Gomez Burritos

So I've heard about Gomez Burritos  for some time now and all I've heard is "It's the best breakfast burrito in town". Well I finally had the chance to eat one and I will say for 99¢ you get what you pay for. Not only was it hard getting past the bad tasting tortilla, the inside was a mush of cheese flavored something stuffed with more something. This is no memorable burrito yet something to even talk about. The burrito could use quite a kick to really be worth going out of my way for and once again the hype in Colorado about mexican food is a big let down. For god sakes, if you want something worth remembering go to Chubby's and get a chorizo egg special burrito. That'll create a memory you won't forget.

Mexico City Lounge

Everyone has a favorite taco joint or a place they like to visit on a sunny Friday afternoon for lunch and Mexico City is one of those places for me. Located in a hard to miss red facade on Larimer street, Mexico City Lounge has been in Denver for over forty years and is still family owned.

Now don't get me wrong, this place isn't the kind of spot where everything is just awesome. In fact, everything on the menu isn't. If I were to direct you to visit them I would specifically tell you to order the Steak Tacos and nothing else. The other menu items I've tried are a far cry from what the Steak Tacos brings to the plate. The green chili, meh. The burritos, ick. Stay away from all the others and go with the golden fried tacos.

The Steak Tacos come with steak strips, lettuce, tomato, cheese and a slice of avocado. The avocado is the finishing touch and are missing on the other tacos. They are then deep fired, and judging by the taste, in fat that has been cooking many tacos that day. All this adds up to a golden, juicy tasty taco. Yes, juicy was a euphemism for a lot of grease. So much grease that some utilize a method called the "waterfall method" when eating and will open up one taco and eat another over it to catch all the greasy goodness.

Yes I know it sounds kind of gross but if you are walking in the door for the greasy relief of a hangover these tacos will give you the juice to get you through the day. If they are too much for your liking you can employ the "diaper method" when eating them and lay it in a napkin to soak up the extra juice.

Have some chips and salsa while waiting as they are a good warm up to the tacos. Be sure to also ask for extra napkins as you will need them.

Any place that has been here for so long must have something working for it and the steak tacos should keep Mexico City Lounge around for another forty years.

The Butcher Block Cafe

Walking in to The Butcher Block Cafe on 38th & Brighton would be the last thing on your mind when passing by. Everything abut its low-key truck stop demeanor tells you to go somewhere else. Well, being the adventurous type I am, I occasionally will walk in to about anyplace in hopes of finding a hidden dining treasure. The only treasures here are the ones for sale along the walls of the place. Yep, at the Butcher Block Cafe you can get yourself a burger and shop the garage sale scattered about on different shelves. Truly an experience.

The signature Block Buster Burger comes with a large 1/2 pound burger sitting on a 6 inch bun toped with lettuce, tomato and onion. Along side comes a healthy portion of fries. For $6.50 you are getting a meal but don't expect a colorful experience like you get on the walls of garage sale items. The burger is average to good but a bit too much bun for the meat to handle. You should go for the double 1/4 pounder instead so you can get a smaller bun. The slightly under cooked fries are thin cut and pale. A bit too mushy for my taste.

The special of the day was meatloaf in brown gravy served with the soup of the day. The Bean soup was good for a diner but resembled a bowl of refried beans. The meatloaf was about what you get in a Swanson dinner, average and meant to fill your belly.

Supposedly known for their great cinnamon rolls, it had to be experienced. Served warm with a heart-stopping amount of melted butter it was an impressive looking roll. A bite in to it reveals the texture of cake and the taste of banana bread. Not the most memorable experience but not a terrible treat.

If you happen to be passing by and in the mood for a burger and a yard sale, stop in and take a look at the sale selection. If you are looking for a hidden treasure of a great burger, drive elsewhere.