Where you come for the fajitas and stay for the margaritas.
La Fogata: in English, it translates to “campfire,” and this neighborhood Mexican restaurant’s cuisine is nothing short of flame.
Located at 5670 E. Evans Ave. (with sister locations in DTC and Thornton), and open seven days a week, the original La Fogata is less than three miles east of DU.
Its patrons range from toddlers to old-timers, who’ve been keeping this family-run eatery in business for 25 years.
Every seat in the cozy, yet spacious, dimly-lit house is padded with leather cushions. Upbeat Spanish music radiates from the speakers at a pleasing volume, funky modern lights hang from the ceiling (which is currently being remodeled) and a stunning wall-length mural of old Mexico compliments the restaurant’s authentic vibe.
The unspoken dress-code is comfortable-casual, but feel free to dress for whatever occasion you please.
Chips and salsa are complimentary for all guests upon arrival, but the most popular appetizers are the Mexican Candies (fried jalapenos, seasoned to perfection, with a side of ranch dressing) for $3.50, and the Super Nachos for $7.20.
The restaurant is especially known for its award-winning grilled fajitas, and, if you don’t come famished, definitely plan on exiting the venue with an entire second meal of leftovers.
While the jumbo shrimp fajitas are the most expensive item on the menu for $17.50, the steak fajitas for $16.50 are by far the best thing my taste-buds have ever experienced. In fact, the mouth-watering spectacle of watching your server bust through those kitchen doors carrying a steaming-hot skillet of grilled onions, red and green peppers and perfectly-charred inside skirt steak is an experience in and of itself. A word of caution to those health-conscious Pios, however: these skillet items rest on a heaping bed of oil.
You can choose between flour or corn tortillas on which build your little masterpiece roll-ups, and you will also get a side of refried beans, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. I personally believe copious amounts of freshly squeezed lime juice to be the only missing ingredient in this flavorful mix, but be sure to request a few slices from the bartender directly, because your server is likely to charge you if you order up a “side” of limes.
Other beloved food items include the tamales for $8.30 (three homemade pork tamales smothered in red or green chili, with lettuce and tomatoes) and Mexican hamburger for $9.30 (freshly-grilled ground beef patty and refried beans, wrapped in a flour tortilla, and smothered with green chili, lettuce and tomatoes).
There are also a few options for those with dietary restrictions. La Fogata’s beans, as well as its red and green chili are all vegetarian, and anything that can be made with corn tortillas is a go if you are gluten free, such as the tostadas and taquitos.
While it’s doubtful you’ll have room for it, they do offer desserts ranging from traditional sopapillas (one for $1.45, and four for $5.40) to $3 flan.
Since most of us college kids are forced to live life on a constant budget, the restaurant’s daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. just might be the option for you. Everything on the Happy Hour menu (including the Super Nachos and Special Quesadilla) is under $4, and, with their imported draft pints (currently Dos Equis lager, Dos Equis amber, Bud Light and Tecate) being a hefty $3.75, you can easily enjoy a nice meal for $10.
21+ readers should also be made aware of La Fogata’s award-winning margaritas, who pack a flavorful, yet serious, punch. My all-time favorite is the frozen Strawberry Margarita-made with El Charro Reposado 100% Agave Tequila, Triple Sec, strawberries and the restaurant’s Signature Sweet & Sour and served in a festive, green cactus-stemmed glass. Like all of the restaurant’s delicious margs, this bad boy can be prepared on the rocks upon request, and is available in a 16 oz. glass for $6.50, a 25 oz. glass for $8, and a pitcher for $26. Don’t let the drink’s frilly pink color or sugar-lined rim fool you, however. You will be feeling it 16 oz. later.
La Fogata: where you come for the fajitas and stay for the margaritas.
