Copyright Westword
Another one of fall’s most anticipated restaurants makes its debut today, November 11. Molino Chido is the latest addition to the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, taking over the spot that was formerly home to Comida, which shuttered in September 2024 after eight years in business. Its closure left Stanley Marketplace taco-less, but Molino Chido is bringing Mexican fare back to the market hall, and it’s got two big names behind it. Chef Tommy Lee is the owner of Chinese food favorite Hop Alley and two locations of Uncle, one of the top ramen joints in town. Last year, he hosted a pop-up with chef Michael Diaz de Leon, who was the executive chef at Bruto when it earned its Michelin star in 2023. Diaz de Leon left Bruto shortly after, spending much of his time traveling and, of course, cooking. But now, he’s back with his first brick-and-mortar project in Colorado — as an owner alongside Lee. Both are passionate about food, so we’re very excited to try Molino Chido, which is part of a new wave of eateries that are upping the Mexican food game in town. While Den-Mex once reigned supreme (and we’ll always love Colorado’s take on green chile), places like Xiquita, Riot BBQ, Malinche Audiobar and Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma have turned the spotlight to traditional Mexican flavors and ingredients…with delicious results. What’s on the menu Molino Chido promises “scratch-made tortillas filled with heritage and heat. From carnitas to cauliflower, every bite is crafted with care and corazón,” according to its website. While tacos, priced from $4.85 for options such as al pastor, carnitas and lengua to an $11.89 prime strip loin taco, are the focus, the menu also includes dishes like ceviche, flautas and chicken milanesa; larger entrees including a whole grilled fish; and the “chef’s favorite,” Caguama Michelada Service, a 32-ounce Mexican beer paired with guarniciones (various sides) that serves two to three guests. Other beverage options include agua frescas, beer, wine and cocktails like margaritas, a Negroni made with watermelon gin and a mezcal milk punch with banana and pecan. “Chido Hour” deals are available as well, from 3 to 5 p.m. daily, during which you can dig into a Chido Meal for $9 (a 7-ounce Modelito, a pour of tequila and an al pastor or verduras taquito) or items like the $10 papas fritas with beef and chorizo; a $7 burrito filled with frijoles, chile colorado and queso asadero (adding carnitas or campechano will cost extra); and $10 margaritas and palomas. Will Molino Chido be a Michelin contender? Molino Chido is certain to bring some fresh energy to Stanley Marketplace, which is also home to James Beard award-winning Annette and its sister bar, Traveling Mercies. While both of those spots have won national awards and attention, neither is included in Colorado’s Michelin Guide, which only covers geographical areas where a Destination Marketing Organization contributes financially to cover some of the costs of marketing the guide. Aurora declined to contribute when Michelin first launched in 2023, making Annette and other top area restaurants ineligible. But those deals only covered the first three years, and there has been no confirmation yet about which, if any, Colorado Destination Marketing Organizations might contribute going forward. Molino Chido seems to be beckoning Michelin, though — one of its social media posts and a photo from its friends and family test runs shows an image of Michelin’s mascot, Bibendum, eating a taco. Will it join the list of Bib Gourmands in the state in 2026? Only time (and possibly a big check from Visit Aurora) will tell.
