The Colorado State Fair is always a great time, but one of the most anticipated aspects is when they bring in the best Mexican food vendors from around the state. From tacos to burritos to quesadillas and more, there’s sure to be something for everyone—and it’s worth checking out if you’re heading to this year’s fair!
Experience an array of food from Mexico served at the Colorado State Fair. A fair warning is needed before we get into the menu—the prices may seem high, but they’re more than fair when you consider that the cost of your meal includes admission to the fair. With that in mind, let’s continue.
Rocky Mountain Nachos
Imagine a nacho dish that is like a salad but with cheese. Now imagine it in the shape of a chip. What do you get when you cross nachos with a cheeseburger? You get a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for the Colorado State Fair. We took our classic nacho chips, added jalapenos and hamburger meat, and then covered them in cheese. You can serve these beauties with a side of sour cream or eat them straight up.
Flautas (Flutes)
When you’re hungry at the Colorado State Fair, you want something quick and easy to eat. The Mexican flauta is a snack that will make your mouth explode with flavor. Flautas are one of the most beloved Mexican foods made from corn tortillas filled with meat and rolled into a cylindrical shape. Flautas are often filled with shredded beef or chicken and served on a bed of lettuce, topped with tomatoes and sour cream. Flautas can be made from flour tortillas, and they come in whole wheat and white flour varieties. The ingredients for flautas include beans, rice, tomato salsa, lettuce, and cheese.
Burritos
Burritos are one of the most popular items at this stand. You choose between steak and chicken or just beans if you prefer a vegetarian option. The burrito is made with whatever meat (or lack thereof) you select and beans, then served with lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream on top. It’s perfect for eating with your hands or forking in like an enchilada; You can serve it as an appetizer or main dish.
Quesadilla
Quesadillas are a great snack, appetizer, or meal. Fresh flour tortillas are filled with cheese and warmed on a griddle until melty on the inside, crispy on the outside, then garnished with sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes. You can use them as an appetizer for a bigger meal, or they can be an excellent way to sneak in vegetables that your kids might otherwise refuse to eat. They’re delicious and filling on their own, and kids love the melted cheese. You could also use up any leftover chicken, beef, or vegetables. You can also watch our Chefs make quesadillas if you want! We also offer vegetarian options if you prefer not to eat meat.
Fajitas
If you’ve never had fajitas, you’re in for a treat. At the Colorado State Fair, we’ve got a new take on this popular Mexican dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. For the uninitiated, fajitas are made with sizzling strips of meat that is typically marinated for several hours in soy sauce, oil, lime juice, garlic, and chili pepper before grilling with onions and peppers until it’s charred on the outside but tender inside.
The meats used in fajitas are often skirted steak or flank steak, though you can also opt for chicken or shrimp. The cooked meat is typically served with tortillas, condiments like guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or other salsa varieties for dipping purposes. Fajitas are a great option if you are looking for an alternative to traditional taco fillings. If desired, you can also serve it as a meal and supplement it with other sides like rice and beans.
Salsa (Pico De Gallo)
The next time you’re wandering around the fair wondering what to eat for a quick snack, grab some pico de gallo! It may not be as exciting as a deep-fried twinkie on a stick, but it will give you more energy and keep your immune system in top shape. Pico de gallo is a delicious fresh Mexican salsa, which means it’s packed with nutrients and gives you a quick burst of energy during your day at the fair. Its ingredients include tomatoes, onions, and cilantro—which taste delicious and deliver a dose of vitamins A and C to help keep your immune system in top shape. The onions help supply your body with chromium—an essential mineral for regulating blood sugar—while the cilantro promotes digestive health.
Guacamole
Guacamole is like that friend you always wanted but never knew existed. You know, the one there when you need her, who doesn’t ask for anything in return and wants to see you happy? You can’t help but love her.
At the Colorado State Fair, you can find your very own guacamole—a friend who is there for you when you need her most: when your stomach is rumbling, and your mouth is watering for a little something to munch on as you stroll the midway. She’s not going to ask for anything in return because she knows she’s already made the best decision by choosing this life with you. But wait! There’s more! If you want to save money and skip the chips, this guacamole comes with a side of tortilla chip bites and is served in a plastic bag with a straw, and you can stick it right in your mouth!
Chimichangas
The Colorado State Fair won’t be complete a chimichanga, and you can’t enjoy your chimichanga unless you’re eating it from one of our vendors. If you love Mexican food, you’ll want to try out this delicious dish at the Colorado State Fair. The chimichanga is a traditional Mexican dish often served with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, and it’s a delicious treat for any food lover. When you take your first bite of one at the fair, you’ll be able to taste the strong flavor of beef and chicken mixed with the spices and vegetables. If you haven’t had this food before or are curious to know if it tastes like authentic Mexican food, we can assure you that it does! The sauce used on top is made daily using only fresh ingredients, so they will always have that delicious taste no matter where you order.
If you like your food fried, who are we to stop you? We’re all about indulging in gluttony every once in a while.
Chili con Carne
Chili con carne means “chili with meat” in Spanish. It is a spicy stew or chili with a tomato base. This delicious treat is served with pinto beans, making for an amazingly satisfying meal. Oh, and to top it all off? It’s a national award winner! What more could you ask for? It’s got just the right amount of spice without being too much. The pinto beans make it even more filling and hearty, so you won’t need anything else to fill up your stomach. Plus, it’s so delicious that it could quickly be served as an appetizer or side dish!
Chilaquiles
Do you know what’s better than nachos?
Chilaquiles!
They’re the Mexican version of nachos, and they’re coming to the Colorado State Fair this year. Chilaquiles are made with fried corn tortillas sautéed with green or red sauce, topped with cheese and other toppings such as shredded chicken, onions, sour cream, and guacamole. Get the picture? They’re a Mexican take on breakfast that can be served in a casserole. So, if you’re into eating breakfast for dinner or want something different from your regular nacho routine at the Fair (or any time), don’t miss out on these delicious treats from Mexico!
Enjoy the Mexican Drinks
We have included some traditional favorites and modern twists on old favorites to keep everyone happy!
- Margaritas: It is the most famous Mexican drink in the world, and it is made with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Paloma: Contains tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and salt or sugar on the rim of your glass.
- Michelada: The drink contains tomato juice, clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. It is usually served with an ice cube.
- Tequila Sunrise: This drink is made with tequila, grenadine syrup, orange juice, and lemon juice. It can also contain orange liqueur or triple sec if desired by the cocktail maker.
- Horchata – A refreshing drink made from rice, cinnamon, and almonds, horchata is delicious and has many health benefits. It is gluten-free and high in protein and fiber, perfect for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions!
Mexican Salad and Side Dishes
Now that you’re ready to start with a drink, it’s time to move on to the salads and side dishes. For a salad, you can choose from the following options:
- Ensalada de nopales – this cactus salad consists of chopped tomatoes and onions, cucumbers, white beans, and cactus leaves.
- Ensalada de frutas – this fruit salad includes pineapple chunks, jicama (Mexican yam), orange slices, and watermelon balls.
If you’re looking for a way to make your stay at the Colorado State Fair more festive, look no further than Mexican food.
Why? Because Mexican cuisine is delicious, and it’s also good for you! It’s often full of fresh vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains—which means that you can get the energy-boosting power of carbs without all of the unhealthy fat or sodium.
