Photo by: Katie Mastroianni
At Lime, an American cantina situated at 1424 Larimer St. in the charming Larimer Square, executive chef Oscar Guerra serves up an array of modern Mexican fare from the classic to the creative.
The three-year-old restaurant seats about 120 people for dinner and also features a bar, all illuminated with soft green and orange lighting.
The Lime meal begins with a bowl of delicious free chips, which are more like thick, fried tortilla wedges, and a mild salsa.
The menu also offers a range of appetizers, from the traditionally Japanese edamame beans served here with chipotle lime crema dipping sauce to scorpions, a Lime exclusive that features four jumbo shrimp layered on jalapeno halves.
The appetizers range from $5 to a whopping $17 for “The Works,” a full-sized plate offering all of Lime’s best starters.
As far as entrées go, patrons choose from three different kinds of spicy enchiladas served with either red or green chile, Chipotle ribs, delectable sweet corn tamales, and margarita chicken, marinated in Lime’s famous margarita with garlic and herbs.
While none of the dishes fail to disappoint, the fiery chile rellenos and “Cantina Combo,” with a taste of three Lime classics, are highly recommended.
The reasonably priced entrees run from $9 to $15 and are especially pleasing to the college student’s wallet.
Lime’s bar serves the eatery’s award-winning $10 “Mighty Margarita” as well as a range of mojitos, tequila and martinis, priced between $4 for a domestic beer to the $26 margarita pitcher, which serves five.
It’s worth to save room for dessert, but choose wisely. Some patrons have complained about the canned peaches served with Lime’s fried ice cream, but the key lime pie is rumored to be tart perfection and the warm sopapillas, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a cup of chocolate sauce and honey, may be the best in town.
The Lime dining experience wouldn’t be complete without very good service.
Waiter Kavika not only served up hot dishes, but cozied up in our booth to chat and kept us laughing throughout the meal. The bartenders were similarly enthusiastic and created a particularly comfortable atmosphere.
Lime’s trendy, hip ambiance also lends itself to a variety of special events, including holiday parties and a weekly lineup that includes Twister Thursday, where diners can play Twister to win shot specials, and Groovy Saturday, which features a DJ and $4 drinks. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and offers $3 lime margaritas and well drinks.
The restaurant is open for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The bar serves guests 4 to 12 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Friday, and 11 to 2 a.m. Saturday. Lime is closed on Sunday.
To enjoy the Lime experience for lunch, visit Lime XS, a family-friendly spin-off of the original, located at 730 E. Sixth Ave.
Reservations aren’t needed, but for more information on Lime’s event schedule or to check out a menu, visit their website at http://www.limecantina.com or call 303-893-LIME.
