Daniel and Luis Ramirez know a little something about legacy. Their family originated in Zacatecas, Mexico, and their father was the seventh of 15 children. He moved to America and began working at the age of 13 as a bag boy. After several years of hard work and long hours, Jose saved enough money to open Los Dos Potrillos in 2002. The Ramirez’s inaugural restaurant left Jose with just $5.18 in his bank account.
Los Dos Potrillos means “the two colts.” Jose and his wife, Martha, named the restaurant in honor of their two sons. It’s fitting—Daniel and Luis certainly inherited their parents’ ambition and gumption. The family has since expanded Los Dos Potrillos to four locations (Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker), with two more on the way (Glenwood and Castle Rock.)
From rooftop dining to a fast-casual concept in their soon-to-be Northglenn location, the Ramirez brothers are always thinking of inventive ways to enhance the customer experience. They also have two food trucks, Los Tacos and LDP Express, that can be rented out for private events.
“When you mix old school with new school, what you get is an unbeatable product,” Daniel says.
The Food
Daniel describes the food at Los Dos as “Den-Mex.” They offer Zacatecan family recipes, such as their grandmother’s shredded beef and classics like enchiladas. They also know that Coloradans like their green chili. Savory dishes like Burrito Los Dos Potrillos and The Chicken Chile Relleno are smothered in housemade green chili. Though Daniel has many favorites, his go-to order is street tacos.
“Many people who come in stick with their favorite dishes,” Daniel observed. “But then one day, they’ll take a risk, and that thing will become their new go-to.”
Before you dive into your main dish, get some table-side guacamole and prime your tastebuds with the perfect bite of lime, cilantro, and salt. If you are at the Parker location, order a Mexican Amber Lager or Passion Fruit Wheat from the Los Dos Cervecería. The Cervecería makes Los Dos the first Coloradan Mexican restaurant to have a brewery underneath its roof. You can find their beer in a selection of local liquor stores and restaurants.
To learn more about Los Dos, explore the menu, or reserve a food truck for an event, visit los2potrillos.com.