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Surviving Spring Break: Best Ski Town Mexican and Margaritas

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It's that time of year, when sunny skies, slushy snow, and rookie drinkers signal the onset of spring break. And while Curbed Ski has brought you the best dive bars, distilleries, pizza joints, and breweries, we knew something was missing. To help you cope with the Spring Break crazy- whether you're a local who's counting down to a mud season vacation, or a visitor on holiday, Curbed Ski has the ultimate warm weather inspiration for you: a guide to the best ski town Mexican eats and Margaritas from Truckee to Jackson Hole. Need another excuse to tap into the tequila? The second annual Après Ski Cocktail Classic kicks off in Snowmass, March 13-16. Salud!

Note: The bars and restaurants are listed based on geography, not in any particular ranking. Upset your fav spot didn't make the list? Send us an email or let us know in the comments.


-By Laurel Miller · From Family Fun to Après Partying, Go Here For Spring Break [Curbed Ski]
· All Eater Ski Coverage [Curbed Ski Archives]

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Locals flock to this Ketchum favorite for the best margarita in town and plenty of tasty tapas and flatbreads. Order the El Fuego Dulce, a blissful combo of Sauza's 100% Blue Agave Silver Tequila, Cointreau, Fresh Lime Juice, and Seasonal Fresh Fruit all muddled with Jalapeno's, Cilantro, and Agave Honey. It pairs perfectly with the House Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs with Candied Serrano Chilies for a sweet and spicy combo that will blow your mind. Other highlights include the Cocas (flatbreads) and make sure to ask about Sawtooth Brewery's special poblano chile brew made just for Boca.

Spur Restaurant & Bar

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In the mood for a fancypants take on a margarita? Hit this popular restaurant in the Teton Mountain Lodge and ask for The Perfect Puree, a tangy, heated concoction made with house-infused jalapeno tequila, muddled lime and orange, margarita mix, OJ, and passion fruit. Also aces: the Spicy Margarita with Blood Orange.

El Chubasco

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Big-ass portions of delicious, unlarded Mexican classics are a huge draw for locals and visitors alike but it’s the drool-worthy salsa bar that makes this friendly restaurant destination-worthy. Get your condiment on with all manner of housemade sauces, charred jalapenos, and escabeche.

Casa Baeza

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Totally unremarkable food is forgiven in the face of the nuclear-strength margs at this little family-joint in North Tahoe (and Truckee knows its cocktails). Says one local, “One and you’re done. Call a cab.”

Tacos Jalisco

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Bummed you’re not Mexico right now? This is the next best thing in North Lake Tahoe. Grab a seat at one of the four bar stools or two miniscule tables and chow down on taqueria classics like carnitas, tortas, or tacos de lengua. Too many margs at Casa Baeza the night before? Order up a steaming bowl of menudo.

Taqueria El Nopal

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The Roaring Fork Valley’s best hole-in-the-wall Mexican and Salvadorean is tucked away on a service road near downtown Basalt, on the way into Aspen. Big honkin’ specialty platos are great, but the pupusas and weekend menudo and pozole will ease the most throbbing hangover.

Jimmy's An American Restaurant

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Curbed Ski recommends the Dulce Caliente, a well-balanced, refreshing mix of (Jalisco-made, Boulder-based) Suerte Blanco tequila, St. Germain, lemon and lime juice, and muddled cucumber and jalapeno, served with Jimmy’s housemade, signature“BFIC” (that’s Big Fucking Ice Cube, fyi).

Donita's Cantina

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We know, we know, there are two Crested Butte spots on the list. But it's because Donita’s has been a Crested Butte institution for over 30 years; go for the solid, straightforward Mexican fare, warm, family-friendly atmosphere, and killer margaritas.

Teocalli Tamale

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Do you feel like fast, slightly gringo-ized Mexican that’s still fresh and tasty? Then hit up Teocalli Tamale for the excellent namesake masa-based savories, filled with red chili and pork or green chile and cheese, or spring for one of the creative burritos (Green Chile Pesto, Gourmet Veg) or tacos. Don't worry, the line moves fast.

La Cocina De Luz

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Telluride’s longtime local’s fave isn’t as affordable as it once was, but it still offers the best Mexican in town, with an emphasis on fresh, often local produce, and housemade almost everything (including juices). Sit on the patio with a marg for a view of Ajax Peak and prime people-watching along Colorado Ave.

Zia Taqueria

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Post slope-sesh, hit this fast casual joint for what Curbed Ski has dubbed a “tastier and more flavorful version of Chipotle.” Grub down on the barbacoa, chicken tinga, and pulled pork “Burrotes” (burritos packed with meat, veggies, and a ton of toppings).

El Paragua Restaurant

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Located on the Taos Highway (one hour from the town proper, and 90 minutes from Angel Fire), this gorgeous, hand-hewn rock hacienda adorned with terra-cotta flooring and hefty vigas (wooden ceiling beams) is worth a bit of a detour. It’s been a New Mexico cult fave since 1958, when the Atencio brothers opened it as a roadside food stand. The restaurant and parking lot kiosk are still owned and operated by the family, and mother Frances’ recipes are legendary. Squash post-ski hunger with a plate of the earthy, brick-red adovada, or a bowl of rich, savory posole chock full of tender pork, hominy, and chile, with a side of sopapillas. Don’t forget to get a quart of red or green chile to go.

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Boca

Locals flock to this Ketchum favorite for the best margarita in town and plenty of tasty tapas and flatbreads. Order the El Fuego Dulce, a blissful combo of Sauza's 100% Blue Agave Silver Tequila, Cointreau, Fresh Lime Juice, and Seasonal Fresh Fruit all muddled with Jalapeno's, Cilantro, and Agave Honey. It pairs perfectly with the House Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs with Candied Serrano Chilies for a sweet and spicy combo that will blow your mind. Other highlights include the Cocas (flatbreads) and make sure to ask about Sawtooth Brewery's special poblano chile brew made just for Boca.

Spur Restaurant & Bar

In the mood for a fancypants take on a margarita? Hit this popular restaurant in the Teton Mountain Lodge and ask for The Perfect Puree, a tangy, heated concoction made with house-infused jalapeno tequila, muddled lime and orange, margarita mix, OJ, and passion fruit. Also aces: the Spicy Margarita with Blood Orange.

El Chubasco

Big-ass portions of delicious, unlarded Mexican classics are a huge draw for locals and visitors alike but it’s the drool-worthy salsa bar that makes this friendly restaurant destination-worthy. Get your condiment on with all manner of housemade sauces, charred jalapenos, and escabeche.

Casa Baeza

Totally unremarkable food is forgiven in the face of the nuclear-strength margs at this little family-joint in North Tahoe (and Truckee knows its cocktails). Says one local, “One and you’re done. Call a cab.”

Tacos Jalisco

Bummed you’re not Mexico right now? This is the next best thing in North Lake Tahoe. Grab a seat at one of the four bar stools or two miniscule tables and chow down on taqueria classics like carnitas, tortas, or tacos de lengua. Too many margs at Casa Baeza the night before? Order up a steaming bowl of menudo.

Taqueria El Nopal

The Roaring Fork Valley’s best hole-in-the-wall Mexican and Salvadorean is tucked away on a service road near downtown Basalt, on the way into Aspen. Big honkin’ specialty platos are great, but the pupusas and weekend menudo and pozole will ease the most throbbing hangover.

Jimmy's An American Restaurant

Curbed Ski recommends the Dulce Caliente, a well-balanced, refreshing mix of (Jalisco-made, Boulder-based) Suerte Blanco tequila, St. Germain, lemon and lime juice, and muddled cucumber and jalapeno, served with Jimmy’s housemade, signature“BFIC” (that’s Big Fucking Ice Cube, fyi).

Donita's Cantina

We know, we know, there are two Crested Butte spots on the list. But it's because Donita’s has been a Crested Butte institution for over 30 years; go for the solid, straightforward Mexican fare, warm, family-friendly atmosphere, and killer margaritas.

Teocalli Tamale

Do you feel like fast, slightly gringo-ized Mexican that’s still fresh and tasty? Then hit up Teocalli Tamale for the excellent namesake masa-based savories, filled with red chili and pork or green chile and cheese, or spring for one of the creative burritos (Green Chile Pesto, Gourmet Veg) or tacos. Don't worry, the line moves fast.

La Cocina De Luz

Telluride’s longtime local’s fave isn’t as affordable as it once was, but it still offers the best Mexican in town, with an emphasis on fresh, often local produce, and housemade almost everything (including juices). Sit on the patio with a marg for a view of Ajax Peak and prime people-watching along Colorado Ave.

Zia Taqueria

Post slope-sesh, hit this fast casual joint for what Curbed Ski has dubbed a “tastier and more flavorful version of Chipotle.” Grub down on the barbacoa, chicken tinga, and pulled pork “Burrotes” (burritos packed with meat, veggies, and a ton of toppings).

El Paragua Restaurant

Located on the Taos Highway (one hour from the town proper, and 90 minutes from Angel Fire), this gorgeous, hand-hewn rock hacienda adorned with terra-cotta flooring and hefty vigas (wooden ceiling beams) is worth a bit of a detour. It’s been a New Mexico cult fave since 1958, when the Atencio brothers opened it as a roadside food stand. The restaurant and parking lot kiosk are still owned and operated by the family, and mother Frances’ recipes are legendary. Squash post-ski hunger with a plate of the earthy, brick-red adovada, or a bowl of rich, savory posole chock full of tender pork, hominy, and chile, with a side of sopapillas. Don’t forget to get a quart of red or green chile to go.