The best meal on campus: Los Molinos

Local restaurant spices up Auraria campus

**Los Molinos serves affordable options for students.**
Photo: Aman Tewolde · The Sentry

Los Molinos easily takes the title of the best meal on campus. Every day, people line up out the door to get a taste of Mexico in the heart of Denver.  Los Molinos began as a food truck downtown in the 1980s, settling down in the Cole neighborhood in 2002. Sitting on the corner of Franklin St. and Bruce Randolph Ave., they are an integral part of the community. Earlier this year, they expanded into the Mercantile building with their authentic cooking.

Previously occupied by Fat Jack’s Subs and Einstein Bros Bagels, the Mercantile building in Ninth Street Historic Park was originally built as a grocery store for the Auraria neighborhood. For those unfamiliar with the location, this block of historic architecture lies near the Art building between the West Classroom and CCD Confluence buildings.

It can be hard to find affordable meals in the city, even with fast-food, but Los Molinos sets their prices at a reasonable rate. Their ingredients are always fresh, and they cook every meal on the spot. Like any authentic Mexican eatery, they offer an extensive menu with the usual dishes of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and so on. They also serve aguas frescas, fresas con crema, paletas, and other options to cool down the palette.

Each week day, they serve daily specials to draw the crowds. On Mondays they discount the prices of breakfast burritos, including vegan and vegetarian options, all day. Taco Tuesdays might be their biggest attraction, serving tacos by the dollar after 3 p.m. Upstairs are two cozy dining rooms, providing a quiet place to escape the bustling city and campus.

Supporting local businesses and renewing historic locations is integral to the identity of Denver. Los Molinos has been a welcome addition to the Auraria campus this year, steadily gaining recognition as the best meal around.