25 of the best Mexican restaurants in the Detroit area, according to Yelp

By on Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 2:46 pm

Mexican food is, how do we say this without being offensive ... the fucking best. No, really. Tacos? Burritos? Margaritas?! Like, come on. Dip us in refried beans, slather us in salsa and guac and let us die in our happy place which might as well be this flavorful list of the best Mexican restaurants according to Yelp users. We get it. You probably have a favorite Mexican restaurant that you swear by. Well, so do these fine and very opinionated folks who sounded off on some of their favorite places to get their Mexican food fix. Sure, you'll notice some popular places that just about everyone can agree on as being great (we're looking at you Taqueria El Rey!) but thanks to Yelp users, we now have a mouth-watering list of places you might otherwise drive by without paying them any mind due to their nondescript, unassuming storefronts. What about taco trucks? Well, click through and see for yourself. But do not click while hungry. Don't say we didn't warn you.

(For transparency,  this is an all-time list of the best Mexican restaurants in the greater Detroit area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurants and Mexican food categories, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of April 27, 2021. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of April 27, 2021.) 

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6. Taco Tienda Mexicana 31642 John R., Madison Heights; 248-589-1607; facebook.com/Tutacotiendamexicama “Craving authentic Mexican? Stop what you're doing and order now! My husband and I ordered for the first time tonight. We ordered six tacos, two of each of the carne asada, chorizo, and al pastor. From the tortilla to the meat, to the onion and cilantro on top--they were GOOD! My husband's favorite was the chorizo and I loved the al pastor. We also got an order of the chips and salsa, rice and beans. I loved the salsa as it had a slight bit of heat and was very fresh. Our order also came with two sides of hot sauce to top the tacos. All of this was less than $20 and so filling! Service was impeccable (especially now during quarantine). All of the staff was friendly and the shop was set up safely to pick up your order. We will be ordering again and hopefully can dine in at some point too!” — Kim T. on Yelp Photo via GoogleMaps

6. Taco Tienda Mexicana

31642 John R., Madison Heights; 248-589-1607; facebook.com/Tutacotiendamexicama
“Craving authentic Mexican? Stop what you're doing and order now!
My husband and I ordered for the first time tonight. We ordered six tacos, two of each of the carne asada, chorizo, and al pastor. From the tortilla to the meat, to the onion and cilantro on top--they were GOOD! My husband's favorite was the chorizo and I loved the al pastor.
We also got an order of the chips and salsa, rice and beans. I loved the salsa as it had a slight bit of heat and was very fresh. Our order also came with two sides of hot sauce to top the tacos. All of this was less than $20 and so filling!
Service was impeccable (especially now during quarantine). All of the staff was friendly and the shop was set up safely to pick up your order. We will be ordering again and hopefully can dine in at some point too!” — Kim T. on Yelp

Photo via GoogleMaps
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5. Galindo's A Taste of Mexico 13754 Fort St., Southgate; 734-324-1141; galindosmexican.com “Wow, Southgate...what *else* are you hiding? Five stars to start with: that's some pretty big shoes to fill, and all because they just became the new king of al pastor tacos. That's right, kids: no longer is Taqueria Alameda in Westland my #1 for al pastor tacos. Meet the new boss, not the same as the old boss. Service was really good. I interacted with several nice folks who made good suggestions and did their jobs well. I tipped them very well as a result. I do not believe that I ever went without anything that I needed to enjoy my meal. But oh, the food! That's the Most Important Thing to me, and while they did have one miss (a carne asada taco which I was not charged for), everything else was good to downright out-stinking-standing! Those al pastor tacos (be sure that they include the pineapple!)? Best I've ever had, to my recollection, and I've eaten those *everywhere*. Their pico de gallo (I'm a card-carrying freak!)? Absolutely wonderful. The only way that could have been better was if the tomatoes were in season. As it is? It's still a *terrific* version of pico. The complimentary chips and salsa that started out the meal? Very nice. They came warm to the table, with four different salsas they make, of which none are bad, but the mild was my favorite/most interesting, and the jalapeño was also good. The others just didn't resonate with me all that well, but they were certainly fine. A fine start. The bottom line: the food just kicked tail and took names. I ate *five* of those al pastor tacos in addition to the chips and salsa, the 12 ounces of pico de gallo, the fideo...and I honestly just forced myself not to order a sixth. Five should be enough to feed me, and it honestly was! I just loved the tastes, flavors, and texture of those tacos, especially when squeezed lime was added, along with the pico. I just wanted to keep eating, even if I was sated. These things were delicious on so many levels. I sincerely hope that work takes me down that way again soon. I am jealous of the people in Southgate, really!” — Aron B. on Yelp Photo via GoogleMaps

5. Galindo's A Taste of Mexico

13754 Fort St., Southgate; 734-324-1141; 22 of 26
4. El Taco Veloz 4614 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3193 “El Taco Veloz is my go-to taco joint when I make a pit stop at Marcus Market. Their customer service is wonderful and the prices are very reasonable. The street-style tacos here hit the spot when you need to grab a quick bite for the road. The meats are always tender and juicy, while the tortilla is still hot from the grill. For me, the most important part is they don't overdo the onions and cilantro! When you bite into a taco, you get a proper balance of meats, tortilla, and veggies. I also love how they include the sauces on the side and even some greens to complement your meal. My faves include Al Pastor, Chorizo, and any of their Quesadillas (SO CHEESY AND SCRUMPTIOUS!!). You know this spot is authentic because their meat options also include Tripa and Cabeza! Can't wait to come back.” — Virginia L. on Yelp Photo via Marcus Market/Facebook

4. El Taco Veloz

4614 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3193
“El Taco Veloz is my go-to taco joint when I make a pit stop at Marcus Market. Their customer service is wonderful and the prices are very reasonable. The street-style tacos here hit the spot when you need to grab a quick bite for the road.
The meats are always tender and juicy, while the tortilla is still hot from the grill. For me, the most important part is they don't overdo the onions and cilantro! When you bite into a taco, you get a proper balance of meats, tortilla, and veggies. I also love how they include the sauces on the side and even some greens to complement your meal. My faves include Al Pastor, Chorizo, and any of their Quesadillas (SO CHEESY AND SCRUMPTIOUS!!). You know this spot is authentic because their meat options also include Tripa and Cabeza! Can't wait to come back.” — Virginia L. on Yelp

Photo via Marcus Market/Facebook
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3. Taqueria El Rey 4730 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-357-3094; facebook.com/Taqueria-El-Rey “This little place is a gem, where the locals go. If you want uppity don't come here. If you enjoy ethnic eateries then you will love this spot. In the heart of Mexicantown, we both ordered the Carne Asada Burrito. This is one of the best burritos I've had north of the Mexican border. It comes with the usual beans, rice, lettuce, etc., but it's gotta be some special recipe as it was delicious. This will be my go-to spot for Mexican food from now on. I don't drink but I saw they have Margaritas and other mixed drinks as well. Gracias "El Rey", nos veremos de nuevo muy pronto!” — Edward C. on Yelp Photo via Taqueria El Rey/Facebook

3. Taqueria El Rey

4730 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-357-3094; facebook.com/Taqueria-El-Rey
“This little place is a gem, where the locals go. If you want uppity don't come here. If you enjoy ethnic eateries then you will love this spot. In the heart of Mexicantown, we both ordered the Carne Asada Burrito. This is one of the best burritos I've had north of the Mexican border. It comes with the usual beans, rice, lettuce, etc., but it's gotta be some special recipe as it was delicious. This will be my go-to spot for Mexican food from now on. I don't drink but I saw they have Margaritas and other mixed drinks as well.
Gracias "El Rey", nos veremos de nuevo muy pronto!” — Edward C. on Yelp

Photo via Taqueria El Rey/Facebook
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2. La Torre Taqueria 1525 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti; 734-905-7220; facebook.com/LaTorreTaqueria “These are hands down the BEST authentic tacos in Ann Arbor -- even better than any tacos I had out in Vegas/Joshua Tree/Death Valley. I'd heard from others that Tmaz Taqueria or Chela's had the best authentic tacos in AA, but they both paled in comparison to La Torre. (Note: when I say "authentic," I mean the classic Mexican tacos with a meat, cilantro, and diced onions. These aren't those ~fusion~ tacos you can get from Isalita, TAQ, or Cantina -- although I will say Cantina has the best taco Tuesday that is totally slept on) In an unassuming plaza next to a sex shop, La Torre is a no-frills restaurant with only a few tables for dine-in seating. You can order the tacos individually, which I love, because I love trying different meats! I got the shrimp, fish, and pastor. All of them were delicious, but the pastor was the clear winner! Yummm. Make sure you give your tacos a healthy squeeze of lime and lay on the red and green sauces, if you can handle spice. I'm not sure what the sauces are, but they are sooo good and definitely elevate the tacos. I brought my friend some chicken tacos for take-out, because she LOVES La Torre, and they were still tasty even when they were cold! Those sauces are a total game-changer. These tacos are definitely on the top of my list for best tacos EVER!” — Ashley Z. on Yelp Photo via GoogleMaps

2. La Torre Taqueria

1525 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti; 734-905-7220; facebook.com/LaTorreTaqueria
“These are hands down the BEST authentic tacos in Ann Arbor -- even better than any tacos I had out in Vegas/Joshua Tree/Death Valley. I'd heard from others that Tmaz Taqueria or Chela's had the best authentic tacos in AA, but they both paled in comparison to La Torre. (Note: when I say "authentic," I mean the classic Mexican tacos with a meat, cilantro, and diced onions. These aren't those ~fusion~ tacos you can get from Isalita, TAQ, or Cantina -- although I will say Cantina has the best taco Tuesday that is totally slept on)

In an unassuming plaza next to a sex shop, La Torre is a no-frills restaurant with only a few tables for dine-in seating. You can order the tacos individually, which I love, because I love trying different meats! I got the shrimp, fish, and pastor. All of them were delicious, but the pastor was the clear winner! Yummm. Make sure you give your tacos a healthy squeeze of lime and lay on the red and green sauces, if you can handle spice. I'm not sure what the sauces are, but they are sooo good and definitely elevate the tacos.
I brought my friend some chicken tacos for take-out, because she LOVES La Torre, and they were still tasty even when they were cold! Those sauces are a total game-changer.
These tacos are definitely on the top of my list for best tacos EVER!” — Ashley Z. on Yelp

Photo via GoogleMaps
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1. Las Tortugas Taqueria Market 40850 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights; 586-554-7581; facebook.com/LasTortugasShelby “This restaurant has an excellent menu, and every single item on it is perfectly rendered and absolutely delicious! I truly think that their food is real Mexican food, with an eye to American preferences if you wish. Their mixed drinks and cocktails are positively scrumptious, the staff are all extremely friendly very knowledgeable about the menu, and have genuinely great recommendations. If you have not treated yourself to this, please do. This restaurant is a rare gem in a huge field of lesser restaurants that don't have the real taste of true Mexican food. It's delicious and actually quite good for you! Your experience will likely be like mine, every single time I have gone I have had a wonderful experience. I think that anybody could go in there and be quite happily fed and return again.” — Torie T. on Yelp Photo via Las Tortugas Shelby/Facebook

1. Las Tortugas Taqueria Market

40850 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights; 586-554-7581; facebook.com/LasTortugasShelby
“This restaurant has an excellent menu, and every single item on it is perfectly rendered and absolutely delicious! I truly think that their food is real Mexican food, with an eye to American preferences if you wish.

Their mixed drinks and cocktails are positively scrumptious, the staff are all extremely friendly very knowledgeable about the menu, and have genuinely great recommendations. If you have not treated yourself to this, please do. This restaurant is a rare gem in a huge field of lesser restaurants that don't have the real taste of true Mexican food. It's delicious and actually quite good for you! Your experience will likely be like mine, every single time I have gone I have had a wonderful experience. I think that anybody could go in there and be quite happily fed and return again.” — Torie T. on Yelp

Photo via Las Tortugas Shelby/Facebook
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