Renowned Tex-Mex hot spot opens new location in Castle Rock

By Chris Michlewicz; courtesy photos

Douglas County fine-dining connoisseurs who haven’t had a chance to try the food at La Loma, a Tex-Mex mainstay in Denver for 40 years, are discovering what all the buzz is about.

La Loma opened a new location at 6361 Promenade Parkway in Castle Rock in November, and co-owner Mark Brinkerhoff said the support from the community has been “remarkable.” There’s a good reason for that.

The restaurant was built upon the authentic, tried-and-true recipes created by Savina Mendoza, the matriarch of a family that was a partner in the original location in Denver. The menu showcases the flavors of the Southwest, featuring award-winning dishes like acclaimed green chili, flavorful fajitas, signature margaritas crafted with barrel-aged tequila, and fresh tortillas made in view of the dining room. La Loma is currently offering patio seating, takeout orders, curbside pick-up and delivery.

Brinkerhoff, whose family-run Brinkerhoff Hospitality also owns and operates Sierra in Lone Tree, says La Loma has high expectations when sourcing food products. Everything is made from scratch – not at the start of each day, but at the start of each shift to ensure the freshest quality.

The mouth-watering Tex-Mex goes well with the spectacular views at the Castle Rock location. Brinkerhoff said he’s delighted by how many people have stopped by in the first weeks, including those willing to brave 20-degree temperatures to enjoy a margarita on the patio.

Exposed brick and rustic wood accents help make the dining room a cozy, family-friendly spot. Hanging promi-nently on the wall at both La Loma locations is a portrait of Mendoza, whose Tex-Mex creations have been key to the restaurants’ success.

“We’re glad to be able to share our food and the experience with everybody down south.”   – Mark Brinkerhoff

There’s the carne guisada, which includes top sirloin tips grilled in a spicy jalapeño and tomato salsa, with rice, black beans and house-made flour tortillas. Customers can also indulge in the tequila shrimp, featuring pan-seared jumbo shrimp finished with tequila-jalapeño lime butter and serrano peppers, and served with rice and black beans.

The original location stood on 26th Avenue in the Diamond Hill section of Denver for more than 30 years at an elevated position, giving the restaurant its name, La Loma, which is Spanish for “the hill.” It moved in 2016 to Trinity Place on Broadway in downtown Denver and brought with it a loyal following. The same could be said for the new Castle Rock location, which has been five years in the making.

“We’re glad to be able to share our food and the experience with everybody down south,” said Brinkerhoff, who grew up in Sedalia and currently lives in Castle Pines Village.

The Castle Rock opening has been so popular that Brinkerhoff has already seen repeat customers, as well as devoted regulars from Sierra.

La Loma is following all required safety precautions due to the pandemic, including frequent sanitizing of high-touch areas, wearing masks and precluding dine-in service. The restaurant is working with the county on a pilot program that could allow for dine-in service with greater distancing in place, but nothing has been decided yet.

La Loma recommends reservations for patio seating because of limits on the number of patrons allowed. All reservations are blocked for 90 minutes beginning at the reservation time.

6361 Promenade Parkway Castle Rock
303-632-9900
www.lalomamexican.com