Mezcaleria Alma, located in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, is an elegant and cozy restaurant that captures the innovative and vibrant culinary spirit of Mexico City (CDMX), with a focus on creative small plates and an expansive Mexican spirits program.
What Makes it Unique
Mezcaleria Alma is a passion project from Michelin-starred Chef Johnny Curiel and his wife, Kasie, and is situated right next door to their acclaimed restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina.
- CDMX-Inspired Innovation: While Alma Fonda Fina is a “love letter” to the traditional home-cooked traditions (fondas) of Mexico, Mezcaleria Alma embodies the unbridled, boundary-pushing culinary innovation found in Mexico City. The menu is succinct, seafood-focused, and features international flavors and modern techniques.
- A Celebration of Agave Spirits: The restaurant features an impressive bar program, with a spirit list that is four times larger than the food menu, showcasing over 120 expressions of agave spirits—including not just popular mezcal and tequila, but also lesser-known spirits like sotol, raicilla, and bacanora.
- The Chef’s Counter Experience: The small, stylish space is rustic and chic, featuring a chef’s counter where guests can sit and engage directly with the chefs, providing an intimate, educational, and memorable dining experience.
History
Mezcaleria Alma is the third restaurant concept from Chef Johnny and Kasie Curiel in Denver, following the opening of Alma Fonda Fina and Cozobi Fonda Fina in Boulder.
- Founding: Mezcaleria Alma officially opened to the public on November 16, 2024.
- A Neighboring Concept: It was established right next to Alma Fonda Fina, which had recently earned a Michelin star in its first year, marking a new chapter in Chef Curiel’s vision to share the full breadth of Mexico’s beauty through food.
Significant Events
- Post-Michelin Star Opening (2024): Mezcaleria Alma opened shortly after its sister restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina, became the sole Colorado restaurant to earn a new star in the latest edition of the state’s Michelin Guide. This placed it immediately under a spotlight of high culinary expectation.
- National Recognition (2025): The restaurant has quickly gained national attention, being included in The New York Times’s 2025 list of the nation’s 50 best restaurants.
Highlight Menu Items & Customer Feedback
The food is described as “authentic, elevated Mexican” and the overall rating is an outstanding 4.9 stars.
Recommended Dishes & Beverages
| Menu Item | Description/Customer Feedback |
| Burrata con Huitlacoche | Described as an “exceptional” dish and possibly the “best food I’ve had in Colorado” by one enthusiastic diner. |
| Ceviche Tostada | A standout favorite; the Tuna Tostada and Uni Tostada are both crowd favorites, praised for their bold and balanced flavors. One reviewer called the ceviche tostada “one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.” |
| Aguachile de Erizo | A seafood-forward plate, with Santa Barbara uni and a mandarin pairing that offers “just the right amount of brightness.” |
| Cachete de Res en Chichilo (Beef Cheek) | This entree is a standout, featuring beef cheeks with mole and sweet potatoes. The mashed sweet potato pays homage to the Camote at Alma Fonda Fina and “cemented this meal as the best meal I’ve had in Colorado.” |
| Tres Leches | The sole dessert on the menu, it is highlighted as being made unique with a tart berry compote on top, along with pops of fleur de sel. |
| Beet Spritz & Paloma | The cocktail list is highly praised. The Beet Spritz is noted as being “incredible,” and the Paloma is regarded as one of the best a patron has ever tried, incorporating unexpected ginger. |
General Customer Feedback
Reviews highlight the intimate and trendy vibe, the knowledgeable and attentive service, and the exquisite quality of the food and drink.
- “We sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen and watching the chefs put things together… the expertise and friendliness of both the chef and bartender were lovely. Altogether one of the best meals we’ve had in Denver.”
- “The food was so delicious – I’ve been to many high end Mexico City restaurants and Mezcaleria alma perfect matched the vibe and high expectations…”
- “My favorite dessert is tres leches and it is the only dessert on their menu. I couldn’t resist and was so happy devouring it. They’ve made it their own by adding a tart berry compote on top…”
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 2550 15th St, Denver, CO 80211 |
| Map Link | Mezcaleria Alma on Google Maps |
| Phone Number | +1 303-484-1471 |
| Website | https://mezcaleriaalma.com/ |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mezcaleriaalma |
| Hours | Open daily from 4:00 PM to 12:00 A |
