While June 20 is the first day of summer, the season doesn’t truly kick off until the first taco festival—Top Taco Denver. Last Thursday marked the lauded festival’s 3rd anniversary of slinging tacos to Denver’s fanatics of the folded treats. Top Taco isn’t just about binging on tacos and tequila. It’s also a chance for chefs, bartenders and restaurants around Denver to put their best foot forward in several categories: best creative, traditional and veggie tacos, and best cocktails.
The Rosedale serving up tacos and tequila at Top Taco 2016.
Below is a list of winners from judge’s choice and people’s choice for each category.
Judges’ Choice
Creative
1st – Dos Santos
2nd – Pinche Tacos
3rd – Kachina Southwestern Grill
Traditional
1st – Los Chingones
2nd – Comida
3rd – Machete Tacos & Tequila
Veggie
1st – Biju’s Little Curry Shop
2nd – Pinche Tacos
3rd – Sol Cocina
Cocktail
1st – Los Chingones
2nd – Leña
3rd – Solera
People’s Choice:
Creative:
1st – Pinche Tacos
2nd – Kachina Southwestern Grill
3rd – Machete Tacos & Tequila
Traditional
1st – Dos Santos
2nd – Pinche Tacos
3rd – Machete Tacos & Tequila
Veggie
1st – Biju’s Little Curry Shop
2nd – Comida
3rd – El Camino Community Tavern
Cocktail
1st – Dos Santos
2nd – Pinche Tacos
3rd (tie) – Kachina Southwestern Grill, Machete Tacos & Tequila
Prepping octopus for tacos.
Bottled cocktails with garnishes at Top Taco.
Smoked watermelon cocktails.
Tacos lined up for the taking.
Top Taco 2016