Proud to be one of the founding writers for for INSIDE LONGMONT magazine, where my job is to profile the small, family-run taquerĂas that give this city its flavor. Since the first issue debuted in December 2024, the tacos (and the stories behind them) have not stopped coming. This isn’t a restaurant review column, and it never was meant to be. Every taquerĂa we’ve featured is a family business, and every article is a story about people — about a grandmother’s recipe crossing a border and a generation, about siblings running a truck together, about a dish that tastes like childhood and home.
So here’s a few I’ve covered so far:
🌮 Marco’s Hot Dogs & Tacos — “Longmont’s Three-Generation Family Gem” (Issue No. 1). Where it all started: the candy-striped awning at 17th and Kimbark, Sonoran-style bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and street tacos you order “single” or “double.” Owner Arturo Silva’s line has stuck with me ever since: “Un taco al dĂa es la clave para la alegrĂa.” A taco a day is the key to happiness.
🌮 Summit Tacos — “A Taste of Central and Southern Mexico in the Heart of Longmont” (Issue No. 2). A warm hub of flavor and fiesta with a fan base of regulars who clearly know something the rest of us are catching up on.
🌮 Josie’s Tacos — “Grandma’s Authentic Recipes Find a Home on Main Street” (Issue No. 3). Step through the bright red door and you’re in Josefina “Josie” Saenz Guanespen’s world — sunlight, sizzling meat, and norteña music turned up loud.
🌮 Danny’s Tacos — Both the famous yellow food truck and the brick and mortar on 17th and Hover. They’re also featured in my book, MOON COLORADO HIKING, for the breakfast burrito after a sunrise hike at McIntosh Lake.
🌮 Santiago’s — Breakfast burrito is possibly the best deal in town: order it mild, half-and-half, or spicy, there’s only one flavor a day to choose from.
🌮 Familia Pupusas — El Salvadorean goodness at the Farmer’s Market.
And up next: La Mariposa, where we’re trading the usual taco-stand rhythm for something different — covering the Sunday brunch and buffet spread. This place has been around 39 years and the grandkids are now running the floor! Their rooftop vampiros are pretty fire also.
I’m also eyeing Abuelita’s … What else? Where’s your favorite Strongmont taco joint? What should I cover next and why?
