Latest visit: May 2021 (Colorado Springs)
First visit: Dec 2002 (Lone Tree)
Hacienda Colorado is part of the Uncle Julio's chain that we've written about before in our various visits in the DFW area. Our first experience with Hacienda goes way back to the waning days of our time living in the Denver area. We enjoyed the experience but were to never return, as we moved away a month later. Today there are 6 locations, 5 in the Denver area and one right here in our current home base.
Hacienda Colorado is near the top of fine Mexican dining, at least if considering location and prices. It's an enormous structure, with multiple rooms, a full bar (upstairs and downstairs), as well as outdoor seating on that second floor. We walk in, and were promptly seated in a quiet side room. In our first visit to this location a couple of years back, we sat at the edge of the terrace, so as to not be in the sun, but still enjoy the breeze and beautiful views.
Chips and salsa come out right away, and after scanning our phone to get the menu (not real high on this idea BTW - it was fine during the pandemic, but the whole "surfaces" thing was always a stretch, and now it seems like a cheap way to avoid providing written menus), we were prepared to order. Mrs. RJG and her official Mom had fajitas for 2, and I went for the New Mexico hatch green enchiladas with shredded chicken. Margaritas is their specialty, and I had one on our first visit, and it was excellent. But the RJG has sworn off any kind of hard alcohol (never was much for it anyway, beyond margaritas), so I settled on a Dos Equis Amber. The beer list is limited to Mexicano brands, and they don't have wine (surprisingly for a place like this). I think they should offer some craft beers, but whatever. So... the chips. They are the very light crispy kind - like what you get at Chili's. So basically when you dip the chip into the salsa bowl, it breaks into said bowl. Yee hoo. The red salsa that is offered is quite good, a very garlicky number guaranteed to keep you alone all night. We asked if they had a hotter one, and sure 'nuff they do! Out came a very similar looking, but different tasting, habanero sauce. It's very sweet, but does pack a punch. Mrs. RJG & I both preferred the regular table option. As for the meal, nothing sounds better than sizzling platters of fajitas on arrival. And my dish was dropped off inconspicuously. So I dig in - the cumin spiced rice is excellent. The beans come in a bowl, and are soupy, so I needed to ask for a spoon (how else was I supposed eat it I wonder?). It was... OK. The green chili enchiladas were good on the whole, I enjoyed the seasoned shredded chicken, but the green chile sauce was ultimately a tad bland. Mrs. RJG seemed to enjoy her meal (her official Mom always enjoys her meal), and I tried the grilled chicken and carne asada from her plate, both were very good. At $38, one has to question the value though.
So what do we think? Well... it certainly is very good, won't say different. Seems like a good place to go with a group of friends or co-workers. Especially the latter - if the company is footing the bill. But otherwise not a place that we need to frequent.
12/1/02; 8/17/19 (new entry); 5/30/21
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