You ever walk into a place and just feel the weight of a thousand Sunday dinners? That’s the vibe. Honestly, if you grew up in Denver, La Loma Mexican Restaurant isn't just a place to grab a taco. It’s a landmark. It’s where your cousin had her rehearsal dinner and where your grandpa probably insisted on taking the family every time he won twenty bucks on a scratch-off.
But things have changed lately. If you haven't been keeping up with the local food drama, the "La Loma" you remember might actually be called something else now depending on which street you're standing on.
The Great Name Split of 2025
Back in September 2025, the Brinkerhoff family—who have been the stewards of this brand since 1981—decided to split the baby. It sounds like a corporate headache, but basically, the family divided the empire. Mark Brinkerhoff took the Downtown Denver (Broadway) and Castle Rock locations and rebranded them as Savina’s Mexican Kitchen.
Why Savina's? To honor Grandma Savina Mendoza. She’s the woman whose portrait you’ve likely seen hanging in the dining room for decades. She’s the literal soul of the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Renée Brinkerhoff and her son, William Jr., kept the La Loma name for the locations at McGregor Square, Parker, and the Denver Tech Center (DTC). So, if you’re looking for "La Loma" specifically, you’re headed to the newer, flashier spots. If you want the old Broadway haunt where you used to see the Brown Palace guests wandering in, you’re looking for Savina’s.
The good news? The recipes didn't change. The green chile is still the same pork-heavy, slow-simmered magic it’s always been.
Why People Freak Out Over the Green Chile
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or the pig in the pot. Grandma’s Green Chile is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Denver. It’s not that watery, translucent stuff you find at some of the "authentic" hole-in-the-walls. It’s thick. It’s savory. It’s got that specific umami kick that comes from a ridiculous amount of garlic and, if the local rumors are true, a healthy dose of lard.
You’ve got options here, but you really only have one: The Anniversary Plate.
It’s basically a greatest-hits album on a ceramic dish. You get a stuffed sopapilla, a chile relleno, and a chicken flauta. Everything is smothered in that hatch green chile. It’s enough food to make you want to take a three-hour nap in the back of your car, but you’ll finish every bite. Trust me.
- Mini Chile Rellenos: They’re crispy, they’re gooey, and they don't have that weirdly thick egg batter that makes some rellenos feel like a sponge.
- The Tortillas: Watch the ladies making them. They are thick, pillowy, and served warm enough to melt butter on contact. They are the best "utensil" in the building.
- Carne Guisada: If you’re not in the mood for a combo, this beef stew is tender enough to eat with a spoon.
The Move From Jefferson Park
A lot of people still miss the old location. For nearly 40 years, La Loma sat in those three historic red-brick houses in Jefferson Park. It felt like eating in someone’s living room. When they moved to Broadway in 2016, there was a collective panic that the soul would vanish.
It didn't. They literally moved the old wood beams, the reclaimed brick, and the Oleg Stavrowsky paintings to the new spots. They even moved the famous barrel-aged tequila setup.
The McGregor Square location is the new flagship, and it’s definitely "upscale Mexican." You’re more likely to see people in suits or Rockies jerseys there than the old-school neighborhood crowd, but the hospitality remains surprisingly warm.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a visit to the La Loma Mexican Restaurant Denver Colorado scene, don’t just wing it.
- Reservations are mandatory. Especially at McGregor Square or DTC. This isn't a "show up and wait 10 minutes" kind of place. It’s a "wait two hours at the bar" kind of place if you don't book ahead.
- The Margaritas are sneaky. They use high-quality tequila (the Barrel-Aged Coin is the move), and they don't skimp. Two of those and you'll be trying to buy a portrait of Grandma Savina.
- Parking is a pain. At the Broadway (Savina's) spot, use the valet. At McGregor Square, use the garage. Don't waste thirty minutes circling the block.
The reality is that La Loma has survived the test of time because it doesn't try to be trendy. It’s not "street food." It’s not "fusion." It’s just heavy, delicious, North-of-the-border Mexican food that tastes like Colorado history. Whether you call it La Loma or Savina's, as long as that green chile stays the same, Denver will keep showing up.
Your next move? Check which location is closest to you—McGregor Square for the downtown vibe or DTC for the suburban polish—and book a table for a Thursday night. It’s quieter than the weekend, but the tortillas are just as fresh.