Leobardos Taco Shop

While working in the Lakewood/​Englewood corridor, I took it upon myself to try every authentic Mexican restaurant along Federal, whether it looked like it was up to code or not. I’m not sure what it was I was looking for exactly, other than good ingredients at a good price, a non-​greasy taco, and perhaps something not overflowing with gringos like a 3 Margaritas franchise.
Typically, I’ll order the tacos. Now what I have usually found along Federal Blvd. is a taco served Mexican-​style NOT Taco Bell style.
thank god.
So don’t step into this stand with the expectation that you’re getting a gringo taco. This is Federal Boulevard, baby.
These tacos start by ordering the meat of your choice, it is then grilled fresh on the flat-​top (when you order), and piled on a warm corn tortilla with a side of tomatillo sauce and/​or onions. I don’t get cheese or lettuce and the staff would probably roll their eyes at you if you asked. So don’t ask, get it the way it was intended. It’s authentic and delicious.
So the first time I stepped into Leobardo’s Orange 1960’s-looking Taco Shop, I ordered Carnitas tacos and a chicken tostada. Both were great but I was especially wowed by the chicken! It’s always medium spicy so it’s not for whimps. But it is the most flavorfully, juicy, and perfectly spiced chicken I’ve found at any Mexican restaurant or taco stand to date. BUT what really makes Leobardo’s stand out from the crowd is their Tamales al Vapor!
These are hands-​down the best tamales in Denver and the price is unbeatable!
It’s $ 9.50 for a dozen and the staff is always nice enough to heat one up for you to taste before you buy. I have made several out-​of-​the-​way trips to buy their tamales. They come 6 to a bag and have a couple different fillings including pork, chili and cheese, and even pineapple! I recommend freezing one bag while consuming the other. I have never found the tamales to be skimpy on the ingredients and they are not fatty or full of gristle. These are made with quality ingredients and flavored beautifully. Oh yeeeah.
One final note here, I do not speak more than a couple words of Spanish and I have walked in when the gentleman who speaks English is out, but the staff has even called him on his cell phone to speak with me in the event of the language barrier getting in the way. I found that to be very considerate. The staff is friendly and will serve you with pleasure.
Now go get yourself some TAMALES!

Have you ever had a torta de tamal? It sounds a little ridiculous. And dry. I mean why put one dough based delight inside of another? Well, in Mexico City, where someone somewhere has already tried just about anything you can think of in a torta, tortas de tamal are commonplace. And they are fantastic.
This place has them too, and while the bread of the torta (like every torta in Denver that I’ve ever had) is not quite the same (or as good) as in Mexico, it is still worth trying. It isn’t the best I’ve had (mostly because of the bread) but to my knowledge it is the only place in Denver, so, well, I guess it is the best in Denver.
The tacos are good too-​try the vapor, or steamed beef. And the tamales themselves are worth the trip! Also, for you late nighters, it will soon be open 24 hours a day with a drive thru.