Comida has been a part of the Stanley Marketplace on the Denver-Aurora border since it opened and has only grown as the favorite Mexican cantina of the neighborhood. Comida means food or meal in Spanish and the food and drinks here are fresh with tons of flavor. With over 20 drinks on the cocktail menu, almost half margaritas, if you can’t find something to drink here, you’re not trying.

All cocktails at Comida are made with fresh squeezed or juiced fruits and served on the rocks unless specified. There is also a choice of six margs and cocktails by the jar, which serves two to three people.

The bar’s most popular cocktail is The Baby Maker, popular for the taste as well as the name. Made with Suerte Blanco Tequila, Nostrum strawberry-hibiscus-jalapeno shrub, lime, Aperol and a spicy Tajin rim, it is both sweet and spicy depending how much Tajin spice you take in on each sip. Tajin is the brand name of a Mexican spice blend of chili peppers, lime and salt. It’s the perfect yin to the fruity drink’s yang.

Test Pilot is a tequila cocktail featuring a fiery jalapeno-infused tequila and more strawberry-hibiscus-jalapeno shrub deliciousness. The bar then adds more hibiscus, agave, orange, lemon, and lime served with a sugar rim. Even with the jalapeno tequila, this dark magenta fruity drink is has a dry sweetness reminiscent of a bold red wine.

The Cabana features Patron Roca Blanco, tomatillo, lemon, lime, and guava nectar. Not too often do you find sweet tomatillos in a cocktail. That and the lime give this drink a light citrus green color and flavor, but you can spice it up with the jalapeno-infused tequila if you desire.

The Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita also uses jalapeno-infused tequila, watermelon, agave, and lime. This summery pink drink is simply refreshing with lots of melon flavor subduing the spicy jalapeno tequila.

Happy hour at Comida features 2-for-1 Griddled Tacos for $3.50 with a choice of Stellas pork carnitas, Sombra shrooms, Chimayo chili roasted chicken, or bacon and jalapeno. Happy hour street snacks include Stuffed Jalapenos with a side of cucumber crema. The jalapenos are fully loaded with three cheeses, Tender Belly bacon, and roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Another simple, yet satisfying happy hour appetizer is chips with house-made guacamole and Comida sauce. Comida sauce is full of thick savory tomato, almost like a paste, and Mexican flavor without the burn. Go carb free and substitute crunchy watermelon radish chips, which taste as good as they look. Other snacks are Spicy Shrimp with Jalapeno Aioli and Tender Belly Hot Dogs with Queso Fundido. All happy hour street snacks are $5.

Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM and four types of margaritas are $5 by the glass or $18 by the jar. Sip on $2 Modelo Especial on tap or Tecate in a can. Add a shot of Olmeca Altos Plata for $3. House wines are $5 by the glass and there is a $10 featured cocktail available by request. Even though Comida is indoors at the Stanley Marketplace, the restaurant has an outdoor patio available for sunshine sipping, weather permitting.