Well, I’ve decided that Viva Burrito is definitely the goods. I’ve had quite a few different entrees from there now, and they are all pretty good, especially for the money.

Viva Burrito looks to be sort of a national chain, but in limited markets. I can’t seem to find a website for them and it’s no surprise, they are pretty low rent. Looking at the outside of one, you would be a bit uneasy about going into one as all of the locations I have seen in Colorado are in old Taco Bell’s.

However, what they lack in style, they make up in substance. Tonight I picked-up some of the beef taco’s there, which were $1.79 a piece. Initially I thought they were steep, but I figured I should try them out anyhow since it was one of the few things on the menu there which I wanted to try that I hadn’t yet. How were they? In a word– amazing! The tacos were actually shredded beef, packed to the max, including a healthy dose of real cheese. The shells had really good texture, and reminded me of “homemade” shells as they weren’t perfect looking, but man, were they tasty. I’d assume they have some lower cost Tacos there which are only ground beef, but I think it will be hard to go back after these tacos.

I’ve also had their breakfast burritos quite a number of times. For the money, they can’t be beat. If you catch them in the morning you can get one for $2.09 including a cup of coffee (I think you have to ask for the coffee or they won’t give it to you). Not to mention, the burritos are quite large! My only gripe about their food in general is that the salsa is way too runny, and could stand to be a lot more flavorful.

I’ve also had a couple of other things there such as the Carne Asada– it was okay, but perhaps just a bit on the bland side. Overall, I’d say try out the tacos there first, and then venture around the menu to see if there is anything else that you like. If you like Pico de Gayo and fresh cheese, definitely check out the chips and salsa. Essentially it’s a whole bunch of chips covered in healthy amounts of cheese and pico.. good stuff.

In Denver I know of two locations for Viva Burrito– Hwy 36 and Pecos, and there is also one around Regis University at 52nd and Federal or so. If you’re looking for some good tacos on the go, or high quality mexican fast food which isn’t completely Americanized, give them a shot!