Lupita's Taco Temple

Born in 2009 on Highway 131 as a roadside taco shack, Lupita’s Taco Temple has grown into Oak Creek’s celebrated culinary destination. Named after the founder's six-month-old daughter, the business earned national acclaim in 2011 when Sunset Magazine named its fish tacos among the best in the West. That recognition launched a creative journey into handcrafted condiments, beginning with Sweet Chili sauce and expanding to include Tangy Tomatillo and Carrot Habanero varieties. By 2018, these signature sauces were bottled for retail, eventually evolving into the Palucita Hot Sauce brand available on shelves throughout Routt County.

Today, under sole ownership since 2025, the restaurant serves tacos and burritos daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., supporting local Colorado produce, proteins, beer, and liquor. The space remains a hub for the Rock’n the Taco Free Summer Concert Series, offering live music every Sunday alongside margaritas and dancing. Travelers and locals alike visit for the big flavor of the original shack, now housed in a commercial kitchen that balances roadside charm with modern capacity. Whether grabbing a quick bite or settling in for the weekend vibe, guests experience a unique blend of creative menu items and community spirit rooted in the Yampa Valley.