We put the question out there to the locals , "Where is the best Mexican food in the Roaring Fork Valley?" Here's what they came up with. Most of the responses are from Carbondale BTW.
The Food Trucks Won This Conversation
Several locals immediately pointed to the food trucks scattered throughout the valley.
Dana Ganssle Ellis, founder of The Outpost Studio and CoMotion Dance Company, is a fan of the food truck at Catherine Store.
My standbys are the chicken tacos or the Burrito Norteño.
Taqueria El Yaqui
The yellow food truck is parked between Walgreens and Comfort Dental in Glenwood. There actually are two Taquería El Yaqui trucks in Glenwood.
Andy Modell gave a shout-out to the legendary Taquería El Yaqui food truck near Walgreens, and the Catherine Store food truck
Molly Anna backed that sentiment describing a steak burrito from Taquería El Yaqui a life changing experience.
I went from starving to happy food coma so fast I didn't even get the name.
Susie Jimenez quickly agreed.
Taqueria El Nopal, Glenwood Springs
The infamous Raffie Bass loves this place and Chef Susie Jimenez loves the Tortas and tacos
Di Karni at Catherine Store, Carbondale
This food truck located at Catherine Store received multiple mentions. If you've spent any time traveling Highway 133, this probably doesn't surprise you. Whether it's tacos after a bike ride or a burrito on the way to Redstone, Di Karni remains one of those places locals quietly love.
Andy Modell & Dana Ganssle Ellis like this truck. Dana's favorite standbys are Chicken Tacos or the Burrito Norteno.
La Placita Carniceria Y Taqueria, Carbondale:
If you've spent any time traveling Highway 133, this probably doesn't surprise you. Whether it's tacos after a bike ride or a burrito on the way to Redstone, the Catherine Store remains one of those places locals quietly love.
Susie Jimenez and Michele Franceschetti both said it is "The Best". And Jillian Livingston was taken there by Chef who knows. If you want authentic, this is it! Located in the mall where City Market used to be. Get the Birria!
El Taco Express Food Truck, Willits
El Taco Express in front of the Woody Creek Distillery in Basalt is also in Glenwood Springs and Rifle.
Nicole Zugschwerd said that this truck has the best birria tacos that she's found in the valley.
El Korita, Willits
Chef Susie Jimenez likes their Mixed Seafood Ceviche
Frida's Gets Some Love
Paula Godfrey Eaton, independent wine consultant and longtime valley local, didn't hesitate when asked for her favorite.
Frida's in Glenwood. Chicken enchiladas. The chef used to be from Laco, so it's the #4. If you know, then you know.
JC Food Truck
Will Grandbois, General Manager of Crystal Theatre Alliance, didn't hesitate:
JC Food Truck's nacho fries are my ultimate comfort food.
Los Cazadores, El Jebel.
Cheyenne Michelle from Aspen likes the Al pastor tacos.
Will & Marty Mylott voted for this.
Tequila's! Shrimp and octopus!
La Jimena Carniceria, Carbondale
Chef Susie recommends the Birria & Torta - Absolutely the best!!
Las Montañas, Aspen
Jennifer Grace likes Las Montañas in Aspen, one of the newer additions to Aspen's dining scene. Las Montañas has quickly built a following for its elevated Mexican fare, creative cocktails, and lively atmosphere.

Old Snowmass Market
Laura Maine, owner of Tempranillo Restaurant loves the tacos in the Old Snowmass Market at the Conoco.
Sometimes the locals know something the rest of us don't.
Sazón centroamericano
Recommended by Liss Mejía
A popular Central American food truck just down the valley in Glenwood Springs. Located at 50629 US-6, it is about 15 miles northwest of Carbondale
Tequila, El Jebel
Suggested by Marty Mylott
The truth is that the best Mexican food in the Roaring Fork Valley isn't found in one place. It's scattered across food trucks, carnicerias, markets, family-owned restaurants, roadside stops, and longtime local favorites. And that's exactly why we love opening up these questions to the locals.
Thank you to everyone who contributed recommendations. This is what Aspen Real Life is all about: locals sharing their favorite places with other locals.
Now the real question is... Where are we going next? Tag @aspenreallife on Insta if you go to any of these places and post pictures, or to add new places to this list!

















