Whether served in a bowl or on top of burritos or enchiladas, green chili is a staple to the American southwest diet. There has always been a fierce rivalry between New Mexico and Colorado, competing to see which state serves the best green chili. The New Mexico style is usually very thin and uses tomatillos while the traditional Colorado style is thicker and uses tomatoes. While we’re not picking sides (we’ll leave that up to you), MyCityWay does suggest a few places in Denver where you can try some famous green chili:
Santiago’s: Carmen Morales, owner and chef at Santiago’s, credits her mother for Santiago’s chili recipe who used to roast jalapenos on the grill to make a spicy green chili for her father. Santiago’s serves its medium-thick “Authentic Green Chile Sauce with Pork” hot, mild, or 1/2 and ½, depending on your spice-threshold (warning: the hot is very hot). Its entire burrito and enchilada selection is available “smothered,” or you you can order green chili separately (even by the quart-load). Santiago’s now also offers guests a chance to eat it without ever stepping foot inside the restaurant: It is available in grocery stores across the country and it is also available to be ordered and shipped. 2505 N. Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80211
Jack-n-Grill: Family owned and operated, Jack-n-Grill has become known as one of the best restaurants in Colorado. It has been featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network on many occasions. It has been named as one of the “Best Place to Chow Down” in the US and a “Top 10 Green Chili” by Denver Post. Owner Jack Martinez, who began his career as a green-chili importer, serves authentic New Mexican-style pork green chili. Jack-n-Grill is also known for its 7-pound burrito, a meal that has only been finished in its entirety by 50 people, but has been attempted by hundreds. 2524 N. Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80211
Brewery Bar II: Inconspicuously nestled in a warehouse district, the Brewery Bar serves up some of the hottest green chili in Denver. First opened in 1954, the Brewery Bar has won many awards, most of them for its chili. Offering many inexpensive choices, the Brewery Bar has become the best place for locals and tourists alike to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner. Many diners comment that while the hot green chili may be very spicy, it’s also extremely flavorful, something many chefs struggle to find an appropriate balance. 150 Kalamath Street, Denver, CO 80223
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