Plans have been in the works to open Pato’s Tacos on East Colfax Avenue since May 2021, but licensing delays from the City of Denver have postponed the new restaurant’s debut.
“We have been waiting for months, and we still don’t have a clear answer from them to know when we are going to be able to open,” said Pato’s Tacos owner and chef, Patricio Penalosa.
Initially, Pato’s Tacos planned to open during the summer of 2021, but Penalosa said COVID and city staffing issues have caused a delay in a business license approval for the restaurant. Penalosa hopes to finally open the location featuring Mexican tacos sometime this spring, possibly in March.
Although Penalosa has worked in the food industry for years, being new to town and starting a business from scratch has been a challenge. But, he has learned from the experience.
Penalosa moved to the U.S. from Mexico to invest in restaurants. “Denver seems to be the best city to open our concept,” Penalosa said. “When we found the place, it was perfect. It had everything we needed.”
Penalosa hopes to eventually open a second location in Denver with more locations planned for several other states across the U.S. over the next three years.
Pato’s Tacos will offer traditional Mexican tacos, as well as vegan options. “The first thing you do when you come into the place is get your food. In less than one minute, you’re going to be eating a taco. That’s the way we do it in Mexico,” Penalosa told What Now Denver.
“Even the ambiance is created around the Mexican street food concept.” The space will offer indoor and outdoor seating for quick, grab-and-go meals and drinks. After opening, Penalosa plans to move forward with obtaining a liquor license to offer a limited menu of Mexican beers, frozen margaritas, tequila and mezcal shots.
“We are really, really happy in Denver,” Penalosa said. “We know that we are bringing something that Denver needs.”
Jay Soneff, president of Jamis Companies, is the owner of the building that houses Pato’s Tacos.
Great option! We love tacos! 🌮