5 Detroit Taco Spots That Serve Up Big Flavors

According to a recent survey by the global marketing agency TOP, American taco consumption has risen nearly 13 percent since the start of COVID-19. Michiganders, the study shows, rate Del Taco as the No. 1 chain for a taco in the state. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve spent many a late night in the Del Taco drive-thru line to get my fix of crunchy, cheesy American taco goodness, but if I’m being real, I would much rather hit up a local, Mexican-owned taqueria whenever I’m having a craving for tacos. Luckily, there is no shortage of taco spots in Detroit where one can discover many of the taco’s regional differences. When it comes to tacos, everyone has their favorite. It’s one of those things where you really can’t be wrong. You could even say your favorite taco place on Earth is Taco Bell and I couldn’t find any flaw in that. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more authentic maybe fast-food isn’t the way to go. There are many other great tacos in Metro Detroit to choose from.

When looking for the best tacos in Metro Detroit, I had to consider several factors. Variety was important. I don’t want a place where you can only get ground beef. No way! The best taco places will have beef, pork, chicken, and more! You know it’s going to be good when you see unique items on the menu like “Lengua” (that’s beef tongue). That’s always a sign that they’re authentically doing things.

Additionally, I considered factors like flavor, price, and availability. I don’t want to recommend a taco that’s out of the ordinary budget, that would be lame. A good taco is something cheap that packs a punch of flavor. I’m so sick of all these new-age restaurants trying to reinvent the taco. It doesn’t need it! So, I’m sure there are awesome taco joints out there with a crazy Elote Taco or Krazy Korean Taco but that’s not what I’m looking for or talking about here. I love the Hot Chicken Taco from Honcho in Clarkston, but it won’t make the list because it isn’t traditional enough. I want it plain and simple. Give me meat, onions, and cilantro. Then, some sauce on the side for me to pour on, and I’m all set. I don’t ask for much!

Loncheria El Parian 

With taco trucks scattered across Southwest Detroit and its flagship brick-and-mortar La Palapa del Parian situated on Lawndale, this booming local taco empire is beloved by Detroiters of all types. Its specialty? Tacos al pastor. Drawing from the Lebanese tradition of shawarma, the taco al pastor uses pork that’s marinated in sweet pineapple juice and various spicy chili peppers and cooked on a spit (trompo, in Spanish), and stuffs it all into soft corn tortillas. Make sure to order several at a time. La Palapa del Parian, 1633 Lawndale St., Detroit; 313-749-7143

La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taqueria 

This supermarket and restaurant will cover all of your bases: fresh produce, a fully stocked butcher’s counter, and pantry basics as well as an impressive dining area. Highly recommended are the carnitas tacos. Carnitas is composed of slow-cooked pork that, once roasted, is shredded and fried, giving it a bit of a crispy, charred effect. Not every restaurant in Detroit offers carnitas — it’s a bit of a specialty given the amount of time needed to prepare the dish. La Jalisciense is an expert in the genre, making carnitas fresh several days a week. It’s available both in the dining section and in the grocery store, so you can enjoy it at home however you like. Try it as a taco, burrito, torta, or on its own. La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taqueria, 3923 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 313-551-0522

La Terraza 

A good chunk of the Mexican community in Detroit hails from Jalisco, which sits on the western side of the country along the Pacific Ocean. What does this mean for local taco lovers? The state’s specialty, birria (a goat or beef dish stewed in a fiery consommé) from the rural highlands and a wealth of seafood dishes are aplenty. La Terraza has made a name for itself with its coastal classics, such as tostadas topped with citrusy shrimp, octopus, or white fish, but its quesabirria is a true homage to Jalisciense culture. It’s made up of a corn tortilla griddled with tender birria and cheese. Add a side of that savory, fatty consommé for dipping and you’re in for a treat. La Terraza, 8445 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-843-1433; laterraza.shopsouthwestdetroit.com

Jose’s Tacos 

The great thing about the menu at Jose’s Tacos, which recently opened a location in Eastern Market, is that it offers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re in the mood for a crispy Del Taco-style taco with ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomato tacos dorados — with freshly fried corn or flour tortillas — or a soft taco filled with chorizo, cilantro, and onion, Jose’s is a crowd-pleaser for any preference. Jose’s Tacos, 2510 Market St., Detroit; 313-638-1782 

Taqueria El Rey 

Come for the chicken, stay for the tacos. This takeout-friendly eatery is cash-only and especially known for its smoky grilled chicken and ribs. You can easily make your own chicken tacos when you order the half or whole chicken dinner with charro beans, rice, and tortillas, but the taco menu is worthy of praise on its own. While just about every taqueria offers carne asada (steak), chicken, and chorizo, this place also offers lengua (beef tongue), cabeza (steamed beef head), and buche (tripe) — all considered delicacies in Mexican food culture. If you have a foodie friend who loves eating their way through Detroit, this is likely where they’ll send you for tacos. It’s as authentic as it is delicious. It doesn’t matter what you order, you’re going to like it. Pork? Yup. Chicken? Yes! Beef? Mhm. Try it all. Taqueria El Rey, 4730 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-357-3094

What’s your favorite taco place in Metro Detroit? Let us know!