The Hardest Part of Ordering Mexican Food
If you’ve ever stood at a Mexican food counter and said ‘I’ll have the… um…’ while the person behind you waits patiently — this post is for you.
At Chiltepin Mexican Grill in Colorado Springs, the menu gives you real choices. Not just chicken or steak, but a full range of traditional Mexican proteins, each with its own preparation style, flavor profile, and ideal pairing. Knowing the difference makes every order better.
The Proteins at Chiltepin — What They Are and How They Taste
Carne Asada
Carne asada is grilled, marinated beef — typically flank or skirt steak — seasoned with citrus, garlic, and spices before being cooked over high heat. That high heat is the key: it creates a slightly charred, caramelized exterior that you can’t replicate any other way.
At $4.15 per taco, it’s one of Chiltepin’s most popular proteins and works in everything — tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, and fries. If it’s your first time, carne asada is the reliable starting point.
Best in: tacos (where the char shines), burritos, carne asada fries.
Birria
Birria is slow-braised beef — traditionally simmered for hours in a blend of dried chiles, aromatics, and spices until the meat is completely tender and deeply flavored. The cooking liquid becomes consomé, the rich broth that gets served alongside birria tacos for dipping.
At Chiltepin, birria is made in-house from scratch. It’s one of the more complex proteins on the menu in terms of flavor — earthy, slightly smoky, with layers from the dried chile base. At $4.05 per taco.
Best in: tacos with consomé, quesadillas, burritos. Order the Consomé with Birria combo plate ($11.43) if you want the full experience.
Barbacoa
Barbacoa is slow-cooked beef — traditionally from the cheek or head — cooked low and slow until it’s rich, tender, and deeply savory. The texture is softer and more pulled than carne asada, with a heavier, fattier flavor profile. It’s the protein in a lot of traditional Mexican weekend dishes.
At Chiltepin, barbacoa is $4.05 per taco and available across burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and tortas. If you like rich, braised flavors, barbacoa is often the underrated choice.
Best in: burritos (the richness pairs well with beans and rice), bowls.
Cochinita (Pork)
Cochinita pibil is a Yucatecan preparation of slow-roasted pork — traditionally cooked in achiote paste and citrus, then wrapped and slow-cooked until the meat is tender and vibrant orange-red. It’s distinctly different from other proteins on the menu: tangy from the citrus, earthy from the achiote, and topped with pickled onions that cut the richness.
At $4.05 per taco. If you’ve never tried cochinita, it’s one of the most distinctive flavor profiles in traditional Mexican cooking.
Best in: tacos with pickled onions, quesadillas, burritos.
Adobada (Marinated Pork)
Adobada is marinated pork — typically in a red chile and vinegar marinade — that gets cooked until slightly crispy on the outside with a tender interior. It’s the Mexican equivalent of al pastor without the spit roast. Bold, savory, with a slight tang from the adobo marinade.
At $4.05 per taco. Available across tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and tortas.
Best in: tacos, tortas.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is the entry point for people who want something lighter or less adventurous — but at Chiltepin, it’s not an afterthought. Marinated and grilled, it’s a clean, versatile protein that works in every format on the menu. At $4.05 per taco.
Best in: bowls, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas.
How to Choose
Quick decision guide:
- Want bold char and savory beef? — Carne Asada
- Want rich, braised depth and consomé? — Birria
- Want heavy, slow-cooked comfort? — Barbacoa
- Want something tangy and distinctive? — Cochinita
- Want something spiced with a kick? — Adobada
- Want something lighter and versatile? — Grilled Chicken
Order at Chiltepin
Chiltepin Mexican Grill is at 3855 Astrozon Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80916 — open daily from 6:30 AM. Sunday through Thursday until 10 PM, Friday and Saturday until midnight. Online ordering at chiltepinmxgrill.com.
