We had a great experience at El Guanaco. The service was excellent. The restaurant was pretty small, but there were a lot of seats available. I got the 3 pupusa dinner with jalepeno and cheese pupusas. The pupusas came out nice and hot, and I loved the veggies and salsa which were both very fresh. The rice and beans looked a little bland, but they were actually very well seasoned and delicious. Overall, we really enjoyed this restaurant and will definitely be returning. read more

El Guanaco - 3 Pupusa Dinner - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

This place is always great. The food is homemade and is the closest I can get to Mexicantown tacos without driving the 30 min to get there. I love the outdoor seating and they've upgraded it so it's more enclosed and heated. Staff is always friendly and kind. We bring the kids and it's very family friendly. Food is always good. I love their beans and rice and the kids love the lengua tacos. They are adventurous eaters when they want to be. The steak or al pastor tacos are very tender and flavorful. Always my go to when I'm craving some authentic corn tacos. Check them out and you won't be disappointed. read more

El Guanaco - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

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El Guanaco is so good! My favorite things are their Pupusas & Empanadas. Everything is always piping hot, freshly made, and so tasty! I'd have to say my favorite is their cheese empanada or their ground beef empanada and the tomato sauce they're served with is a great pairing! I've never dined in, only ever gotten takeout/Uber Eats so I can't speak to the service, but if the food is any indication I'm sure it'd be great too! read more

Don't let the building fool you. Hidden gems are among us. Started out with chips and salsa. We order cheese dip, the taco dinner and the super burrito. The cheese had jalapeños in it and was super creamy and a little spicy. I think it was served in a 8 ounce container. The taco dinner had three chicken tacos and came with rice and beans. We also order a tongue taco. The tongue taco was really good. The super burrito with steak was delicious, the meat was seasoned so well. The waitress was helpful and super friendly. read more

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This is my go to favorite Mexican restaurant that never disappoints me. The tacos can be very simple but extremely delicious. I recently tried their tamales and it was very flavorful. I have tried both locations and the food was good and consistent each time. read more

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Stopped here after a movie day and was craving some tacos and quesadillas! There is plenty of free parking! This place and indoor seating that is very limited and covered outdoor seating. This is your normal "whole in the wall" kind of joint. So nothing exciting about decor. The service here was very friendly! The woman who took our order was super nice and patient while we figured out what we wanted. The food: I got a chicken quesadilla that was seasoned so well! It came with a salsa that was tasty, lettuce and pico. There was also south cream but I don't eat that so I asked for it to be removed. I got their classic cheese pupusa and it was delicious!y friend got chicken and steak tacos but noted he did not like the corn tortillas and thought the meat was "just ok." I ended with the tres leches cake and it was the worst I have ever tried.... Very dry and disappointing... Overall, if I lived in this area I would go back based on customer service and the delicious/ flavorful quesadilla and pupusa! read more

El Guanaco - Tres leches- this fell flat for me. Needs more milk! Was dry - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

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After a recent trip to Puerto Rico, I was craving some good Latin food. Not the crappy Americanized Meh-xican stuff that is a plague on my part of Macomb county. But good authentic Latin food. El Guanaco hit the mark. Had a nice sampling of empanada, arepa chachapas really enjoyed everything Also liked that they had a little grocery section. Was able to get some plantain chips like I enjoyed in PR read more

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We have eaten here a few times. The times we have eaten in the restaurant have been fairly good. The food is good. I don't know that it's better than other Mexican places, but it's certainly not worse. If you eat outside, be prepared to have minimal service. If you're looking for a cute place to eat outside and you don't wanna be bothered by a waitress this is your place. Then we ordered takeout once. We like their queso dip, and when we ordered, I asked specifically if a bag of chips came with the queso dip appetizer that we ordered. She said yes. By the time we got home and started unloading the order, there were a few things that were missing, including the whole bag of corn chips. We had a big container of queso and no chips. I called them to ask about it and they told us to come back for it. It would've been another half hour round-trip just to get Chips, and the rest of our food would be cold by then. They told us not to worry because the next time we came, they would give us more chips. Not a satisfactory way to fix the problem. Bottom line, if you order carry out, check your bag to make sure you have everything. Once you leave, you are screwed. read more

I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic mexican cuisine. The setting is small and intimate and the service is genuine and thoughtful. It was my first time trying Pupusa, and definitely not my last. There were many options on what was included in the Pupusa. I went with chicken, cheese, and jalapeño. It was very cost effective and very satisfying in all aspects. I cannot wait to come back and try more of their menu, especially an Al Pastor taco. Officially saying goodbye to Americanized Mexican food and saying hello to El Guanaco!!! read more

El Guanaco - Pupusa (chicken, cheese, jalapeño) - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

A very fine family owned establishment. The food??? Amazing! It's not Mexican. It's Salvadorian. Even the so called Mexican offerings on the menu are different. In flavor. And that's ok. I love it. It's excellent. The spices and flavor are so fresh, clean, not greasy, and noticeably different in a great way. Just honest food. Healthy feeling. The owners are helpful beyond belief. The aunt the son of the owner. All so kind and helpful with the menu. Refreshing. Barely any place makes proper pupusas anymore. There's are the best hands down. The soups are heart warming and soul healing. This is a proper Salvadorian eatery. Top shelf food and excellent service. The owners and family really care and are genuine. Even to gringos. Smart! Teach us. And we will come. Eat your food. Enjoy your culture. read more

Great spot to grab lunch. Pupusas are always fresh. Extremely affordable menu, with a wide variety of dishes. The plantain empanada dessert is delicious. read more

The food was hot and fresh. The flavor was bursting through. The papusas were amazing. I thought the wait for the food was a little long but it was all fresh made so I'm not complaining. The refried beans were very smooth consistency which some people might not like, but I was pleasantly surprised. The hot sauce was very hot which I always love. And the cabbage medley was also very fresh and delicious. I only know of one other papas place around and this one takes the cake read more

El Guanaco - Busy busy for dinner. - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

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I traveled to Troy for a work conference and I landed at this place looking for some authentic food. I ordered a Caldo de Res "Beef Soup" as named on the menu. unfortunately, there was no beef. I was served 3 pieces of bone with a hard cartilage around it.. no beef! They need to change the name to caldo de Huesos or beef broth! That would better describe what they served me. I spoke to the owner after I paid the bill. And he insulted me in front of his staff and in front of the only 1 patron he had in his diner. I will never set foot in that place again. Worse service, poor management, food below average read more

Order the pupusas and empanadas- both are really good! ¡Las pupusas y las empanadas son deliciosas!

got their bowl with shrimp and beans. Nice blend of freshly sauteed vegetables/peppers, rice, beans, shrimp. Nothing special but that is the beauty of it. It is filled with good well-cooked ingredients. Combine this with their salsa and/or hot sauce and it is a perfect meal. Still the winner for me is the papusa. Can get different combos but please include cheese as it is like a meant-to-be ingredient. Melts in mouth experience. So warm and soft. Add in your meat of choice and/or beans/spinach and it is a definite win for a relatively inexpensive menu item. Tacos were so-so. Not the best I've had for sure, a far away from it. It is not bad, just not amazing in comparison to the Papusa, and not as filling either. It was better with hot sauce whereas the papusa was good by itself. Service is what you would expect from authentic El Salvador restaurant with Salvadorean staff who speak minimal English. Ambiance is a that of a hole in wall and gave a Salvadorean atmosphere for sure. Overall good experience and would return. read more

El Guanaco - 2 papusa and 1 taco - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

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I did DoorDash; so I can't comment on the service or ambience. The food was just okay. I may have to try something else next time. The rice was a little bland also. The portions were good. read more

Wonderful authentic central American food. We often come here before or after going to MJR movies

First time trying papusa and was immediately hooked. If you're looking for something south of the border and want to try something new go here. The food is great, cooked to perfection, and served with a smile. Loved the empanadas! read more

I was getting groceries nearby and saw this on Google Maps. Didn't know there was a place in the area for Salvadoran food and wanted to check it out. I've had pupusas before and these were good quality. Yuca was nice and hot too. Place was nice and cozy, with an eating area outside as well. read more

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Order was ready on time and food was very good! We will go there in the future! I especially enjoyed the guacamole

A very small restaurant, the quintessential hole-in-the-wall that you could easily pass based on the exterior. However, if you're seeking authentic el Salvadorian or Mexican dishes, I'd recommend that you DO NOT pass on this place. This was my first time here / everything ordered was delicious. We came around 1:00 and the small wait was worth it. Tasted like you were eating at someone's house. Authentic fresh & soo soo delicious. Plantains were on point & the tacos were my favorite. read more

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Home. Comfort. Warmth. Real. All of these words describe El Guanaco. The food tastes like a delicious meal made at home. It makes you feel comforted and warm. It is authentic, distinctive, and real. Take my dinner tonight. It started with the best chips and salsa I have had in years. The chips were thin and crispy without being brittle. The salsa was fresh with small tomato chunks and herbs. Then, came my main course: pupusas with cheese, spinach, and loroco flower; refried beans; rice; and spicy cabbage. The pupusas were yielding but not mushy. The cheese and vegetables were mild and well-balanced. Both the refried beans and rice were gentle and subtle. The cabbage contrasted with this, giving a good kick. The room, with a few tables, is relaxed. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's times like this that I wish Yelp had a such special star. El Guanaco is just that good. read more

La comida estuvo muy buena y el servicio estuvo aún mejor. El ambiente fue muy amigable. 10/10

I have been on the hunt for authentic latin american cuisine besides mexican food & I found this place randomly on doordash. Sadly I was unable to place an order due to living too far so I decided to go the next day after work to try it out. The restaurant is pretty tiny & seems to mainly be a takeout type of place. I got a chicken quesadilla which was ok, nothing special. I also tried a pupusa with beef & another one with chicken. It was good but not my thing tbh. However, I LOVED the fried plantains! It was my first time trying them at this restaurant & I have been hooked ever since. They served the side with sour cream which I thought was odd because fried plantains taste sweet like caramelized bananas so that plus sour cream doesnt make sense. It worked out because I used that sour cream for the quesadilla. I'm not sure if I will go back because its a little out of the way for me but I'm glad that I was able to try el guanaco out. Maybe I'll try something else next time. read more

El Guanaco - Quesadilla with Meat Pupusa with 2 Ingredients Side Fried Plantain - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

Loved everything about this place. Our waitress was the sweetest woman and kept making sure we were enjoying our food. The lengua taco was my favorite of the 3 I ordered (I also got the fish and shrimp) and next time I'd like to try the Al pastor taco as my boyfriend raved about that one. read more

El Guanaco - Fish Taco, Tongue Taco (lengua), Shrimp Taco - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

Service bad. Food beyond expensive, environment not good. Lady on the front very rude

Authentic Salvadoran food. Quaint little diner with a few indoor tables and large enclosed patio seating outdoors. Order was ready in less than 10 minutes. Had the Pupusa with pork, cheese and jalapeño. Served with spicy cabbage and tomato sauce. Corn dough stuffed. For $4 this was well worth the price and very filling . The stewed pork was phenomenal in this. read more

El Guanaco had some of the best Latin American food I've ever tasted. I am so glad we stopped by this quaint place for lunch while we were passing through. We sat ourselves and then were greeted and given chips almost immediately. We most definitely were hungry so we brought our appetites. There were numerous good options, it was difficult to choose from! We decided to go big and between two of us, got the Guanaco platter #2 and the tacos al pastor. While we waited for our food, we watched some fútbol playing on the TVs and several families came in to enjoy the food. The servers were always so warm when anyone came in, you can tell this was a friendly small business. The food came out quick and hot and was mouth-watering. Although all the food made us so full we could hardly finish. The food and the experience was authentic and incredible. My friend who has never had a pupusa before in his life even said "this is some of the best food I have ever eaten." And it can't be beat for the price! If you are in the Detroit area, you NEED to make a stop at El Guanaco. I promise you will not regret it. read more

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The food is beyond amazing this is by far the best place in the state and the best pupusas I've ever had even better than those in la. My wife got the asada and it was also truly amazing. If you haven't been here you need to be. This is a must stop for some of the best food In the country. The service is friendly and fast and the restaurant itself is small but has extra seating in another area. Seriously this is a must stop. read more

El Guanaco - Pupusas and asada - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

Love the Salvadoran brunch with the eggs, spicy salad and plantains. Have always carried out and the food has never disappointed us. Absolutely delicious. read more

Prime example of why you shouldn't judge a restaurant by the exterior. This place has amazing homemade empanadas. They are delicious. The fried plantains are also great. We tried the lunch burrito and the taco Al pastor as well and both were great. The meal came with a side of unique, homemade slaw and it was super crispy, a little spicy & very bright/citrusy. I recommend if you are open to trying new food and already have a love for Latin cuisine. read more

El Guanaco - Empanadas (Potato, Al pastor & chicken) all amazing - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

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I had never been to a Salvatore restaurant, but this is one of my son's favorites. We had pupusa's, which were absolutely amazing. I'll go back just for those.!! Full of flavor and deliciousness. We also had empanadas and they were good as well. read more

AMAZING LOVE THIS PLACE .. they always have great food here the service can at time be slow when they are busy but worth the wait

I'm sad to say I won't be a returning customer to El Guanaco. I've had terrible service on my last few orders. Since take out is SUPER SLOW, I had been getting delivery to bypass this, but my last delivery was very late and very cold. So I decided to get pick up. I called in my order and they gave me a 20 min wait. Waited 25 mins then went to pick up my food. They looked at me with a blank stare because they never put in my order. I had to reorder and wait an additional 15 mins. Came back another time, ordered online. Waited the time and went to pick up my order. It wasn't even entered AGAIN! waited longer for them to make my order. Came back another time and this was my last straw. Called in the order, 20 min wait. I called the restaurant after 20 mins and asked them if my order was ready and was told yes, it's ready. Went to pick up my order and the cashier looked at me with a blank stare, then asked what I ordered, then asked more questions like she was taking my order for the first time. So I asked, do you guys have my order ready at all? They gave me food and I left, but as I sat in my car I realized it smelled differently. Checked the box only to find a completely different order! Went back in and had to wait an additional 20 mins for them to make my food. While I waited I let the cashier know how much I loved the food, had even raved about it to others, but the take out service was completely unacceptable! She just said the lady who took my order didn't speak English well. Finally got my food and when I got home I realized there was NO MEAT in my pupusas even though I repeatedly asked for meat. I won't ever be back and that's sad because the food was pretty great when they got it right. I'll drive out of my way to get pupusas in Oak Park now. read more

I heard this place had the best empanadas in Michigan and had to see for myself. Yelp has not steered me wrong again! The waitress was more than helpful in our selections. This was my first time here and really I am not all that familiar with Salvadorian food. They have an extensive Mexican menu as well. She helped with what add-ons should go in our empanadas as well as our pupusas. Everything was delicious fresh and hot. My torta Cubana was delicious. They also serve breakfast here which I am very very interested in coming back for. This whole menu looks so good and the staff really make you feel welcome. Nice job Yelp! And my fellow yelpers that put this one on the map. read more

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I went here with some friends and we were sat in the sorta outdoor/patio area (it's not like outdoor because there is coverage but it is separate from the main building) and despite the cold outside we stayed warm in there! We all ordered variations of the lunch special which was a really good deal and the food was really good as well! I got 2 al pastor tacos that were delicious and came with this super spicy sauce on the side, i'm big on spice so I LOVED it, but if it was too spicy there was also some other hot sauces available on the table. The chips and salsa were amazing as well, might be one of my fav chips in the area tbh. The special also comes with salvadoran rice and refried beans, I really enjoyed the rice, but the beans were a little too liquidy for my liking. That being said I still ate them all haha! The service was normal, our waitress was nice and at the end of the meal we went up to the register to pay :) read more

El Guanaco - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

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I've been coming here for a while now. Best and most authentic Tacos around! The people that work there are very nice and welcoming. They always have a smile on their face ready to get you some good food. Feels like you're eating at your local spot nothing too flashy very calming. Highly recommend read more

I love discovering small family run ethnic restaurants that make delicious food and may be flying "under the radar". I would count El Guanaco as one of them. Found them on YELP and went with my family for lunch on a rainy Saturday post shopping malls. Ordered a few Papusas and Empanadas and a delicious queso along with their home made chips and we never got past these three dishes. Fairly priced, all clearly home made and fresh and deliciously prepared by people who genuinely seem to care! Great place. We will be back !! read more

El Guanaco - Papusas !! - Mexican Near Me - Troy, Michigan

There was another restaurant with Salvadoran food that I had on my list for years and never tried and they closed! I've had El Guanaco on my list for a long time now and decided to not make that mistake again. So we arranged to meet our monthly lunch group here despite the crummy weather. Our group varies from about a dozen to as few as four; today we were five and that's a nice size for this cozy dining room. We could probably have figured out how to make it work for up to eight. More than that could prove difficult! We were met with a friendly greeting and seated immediately at 11:30am on a Saturday. The server brought menus, took our drink orders, and delivered baskets of warm chips and salsa to get us started. Since my wife and I had already been studying the photos and menus on Yelp for over a month, we had already decided what we would order. Our friends needed a few minutes to figure theirs out. Because Salvadoran food is new to me, my focus was on that rather than Mexican. My wife ordered the Guanaco Platter #1, and I ordered Guanaco Platter #2. I had read in reviews that these platters can be enough for two (or maybe three) but we were fine with leftovers and this way we could try most of the Salvadoran dishes. Two of our friends ordered the Mexican Platter #2 to split (they still had leftovers) and our final party ordered a Quesadilla that also filled the plate. Everything we tasted was excellent and service was great throughout the experience. So far, so good. But things deteriorated from there. My wife is not a fan of fried potatoes and, upon learning that yucca is basically a potato, filling half her plate, she was not impressed. In addition, her platter was supposed to come with two Chicken Tamales but there was only one -- as you can see in the photo. And that was her favorite item! Because of all of the conversations going on, she did not realize about the missing tamale until the next day when she was ready to enjoy the leftover. It is unfortunate but we are not interested in ever coming back to a restaurant that cannot do a basic quality check prior to serving the dishes. read more

I am sooo glad I finally tried this restaurant! I pass it on my way to work and have been dying to stop in and I am SO happy I did. I got 2 chorizo tacos with beans and rice. They were incredibly flavorful. The meat portion is very large so 2 was definitely enough. I also loved the flavor of the hot sauce that comes with it. My bf got 5 chicken tacos and he loved his as well. We also split a beef empanada. The slaw that comes with it is delicious. So crunchy and tangy. I would definitely come back! The workers were kind and welcoming too. read more

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