A few weeks back, I invited readers to contact me with the names of Mexican restaurants they liked and thought I ought to try. Among the many suggestions filling my mailbox was one I remembered from the past. It was "Los Arcos". Although I had not visited this restaurant in a while, I remembered eating there in the 80's, the quality of food, and how popular the restaurant was. I had no idea how much this little restaurant had grown up.
Los Arcos began as just a small, Mexican restaurant, and one of a number of merchants occupying the same building. The food was always good, people always liked it, and the word got around. Through their success, eventually they were able to occupy the entire top floor of the building and even add a patio. They recently completed a remodel of that building, creating something even more special and expanded to a second location in Lone Tree. I met friends at the original location in Westminster for dinner one evening to try a variety of dishes and see if success had changed their recipe. It had not.
All of the staff were very courteous and accommodating. We were seated quickly, (which was nice since this place fills up fast), and found our server to be very professional and knowledgeable. She had the information on the vegetarian options on the menu, (including the beans and rice), and I liked that. Los Arcos serves up the, basic types of chili: red and green. Both, however, contain pork and are not vegetarian. Nonetheless, there are a number of vegetarian options on the menu and both vegetarian and gluten free meals are available by asking the server. Carnivores, too, will love this place and the variety of menu offerings featuring steak, fish and shrimp.
I, personally, was surprised to see "vegetarian" tamales on the menu. I tried them. I had to pass on both the red and green chile since neither was vegetarian, but the enchilada sauce substitute was very tasty. I love tamales. These were as good as any I have eaten and a good deal at three for $8.25 served with rice and beans. My date had the $7.95 Enchiladas Taptias that are served under mole chile and alongside homemade potatoes. The mole was very nice, and the potatoes were a nice change of pace. The flavor of the enchiladas was excellent. I was very pleased with the quality of food at this establishment.
Los Arcos also features a wide assortment of beers for $3.75, or domestics for $3.25, margaritas starting at $4.50 and most other beverages in the $4.00 to $5.00 range. I like that customers can choose from 19 varieties of Tequila. Happy hour is advertised at 4 to 6 in Lone Tree with some great deals, but there were no hours listed for happy hour in Westminster.
I rate this establishment on this visit a solid "A". The food was very good, the prices were great, and the restaurant itself was "authentic". I appreciated the professional staff and the cleanliness of what I could observe. I do not know if the Lone Tree location is as good, but I would not hesitate to recommend the Westminster location to anyone.
Review by Stan Dyer
Los Arcos
4991 W 80 th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80030
303-426-8523
In Lone Tree at:
9045 Forsstrom Drive,
303-858-8860
On line at:
www.arcosrestaurant.com The website is outstanding!
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.