Detroit’s vibrant taco scene is a tapestry of flavors and traditions. From bustling food trucks serving up authentic street-style tacos to cozy taquerias offering innovative fusion creations, Detroit’s taco spots are a testament to the city’s love affair with this beloved dish. This guide highlights the top taco spots in the city.
In a nation crazy about tacos, every city boasts its champions. Detroit, a melting pot of flavors and traditions, is a prime example. From humble food trucks to bustling taquerías, the search for the city’s best tacos is also a journey through its neighborhoods and a glimpse into the soul of its vibrant community. Join us as we explore the delicious tortillas and perfectly seasoned meats of Detroit’s top taco spots
Jose’s Tacos
9.2/10 (749 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-965-9992
Fresh ingredientsExtensive menuFriendly service
Taqueria Lupitas
9/10 (1437 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-843-1105
Authentic Mexican dishesUnique jalapeño-milk green salsaQuick and friendly service
Taqueria Lupitas offers authentic Mexican dishes with vibrant decor and a colorful ambiance. The food is fresh and flavorful, with standout items like the charro beans and unique jalapeño-milk green salsa. Their tacos are a must-try, with a variety of options that are all delicious. The service is quick and friendly, making for a satisfying dining experience. Be sure to bring cash, as they only accept cash payments. Small and cozy, Taqueria Lupitas makes up for it with stellar food that will leave you wanting more.
Tacos el Caballo
9.4/10 (685 reviews)
| Directions | +1 313-989-8426
Tasty TacosAffordable PricesFriendly Service
Tacos el Caballo is a hidden gem offering tasty and affordable street tacos in a safe neighborhood with ample parking. The food portion is generous – you definitely get your money’s worth. The drive-thru window is a convenient touch, and the grilled onions add a flavorful twist to the tacos. The atmosphere is rustic yet charming, making it a great spot for a casual meal or a quick bite. The burritos are a standout, combining delicious flavors and filling portions. The service is quick and the staff is friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The horchata is a must-try, and the overall quality of the food is excellent.
El Taco Veloz
9.2/10 (1183 reviews)
| Directions | +1 313-663-0982
Authentic TacosFriendly ServiceAffordable Prices
El Taco Veloz is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican tacos outside of Mexico. The chorizo and asada are simply delicious, and the big portions come at great prices. The friendly service adds to the overall experience, even though it’s cash only. The ATM inside makes it convenient for all customers. The food quality is top-notch, with fresh and hot meat, flavorful salsas, and normal-sized tortillas. The staff is friendly and fast, making it a great spot for a quick bite to eat.
Jose’s Tacos
9/10 (507 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-638-1782
Fantastic chicken tacoHand-made teas and juicesExcellent customer service
Jose’s Tacos is a hidden gem in Detroit’s Eastern Market, offering fantastic, authentic Mexican food that is fresh and flavorful. The chicken taco is a must-try, and the hand-made teas and fruit juices add a unique touch to the menu. The service is fast and friendly, with staff like Laura going above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. While the dining area is small, the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices make Jose’s Tacos a must-visit spot in Detroit for delicious Mexican cuisine.
Tacos El Primo
9.2/10 (504 reviews)
Flavorful TacosGenerous PortionsQuick Service
Tacos El Primo is a hidden gem that has garnered a loyal following, with customers traveling from afar just to get a taste of their flavorful offerings. From their Tacos de Lengua con todo to their cabeza tacos, each bite is a symphony of taste that transports you. The savory tortas and generous portioned quesadillas are also crowd favorites, making it a must-visit spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Primo’s Tacos
9.4/10 (905 reviews)
| Directions | +1 313-729-1047
Authentic flavorsLightning speed serviceAffordable prices
Primo’s Tacos is a hidden gem that delivers mouthwatering food at lightning speed. The birria tacos are especially popular, with tender shredded roast stealing the show. The flavors are authentic and satisfying, and don’t forget to ask for extra onions. The cash-only system might throw some off, but with prices as low as $2 per taco, it’s well worth it. The sauces on the side allow for customization, and the overall experience is a must-try for any taco enthusiast.
El Agave Taqueria
9/10 (101 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-544-3502
Excellent serviceAuthentic Mexican flavorsMust-try Quesabirria tacos
El Agave Taqueria offers excellent service and delicious food. The chicken nachos and pineapple drink are must-tries. Despite being located in a gas station, the restaurant surprises with authentic Mexican flavors and a welcoming staff that truly cares about their customers. The Quesabirria tacos and Elote/corn in a cup are top recommendations, and the fast service ensures a fresh dining experience.
Taqueria El Rey
9.2/10 (1983 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-357-3094
Authentic flavorsSmoky chickenFair prices
Taqueria El Rey, now located in a permi-truck format at 3344 Vernor Ave, continues to impress with their authentic Mexican flavors. The corn tacos are a standout, packed with tasty fillings and served with flavorful sauces. The smoked chicken is a must-try, juicy and smoky, with a magical mix of seasoning. The outdoor picnic tables add to the experience, though some may find it lacking in atmosphere. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the prices are fair, making it a great spot for delicious and affordable Mexican cuisine.
Seaviche Tacos & Bowls
9.2/10 (208 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-974-6862
Fresh ingredientsGenerous portionsFriendly staff
Seaviche Tacos & Bowls truly stands out for its fresh ingredients and generous portions. Customers rave about the flavorful food, with highlights being the massive shrimp tacos, delicious seaviche, and perfectly crispy churro chips. The staff also receive high praise for their friendliness and exceptional service, creating a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience. The variety of condiments and sauces available adds another layer of flavor to the dishes, making Seaviche a must-visit spot for all Mexican food lovers.
El Parian 3
9.4/10 (275 reviews)
Diverse taco selectionMassive portion nachosAffordable prices
El Parian 3 offers a diverse selection of tacos with a unique twist. While some customers found the birria tacos to be lacking in flavor and customer service to be subpar, others enjoyed the massive portions and affordable prices of the menu items. The nachos stood out as a crowd favorite, providing a satisfying meal for a reasonable cost. With multiple locations to choose from, it may be worth exploring the different offerings to find the top-tier tacos in metro Detroit.
El Imperio Mariscos
9.2/10 (155 reviews)
| Directions | +1 313-676-0260
Steak tacosShrimp cocktailFair pricing
El Imperio Mariscos offers fantastic steak and chicken tacos at a fair price. The shrimp and octopus cocktail stands out as one of the best seafood dishes on the menu. The campechano and chorizo tacos come highly recommended, with the corn taco combo also receiving praise for its delicious flavors. While some customers have noted issues with consistency and professionalism, others appreciate the value and quality of the food. The shrimp tacos seem to be a crowd favorite, despite some language and pricing discrepancies. Give this spot a try if you’re craving tasty tacos and seafood in a casual setting.
Tacos El Gordo
9.4/10 (108 reviews)
| Directions | +1 313-752-4114
Best birriaAuthentic flavorsGreat customer service
Tacos El Gordo offers some of the best birria tacos that are a must-try. The flavors are authentic and truly melt in your mouth. Located conveniently off the highway, this food truck provides great customer service, as the staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have a wonderful dining experience. The birria asada pizza with cheese, onions, and cilantro is a standout dish, along with the tacos served with rice and beans. The wait time may vary, but the freshly made and hot dishes are definitely worth it. This spot is a gem for authentic Mexican cuisine enthusiasts and definitely deserves a visit for a delightful meal.
El Parian 1 taco truck
9.2/10 (56 reviews)
| Directions | +1 313-676-0260
Well-seasoned tacosCrispy quesadillasAuthentic Mexican street food
El Parian 1 taco truck is a bustling spot that draws in crowds, hinting at something special. The tacos are well seasoned, while the quesadillas boast a crispy texture with the perfect burnt cheese flavor. While the presentation could use some improvement, the authentic Mexican street food experience makes up for it. With a variety of deliciously spicy hot sauces and fresh toppings like radishes and lime, this taco truck stands out as a must-visit for those craving genuine Mexican flavors.
Tacos El Tapatio
9.2/10 (72 reviews)
| Directions | +1 313-375-6973
Flavorful meatsDelicious salsasAffordable prices
Tacos El Tapatio has quickly become a local favorite on Vernor with their flavorful, juicy, and tender meats, accompanied by delicious salsas. The prices are reasonable, the staff is friendly, and the service is quick. The Al pastor and Cabeza tacos are standouts, and the option to enjoy your meal at the riverwalk makes for a great experience. The $2 beef and chorizo tacos are a steal and are truly delicious. This food truck is definitely worth seeking out for a satisfying taco fix.
Tacos El Loco
9.6/10 (112 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-401-5551
Freshly cooked tacosEfficient and friendly serviceFlavorful fixins
Tacos El Loco is a standout gem in the world of food trucks. The freshly cooked tacos and quesadillas are a real treat, hitting the spot when cravings strike. The service is efficient and friendly, making the experience even more delightful. The added touch of pickles, green peppers, and onions with the tacos adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite memorable. This place has definitely earned its spot as a go-to taco destination in the area.
Shell Shock’d Tacos
9.4/10 (238 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-293-7441
Flavorful dishesUnique elote shrimpCharming bar seating
Shell Shock’d Tacos offers a unique dining experience with their flavorful and tasty dishes. The standout item, the elote shrimp, has customers raving about the perfect combination of corn and shrimp that keeps them coming back for more. The bar seating adds to the charm of the place, despite the ongoing renovations. However, the parking situation may deter some customers, but for those willing to make the trip, the delicious food makes it all worth it. The fresh ingredients, crunchy taco shell, and attentive service make Shell Shock’d Tacos a must-visit for taco lovers in the area.
Antojitos Southwest
9.4/10 (327 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-854-5239
Flavorful TacosSpicy SauceBest Birria Ramen
Antojitos Southwest is a gem hidden in Corktown, offering a small yet delicious menu. The tacos are flavorful, with tender meat and fresh vegetables, and the spicy sauce on the side is a must-try. The food truck might be a bit hard to find at first, blending in with the neighborhood, but it’s worth the search. The Birria Ramen is a standout dish, with the hot sauce adding an extra kick to the experience. Support this local mom and pop spot on weekends for a quick and satisfying meal.
Pollos Los Gallos
9/10 (383 reviews)
| Directions | +1 313-758-9757
Mesquite-grilled chickenAuthentic flavorsQuick service
Pollos Los Gallos offers wood-fired mesquite grilled chicken with southwest flair, complemented by pickled onions that add a unique twist. The menu is simple, featuring whole or half chicken dinners with rice and cowboy-style beans. The food is authentic and reasonably priced, served hot and bursting with flavor. The horchata is a must-try and the quick service ensures piping hot dishes for a satisfying meal. While the appearance may be gritty, the quality of the food is worth telling your friends about.
Sabor Tacos Truck
9.4/10 (93 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 313-722-6779
Flavorful TacosFriendly StaffToasted Tortillas
Sabor Tacos Truck has earned a reputation for its flavorful tacos, with the birria tacos and Sabor Supreme taco standing out as top choices. The tender and juicy meat in the Quesabirria taco, paired with a perfectly-toasted tortilla dipped in birria sauce, showcases the attention to detail in their food preparation. The friendly staff ensure a positive experience, making it a destination worth returning to for those craving a delicious and satisfying taco.