mexico, each with its own unique character.
Among the most popular are quesadillas and elote. Quesadillas feature gooey, melted cheese and your choice of fillings, folded inside a grilled tortilla.
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is charred and slathered with creamy sauce, cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder. These snacks are perfect for sharing or as a flavorful accompaniment to your main meal.
The menu also features tostadas—crispy tortillas topped with beans, meats, lettuce, crema, and salsa. Each bite offers a contrast between crunchy and creamy, savory and tangy.
Guests looking to try something different will enjoy the rotating selection of street food specials, which highlight regional favorites from across Mexico.
- Quesadilla: Grilled tortilla, melted cheese, choice of filling
- Elote: Charred corn, crema, cheese, chili powder
- Tostada: Crunchy base, layered toppings
- Churros: Sweet, cinnamon-dusted dessert
Street Food Highlights
| Dish | Description | Best Paired With |
| Quesadilla | Cheese and filling in a grilled tortilla | Salsa verde, crema |
| Elote | Grilled corn with sauce and cheese | Chili-lime seasoning |
| Tostada | Crispy tortilla with layered toppings | Black beans, pickled onions |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Inclusivity is a hallmark of Taqueria Del Barrio’s menu, with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options designed to delight every palate. These dishes are crafted with the same care and creativity as their meat-based counterparts, ensuring that plant-based diners feel welcome and satisfied.
The hongos (mushroom) taco is a standout, featuring sautéed mushrooms seasoned with garlic, chilies, and spices. Another favorite is the calabacitas (zucchini) taco, which pairs tender zucchini with roasted corn and peppers.
Both options are available as tacos, burritos, or bowls, providing flexibility and variety.
For vegans, the kitchen is happy to accommodate requests, such as omitting cheese or substituting vegan crema. The menu also features hearty grain bowls and salads, loaded with fresh vegetables, beans, and avocado.
Every dish is built on the principle that plant-based food can be flavorful, filling, and visually stunning.
- Hongos Taco: Sautéed mushrooms, chili, garlic, cilantro
- Calabacitas Bowl: Zucchini, corn, black beans, avocado
- Vegan Street Corn: Elote made with vegan crema
- Grilled Veggie Salad: Seasonal vegetables, greens, citrus vinaigrette
“As a vegan, I love that I never feel like an afterthought here—the flavors are just as bold and satisfying.” – Plant-Based Patron
Refreshing Beverages and Specialty Drinks
No meal at Taqueria Del Barrio is complete without one of their refreshing beverages or specialty drinks. From traditional Mexican sodas to house-made aguas frescas, the drink menu is a celebration of vibrant, thirst-quenching flavors.
Guests can choose from a selection of Jarritos sodas in flavors like tamarind, mango, and grapefruit. These sweet, effervescent drinks are a nostalgic favorite that pair perfectly with spicy fare.
For something more unique, try one of the house-made aguas frescas, such as horchata or agua de jamaica, both made fresh daily.
Adults will appreciate the curated list of Mexican beers and signature cocktails, including margaritas made with fresh lime juice and premium tequila. Seasonal drink specials, like the spicy mango margarita, add a playful twist to the classics.
Non-alcoholic options abound, making the beverage menu inclusive and inviting for all ages.
- Jarritos: Classic Mexican sodas in a variety of flavors
- Horchata: Sweet rice milk with cinnamon
- Agua de Jamaica: Hibiscus iced tea, tart and refreshing
- House Margarita: Fresh lime, agave, tequila
Beverage Pairings
| Dish | Recommended Drink | Why It Works |
| Spicy Al Pastor Taco | Horchata | Cools the palate, balances heat |
| Elote | Jarritos Mango | Sweetness complements savory corn |
| Vegetarian Bowl | Agua de Jamaica | Tartness brightens fresh veggies |
Family Meals and Group Platters
Taqueria Del Barrio understands that food is best enjoyed together, which is why the menu features a range of family meals and group platters. These offerings make it easy to share the joy of Mexican cuisine with friends, family, or coworkers, whether dining in or taking out.
The family meal packages include generous portions of tacos, burritos, or a combination of both, along with sides like rice, beans, chips, and salsa. Everything is served family-style, making it perfect for gatherings, parties, or casual celebrations.
These packages are designed to take the stress out of group dining, allowing everyone to sample a bit of everything.
For larger groups, the taqueria offers customizable platters featuring assorted tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas. Sides of guacamole, pico de gallo, and house-made chips complete the spread.
These platters are ideal for office lunches, birthday parties, or any event where delicious food brings people together.
- Taco Platter: Assorted tacos, served with chips and salsa
- Burrito Box: Individually wrapped burritos, perfect for meetings
- Fiesta Combo: Tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, and sides for a crowd
“Our family gatherings are always a hit thanks to Taqueria Del Barrio’s group platters—everyone leaves happy and full.” – Happy Customer
Desserts: Sweet Endings to a Flavorful Meal
No meal at Taqueria Del Barrio would be complete without sampling one of their delectable desserts. The dessert menu pays homage to Mexican culinary traditions, featuring both time-honored classics and inventive new treats.
These sweet offerings are the perfect way to round out a flavorful meal.
Churros are a perennial favorite, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of rich chocolate or caramel dipping sauce. Another standout is the flan, a creamy custard with a delicate caramel top that melts in your mouth.
For those seeking something lighter, the menu often features seasonal fruit cups topped with chili powder and lime for a refreshing finish.
Families and groups will appreciate the dessert sampler, which offers bite-sized portions of several treats. No matter your choice, each dessert is made in-house and reflects the taqueria’s commitment to quality and tradition.
These sweet endings provide a delightful contrast to the bold, savory flavors of the main menu.
- Churros: Fried dough, cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce
- Flan: Silky caramel custard
- Seasonal Fruit Cup: Fresh fruit with chili-lime seasoning
- Dessert Sampler: A bit of everything, perfect for sharing
Dessert Comparison
| Dessert | Texture | Flavor Profile |
| Churros | Crispy exterior, soft inside | Sweet, cinnamon, chocolate |
| Flan | Creamy, silky | Rich caramel, vanilla |
| Fruit Cup | Fresh, juicy | Sweet, tart, mildly spicy |
Conclusion: Experience the Heart of Mexican Cuisine in Fort Collins
Taqueria Del Barrio stands as a culinary beacon in Fort Collins, masterfully blending tradition with innovation on every plate. The menu is a vibrant celebration of Mexico’s diverse flavors, offering a wide spectrum of choices to please every diner.
From the first bite of a hand-crafted taco to the last spoonful of creamy flan, every dish is a testament to the restaurant’s passion for quality and authenticity.
Whether you’re a local resident craving comfort food or a visitor eager to explore the flavors of Mexico, Taqueria Del Barrio offers a welcoming space to gather, share, and savor. The thoughtful selection of tacos, burritos, street food, and desserts ensures that every meal is memorable.
With options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat-lovers alike, the menu is as inclusive as it is delicious.
As the sun sets over Fort Collins and the restaurant fills with laughter and conversation, it’s clear that Taqueria Del Barrio is more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination for connection, celebration, and discovery.
The heart of Mexican cuisine beats strong here, inviting you to return time and again for new flavors and cherished favorites. Step inside, take a seat, and let the feast begin.
