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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Michigan's best

Mexican food and empanadas

Made for those who prioritize the handheld convenience of empanadas while maintaining a steady rotation of Mexican favorites.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Los Pingüinos image 1
Taqueria Los Pingüinos image 2
Taqueria Los Pingüinos image 3
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Restaurant offers regional Mexican music and tall windows overlooking downtown, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. Dining space is well decorated and roomy, with a warm and friendly vibe. Food portions are generous, featuring some of the best birria and tacos in the area.

Lengua tacos stand out as a key offering, with other options like Al pastor and birria also highly flavorful. The hot chili Verde salsa adds a spicy kick without overwhelming the palate, complementing dishes like tacos, empanadas, and nachos.

Empanadas come in chicken, cheese, and beef varieties. They stand out alongside taquitos and chimichangas as particularly good options.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is authentic and flavorful."

"The homemade salsas were really good and had the perfect kick."

"I had the chicken, cheese, and beef empanadas; they were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Carry-out orders are accepted until 7:40pm, just 20 minutes before closing.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes at reasonable prices.

3

They have a diverse menu with unique items not found elsewhere.

02
barú detroit | kitchen + cocktails image 1

Restaurant offers elegant yet comfortable indoor seating with lush greenery and a beautiful outdoor patio. Atmosphere stays chill and vibrant, with good music and a lively nightlife vibe. Distinctive features include a speakeasy downstairs and carefully crafted cocktails with impressive presentations.

Fresh ceviche and guacamole bring authentic Mexican flavors. Chicken and snapper tacos offer delicious fish options, paired well with empanadas. Café con leche and flan finish the meal with classic desserts.

Beef empanadas stand out with their flavorful and light texture, avoiding greasiness. The accompanying sauce is notable enough to request extra for an additional cost.

People are saying

"The empanadas here are perfectly flaky, especially the jerk beef."

"The outdoor seating here is beautiful and contributes to the enjoyable atmosphere."

"The fish tacos here are so good."

Good to know

1

An automatic 20% service charge is added to every bill regardless of size.

2

The kitchen is open until 1 AM, allowing for late-night dining.

3

The hostess mentioned that couches are reserved for larger parties or cost $300 to use.

03
La Mulata Bar Restaurant image 1

Bright interior contrasts with an unassuming exterior in an old building. Friendly, cozy atmosphere with natural light and a large bar area that hosts live music. Known for fresh mojitos and a vibe that blends dining with salsa dancing.

Tacos stand out with delicious flavor and freshness. Dishes like Ropa Vieja and chicken flautas add variety alongside burritos and Pollo Ripiado.

Crispy brown empanadas feature a bubbly crust from a perfect water-flour-butter mix. Fillings like chicken and chorizo come finely ground with a tasty spice blend, and the guava and cheese option stands out.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and generously portioned."

"These empanadas are some of the best I've ever had."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, every single bite."

Good to know

1

Salsa night happens every Saturday at 8pm; arrive early for a good spot.

2

The restaurant has a large parking lot, but it can be easy to miss.

3

Credit cards and cash are accepted; no personal checks.

04
El Guanaco Auburn Hills Restaurant image 1
Latin American restaurant

Small space with tight booths and cluttered layout creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere stays quiet and clean, offering a welcoming vibe with occasional Colombian music. Known for authentic Salvadoran and Honduran dishes, it draws those seeking genuine Latin American flavors.

Tacos al pastor stand out with authentic flavor. Pupusas and burritos hit the mark consistently. The queso and salsa offer rich, satisfying tastes. Pozole and flautas also deliver solid Mexican and Salvadorian dishes.

Chicken and cheese empanadas stand out for their freshness and flavor. These empanadas come in spinach and cheese and chicken varieties that many find authentic and tasty.

People are saying

"The empanadas here are amazing and fresh, especially the chicken."

"I verified the pupusas are authentic and amazing."

"I thought the pupusas had a homemade flavor."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for $10, offering large portions.

2

Expect to pay around $20 per person after food, tax, and tip.

3

The menu features a wide variety of Honduran and Salvadoran dishes.

05
Taqueria El Chaparrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Interior resembles an authentic Mexico village restaurant with beautiful festive decor and spacious seating. Loud DJ music creates a lively, energetic atmosphere that can be intense during meals. Family-friendly vibe with occasional mechanical bull adding unique entertainment.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with dishes like carne asada, birria tacos, and burritos packed with pastor or steak. Portions come generous and the enchiladas stand out by not being drenched in sauce.

Fish and seafood empanadas stand out for their authentic flavor. Barbacoa and el pastor empanadas offer rich, bold tastes, while potato-filled empanadas add a delicious twist to the selection.

People are saying

"You have to try the birria tacos; they're delicious and larger than others."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the el pastor and barbacoa empanadas to be phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes.

2

Paying cash can help you save money on your bill.

3

The portions served are outstanding and satisfying.

06
Detroit Loves Tacos,LLC image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican eatery inside a liquor store offers authentic birria tacos and unique recipes with fair prices. Atmosphere feels casual and unpretentious, with food arriving promptly and consistently flavorful. Known for coordinated menu hits and a hidden gem vibe in the local taco scene.

Tacos here stand out for their birria tacos and birria ramen, both known for consistent, rich flavor. The spicy chicken tacos on corn tortillas come loaded with toppings and offer authentic, affordable Mexican food.

Empanadas come in beef filling and taste good but show signs of being frozen rather than freshly made. Prices run around $15 each when ordered with tacos.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are delicious and life-changing."

"These chicken tacos are affordable and absolutely delicious."

"I loved the birria tacos; they were the best I had."

Good to know

1

They deliver tacos for events and can cater for large groups.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals starting around $15.

3

You can specify meat options when ordering tacos.

07
MexicanTown Bakery & Cafe image 1

Bakery offers wall-to-wall baked goods with a cozy interior that feels like a little piece of Mexico. Warm, inviting atmosphere fills the space with fresh-baked pan dulce aroma and positive energy. Setup includes self-serve trays and tongs, encouraging a relaxed, leisurely visit.

Tamales come in a fat, filling style and are a standout item. Horchata appears in classic and iced coffee forms. The bakery offers a wide range of Mexican pastries including pan dulce, churros with various fillings, and Tres Leches cakes.

Sweet and savory empanadas come in huge sizes with generous fillings. They stay fresh and flavorful, including traditional Colombian and pineapple options.

People are saying

"The bakery has a fantastic selection of baked goods."

"The Mexican pastries here are works of art."

"These empanadas are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The bakery closes before 9 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

They accept EBT for dessert purchases.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

08
Bahama Breeze image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean-themed restaurant offers a tropical atmosphere with live music and an inviting patio featuring an indoor fire pit. The space feels relaxing and friendly, with decor and lighting that evoke a vacation vibe. Guests enjoy interactive table devices and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating options.

Tacos stand out with options like shrimp, mahi, and fish varieties. Shrimp tacos come with a generous portion and are cooked perfectly.

Beef empanadas stand out with their rich flavor and are a consistent favorite. They pair well with other appetizers like spinach dip and offer a satisfying start to the meal.

People are saying

"You have to try the food, especially the jerk chicken pasta with lemon."

"You have to try their happy hour empanadas; they're half off!"

"The fish tacos here are really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great drink and appetizer deals from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Be cautious of cross-contamination if you have seafood allergies.

3

The restaurant closes at 11:00 pm, so arrive early for late-night dining.

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