Craving Salvadoran food?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Salvadoran restaurants around Denver, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture when cravings strike.
1. Pupusas Lover
Topping the list is Pupusas Lover. Located at 2236 S. Colorado Blvd. in University Hills, the Salvadoran spot is the highest rated affordable Salvadoran restaurant in Denver, boasting five stars out of 41 reviews on Yelp.
The restaurant and pupuseria serves up dishes like savory empanadas (filled with marinated chicken, potatoes, carrots and chayote), chicken or pork tamales (wrapped in a banana leaf with meat and potatoes) and, of course, pupusas in many different varieties. If you're not familiar with them, pupusas are thick corn tortillas stuffed with one or more savory fillings and usually served with salsa and curtido (spicy cabbage slaw).
Ricardo A., who reviewed it on July 12, wrote, "One of my new favorite places to enjoy pupusas. Almost tastes just how my mother makes hers. Very cozy hole in the wall."
2. El Tazumal Restaurant & Pupuseria
Next up is Baker's El Tazumal Restaurant & Pupuseria, situated at 258 Santa Fe Drive. With 4.5 stars out of 54 reviews on Yelp, the Salvadoran spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a low-priced option.
The eatery serves up pupusas, with filling options that include cheese, beans, pork or revuelta with all three. You can also expect to find tamales, enchiladas and empanadas.
Chelsea S. wrote, "Always delicious and incredibly filling! It's usually just two women working, so if you come during the lunch rush, expect to wait a little while for your food since they're making it all by hand!"
3. El Chalate
East Colfax's El Chalate, located at 8119 E. Colfax Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cheap Mexican and Salvadoran spot four stars out of 86 reviews.
When it comes to Salvadoran dishes, look for the pupusas, fried yucca, tamales, various soups, carne guisada (steak with potatoes, carrots, rice and beans) and the mojarra frita (deep-fried tilapia served with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes and lemon).
Chris C. said, "This is by far the best spot for pupusas in Denver. The staff is super friendly and attentive. The food is spectacular, with super flavorful salsas and fantastic meats."
