Guide to Exploring Mexican Restaurants and Taquerias in Grand Rapids

of 06 History Mexican Food & Drink 08 Eat Restaurants &

Taquerias Tasty Tamales

16 23 Ricas Margaritas

History of Mexican Food

F

by: Jyo Ramani

ood is much more than just a combination of ingredients. It is all about the culture, tradition and the lifestyle of the people. Hence, you can draw a lot of information from the kind of food you eat. When you look back in time you will find that Mexican food has a long and diverse history. There are clues and hints that connect the traditional Mexican food with Mayan and therefore in some way you can say that Mexican food is inspired and derived from it. Mayans were hunters and nomads and therefore they were more dependent on ingredients like corn, honey, salt, chili peppers, and chocolate which they found as they moved around.

The Mexican food has similar ingredients used in their food items because during the 1300s the Aztec Empire was thriving in the same region and they adopted the use of these ingredients. However, in the 1500s Spain invaded Mexico and over a period of time, many Spanish food recipes had their influence on the Mexican food. Spanish people brought in the concept of sheep, pigs and cows and dairy products that have now become popular all over the Mexico. The Mexican food today is very diverse and takes inspiration from various other colonies that ruled Mexico at some point in time.

While many of the Mexican food items today are baked many of the ancient recipes were not baked and instead cooked on open fire. During the early times, Mexicans would either fry the food items or steam it. Also, the tomato was first domesticated by Aztecs and was known as tomatillo fruit. However, when the Europeans came to Mexico they documented it and tried to domesticate it all over the Europe.

However, it was in Italy where tomatillo thrived and came to be known as. The use of tomato is still prevalent in the Mexican food and salsa has remained one of the oldest food items that we still eat today. Salsa remains the oldest food item on the Mexican food menu because it was first discovered in the Aztec market. Portuguese also invaded Mexico at one point in time and they were instrumental in introducing chili pepper plants to Mexico which they became an integral part of the Mexican cuisine. Some of the Mexican dishes like ceviche has Inca influence because it was in Ecuador and Peru that many Native American chefs made use of citrus fruit and seasoning with the fish.

While the current Mexican food menu has taken inspiration from many cultures and countries it has also influenced many countries to take some inspiration from Mexico.

Restaurants & Taquerias in Grand Rapids

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eat & drink 5 DE MAYO

7 MARES

Located on Monroe Center right across the Grand Rapids Art Museum is 5 De Mayo, A family-owned restaurant that serves a great Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican food. The restaurant décor has vibrant colors and features murals done by Rolando Mancera, a local artist. Enjoy some great Mexican items here on the menu like burritos and fajitas that offer you authentic flavors that are hard to find anywhere else. 5 De Mayo is also available at Alpine Avenue NW in Grand Rapids and Courtland Street in Rockford.

7 Mares (pronounced as siete mares) The name translates to Seven Seas. 7 Mares is a great restaurant just south of Kalamazoo Avenue SE. The location of the restaurant can be easily overlooked but it offers some great Mexican dishes. The restaurant has typical Formica and metal banquette seats that give it a typical Mexican feel. The menu has a wide range of seafood such as Caldo de Camarón, Chicharrón de Pescada and La Mariscada. You also get plenty of variety of tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and tortas.

114 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 719-2401

1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 301-8555

AGAVE

BELTLINE BAR

Agave Sports Lounge and Juilan’s Kitchen is a great place to watch sports, enjoy food and drink, and to meet others.

They host food specials, such as Taco Tuesdays, Wet Burrito Thursdays, Lunch specials, Happy Hour, latin nights on weekends. Burritos are well known at Agave as well as their friendly staff and homemade goodness.

The Beltline Bar is a legendary staple in Grand Rapids, MI. They are best known for their “World Famous” Wet Burritos, however, their full menu will satisfy your appetite. The bar has been open since 1953 with just a limited food items.

As time has changed, they now offer a full bar, with unique margaritas, daily specials with endless food, Mexican favorites, and an American selection. The bar offers at least 15 beers on tap including local selections, Mexican staples, and flights. You can also choose from 3 different tequila flights with three different shots in each. The Beltline Bar is a family favorite restaurant, open 7 days a week, and is proud to hold different awards for food and drink!

2053 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 591-2105

Restaurants & Taquerias in Grand Rapids

16 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 245-0494

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eat & drink CabaĂąa Tres Amigos

1409 60th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (616) 281-6891

They care about your food, they care about your service, they care about authenticity. At CabaĂąa Tres Amigos, you are guaranteed a wonderful and wide selection menu with food ranging from classic Mexican food, to creative combinations, inspirations from Old Mexico recipes, all using fresh ingredients! You are able to customize many of the items so you are able to get exactly what you want. They offer lunch specials, featured items, different varieties of salsas, and an extensive drink menu. Liquor, Beer, Mixed drinks, tequilas, margaritas, and even after dinner drinks are available, with choices to fit your liking.

Cantina Mexican Grill

2770 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 949-9120

Started by a Grand Rapids Polish native who loved Mexico and the culture, Cantina is a great choice for getting a taste of real Mexican cuisine. Specializing in lunch specials with different combos and sandwiches, plus burritos, fajitas, and even pizza! Dinner is also offered as well as a kids menu, with both American and Mexican selections for adults and kids. Takeout is an option for those with a busy schedule or who want their food to go. A new feature that Cantina has are Street Side Tacos, with different toppings of your choosing.

Did you know?

Spanish colonies brought new cooking methods, ideas and ingredients to the traditional Mexican food, which have been incorporated by the previous generations of Mexicans.

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eat & drink Cancún

Donkey Taqueria

1518 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 724-4143

Cancún Restaurant is a great place for Mexican food and seafood. Elegant plate presentations and freshness is what to expect when dining here. Standard Mexican fare is served, such as tacos, gorditas, and tostadas, but the focus is mainly on seafood. Selections include ceviche, shrimp cocktails, Cazuela de Mariscos, Tequila Shrimp, and fried fish, plus others. A great place for seafood lovers!

El Sombrero

527 Bridge St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 451-4290 www.elsombrerorestaurantmi.com

El Sombrero has a menu that offers something for everyone, no matter their tastes or preferences. They pride themselves on being low cost so that you are able to afford a great meal without splitting the budget. The menu is unique because they offer meat and meatless options, a great selection of burritos, Mexican pizza, taco salads with your choice of an edible taco salad bowl, and ala carte items. A few highlights of the ala carte items are the beef BBQ tacos, single tamales, and half dozen and full dozen tamales.

Restaurants & Taquerias in Grand Rapids

665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 donkeygr.com

Donkey Taqueria is a new concept restaurant offering authentic Mexican food and drinks. They specialize in Botanas, Tacos, and here’s something unusual-BRUNCH! Mexican style! They also offer tortas, desserts, and tostadas on the regular menu. Donkey prides themselves on using fresh ingredients such as pickled vegetables that are homemade, house made chorizo, a variety of salsas, and fresh tortillas and tortilla chips. On the brunch side of things, the take a Mexican twist on breakfast favorites such as churro toast sticks, walking tacos, breakfast tacos, and even quest fundido con huevos. The drink menu offers different margaritas all using tequila blanco, mixed drinks from sweet to spicy, and also one house made sangria. Donkey Taqueria is sure to satisfy your taste buds with freshness and flavor!

El Arriero

2948 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 (616) 977-2674

A family run business bringing great flavors and foods to the table is what El Arriero is all about. Nachos is one of the specialties at this restaurant, being that they offer many different toppings and condiments. You are able to try different selections by ordering a combo, which allows you to taste around the menu. Burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas are offered on the a la carte menu, while many chicken dishes have made it onto the house favorites selection.

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eat & drink El Globo

El Ganadero

2019 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 734-6869

If you are looking for a great Mexican Restaurant El Globo in Grand Rapids offers some delicious and authentic Mexican tacos, Cubano sandwich and delicious fajitas that are hard to beat. The restaurant provides nice atmosphere and customer service that adds to the overall value and experience. The prices at El Globo make it a great option to have authentic Mexican food without burning a hole in the wallet. The restaurant has two branches, one on 28th Street 350 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 and other at Division Street.

El Taco Veloz

4208 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 249-0130

El Ganadero offers a plethora of options if you are looking for authentic Mexican like tacos, tostadas, alambres, fresh guac made to order, and huge portion sizes. They also offer free chips and salsa with your order. You can also pick the level of your preference of heat from mild to spicy.

El Granjero

1240 Burton St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 649-0069

Located at Burton Street in Wyoming, El Taco Veloz is a small Mexican restaurant with great and authentic Mexican food in Grand Rapids. Try the handmade tortillas, steak tacos, and al pastor that offer a unique taste. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner and drinks and is known for its great customer service that never fails to impress.

950 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 458-5595

This restaurant has a thriving history because of the owner of the place. The owner is an aspiring woman who gained culinary experience in Mexico before returning to the states to purchase El Granjero. Having that background paved the way for the menu at the restaurant because of the authenticity of the food. They offer botanas, main dishes, house favorites, and even seafood. The amount of food they give you is generous and the cost is relatively low.

EL RANCHERO

3603 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 248-0057

This family-run restaurant has served traditional Mexican food made with the freshest ingredients. Their standard Tex Mex fare includes cheesy enchiladas, chips and sala, guacamole, and tacos. The menu offers a variety of inexpensive, standard Mexican fare, including stuffed pechuga a la plancha, milanesa de pollo, fajitas, enchiladas and gorditas.

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eat & drink El Toro Bravo

El Haragán

3585 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 288-7578

5401 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 447-0885

If you’re looking for a place to eat a great gordita, visit El Toro Bravo. However, this is not all that they offer. They have menudo, caldos and great customer service. A clean and friendly restaurant that delivers fresh food and flavors that will entice your taste buds.

HUGE portions is what you get when you dine here. The drinks are great as well with that extra splash of kick, both the margaritas and the mojitos. The drinks aren’t the only thing with a kick, the salsas also have it, but not too much, just the right amount. The wait staff is excellent and everyone finds this place their go-to spot for great service ad food.

El Burrito

EL TORITO ASADOR

4499 Ivanrest Ave SW I, Grandville, MI 49418 (616) 530-9470

350 28th St SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 690-9254

One of the hottest salsas in the area can be found at El Burrito. It is LOCO hot! Plus one of their burritos is smothered in this salsa. The menu offers a nice variety of burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. A full bar is also offered, with the house margarita being a whopping 46 ounces! Drink and food specials run almost every single day of the week, giving you a chance to try the menu and washing it down with a refreshing beverage.

You won’t need Spanish skills to gobble down their delicious carnitas (pork seasoned with garlic, thyme and oregano) and garlicky, lime-marinated beef tacos at this fast-paced taqueria. The two-layer tacos are easy for little ones to handle, as are the gorditas (thick cornmeal tortillas) topped with cheese, beans and whatever meat you fancy.

Garibaldi Restaurant

3375 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 719-2401

Garibaldi counts with two locations on Division St. one inside the 34th St Mall in Wyoming, and the other one inside of the International Plaza. Garibaldi Restaurant offers delicious Mexican menu that should not be missed out. Try the handmade tortillas here along with some meat items. The tacos here are special mention because they are packed with authentic Mexican flavors. The décor is good and offers a lively atmosphere along with great customer service that adds to the overall experience. Plus live music every Sunday Restaurants & Taquerias in Grand Rapids

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eat & drink Jose’s Restaurante

José Babushka’s

3910 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 719-2401

2232 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 272-4472

Located in Wyoming, this 30-year old establishment offers a great experience for those who want to try good Tex-Mex food in Grand Rapids. The steak tacos here are the most recommended and offer a unique flavor that makes it a hot favorite. The enchiladas here are equally good along with other items like wet burritos, tostadas and chalupas.

The team behind José Babushka’s offer from farm-to-table American to regional Mexican cuisine. Diners can dig into plates like Serrano shrimp tacos served in a spicy sauce, lettuce, red onion, cilantro and sliced avocado, they also offer fajitas, quesadillas, burritos and excellent margaritas.

La Cosinita

La Familia Jalisco

1627 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 258-0292

3772 Alpine ave nw Northwest, Comstock Park, MI 49321 (616) 202-4141

Located at the Division Avenue, La Cosinita is a familyowned Mexican restaurant that you must visit. While the restaurant is small, but owners Jose and Lupita Davila have a big secret which makes sure that the food is delicious and packed with authentic Mexican flavors. The service here is very good and fast to ensure that you get the best food at the best price combined with some exceptional service and attention.

La Familia Jalisco located at Comstock Park in Grand Rapids is a great Mexican restaurant you must try out. The food here is really good and you should try their birria which is a spicy stew from the state of Jalisco. Also, the Chorizo offered here has a great authentic Mexican taste to it. The restaurant also offers a great customer service and good atmosphere.

La Super Torta

1642 South Division, Grand Rapids MI 49507 (616) 245-1833

La Super Torta is well known for making the biggest and most delicious Mexican city style sandwiches in Grand Rapids. Bigger than a Big Mac, it requires considerable jaw flexibility in order to squeeze every last bit of chorizo, potatoes jalapeños, onions, avocado, lettuce, beans, and oaxacan cheese into your mouth. You might do some exercises or stretching to prepare. The restaurant also offers authentic Mexican tacos, gorditas, burritos, pambazos, quesadillas, alambres, menudo, caldo de res.

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eat & drink La Laguna

Las Rocas

2106 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 288-5459

If you are looking for some of the best Mexican desserts and snacks in Grand Rapids, Las Rocas Postres Y Taqueria should be on your list. The restaurant is known for its excellent customer service and atmosphere to ensure that you get the best food experience. Las Rocas is also known for offering authentic Mexican food like Chicken Tacos, tostadas and prepared chicharrones that infuses the Mexican flavors in the right way.

La Casa del Pollo Loco

2747 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 261-2661

La Casa del Pollo Loco is located on Clyde Park, and provides a great Mexican food menu that is hard to resist.

They offer the best chicken tacos in the town which is highly recommended. The restaurant also offers other Mexican food dishes like Chicken combos, Pozole, quesadillas de pollo and burrito de pollo that are packed with authentic Mexican flavors and ingredients for a great food experience.

The exceptional and fast customer service only adds to the overall experience.

6250 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 805-8821

Located at the 28th Street SE, La Laguna is a great restaurant where you can enjoy some great Mexican food. The restaurant offers a wide range of Tex-Mex dishes that are delicious and flavorful. Try some of the authentic selections here like shrimp soup, shrimp cocktail, steak a la tampiqueĂąa. You can also try out some Mexican classic meals like enchiladas, quesadillas and fajitas.

La Huasteca

1811 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 447-7733

The food here has authentic Mexican flavor and feel to it. Try out their pork tamales which are the most popular item on the menu. You can also try platters that offer meat choices including steak, chicken, spicy pork, ground beef, chorizo and carnitas. The restaurant also offers seafood platters and single items and kids menu. The service is friendly and fast to ensure you don’t have to wait long for your order.

Did you know?

All the parts of a cow are used in the Mexican cuisine including: brain, tongue, testicles, uterus, udder, stomach etc.

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eat & drink La Vencedora

1961 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 245-9352

Located near Burton Street SW, La Vencedora is a great place to eat some authentic Mexican food. The restaurant offers some great Mexican food menu starting with salsa and handmade tortilla chips. You can try out some great tacos, pozole and enchiladas Guanajuato style. This family owned restaurant is a great place to have great food at prices that fits your budget. The service here is great and offers a great way to enjoy Mexican food in Grand Rapids. The only downside is that they only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but is worth the wait.

Los Comales

2907 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 724-4433

If you are looking for sports bar in Grand Rapids that also offers authentic Mexican food then you should stop in Los Comales. Located on the Division Avenue, Los Comales offer authentic Mexican grill, top seafood and bar along with its unique experience. The live mariachi music every weekend is something that you shouldn’t miss out. Try wonderful food platters and excellent sea food along with friends and family.

Lindo Mexico

1742 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 (616) 261-2280 Fresh Food with the Real Mexican Flavor

Lindo Mexico is a family-friendly Mexican restaurant that offers a frenzy of authentic Mexican food. The restaurant offers a wide range of Mexican dishes like bistec a la mexicana, tamales, carne asada, fajitas and tacos that are incredibly delicious. The restaurant serves fresh food and offers a superb combination of creative and unique beverage creations, live music and high-quality ingredients that makes Lindo Mexico one of the best Mexican restaurants in Grand Rapids.

Luna Taqueria

64 Ionia Ave SW #100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 288-6340

Luna combines the flavors of Latin American and West Michigan cultures to provide you a unique food experience.

The food here reflects the local culture and the ingredients are fresh from local farms which makes Luna a must-visit Mexican restaurant in Grand Rapids. Try out the Salsa Flight, chicken flautas, ceviche, and mussels. The restaurant also provides great beverages that go along with the food. The atmosphere is vibrant and the service is exceptionally good.

Did you know?

Some of the popular foods which form a part of Mexican cuisine are: Tacos, Tortillas, Gorditas, Pozole, Chilaquiles, Carnitas, Mole, Sopes, Chiles Renellos among others.

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Tasty

Tamales

Maya Mexican Grill 1020 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509

If you are looking for a non-traditional tamal, try the ones at Maya. They do not come in the traditional corn husk, but rather on a plate with red sauce and a mixed blend cheese melted on. As you consume the tamal, however, it is still how it should be with the masa and meat.

Having the tamale this way takes off the husk hassle and it gives the dish a different flavor all around. Maya’s sauce is not spicy, but rather tangy and sweet. The cheese compliments the tamal and helps to bring everything together.

Maya’s tamales are non-traditional, but worth every single bite.

Tacos el Caporal 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519

The tamales here only come one way, which are pork. They are served traditional style in the husk and with sour cream. Having the sour cream really helps to tame the spicy sauce that you are able to get on the side. The tamales themselves have a great flavor the whole way through and make you want another one!

Tamales Mary

1253 Burton St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 This is the ultimate Tamal joint where you can order individual tamales or take a walk through the buffet. Each item on the menu is different and it is a great way for you to try different and unique tamales. The ones that were tried were the mole de pollo, which are chicken and mole in a plantain wrapper, the frijole negro con queso fresco, which are black bean and cheese, and the pollo picante, the spicy chicken. Two salsas were also served, rojo y verde, the red being the spicier of the two. Both were great dipping sauces for the tamales. Tamales here are very traditional in the husks, but the flavor of the tasty gift inside is what makes them so great.

Lindo Mexico Restaurante

1742 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519

Like anything you order at Lindo, the tamales are nothing short of exceptional. They are the traditional tamales in the corn husk, with red sauce and pork on the inside. This particular dish is available a la carte, which means you can order multiple ones, or it is also available as a dinner, which comes with rice and beans. Each bite you take is bursting with flavor and has the classic tamale taste plus some. They are fresh, flavorful, and take you right to the place of origin. Also, after you have one tamal from Lindo Mexico, it’s very hard not to order another one. Try a classic piece of Hispanic culture at a place who grows deep in their roots and who never fails to present tasty food.

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eat & drink Maggie’s Kitchen

636 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 458-8583

Located at the Bridge Street NW, this family-owned awardwinning restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant focuses on the cuisine from the Michoacán region of Mexico and specializes in serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can vouch for their insanely delicious nachos, quesadillas, burritos and tasty Jarritos soda. If you are passionate about Tex-Mex food, this is one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids that you must try out.

Maya Mexican Grill

1020 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 551-0782

This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican food and tex-mex since 2014. Dinner in the dining rooms, each brimming with mayan art, is worthy of a special occasion, thanks to the elegant surroundings and a great selection of South of the Border cocktails in their modern bar.

One type of Mexican dish that shouldn’t be overlooked in this place is their delicious parrilladas.

Did you know?

Hot chocolate was considered the sacred drink by the Aztecs!

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eat & drink Mi Tierra

Real Arriero

2300 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 245-7533

Mi Tierra is located on Division Avenue and serves Mexican food and buffet. If you are looking for some lunch and dinner options with authentic Mexican flavor to it Mi Tierra will not disappoint. The restaurant has ample parking space and serves 100% authentic Mexican food. The tortillas with salsa and tacos here are simply incredible and delicious to try out.

9818 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 (616) 891-2511

A family owned and operated Mexican restaurant that serves authentic Mexican and tex-mex food like mixed burritos made from fresh ingredients. Try out their Nachos Al Carbon and fajitas that are some of the favorites on the from-scratch menu. You can also have some great combos that suits to your taste along with the beverages. A friendly staff and festive, inviting atmosphere, with traditional colorful South of the Border dĂŠcor.

Did you know?

Chilaquiles are a very traditional type of breakfast: deep fried tortillas swimming in a red or green spicy sauce and topped with sour cream, cheese, and some fresh onion.

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eat & drink Tamales Mary

Tacos El Guero

1253 Burton St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 288-5007

1260 S Division Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 366-3522

Tacos El Caporal

Tacos El Cuñado #1 Burton Street

Located in Wyoming, Tamales Mary serves authentic Mexican food and a wide range of tamales that are hard to find anywhere else in Grand Rapids. The restaurant has more than 20 different varieties of tamales. They also serve other classic Mexican dishes that you must try out. The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is very friendly and the service is very prompt which offers a great overall experience.

1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 (616) 261-2711

Located on the 28th Street SW and Burton Street, Tacos El Caporal offers a great way to bite into some of the best authentic Mexican style tacos that you can find in Grand Rapids. The place has been highly recommended by those who love Mexican food and want to divulge into pure Mexican flavors and ingredients. The restaurant has simple interiors with a large dining area. The service is friendly and prompt which ensures that you don’t wait too long for your meals. You also get complimentary chips and salsa while your order is in process.

There is nothing more authentic than eating at a pop-up taqueria. If you are passionate about tacos, Tacos El Güero is one of the few locations that you should not miss out when you are in Grand Rapids. El Güero serves authentic Mexican tacos, al pastor, tripas and asada. This place is highly recommended for those who are interested in authentic Mexican tacos.

455 Burton St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 248-9099

Looking for some great tacos in Grand Rapids? Tacos El Cuñado on the Burton Street offers great tacos that you shouldn’t miss out. A few of the meat options include carne asada (grilled steak), pollo (chicken), chorizo (Mexican sausage), tacos al pastor (marinated pork), cow tongue (lengua) and tripe (pig intestine). If you are in the mood for something other than a taco, Tacos El Cuñado also offers a selection of tortas (Mexican sandwiches). They serve a wide variety of options.

Did you know?

Burritos aren’t mexican. Los Angeles’ El Cholo Spanish Cafe served the first restaurant-style burrito in the 1930s.

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eat & drink Tacos El Cuñado, Bridge Street

1024 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 475-8000

If you are looking for a great find for Mexican food in Grand Rapids, Tacos El Cuñado on Bridge Street should be on your list. The place offers some excellent beef head tacos along with other food options. The restaurant offers good quality and fresh food along with decent portion size to provide you the best tacos experience you can get in Grand Rapids.

Don’t forget to order your Horchata.

Tacos El Cuñado, Downtown Market

435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 710-8040

Owner Mario Cascante and Hector Lopez gives this restaurant a different twist. Tacos El Cuñado inside the downtown market bring the authentic Mexican flavor to the Grand Rapids scene with their self-serve salsa bar and Latin American grocery items. Most of the dishes served here are immensely popular in Costa Rica and South American countries.

Tacos El Cuñado, Grandville Avenue

1342 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 452-1266

Located on Grandville Ave SW, Tacos El Cuñado has this authentic Mexican feel. The restaurant serves some great tacos and sandwiches that are inexpensive and delicious.

The tacos are packed with fresh ingredients and meat along with authentic Mexican flavors. We also recommend their gorditas, quesadillas, tortas and everything else on their menu.

Taqueria Garcia

3536 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 248-3677

Located on South Division, Taqueria Garcia offers plenty of options for those who want to eat authentic Mexican and unique tacos. The restaurant offers some of the classic Mexican food items like tacos, gorditas, sopes, with a variety of meat like el pastor, lengua, and cabeza. The restaurant offers quick and friendly service which ensures that you get what you want quickly. The place offers some of the best and tacos you can find in Grand Rapids.

Did you know?

Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya created the first nachos in the bordertown of Piedras Negras in Mexico, they were first served to the wives of U.S. Army officers during World War II. Restaurants & Taquerias in Grand Rapids

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eat & drink Taqueria San JosÉ

Taqueria El Rincón Mexicano

1338 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 284-2297

Taqueria San Jose is one of the best recommended places in Grand Rapids where you can have some authentic Mexican tacos. The restaurant also serves some of the best tasting gorditas and tamales along with other Mexican classic food items that you can have with beverages like ice cold horchata. The restaurant is usually packed during the weekend so it is likely that you might have to wait, but is worth it.

Taqueria inside Supermercado Mexico

1160 Chicago Dr SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 245-7443

The restaurant offers some of the best Mexican street tacos that you can find along with other Mexican classic dishes that you can get in Grand Rapids.

2055 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (616) 246-7000

Located on the 28th Street SE, Taqueria El Rincón Mexicano offers authentic Mexican food which is highly recommended.

The restaurant offers some great Mexican food like grilled chicken pollo, bistec a la mexicana, chiles rellenos and shrimp cocktails. The restaurant offers a great atmosphere for family dining and provides prompt and friendly services to ensure you get the best food experience here.

Taqueria Maravatío

1100 Chicago Dr SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 475-9088

Located on Chicago Avenue SW, Taqueria Maravatío is a great place to find some authentic Mexican food in Grand Rapids. The restaurant is decorated with Aztec or Mayan art decorates. The place is incredibly clean and the service is very friendly. Tacos here are highly recommended along with flautas and gorditas. The ingredients used in the food items are fresh.

Tacos El Veracruz inside lavanderÍa jalisco 1160 Chicago Dr SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 245-7443

This small restaurant inside Lavanderia Jalisco is a great place for tacos lovers.

The restaurant has grown over the years due to word-of-mouth publicity and has gained lot of loyal customers who come here to eat authentic Mexican food. Owner Raul Aguilar has named the restaurant after his hometown in Mexico, Veracruz and brings out the best original Mexican flavor and food to the customers in Grand Rapids.

Restaurants & Taquerias in Grand Rapids

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by Matt Stein

Margaritas are a unique drink because of the different flavors, ways they are served, and mainly the key ingredient-Tequila.

You can find the classic take on the margarita plus some crazy cocktail creations of the same drink at many different places in the West Michigan area!

Beltline Bar | 16 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

The Beltline Bar boasts the best burrito, but they also have quite a selection of Margaritas. Some of the flavors you are able to get are jalapeño infused, a Michigan Margarita using both MI craft beer and MI distilled whiskey, a house margarita or a house plus (with added flavors to the previous), and fruit flavored margaritas. The jalapeño is probably the most unique because they use tequila that is infused with the flavor of the pepper and they also use triple sec and sour mix. By doing this, it does not give you just burn in your mouth, but also the classic margarita flavor with sweet to cut the heat. It’s not easy to stop with one of their mouthwatering drinks, but it is easy to order more!

Cabaña Tres Amigos | 1409 60th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

With the huge selection of margaritas at Cabana Tres Amigos, you are sure to find one that suits your thirst! Some of the selection includes a Beer-rita, which comes with a coronita on top of a margarita, the Hypnotic Margarita, which uses Hypnotic Liquor, The Sangre del Diablo, which is a margarita with wine on top, and a Blood Orange Margarita. They also have a house Margarita, which you are able to choose which fruit flavor and how you want it, whether on the rocks or frozen. The types of tequila vary as well from top shelf choices to familiar ones such as El Jimador and Sauza Hornitos. Using creative blends of different fruits and flavors, Cabana Tres Amigos is definitely not limited with their choice of margaritas!

Donkey Taqueria | 665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Donkey has 5 different margaritas to choose from. A classic, Guava, La Superior, Mango, and Prickly Pear. All of these use fresh ingredients, like most of their menu, that they strongly pride themselves on. Another interesting fact is that all of the margaritas use Tequila Blanco. Using this helps bring out the flavor of the agave plant because the tequila is not aged and is more pure.

This also pairs well with the flavors of Margaritas that are presented by Donkey. Using fruit purees and orange curaçao in most of the drinks, you will be sure to have a re-FRESH-ing drink at Donkey Taqueria.

Los Comales | 2907 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids,

MI 49548

Lindo Mexico | 1742 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519

Lindo Mexico now has not only a restaurant, but also a separate bar area for you to get your drink on! One of the well known margaritas at this establishment is the Chamoy Margarita. Chamoy is a Mexican sauce that is made from chilis, fruit jam, and has a salty and spicy flavor. For Lindo’s Margarita, they squirt Chamoy all over the inside of a glass, then make the margarita, which was flavored with Mango and house tequila, then blend with ice.

After the margarita gets poured into the glass, they squirt Chamoy over the top and serve with a tamarind straw. The straw is really the final touch on such a drink. You are able to eat the candy off of the straw as you sip on the margarita. The size of the drink is big as well, you will definitely not be parched after drinking!

Los Comales is a Mexican/Caribbean restaurant that is bright and welcoming when you walk in. They offer a full menu that is loaded with different options and also a full service bar providing many refreshments. Margaritas are one of their specialties and you can order one any way you want.

The bartender is able to create a variety of different combinations including traditional, fruity ones, spicy ones, and of course your choice of how you’d like it served, frozen or on the rocks. The Mango Chamoy had a great mango flavor and the chamoy was mixed in well with the drink. The glass was rimmed with chili powder, which was a great accompaniment to the drink and this is usually how chamoy drinks are served. Having it frozen made for easy sipping and it’s like drinking a slushie, only booze infused.

The Strawberry also had a great flavor and the glass was rimmed con azucar, which was perfect for the type of fruit used in the drink. The flavor was fresh and not too sweet, it still had tartness to it. Both were great choices when ordering a margarita from Los Comales and both were a great drink to accompany the chips and salsa.

did you know?

Margarita means Daisy in Spanish The world’s biggest margarita was made in The Flamingo Hotel’s Margaritaville Casino in Las Vegas called “Lucky Rita”.

This giant drink was 8500 gallons (32,176 liters) and It took 60 people 300 hours to create.

The world’s most expensive margarita cost $1,200 and it was served in 230 FIFTH Rooftop Bar & Penthouse Lounge in Manhattan. The tequila alone cost $1800 a bottle

margaritas Find Margaritas in Grand Rapids

Luna Taqueria

64 Ionia Ave SW #100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The main goal at Luna in Grand Rapids, is to be committed to local. They want to bring to the table just the best by using fresh and local ingredients. The margaritas here are no exception to this rule and they offer different ones that will appease many pallets. They range from the classic to a top shelf, a spicy version, mango, pink, and a very dark version. They also offer Paloma margaritas and pink patrona. Another interesting feature is that you can get a flight of the margaritas available. With having this option, you are able to choose and sample the great different flavors that Luna has to offer.

Maya Mexican Grill

1020 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509

The Margaritas at Maya are up to the drinker whether you want them frozen, on the rocks, or half and half. You are also able to choose whether you want Mango or Strawberry. You are also able to choose whether you want sal o azucar, which are salt or sugar, around the rim of the glass. The Mango had a very bright and sweet flavor, which complimented the sugar well. Having the drink be a half and half made it easier to drink because you were able to sip it with ease and have the two different textures. Plenty of ice in the glass made it cold and refreshing. They use house tequila, however, they offer a wide range of other tequilas for you to choose from.

Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo Bobarino's Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille

3300 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 114 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 20 Monroe Ave NW, 2F, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 4157 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418 5510 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 401 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

El Arriero Restaurante Mexicano El Burrito Loco Mexican Restaurant & Bar

2948 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW I, Grandville, MI 49418 4174 Alpine Ave NW B, Comstock Park, MI 49321

El Burrito Loco Mexican Restaurant & Bar José Babushka’s Sundance Grill & Bar Real Arriero Terra Restaurant

Restaurants & Taquerias in Grand Rapids

1971 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 2232 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 151 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 9818 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 1429 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

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