Best Green Chili in Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado, is a green chili town. In fact, it's the green chili capital of the U.S., as far as I'm concerned. Anywhere you look - from the family run, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants that line East Colfax and South Broadway to the trendy fusion restaurants like Mezcal (3230 E. Colfax Ave.) and Tambien (250 Steele Street, #104) in the Highland and downtown areas of Denver - you're bound to find an abundance of unique variations on the spicy, heart-warming goodness that has helps make Denver my favorite place to live and eat.

The green chili outlined in this piece is not what many purists around these parts might argue to be "authentic" green chili. That is, green chili sauce made from the simple method of roasting Hatch green chilies, chopping them, then adding seasoning and water. If that's what you consider your perfect topper on a palatable Mexican meal, keep heading south to New Mexico. (Or visit Jack-n-Grill on 2524 Federal Blvd.) Rather, my picks for the best green chili in Denver are made rich and thick, chock-full of pork meat, tomatoes, onions, and an array of distinctive green chili peppers and spices that make them a best bet when you're hungry and adventurous in Denver.

Starting at the top, my pick for the very best green chili in Denver, Colorado, is the 'Chile verde con puerco' dish at Rancho Liborio in Commerce City (6040 E. 64th Ave). This Mexican mega grocer offers a wide range of quality meats and vegetables (generally with the best price points in Denver) but also dishes out ready-to-eat, home-style dishes from their deli, such as refried beans, sopa (vermicelli noodles in tomato sauce), Spanish rice, tortillas and carnitas. Employees at Rancho Liborio grocery stores often lack English-speaking skills, so your best bet is to point to the dish you want, say grande or small (for container 1 or 1/2 pint container) and smile. Compliment the 'Chile verde con puerco' with a side of their refried beans and fresh corn tortillas. You won't be disappointed.

Second best on my list of best green chili in Denver, Colorado, is the tasty burrito topper found at El Taco de Mexico (714 Santa Fe Drive). The bean/tortilla/cheese trifecta at El Taco de Mexico is enough to warrant a visit to this cramped, blue-collar eatery, but the spicy, flavorful and slightly runny green chili is what makes this a popular lunch venue for Denver locals. You can't go wrong with a kitchen-full of Mexican women dishing out their time-tested, family recipes.

Rounding off my top three is the critically acclaimed green chili at Santiago's (various locations in Denver and Brighton). With just the right amount of heat, Santiago's green chili goes perfect on any of their no-frills burritos, but can also be requested on the side and atop any of their wonderfully simple dishes. Try it on the Indian tacos or the nacho plate. Speaking Spanish can definitely help here as well, but Santiago's is rapidly becoming known for their friendly faces and stellar customer service, so don't worry if you feel too "white" to venture in.

Thanks to a recent visit to the Highland neighborhood, La Casita (3561 Tejon St.) has etched its way to the number four spot on my list of best green chili in Denver. La Casita is a staple in North Denver that's more commonly known for their tamales (red and green) which are rolled, steamed, packaged and delivered to dozens of other local restaurants daily. With their recently remodeled dining room, you can enjoy their fresh tamales smothered with lip-curling, spicy green chili right where the magic happens. Their bean and chicharon (fried pork) burrito (smothered with their delightful green chili, of course) is my personal favorite.

Last, but certainly not least, on my list for Denver's best green chili is that from the trendy, underground eatery Lime (1424 Larimer St.). Lime's recipe breaks tradition, using chicken instead of pork and dishes it out in smaller portions with tortilla strips and a side of - you guessed it - lime. The venue itself is a little snooty (we are talking Larimer square, people) but pretentiousness aside, Lime delivers a delicious new twist on a Denver favorite, with pricey cocktails, attractive patrons and loud music to boot. Order the quesadillas and drench them with a side of green chili for a tasty late night treat.