Mexican restaurants thrive in Boulder County
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Boulder County had more than 114 Mexican restaurants per 10,000 residents, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of 2023 data from SafeGraph.
Why it matters: The proliferation of Mexican restaurants — once staples only of the Southwest and parts of the Midwest — highlights the growing influence of Mexican Americans on U.S. culture and the effects of increased migration from Mexico over the last 30 years.
The big picture: About 99% of all Americans live near at least one Mexican restaurant, per the analysis.
- The data shows that 22% of Mexican restaurants nationwide are fast food, 12% specialize in tacos, 8% are classified as food trucks or carts, and 6% offer Tex-Mex.
What they're saying: "In many ways, Mexican food is American food, and vice versa," Aaron Smith, Pew Research Center's director of data labs, tells Axios.
Zoom in: Denise Mickelsen, Colorado Restaurant Association spokesperson, tells us her favorite, longtime local spots are Efrain's of Boulder and Tierra y Fuego Taqueria.
- She also recommends the newer Cozobi Fonda Fina from the Michelin-starred team behind Denver's Alma Fonda Fina.
Mitchell's thought bubble: My go-to Mexican/southwest eatery in Boulder is Verde, from its early days as a food truck outside the east Boulder Camera office to the opening of a brick-and-mortar spot at 28th and Valmont.
- Try the California Burrito with carne, potatoes cheese and guac. Oh, and you can get it smothered in sauce or deep-fried chimichanga style.
📧 You tell us: Hit reply to this email and share your favorite Boulder Mexican fare and where to get it. We might just include your suggestions in an upcoming edition!