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Jose's Cantina

3.4 (314 reviews)
ModerateMexican
Open 12:00 pm - 8:30 PM
Updated a few days ago

Jose's Cantina Photos

JOSE'S CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Jose's Cantina

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Reviews With Photos

Ashley G.

I was pleasantly surprised by how good the food was here! We received free chips and salsa and added queso and guac for the table. The queso was soooo good! I don't like guac but the rest of the table enjoyed it. We were super disappointed because they were out of birria and that's what 2/4 of us wanted. I opted for a carne asada chimichanga instead, no guac and added pico on the side. It was a good chimichanga overall. The carne asada was flavorful. My only complaint is that the chimichanga could have been crispier, but it was still good. Rice and beans are acceptable but not the best I've ever had. The rest of the table said their food was really good. One person got a chicken taco, another a half plate of nachos, and the last one a chicken and shrimp dish over rice. I had a Michigan cherry margarita and a mango margarita- both were very good. Our waitress was attentive and kind. The restaurant is cute on the inside. The played the traditional mariachi music which I don't like but is to be expected. They charge a service fee for paying with card. Bill before the service fee was $136 and with the service fee was $141 before tip. I'd definitely come back. Like I said, I wasn't expecting much coming in here but was so pleasantly surprised!

Michelada
Kayla R.

Service was amazing! We went about two hours before closing, and even though it was semi-busy, our waiter was friendly, attentive, and informative, he even assured us the whitefish was fresh, which it absolutely was. The ambiance was spot on, with tasteful music that complemented the setting without leaning too heavily on cultural stereotypes, something I really appreciated compared to other Mexican restaurants in Michigan. As for the food, I wouldn't call it traditional Mexican cuisine, but rather a thoughtful and well-executed fusion of Mexican and Michigan food traditions. I ordered the whitefish tacos, which were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. I also tried the Michelada, which was excellent and complemented the meal beautifully. Overall, it was a great experience, and I can't wait to come back to Saint Ignace just to eat here again!

Cherry Margarita on the rocks
Mariela R.

We were just at Jose's Cantina and our bellies are so happy!!! We got seated right away; our server was delightful, sweet, and helpful; and the food came out extremely fast. Our chicken enchiladas were like warm but the rest of our food was delicious and my Cherry Margarita was yummmmmmy!!

Looking toward the entrance.
Scott T.

The food was good. Service was great. Typical Mexican restaurant ambience. Overall I would come here again.

A RESTAURANT TO AVOID AT ALL.COSTS.

Absolutely the worst experience ever. Called ahead about my Medical Service Animal and was told if we came right away we could be accommodated. We went over were told it would be 10 minutes. 20 minutes later in a full lobby a bus person cones out and says the owner said NO. I explain the call in advance and details. I'm told The owner says no I show her Federal paperwork still NO. Not an offer of let's figure out takeout? Anything??? No Just NO??? I have NEVER BEEN TREATED SO DISRESPECTFULLY. KARMA WILL FIND YOU I hope that people avoid you at all costs and next summer we see a Restaurant in your space that is responsible, RESPECTFUL and a Good business steward and model. ​​

Quesabirria taco cross section
Karolina K.

Friendly staff, good food and live music, this was our experience at Jose's Cantina. We were sitted right away despite a huge crowd on Saturday afternoon. Chips and salsa were brought immediately to the table. They were good although a little too salty. Our server was nice and polite but she didn't have much knowledge how to accommodate some dishes to make vegan. I was able to figure it out, mostly you have to remove cheese from free vegetarian dishes to make them vegan. I opted for vegetarian fajitas and hubby got Quesabirria tacos. The food came very quickly and is was very flavorful. Portion size also nice. We really enjoyed everything. Live music also made the experience so much nicer. We will definetly be back!

Beef enchiladas
Melisa W.

We 1st visited 2yrs ago & once again the place did not disappoint!! Great drinks, fresh food, and professional service

New bar renovation
Jen S.

The food is phenomenal! So much flavor- it's the real deal!! This place belongs in NYC but here we are, hanging out in a small Michigan town. They renovated during the off season. The stucco lightens it up and makes it fancy but not too fancy. Service is excellent! Do not skip this one!

THE VIEW I ALMOST FORGOT
Alycia D.

Tacos? I am a ball knower. Tacos are my favorite food. I've ordered my favorite taco easily over a thousand times back home. However. Their birria taco was so good I cried. The beef was so tender & soft I honestly think the refried beans were tougher to chew. I had to go outside & pray thanks to the Lord in the rain. Cantarito SLAPPED. Guac SLAPPED. Queso SLAPPED. French fries? SLAPPED. My guests were also raving about their orders. Melissa told me the chef's beef recipe is several generations old from back home in Mexico & his brother visited & also cried because it reminded him of his childhood. And Melissa? My server? Ugh she is so wonderful. She is the best service I've had in so long... I've been on a fancy schmancy restaurant RAMPAGE lately & she was better. Her personality, her attention to detail, just such a fantastic person to have met. 2,000 aura points. Food comes out two minutes after you order it despite there being a 30 min wait time for a table. I have texted so many people about this place knowing they will probably never be this far north. You need to go here. I am so sad I couldn't go back again yesterday & all of the days. Reasonable prices as well. I'd pay twice as much for half a portion just for the taste. (Jose if you read this don't change the prices) I love this place. I love this place. I love Melissa and hope to shake Jose's hand some day. OH AND I ALMOST FORGOT THE VIEW! Everything was so good inside I forgot the VIEW is A BLESSING. You can take an "adult Capri Sun" home if you love the cantaritos or anything as much as I did and they put it in a kangaroo pouch sealed up for later.

Seafood Chimichanga
Layla S.

The food was amazing and you can tell they have the best tacos in Michigan. There was live music and quick service. I would 100 percent eat here again and again.

Delicious margarita!

Great atmosphere ( we sat in the bar this time) really friendly service and above average food. I had the seafood burrito and my husband had the shrimp fajitas. Full of flavor and a large amount. Can't wait to visit again when we return next spring.

Combo platter with black bean fried tacos and sweet potato burrito with queso sauce and veggies. Side of beans and rice.
Maureen B.

Great place to visit when in the area and craving good Mexican food. Great vegetarian options which is a win for us. The sweet potato burrito was not the best and kind of like pumpkin purée but would try their other options. The service and ambiance was great. Good view of the bay. Will return again.

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1 year ago

Good food, good service can be busy in the summer with wait time, wish they would make reservations

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2 years ago

Chicken dishes were flavorless. Nice outside tables but they wouldn't seat anyone out there.

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6 years ago

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3 years ago

Seriously, why are there any low reviews! This place has the best food. We will return whenever we are in the area.

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2 years ago

Everything was wonderful , it has been a couple years ago and we can't wait to go back! The food was excellent and so very fresh!!!

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7 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

Excellent spot with a great view. Loved the white fish tacos and the birria tacos especially, will definitely return to this restaurant

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5 years ago

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Jose's Cantina - mexican - Updated May 2026

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