Hot Spots: Taquerias | Best Mexican Restaurants in Detroit

Detroit has some of the most authentic taquerias stuffing tortillas in the Midwest. Grab one, pinch it tight, tilt head and take a bite.

The Best Taquerias and Mexican Restaurants in Detroit

Manuel’s Taco Hut

Manuel’s may be a small joint, but the food packs big flavor. Three tacos to every dinner (ground beef, chicken, pork or chunky beef for a little extra coin) — with rice and beans on the side. With generous portions and affordable prices, Manuel’s isn’t just a one-time deal. Whether you go corn or flour, deep fried or au naturel, these tacos can easily become an addictive weekly purchase.

Alley Taco

Walk into Marcus Market, and you may think your GPS misguided you. Keep heading to the back to find Alley Taco. Pork, chorizo, carne asada, pollo, barbacoa and molida round out your meat choices. Vegan options, too. Always fully loaded with pico de gallo, cilantro and queso fresco. Top with your choice of sauce: chipotle, salsa verde or corn salsa.

La Casita

Authentic street tacos inspired by Mexico City. Pick your shell, then choose from steak, pork and chicken. Or, go local with tripe or beef tongue, all served with chopped onions, cilantro, homemade salsa and a squirt of lime. Why not mix and match? If your stomach can handle it, your wallet sure can. Most tacos are $1.69. And don’t forget the horchata. Salud!

Taqueria El Michoacano

A sure bet for authentic Mexican cuisine, Taqueria el Michoacano began as a food truck venture. Frequent diners vote al pastor (marinated pork) as the favorite filling for tacos, and everything else on the menu — tortas, burritos and quesadillas. Menudo, a spicy tripe (cow’s stomach) soup — and a supposed hangover cure — is a classic recipe fittingly served on Sundays.

Imperial

This is the “taco” place locals take visitors to because they know it’s going to blow them away. The veggie (spiced seitan, potato, green mole, queso fresco) is so good. With a menu all its own, without being too fancy or cute, Imperial has the quintessential magnificent taco ($2.50 each) and possibly the best vegetarian hot dog — sonoran — you’ll ever have.

More Talk On Tacos

Roast: Go ahead and gorge on the goat tacos • Loco’s Tex-Mex Grille: Yes, Tex and Mex in Greektown • Taqueria Lupita, Xochimilco, Los Galanes, Mexican Village: And all the other restaurants, bakeries and markets in Mexicantown that peddle tacos • El Parian, Tacos El Primo: Can you say taco truck? • La Mexicana Supermercado: Look for the deli stand inside the supermarket • Outside the city limits: Las Palapas in Livonia, El Charro in Fraser,Carnival Market in Pontiac, Taqueria Alameda in Westland, Taco Loco in Shelby Township, 3 Hermanos in Rockwood

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