Looking for authentic birria tacos, bold flavors, and friendly vibes? Here are 7 reasons El Diablo Mexican Restaurant should be your next Fort Collins go-to.
Fort Collins Flavor with Fire: Inside El Diablo Mexican Restaurant
In a city where tacos are a competitive art form and authenticity is everything, El Diablo Mexican Restaurant has carved out a space as one of Fort Collins’ most consistent and flavor-forward spots for Mexican comfort food. Located at 4619 S Mason Street, this family-owned eatery is widely praised for its hearty birria, stacked burritos, spicy shrimp, and easygoing vibes.
Locals don’t just stop by for tacos—they return again and again for the house quesabirrias, loaded asada fries, and a rotating set of daily specials that offer value without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a student grabbing lunch, a family looking for a dependable dinner, or a birria enthusiast chasing consomé, El Diablo delivers food that’s hot, fast, flavorful, and generously portioned.
Table of Contents
Also Read:
🌮 The Birria Breakdown: Why Locals Crave El Diablo
1. Birria, Birria, Birria: The Dish That Built the Buzz
If El Diablo had a signature, it would be birria—and not just one version. The restaurant’s take on this slow-simmered, deeply seasoned beef dish has become a local staple, available in multiple formats that go beyond your typical taco.
What to Order:
- Quesabirrias
Three cheese-filled, grilled tacos loaded with birria and served with a rich consomé for dipping. A Fort Collins fan favorite, this is the go-to order for first-timers and regulars alike. - Tacos De Birria
Mini corn tortilla tacos topped with birria meat, fresh onion, and cilantro. Served with rice, beans, and dipping broth. It’s a full meal disguised as a “taco order.” - Birria Burrito
A massive flour tortilla stuffed with birria, melted cheese, rice, beans, onion, and cilantro. “One of the best-value meals in town,” according to frequent Yelp mentions.
Birria at El Diablo is always served with consomé, made in-house with the drippings and braising liquid that give the dish its bold flavor. It’s this attention to depth and seasoning that keeps diners coming back.
“Hands-down the best quesabirrias in Fort Collins. Crunchy, cheesy, juicy, perfect.” — Yelp Reviewer
“The birria burrito is a full event. Bring your appetite.” — NoshDelivery Comment
2. Loaded Plates and Local Comfort
While the birria is the main attraction, El Diablo’s menu is filled with high-value, comfort-driven dishes that stack flavor and portion size with ease. These aren’t just filler plates—they’re authentic Mexican staples with a personal twist.
Local Favorites:
- Asada Fries
A local cult item: crispy fries topped with carne asada, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, and your choice of red or green salsa. Smothered and built to share—but rarely split. - Fajita Burrito
A flour tortilla filled with sautéed bell peppers and onions, smothered in salsa, and topped with cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. A visual and savory crowd-pleaser. - El Burrito Michoacano
Features carnitas michoacanas, rice, beans, lettuce, and jalapeño, with a classic Michoacán presentation that honors the kitchen’s roots.
Combo plates are also popular and customizable with rice, beans, and your preferred protein. Sauces, guac, and salsa add flexibility for different flavor profiles and spice levels.
“The asada fries are a meal for two—or one very lucky person. Always stacked.” — Google Review
“This is comfort food with layers. Everything’s cooked with love, and it shows.” — Facebook Fan Comment
3. Shrimp That Brings the Heat
For those who like seafood—and spice—El Diablo delivers with its Camarones Del Diablo: shrimp sautéed in butter and topped with the kitchen’s signature a la Diabla sauce, a bold, red chili blend that’s spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet.
Served with white rice, salad, guacamole, and pico de gallo, this plate brings a surf-and-spice twist to the menu that balances out the heavier beef and burrito dishes.
“Not for the spice-shy. These shrimp bring serious heat, and I love it.” — Yelp Reviewer
The shrimp dishes at El Diablo give the menu extra range, making it a great choice for mixed groups or diners looking for something lighter but still deeply flavorful.
4. Fast, Friendly, and Walk-In Ready
El Diablo thrives in part because of its simplicity and consistency. This isn’t a reservation-only spot or a fine dining experience—it’s a neighborhood Mexican kitchen where you can drop in, order fast, and leave full.
Highlights of the Dining Experience:
- Quick Turnaround
Most orders are out in 10–15 minutes, whether you’re dining in or ordering takeout. - Full-Service Seating
Staff members take time to check in, offer suggestions, and ensure you’re taken care of—without hovering. - Walk-In Friendly
With no need for reservations and a steady but manageable crowd, you’re rarely waiting long, even on weekends.
“We walked in on a Friday and were seated right away. Food was out in 15 minutes, piping hot.” — DoorDash Review
It’s the kind of place that fits into your routine without hassle—but still feels like a treat.
5. An Everyday Spot That Still Feels Special
There’s something about El Diablo that makes it more than just another burrito joint. Maybe it’s the welcoming energy, or the care put into the plating. Maybe it’s the owners being visible, present, and interacting with regulars by name.
Ambiance Details:
- Indoor and Outdoor Seating
Casual tables inside with sunny outdoor seating when the weather allows. - Simple, Classic Décor
Traditional Mexican colors and artwork, with just enough personality to feel local. - Group-Friendly Layout
Small booths and movable tables accommodate everything from solo diners to families and friend groups.
“Feels like home. You can be dressed up or in sweats—it’s always welcoming.” — Facebook Review
6. Affordable Doesn’t Mean Average
One of El Diablo’s biggest wins is its value-to-flavor ratio. While prices have risen across Fort Collins, El Diablo remains affordable without cutting corners.
Menu Pricing Snapshot:
- Most entrées fall between $10–$18
- Large burritos and birria plates are under $20
- Daily specials rotate and offer combo value
Diners routinely cite the portion size and quality as reasons they skip more expensive competitors in favor of El Diablo.
“You can get a full birria plate and still spend less than fast-casual downtown.” — Reddit User
“It’s comfort food that respects your wallet.” — Yelp Reviewer
7. A Community-Backed Favorite
El Diablo may not be the flashiest Mexican restaurant in Fort Collins, but what it offers is something harder to create: loyalty, trust, and consistency.
- Family-Owned and Operated
You’ll often find staff members who’ve been there since day one—and owners who are engaged in the kitchen and dining room. - Active on Facebook
The restaurant shares weekly specials, updates, and community shoutouts via their Facebook page. - Supported by Locals
With 4.0 stars on Yelp and consistently strong DoorDash reviews, El Diablo has earned its spot as a go-to for South Fort Collins diners.
“This is a real neighborhood restaurant. No gimmicks. Just good people making great food.” — Facebook Comment
🏪 About El Diablo Mexican Restaurant
El Diablo Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned, full-service eatery located in South Fort Collins, offering a no-frills, flavor-forward dining experience built around birria specialties, hearty burritos, and generous portions. Since opening at 4619 S Mason St, the restaurant has become a dependable spot for locals seeking authentic Mexican comfort food at accessible prices.
Whether you’re diving into a steaming order of quesabirrias with consomé or sharing a platter of fajita fries with friends, El Diablo delivers food with heart, heritage, and consistency.
Quick Info
- 📍 Address: 4619 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO 80525
- 📞 Phone: (970) 232-9473
- 🌐 Official Website
- 📖 View Menu
- 📲 Order Online via Nosh
❓ FAQ: Before You Go
Q: Do they offer takeout or delivery?
✅ Yes. Online orders can be placed directly via NoshDelivery for pickup or delivery.
Q: What are the must-try dishes?
🔥 The most frequently praised items include the Quesabirrias, Birria Burrito, Asada Fries, and Camarones Del Diablo.
Q: Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
🥬 Some vegetarian dishes are available, and combo plates can be customized. Gluten-free diners are encouraged to speak with staff for ingredient details.
Q: Is El Diablo good for families?
👨👩👧👦 Absolutely. The casual atmosphere, kids menu, and relaxed service style make it ideal for family dining.
Q: What’s the best time to visit?
🕐 It’s usually quiet before 5:30 PM on weekdays. Dinner rush peaks around 6:00–7:30 PM, especially on weekends.
Q: Do they serve alcohol?
🍹 Yes. While the bar menu isn’t the central focus, traditional Mexican beers and cocktails are available.
Why El Diablo Is the Kind of Place You’ll Keep Coming Back To
There’s a reason El Diablo earns such loyal praise across review platforms and social media feeds: it delivers. This is a restaurant where the food is bold, the prices are fair, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the people behind it genuinely care.
From the cheese-stuffed quesabirrias dipped in smoky consomé to the Camarones Del Diablo that light up your plate, El Diablo doesn’t just follow trends—it builds flavor from scratch. Add in the generous portions, fast service, and family-friendly feel, and you’ve got one of Fort Collins’ most accessible and consistently satisfying Mexican restaurants.
Whether you’re a birria lover, a lunch regular, or just curious about what all the buzz is, El Diablo lives up to its name—but in the best way possible.
About the Author
David Lanketh is the editor-in-chief at Colorado Food Reviews, where he focuses on exploring locally owned restaurants that prioritize bold flavors, authentic preparation, and community connection. His work is always rooted in public data, verifiable feedback, and ethical reporting practices.
This review was created exclusively using publicly available sources such as DoorDash, Yelp, Facebook, NoshDelivery, and the restaurant’s official site. No first-hand dining experience was conducted, and all references to dishes, pricing, or service reflect existing consumer feedback.
About the Blog
ColoradoFoodReviews.com is the Centennial State’s go-to destination for food writing that’s grounded in community and transparency. From neighborhood birria joints to fine-dining newcomers, our reviews focus on what matters most: local value, real flavor, and honest storytelling.
Tip Us Off
Know another Fort Collins gem that deserves a spotlight?
Help us share more local love—submit a tip and we’ll check it out.
