We’re a fun, Colorado-inspired Mexican restaurant in the heart of downtown Boulder along the iconic Pearl Street Mall. Our bustling bar specializes in festive cocktails and our year-round covered patio offers some of Boulder’s best people watching.
Many customers praised the attentive and friendly service from various staff members, particularly highlighting individuals like Drew, Jaken, and Lily.
Food Quality
The food received mixed reviews; while many enjoyed the dishes, some expressed disappointment with specific items like the shrimp tacos and Caesar salad.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's atmosphere was frequently described as lively and welcoming, contributing to a positive dining experience.
Pricing Concerns
A few customers raised issues regarding unexpected surcharges on their bills, leading to dissatisfaction with pricing transparency.
MB
Mark B
1 day ago
5.0
Always great round, excellent service, and solid mezcal selection. Happy to see the mezcal come out old school classic style with worm salt, and dried crickets, and citrus palate cleanser - from Drew at the bar.
AB
angela berkenkamp
5 days ago
1.0
Our experience with Centro Mexican Kitchen is based on New Year's Eve and lousy service. The server we had was more concerned about closing down the restaurant than she was providing us service. We were a table of 6 with reservations at 6:00 pm. She greeted us right away and asked about our drink order. I requested water for the table. We were waiting for 2 others in our party, so when she brought our drinks for the 4 of us, the other 2 had now joined us. (no water from this first ask). The server then took the drink order for the 2 new people and I asked if she could bring us water again. 2 drinks were brought for our couple that joined late but no water was brought to the table. I asked a third time for water for the table. (about 20 minutes from being seated until the 3rd ask). The round of drinks definitely took awhile too but we figured it was New Year's Eve.
In between all of this, we had not quite decided on food because we were catching up, so the server was super attentive about coming back to see if we were ready. However, it took about 30 min. to get water for our table (wasteful trips of checking on us if she wasn't bringing water). Our food order was placed and then expediters brought us our food. In the meantime, our drinks and water were low, but our server was busy clearing the tables that had been set but didn't have customers present. Clean napkins/ plates getting shuttled back to the kitchen area instead of checking in on us.
The restaurant was not packed and what I could observe was the server chatting with the hostess, maybe dealing with 2 tables besides ours, and doing "closing" work. Bussers came to remove our plates and empty glasses. I finally went up to the bar and ordered another round. The bartender realized we had a table so sought our server out. The beers/ order was set at the bar (i.e. I could see the bartender lining up our order) but again, it took her 10 more minutes to deliver them to our table. She stated that somehow the order didn't go through. However, she had never taken the order (bc I had gone directly up to the bar). We were looking forward to having some cocktails/ beers with our meal AND for someone to look out for us especially when ALL water glasses were empty. They were never refilled once and we could never track our server down to request it. It seemed she was more pre-occupied on closing down duties than taking care of us.
The food was great but obviously not because of the server.
SW
Stephanie Woods
Jan 5, 2026
4.0
Drew and Morgan were great! The food, for me, was pretty good but not amazing, but I’m a bit picky about Mexican food. Definitely WAY better food than Bar Taco, and better price and portions. The service was definitely five stars, attentive but gave us space, fast and friendly, couldn’t ask for more service-wise. I’d go back!
EM
Eric Marcum
Jan 4, 2026
5.0
Morgan and Drew provided absolutely awesome service at Centro Mexican Restaurant! From the moment we sat down, they were welcoming, attentive, and genuinely upbeat. Our drinks were never empty, the food came out perfectly timed, and they made great recommendations that really enhanced the experience. You can tell they care about their guests and work great as a team. Thanks to Morgan and Drew, our visit was fun, relaxed, and memorable—we’ll definitely be back!
SS
Sven
Jan 4, 2026
5.0
Drew should have a raise NOW, he was fantastic, a true professional, he could run the place!!!!! Morgan, elegant, perfect, the best 👌!! Make sure you take care of your professionals !!! They are getting rare any more. Says I, after 30 years in Boulder restaurant business. Sven
Frequently Asked Questions About Centro Mexican Kitchen
Does Centro Mexican Kitchen accept reservations?
Yes, Centro Mexican Kitchen accepts reservations, which can be made via their OpenTable link.
What type of cuisine does Centro Mexican Kitchen serve?
Centro Mexican Kitchen offers authentic Mexican cuisine with flavors and preparations found in traditional Mexican kitchens, along with a large list of tequila and mezcal.
What are the kitchen hours at Centro Mexican Kitchen?
The kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
When are brunch hours at Centro Mexican Kitchen?
Brunch is served only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Does Centro Mexican Kitchen offer happy hour specials? If so, when?
Yes, Centro offers happy hour, with extended hours on Monday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
What payment methods does Centro Mexican Kitchen accept?
They accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa, cash, and mobile NFC payments.
Is Centro Mexican Kitchen family-friendly and wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the restaurant welcomes families and has wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms.
What nearby places can I visit before or after dining at Centro Mexican Kitchen?
Nearby places include the taco restaurant bartaco, the coffee shops WONDER Press and Trident Booksellers and Cafe, and the sandwich shop The Derby, which provide great options for drinks, snacks, or coffee before or after your meal.
How can nearby transit or shopping areas help me find Centro Mexican Kitchen?
Centro Mexican Kitchen is located on the iconic Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, surrounded by shops like Urban Outfitters and Shoe Fly, making it easy to locate while enjoying the vibrant shopping district.
Are there beverage options nearby for after dinner drinks near Centro Mexican Kitchen?
Yes, Press Play Bar, a local dance club and pub near Centro, offers a lively atmosphere for after dinner drinks and entertainment.