That's a good part of town of Southwest Detroit. It is called Mexican town. I assume because of the high population of Hispanic residence. And all of the Mexican restaurants and stores that are in the area. My wife and I explored the area and it had a lot of neat stores and restaurants that we went into and some nice looking homes in the area and we had a good time exploring read more

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Got the chicken tostadas and they were great! Definitely recommend this place and the service was okay read more

Mexicantown - Chicken Tostadas - Local Flavor Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

A friend and I were headed for Xoci for lunch, but their line was insane. The good was good, staff were very friendly, and the place seemed overall clean. A bit of stuff on the floor at a nearby table, where no one attempted to clean it up. It was good enough to go again, but Xoci will always be my #1 choice. read more

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This is not the town where they make cans. That's Makes-a-can Town. This is my kind of place. And that fish you just gave me is my kind of Plaice. Detroit does have a significant Latin community and there are plenty of good little Mexican gems hidden in this area which is much larger than I first realized when I used to come to Detroit in the old days and think that Mexicantown was one little street. It's a low income area and a little bit grim but that probably makes for the best authenticity and affordability for everybody. It is a must stop if you are visiting Detroit. I will raise it to five stars when I find some truly off-the-charts food in this area. read more

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Went here with with a team and they refused to serve by number only making it harder on themselves, we were the only ones in there might I add. We had 32 orders and 3 of which was correct. Not to mention the entire bathroom sink on the right was covered in vomit and they left it after we informed them. read more

Mexicantown - Local Flavor Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

O.k people of yelp and beyond it is time to get a few things straight: Mexicantown is classified as that strip on Bagley that all the tourists are attracted to. This is the official geographical classification of Mexicantown, but because we have such a wonderfully large population of Latinos this section has expanded,( although not in official terms). As a resident of the southwest side, I like to explore other regions outside of "Mexicantown". In many ways we are a self sustaining neighborhood, from Sonnenburg's hardware to Delilah's fashion and the Salvation Army to the many Supermercados scattered throughout. We have parks and grandiose churches with amazing history, and a legacy of people that fight for their rights. Cinco de Mayo is a crazy time to be in Southwest side . . . so Kim R. you have not seen us at our best. But if you're going to be the type that makes premature judgments then maybe it's better for all of us if you stay out of our neighborhood! read more

Being a resident of Detroit's Mexicantown, albeit the more bland far east side, I've felt compelled to post my own review to counterbalance Princess Kim's. Princess, I hope your friend isn't local and took you to Bagley because she also believes that is the real Mexicantown. That intersection was built up with the intent of attracting tourists. From the long lines of non-Mexicans it becomes pretty obvious, no? If you had ventured further down Vernor, deeper into the heart of the neighborhood, you would've seen Most Holy Redeemer Church, which at it's height was the largest Roman Catholic parish in North America. And it's beautiful. You also would've passed El Rancho, which appears to be a greasy spoon, but actually has some of the best food in the area. You'd also see the huge Clark Park, Armando's (as referenced in Dea's review), Mexicantown Bakery, several taquerias, panaderías, tortillerias, and at least one pupuseria. Or you could turn off Vernor at Junction and check out El Barzon, which has been getting rave reviews ever since it opened a couple years ago. Turn off at Springwells, Livernois, or Central, and see even more. There's so much more to Mexicantown than the neon lights at the first exit off the Ambassador Bridge. You really should check it out next time you're here. read more

I'm going to have to go princess smack down on Princess Kim. Princesses can't help it, we only know and make judgments immediately on what is seen... not what is unseen or not explored. White people stay in the Mexicantown that's more like Tex-Mex White People Friendly town. This is the area on Bagley street and 25th. Amongst these hellish "Mexican" food places there is only one true gem: Lupita's Taqueria. Xoci's is gross. Mexicantown Restaurant is by no means good or great. Evie's is a take it or leave it. As is most of the other restaurants that are adorned in neon signs advertising even Nuclear Disaster Green margaritas. If you stick around here and go to the big names then I can definitely see why you would be disappointed. But put your butt back into your car and make your way down Verner. You will start seeing the place change... it something more lively. A neighborhood that breathes LIFE into Detroit. Armando's for Tuesday $3 mojitos (so so good), Mexicantown Bakery (where the 'hood goes to get their fresh loaves of bread!), Cafe con Leche (gimmie one of those monster shots for ridiculously cheap!) and a little further Los Altos (sister of Lupita's) and some AWESOME supermercados. Care for a REAL authentic experience? Go to El Rey if you want something totally unique to the kind of Mexicans that inhabit Detroit's Mexicantown (from the Guadalajara region of Mexico) -- for some ceviche tostadas. Habla espanol solomente! (my espanish eez not so good, advice taken from Lorna -- the resident Mexicantown expert) Oh... did I mention taco trucks? Yes. Detroit has taco trucks! You thought you'd never see these here, didn't you? Follow Janelle P's map to TACO TRUCK GOODNESS: Here's how to find the map: -- Go to google maps (http://maps.google.com/) -- Click "Show search options" and select "User-created content" from the drop-down -- Search for "taco carts detroit", and all the results will be from my map, entitled "Taco Carts of Detroit" -- If you click on the map name shown under any of the results, you'll get directed to the map Your move Princess Kim. Come back and see the real Mexicantown and I dare you to say the same thing. read more

Kim R. doesn't have the first clue about Detroit. First of all, Cinco de Mayo is not the best time to go - it is packed with pretenders. Second, there are tons of Mexican people living in that neighborhood - I went to elementary school in that neighborhood. Back then, they had a spanish/english kindergarten for the kids from homes without parents who speak english. There are way more Mexican people there now - probably 90% Mexican. The Hacienda tortilla factory makes awsome tortillas - I refuse to cook Mexican food with any other tortilla. You don't even have to know english as long as you speak spanish you will get along just fine (if not better). read more

Seriously? THIS is Mexicantown? My friend and I went to Mexicantown when I happened to be in Michigan for Cinco de Mayo. I was absolutely stunned (in a negative way) by what passed for "Mexicantown." There were two-hour waits at the few Mexican restaurants that occupied each corner of Mexicantown. So, in Michigan, all you have to do is have a few restaurants dedicated to a certain ethnicity, and then you have (insert ethnicity here)town. I didn't even see any Mexican people in the streets, or in any of the obscenely long lines! WHAT IS MEXICAN ABOUT THAT? There was one tortilla shop, but it wasn't linked to any other restaurants in the area. A REAL Mexican restaurant, in a REAL Mexicantown, would have an area where employees made fresh tortillas in-store. In short, Mexicantown sucks. There aren't nearly enough Mexican people, restaurants, or things for this place to qualify as remotely Mexican. The fact that this place actually attracts people on days like Cinco de Mayo is more of a sad commentary on the lack of diversity in Detroit, rather than an endorsement of Mexicantown being remotely Mexican. read more

I am very shocked at some of Mexicantown's poor reviews. Looks like we got some haters.....a few haters. I'm thinking a few of these reviewers must be writing these reviews after a few post-workout swigs of Hate-o-rade man. I'm not going to lie man, during my last visit to Mexicantown, I did witness a crime. I saw a young man stub his toe and say the "f-word". I was that young man. That curb be janky man. I also saw a hipster guy stroll into a restaurant and knew instantly something was not right with him......he was wearing sandals and had socks on, that poor motherless fuck.....but eh, hipsters dress strange all over the US. Here's 5 observations I can say about my latest trip to Mexicantown. 1) You wouldn't believe you are in Detroit. It's like a small community, kinda colorful, yet kinda dull. There aren't any fancy neon signs or skyscrapers that pop out at you besides awesomely colorful store signs, a tall bell tower from a church, and the most awesomely looking street lights ever! 2) There's cool street art. 3) Lots of awesome restaurants. 4) It's not exactly bumping. There aren't cool dive bars to clown at. There's not crowds of people walking the streets looking to jam, nor are there D-Bags looking to bang the female version of D-Bags like there are in a Royal Oak or a Novi. It's just people living in a community as a community. 5) I saw Food Trucks - clap clap clap, there were food trucks - clap clap clap The reason why I gave Mexicantown 4 out of 5 stars is that I was kind of hoping for more bars and more girls. If you are single and young, stay in Greektown. If you are a foodie, make this a must place to stop. The M-Town haters here were speaking on how rough this hood was. Let me tell you about how rough this place was. Within the very first 10 minutes of my stop in this part of town, I saw children - smiling, laughing, playing. Within the very first 10 minutes, I saw a young female cop waiting for food and introducing herself to others in the community....shaking hands and sharing a smile. Within the very first 10 minutes, I saw a diverse group of friends enter a restaurant as a squad not worried about anything except whose gonna pay for what. On my way out, we were cruising this part of Detroit City and I saw something.....almost every porch, people enjoying themselves. Friends, family, people of all ages - grilling food, enjoying cervesa, kids playing tag, neighbors sharing stories, and just a community acting like a God-Damn Community. Maybe in fancy gentrified America, Mexicantown might not be the best place in the world (for the haters) but me, I thrive on happiness. I love seeing smiles. I love seeing positive interactions. If you are looking to party like Gronk - I wouldn't exactly come here. If you are looking for good food in a family friendly atmosphere, Mexicantown of Detroit, MI, USA is a great destination. One day I will have children who will play sports or do plays or other weekend activities that will help get them into college or make them happy. I would be most honored to bring my future kids here to break bread and show them the importance of community living. read more

Tex mex from actual Mexican Americans, there is other place for tacos! All the 'haters' are completely out of their minds if they think there is someplace better! read more

OK, I gotta say it. I don't like Mexicantown. It seems that at some point in time someone declared that this was the place to get the "Mexican" experience. And in reaction to this a group business people with no experience in authentic Mexican food or culture opened businesses with neon signs and Tijuana style sombreros, ponchos, and artwork tacked to the walls. If you were to do a blind taste test from one restaurant to another you'd never be able to tell the difference. Ironically the only half way decent restaurant "Lupitas" lacks all of the schtick that the other restaurants depend upon to screw unknowing locals. But it has no wait, and is easily half the price of the other "restaurants". I say ironically because it's more central american than Mexican. I've yet to try the taco carts. And from what I here they are one of the best food vendors in town. Overall I try to stay away. read more

Never been to Mexico. Only can go by what I've seen on videos and what I've heard. I have decent amount of Hispanic friends. My wife is from Mexico. She says that the food doesn't taste the same. I can only take her word for it. In Southwest Detroit u have a mixed of people mostly Mexicans, but you have Blacks, Whites, Arabs, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Hondurans, El Salvadorans, etc its a melting pot. Detroit is being revitalized but right now I only see downtown being done for whites. Mexicantown needs to be revitalized and owners need to be different races not just whites and the arabs owning the gas stations and liquor stores. This is a diamond in the rough. We need to just get rid of the people who don't care and the thugs n gangbangers. read more

My wife is from San Diego. I lived there for several years when I was in the Marine Corps. I graduated from Cal State San Marcos. We moved back to Detroit because my family is here and we wanted to raise our children where it was not so expensive. Having said all that, the people on here who disagree with Princess Kim are ridiculous. I am FROM Michigan, but every Marine I knew, whether they were from Maine, Texas, Florida, or Alaska LOVED the real carne asada burritos made by Mexicans from Tijuana and the Baja region. We just don't have that here. Sorry guys, but you really don't (and of course this is subjective and it's the style we're used to from San Diego) know what you're talking about. Even what people say isn't Tex Mex here is STILL Tex Mex. Whoever said El Rancho is good--seriously? I just got done telling my wife that if I see another burrito with ground beef I'm going to scream...and I screamed when I looked at the El Rancho menu. Yes they have one "chunky beef" burrito (whatever that is) which is probably UNMARINATED "beef steak" (again, whatever that is.) A review of another restaurant somewhere on Yelp involved a woman opining that a chunky beef burrito was gross...she wanted ground beef. Okay, then go to Taco Bell. Menudo everywhere. Bet you people have never heard of Albondigas though. A quick check shows Evie's Tamales has Albondigas from a review, but I can't find a menu. I asked a woman at El Charros one time if she could try to make an authentic carne asada burrito for me (I was only there because it was a wedding rehearsal dinner) and she said she had been to San Diego and didn't like the burritos there. Sure. Okay. To each his own, but every Marine from around the country disagrees with her. Went to a hole-in-the-wall in Roseville. Looked promising. They had La Fea Mas Bella on the TV (not Ugly Betty but the actual show)...and ground beef burritos. Okay, next. Went to a place in Fraser. Waiter spoke broken English. Didn't know what Jamaica was. Really? I whispered to my wife that he was probably from Boston and was an aspiring actor performing a Mexican accent. No Horchata either. Talked to one of the guys whose family is Mexican (we were in Law School together.) He said, "forget Detroit, you need to go to Auburn Hills and whatnot." I said, "do they have good Albondigas?" He had no idea what I was talking about. *Sigh* My wife has given up trying to get good SoCal Mexican food here. I haven't, but I should, because it doesn't look like it's going to happen. Greek, greek, greek, Italian, Italian, Italian, PIZZA, PIZZA, BAD PIZZA on every corner here. How many friggin' bad, bland, bready, incredibly overpriced pizza places do we need in Southeastern Michigan? I know, I'll throw some canned artichoke hearts on a pizza, call it gourmet, and charge you $21.99 for a large. (I never realized how bad our cuisine was here till I left and came back.) We're just tired of not being able to get good food here. Yes, I've been to a good Vietnamese place (NOT THIA!!! if you don't know Pho, how to pronounce it, and how to eat it then I feel sorry for you) in Madison Heights. Yes, we've looked at some decent Moroccan places. We had Ethiopian in Ferndale, and it was good. Haven't tried the Indian here yet since we moved back four years ago. Still, we need to elevate our palates in Southeast Michigan. I'd like to see the statistics on pizza places per square mile in the Detroit area. Probably beats out Starbucks stats. If you've never had a Gringo Burrito from Molcasalsa or a real burrito from Eribertos or Albertos, if you've never had a Double Double from In-n-Out (please don't get me started on the overpriced Five Guys' burgers that are no better than a good backyard BBQ one) and if you've never had real refried beans with tons of lard and a Negra Modelo in Tijuana, then you haven't lived. And no, the "carne asada" recipes on the internet are not satisfactory. Mexicans from SoCal do not post their recipes on the internet, so nice try guys Listen, I love Michigan. I think it's a great state. Heck, we moved back here from San Diego (I know, I know.) But the food could be soooo much better. And the prideful people trying to defend Michigan food just aren't getting it. I've eaten crap, I was a Marine. I was in Iraq. I've had MREs and Tray Rats and Chow Hall food, okay? I can eat garbage. But I also know great food, thanks mostly, to my wife who is an incredible cook (she's actually ruined me because I used to be able to eat anything and not care.) I'm not some uppity hippy, but good food is something that can be measured objectively. The inability to get SoCal Mexican is frustrating. While that type of Mexican is a subjective taste, not being able to even get it here is very disappointing. On the up side, El Reys does look good. Will try. read more

Mexicantown has some really great eateries, like Armando's and Los Galanes restaurants, and plenty of top-notch mobile taco stands and street-side barbecue rigs. Also, E&L Supermercado is a superb source for exotic fruit and vegetable juices. On the other hand, be realistic: Mexicantown is still Detroit, so you have to be extremely heads-up while you're there. There's a reason why all the places I just mentioned have security guards in their parking lots. Which is to say, you wander the neighborhood at your own peril: there are robberies, burglaries, muggings and other street crimes aplenty, even in broad daylight, and the impoverished local denizens can tell from way down the block that you're not from there, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Just exercise some good sense and you'll have a fine time in Mexicantown. read more

I went there March 25, 2015 with my family. Outside was an cop car parked illegally by the front door. I figured they were getting a carry out. When I walked in there was a party of 4 police meant sitting down eating. I then confronted then about setting an example and not abusing their power. I highly respect police officers, but when they give the good ones a bad name I stick up for then. I went to take a picture of the cop car front and back and then proceeded back inside to take a picture of the police sitting waiting for food at the table. Then the officers asked if I had a problem. I said the only problem I have is officers abusing there power. They then proceeded to make fun of my pants as I walked away. I was extremely puzzled in how professional of a manner they handled their selves. There was no professionalism there whatsoever. I turned around to look at them and they waved trying to taunt me. I did flick them of in disgust in the heat of the moment. Then one officer came over and put his hand on my should and asked again if there was a problem. I said yes you guys are putting a bad name for the good solid hard working reputable officers. He's asked me to go outside as I asked if I was being arrested or accused of a crime. Then THE OWNER CAME OVER AND ASKED IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I said no but these guys are absinthe there power. Event thought the officer came up to me at my table and put his hand on me I was asked to leave with my sister, mother, and nephew. This was just completely uncalled for and unprofessional as Detroit I thought was coming around but it seems the police are still corrupt sad to say. I frequent this restaurant about once a week, needless to say I WILL NEVER RETURN AND WILL TELL EVERYONE ABOUT This. I'm going to call the news and file a complaint with the police district and the mayor and the state. Unbelievable. Just goes to show you Detroit is still corrupt unfortunately and I feel terrible for the great sold upstanding police offices that take pride in what they do. A shame to say the least. The police were just acting as high school bullies making fun of my pants and waiving at me. read more

I really was hoping I could write a good review as this was my first time here and I had wanted to see Mexicantown. Not a place I'd want to go back to. I went on a Saturday in March on the first warm weekend of spring thinking the place would be hopping and everybody would be out. That was certainly not the case. Rode up and down Ventor a few times with lots of slow moving traffic and dodging giant potholes and blowing trash, In the couple hours I was there saw one high speed police chase and then two cars in two different locations that had been broken into with their window busted out, glass on ground right there. They had been robbed in broad daylight in parking lots right on Ventor, which is the main drag. Stopped at an outdoor flea market and witnessed a pretty heated verbal altercation between a guy claiming the other guy had broken into his house and robbed him. I was worried I was about to witness a shooting and got out of there. Overall a pretty scary place and being from NYC it takes a lot to make me feel uncomfortable. I'm sure my review isn't going to make locals happy, believe me I would have gladly welcomed a new cool place to go with open arms. I have lived in several major cities so I've seen a lot of culture and neighborhoods. Mexicantown is a real let down and extremely shady. Seems like the perfect place to get your car broken into..... If it was this way during the day, I hate to imagine what the place is like at night, how could you go enjoy a meal knowing there is a good probability of your car being broken into or you getting robbed right on the main street? Bummer......... read more