Reader: If You Leave Denver, You'll Miss the Green Chile!

No food debate in Colorado is hotter than the argument that ensues when someone brings up green chile. Some people are loyal only to the version made in New Mexico, where Hatch chiles reign supreme. But Colorado has its own style, as well as a loyalty to chiles from Pueblo, which many consider to be meatier and more flavorful than the Hatch variety.

From saucier varieties to more stew-like options, from those that take their cues from Santa Fe to those that developed into a unique Den-Mex brew, we sampled the goods from restaurants across the metro area, then served up a list of our favorite spots for green chile in Denver last week.

In comments on the Westword Facebook page, readers dished up plenty of their own opinions. Says David: 

La Loma hands down. Grandma Mendoza's secret recipe is the bomb. Housemade tortillas accompanying are 🔥 . Best just to order the steak fajitas which are served with all the above, plus- the only place I've ever been asked how you'd like the steak cooked (medium rare is ideal).

Offers Eric:

Thank you!!!!! Brewery Bar II is the best. Special relleno crispy 1/2 & 1/2. I usually get two. 

Adds Brian:

Love that Brewery Bar is back and Chakas! You all do come out to southeast Denver after all!

Complains Peter:

Green chile in Denver is awful. So watered-down and bland.

Responds Scott:

Green chile as a dish or topping is trash and a waste of some otherwise fine peppers, whether Hatch, Pueblo, or anything else. I was just in NM for the Balloon Fiesta, and so many bad restaurants there are just trying to coast along on green chili hype.

Counters John: 

The stuff served here in Denver is not green chile, it is a roux with a green chile waved over it and a small diced tomato stirred in, then a smattering of onion added for looks.

My great grandmother turns in her coffin when this awful stuff is served. I won't even go to most Mexican food restaurants here any longer as I am tired of being disappointed with the cooking.

I will on occasion go to Little Anita's on Colorado for red chili on anything. Or Twisters Burittos for a green chile cheeseburger. They taste exactly like my fondest memories of the fiestas at Our Lady of Belen in New Mexico. They were cooked by volunteers as fast as they could. There was always a line around that stand.

Pueblo chili may actually be competition for Hatch chile but green chiliecooking in Colorado is horrible. 

Agrees Andrew:

Green chile is slimy, disgusting, overhyped garbage. Red chili - without beans - is the one, true chili.

Counters Joy: 

You'll never realize how much you love Denver's green chile until you have to move out of Colorado. I'm going through withdrawal.

Responds Alan:

I do miss the green chile.

Adds Chris:

I so miss going to South Federal Boulevard and bushels of Hatch chiles, fire-roasted.

Concludes Fran:

 I had to move to the East Coast, and I crave green chile every day. Please freeze some and mail it to me! I'll take anything on this list.

Where do you get the best green chile in metro Denver? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].