Los Jilbertos – The Finest Mexican Dinner in Craig, Colorado!

If you're traveling through northwestern Colorado and find yourself in Craig, there's a good chance you'll be tempted to judge Los Jilbertos by its modest exterior. Don't. This small, unassuming Mexican restaurant has earned a devoted following by doing what matters most: serving incredibly flavorful, authentic-tasting food in generous portions at prices that won't leave your wallet hurting. For locals, travelers, truckers, campers and road-trippers alike, Los Jilbertos has become one of those wonderful culinary discoveries that people remember long after they've left town. It's the kind of place where the building may be small, but the food is anything but.

Los Jilbertos is particularly appealing to travelers who want something better than conventional fast food without spending an hour sitting down for a formal dinner. Much of the restaurant's business revolves around takeout and its convenient drive-through, making it an ideal stop for people passing through Craig on Highway 40. Reviews repeatedly describe the food as fresh, hot and cooked to order, although visitors should understand that "fast" here doesn't necessarily mean instant. One customer waited longer than expected during a particularly busy visit, only to return the next day and find the service much quicker. The consensus seems to be that even when there's a wait, the food is worth it.

And then there are the portions. Los Jilbertos does not believe in sending hungry customers away. Burritos are described as massive, breakfast burritos as "monster" portions, and tacos as surprisingly large and packed with meat. One diner ordered a mixed burrito filled with shredded beef, onions, green peppers and refried beans, adding guacamole, and found it substantial enough to be a meal all by itself. Another customer ordered carnitas and said the plate easily provided two or more meals. If you're arriving at Los Jilbertos hungry, you're in exactly the right place.

The tacos receive an enormous amount of praise from returning customers, including Mexican-American diners and self-described Mexican food connoisseurs who are notoriously difficult to impress. Carne asada, lengua, adobada and fish tacos are among the favorites. The lengua taco, served with generous amounts of beef tongue, onions and cilantro on corn tortillas, was singled out as excellent. The fish tacos feature crispy, freshly fried fish in a light batter, crisp lettuce, lime dressing and pico de gallo. And for those who love carne asada, multiple reviewers describe the tacos as exceptional. One traveler from Southern California even called the tacos amazing and specifically praised the carne asada and rolled tacos.

Burritos may be the restaurant's other great claim to fame. The menu offers an impressive variety, with favorites including the Craig Burrito, Machaca Burrito, Arizona Burrito, Green Chile Burrito, Chile Relleno Burrito and bacon breakfast burrito. The breakfast burritos, in particular, have developed something of a cult following. Sausage, potatoes and eggs wrapped into a massive tortilla and smothered in red sauce sounds like exactly the sort of meal designed to fuel a long day on the road. Several reviewers went out of their way to praise the breakfast burritos, with one enthusiastic customer joking that they were "practically medicinal." Another claimed to have driven all the way from the East Coast just for them.

There's plenty more on the menu beyond tacos and burritos. Carnitas plates, fajitas, tortas, enchiladas, tostadas, chile rellenos, quesadillas, taquitos and super fries all make appearances in the glowing reviews. The carne asada torta may be one of the hidden stars, with one diner calling it one of the best tortas they've ever eaten and another describing the adobada torta as excellent. Fajita plates and burritos featuring shrimp, chicken and beef have also impressed customers with their generous portions and fresh, hot preparation. Rice and beans receive their share of compliments as well, proving that the supporting players are every bit as satisfying as the main attractions.

One of the most enjoyable features at Los Jilbertos is the salsa and fresh-topping bar. Rather than simply handing you a meal and sending you on your way, the restaurant gives diners the opportunity to customize their food with pico de gallo, salsa and other flavorful accompaniments. Reviewers repeatedly mention the quality and variety of the sauces, including some that deliver a serious kick. For anyone who believes Mexican food should come with plenty of heat, this little condiment station can turn a good meal into a great one. The fresh toppings also add brightness and texture to the substantial burritos, tacos and plates.

The atmosphere at Los Jilbertos is best described as casual, modest and decidedly unpretentious. This isn't the restaurant you visit for elaborate décor, craft cocktails or an upscale dining room. It's a local Mexican joint where the food is the star. Some reviewers describe it as a true taqueria or a classic "dive Mexican joint," while others note that the small building shouldn't fool you. Inside, customers have found the restaurant clean, with a small seating area and, according to one review, both indoor and outdoor seating. There's also a large parking area that makes Los Jilbertos particularly convenient for travelers with trucks, trailers and recreational vehicles. Drinks such as horchata and Mexican Coca-Cola round out the experience, with the horchata earning praise for its sweetness and the cane-sugar Mexican Coke winning over plenty of fans.

Perhaps the greatest compliment is how often people say they return to Los Jilbertos whenever they pass through Craig. Travelers who discovered it on a road trip make plans to stop again. Locals call it their favorite restaurant in town. People on work trips have eaten there twice in the same day. Even diners who have traveled extensively throughout the Southwest, California and Mexico have singled out this little Craig restaurant as one of their favorite Mexican food discoveries in Colorado. The combination of authentic flavors, friendly service, enormous portions, fair prices and genuinely delicious food is hard to beat. So the next time you're driving through Craig, don't let the unassuming exterior—or the drive-through format—fool you. Pull in, order generously, grab some salsa, and discover for yourself why Los Jilbertos may very well be the finest Mexican dinner in Craig, Colorado.

905 W Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625

(970) 824-9572

https://local.ilacfiyati.org/e/los-jilbertos-2