Celebrating this festive Mexican holiday is enough to put anyone in the mood for some real south of the border sizzle. But don't strap in for the drive to Detroit just yet. While Mexicantown is always a safe bet for some of the best eats around - try giving these authentic locales a little closer to home a try this time. Ole!
Mexican restaurants close to your casa
Authentic doesn't have to mean a trip to Mexicantown
By Erin Branstner
MetromixApril 28, 2009
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El Charro Restaurante Mexicano
16720 E. 14 Mile - Fraser586-294-3520
El Charro touts its soft-shell tacos as unique, but a better word would be irresistible. The soft, chewy corn shell is deep-fried until it puffs up, then is wrapped around your choice of ground beef, beans, guacamole, shredded beef, chicken or cheese, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. The signature taco is ground beef, and the Fraser location has been making it for 37 years. It's $3.45 to $3.70 per taco a la carte, or $10.60 for three ground beef tacos plus beans and Spanish rice. The Chef's Choice dinner is one ground beef, one chicken and one shredded beef taco with beans and Spanish rice for $11.50. -- Emiliana Sandoval
Pancho Villa's
4127 15 Mile - Sterling Heights586-939-2531
With an extensive menu featuring nachos, fajitas, tortilla soup and tamales, Pancho Villa's offers a great, casual atmosphere. The corn and flour tortillas are made in-house along with the chips and salsa. Amuse yourself with the fish in the 150-gallon tank or listen to live mariachi music every other Friday. Don't forget to try one of their especial margaritas! Muy beuno!
Zumba Mexican Grille
121 N. Main - Royal Oak248-542-1400
You can't miss this place with its rainbow-splashed exterior in downtown Royal Oak. Their fish taco is made from a soft corn tortilla filled with a beer-battered tilapia fillet and your choice of toppings and creamy tomatillo salsa, and it's just $2.45! Nothing on the menu is over $6.10. So come hungry and you'll leave happy - and with a few bucks to spare.
Azteca's Mexican Food Restaurant
45571 Mound - Shelby Twp.586-803-0474
Azteca's is almost hidden in a Shelby Township strip mall, but it's certainly worth a stop for good, inexpensive Mexican food and friendly service. Try the carne asada -- marinated grilled steak, Azteca's specialty. The desserts are worth saving room for, especially the sopapillas made with fried tortilla strips topped with honey, chocolate syrup and a scoop of ice cream. Ask for a booth near the front if you want to watch the cook.
Sagebrush Cantina
28 S. Broadway - Lake Orion248-693-0100
They've got tacos. They've got margaritas. They've got chips and salsa. But Sagebrush Cantina of Lake Orion is hardly your run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurant. Back on the scene since December 2006 after a fire shut the place down for 2-1/2 years, Sagebrush is drawing crowds again. Bet on a hefty wait on the weekends. The dinner rush can back up seating for two or three hours but its well worth the wait. Try your hand at finishing off one of their Super wet burritos!
Margarita's Mexican Restaurant
27861 Woodward - Berkley248-547-5050
Margarita's Mexican Restaurant brings the feeling, energy, and taste of Mexican cuisine that is heavy on the veggies and true to its roots. This smoke-free, alcohol-free establishment is great for anyone looking to experience authentic Mexican food at a very reasonable price.
El Nibble Nook
27725 8 Mile - Livonia248-474-0755
Specializing in classic Mexican fare like tostadas and enchiladas, this Livonia stronghold also serves American fare including burgers and steaks. Having fed hungry residents for almost 50 years, El Nibble Nook knows the ideal way to spice things up. The food is great and the margaritas add just the right touch to any meal. The perfect blend of sweet and salty will have you saying "Uno mas."
Plaza Mexico Mexican Restaurant
18322 E. 9 Mile - Eastpointe586-777-8144
This small, comfy locale is considered one of the best on the East side as far as Mexican fare. Portions are generous, authentic and priced just right. Whether you dine in or carry out, its a sure win. You can even see the cooking staff prepare your order as you wait. Don't judge this small storefront by its cover or you just might miss out on some tasty tex-mex treats.
