People often ask, “Is Venalonzo your last name?” The simple answer is yes, but there is a rich and storied history behind it. Owners and siblings Nati and Pako say Venalonzo’s Tacos is “very personal and purposefully designed to represent not only our family but also the culture where we grew up.” For them, the restaurant embodies hard work, dedication and passion. The name of the taco shop honors their father and celebrates the Mexican surname.

Venalonzo’s Tacos has gained recognition among Denver food lovers. Since opening in summer 2022, the restaurant has welcomed guests at its original location (affectionately labeled the OG) at 6830 South Yosemite Street in Centennial. In 2025, the family expanded to Parker, a location at 18951 Mainstreet, and now they have a third location at 7824 Park Meadows Drive, Suite 300, in Lone Tree.

Nati and Pako are two of 15 siblings from a small village in Mochitlán Guerrero, Mexico, near Acapulco. Their family immigrated to the United States in 1999 after their grandmother urged them to seek better opportunities.

When Pako first arrived, he settled in Parker. Nati joined him shortly after. Nati’s daughter, Michelle, became the first Colorado-born member of the family. A single parent, Nati’s journey reflects resilience and determination. After arriving in the United States and learning English, she worked in fast food restaurants such as Burger King and Del Taco. To make ends meet, the family would sell homemade tamales and burritos out of a cooler. They worked long days, cooking overnight, and selling fresh tamales on weekends in grocery store parking lots and car washes.

With support from her community, (some even helped cover her naturalization fees), Nati became a U.S. citizen. She eventually found the courage to open Venalonzo’s Tacos, overcoming the fears of entrepreneurship. Her experience in low-paying jobs shaped her gratitude and drive, while her time as a general manager helped prepare her to run a business, even as she continues to learn.

Family plays a central role in the restaurants. The Venalonzo family portrait greets customers at the entrance of each location.

The talented family members have worked together for years. Pako and his wife Lani designed and crafted the unique Mexican décor. All the vibrant colors and artwork in the restaurants come directly from their hometown of Guerrero. The music and recipes reflect the flavors of their childhood. Guerrero cuisine blends indigenous traditions with Spanish and French influences.

Michelle, now studying to be a nurse, helps manage the restaurant, enthusiastically greeting guests and waiting on tables, as well as handling the bookkeeping. Nati can be seen making margaritas behind the bar, serving spicy hot dishes, and rolling fresh flour tortillas back in the kitchen.

The scratch-made approach has won Venalonzo’s Tacos numerous accolades, including Westword magazine’s “Best of Denver, Reader’s Choice winner,” the winner of “Best Birria Tacos,” as well as the number 22 spot on Yelp’s “Top 100 Taco Shops.” (Birria is a meat stew).

Not surprisingly, the quesabirrias (a cross between a quesadilla and a taco) are a standout order. Quesabirrias are known for the slow-braised birria that is stuffed into a cheesy tortilla, dipped in chile-rich consommé and grilled to perfection. Other unique birria items offered include birria egg rolls, ramen, pizza, a burger, and mac-and-cheese birria balls. The Torta Venalonzo has a mixture of asada, carnitas, jamon and chorizo con huevo covered in queso, mayonnaise, beans, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and jalapenos. A breakfast menu features huevos rancheros, chilaquiles and burritos. Many dishes can be customized to accommodate dietary needs.

The salsa and condiment bar has a plethora of options for sauces to add spice or lower the heat level. Outfitted with a full cocktail bar, each location features a margarita menu that is as colorful and vibrant as the décor and an offering of several Mexican beers to cool the thirst.

The Venalonzo family takes pride in serving scratch-made food in a warm and inviting atmosphere, grounded in tradition from their homeland.
For more information, visit venalonzostacos.com.

By ViVi Somphon