Detroit may not always have sun and surf, but we do have our own little piece of Mexico in Mexicantown. So, in honor of summer (and the grand reopening of I-75), Metromix pays tribute to the places that take us south of the border without having to go south of Bagley.
Mexicantown Restaurant is located on the main road of the Detroit region of the same name. The two-floor restaurant's interior is bright and clean. It occasionally features a mariachi band. The most requested dish is the flaming fajitas. Patrons who visit during warm months can enjoy seating on the outdoor patio. Because of its proximity to the Ambassador Bridge, Mexicantown honors Canadian money on par with U.S. dollars on Monday nights. --Becki Carr
Aptly named, El Zocalo (translated as "center of life" but also meaning town square) is located on the main strip through Detroit's Mexicantown. El Zocalo offers authentic Mexican cuisine as well as a full bar featuring a variety of margaritas. The 200-plus capacity banquet facilities and customizable menus are available for private functions. Downstairs is a large dining room with separate bar and indoor patio. Coupons are available online offering patrons a buy one dinner, get the second 50% off deal (4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday). --Becki Carr
Xochimilco (pronounced so-she-MIL-co) is one of the smaller restaurants in Detroit's Mexicantown, with a seating capacity of 240, but it is also one of the busiest eateries on Bagley. Known for its botanas and margaritas, Xochimilco is a regular stop for patrons visiting from outside of downtown Detroit. The decor is homey and eccentric. Xochimilco's location also is convenient to Mexicantown's gift shops and bakeries. It also stays open until 2 a.m. for that late-night taco fix. --Becki Carr
Located in the heart of Mexicantown, Los Galanes offers traditional Mexican fare, spirits, live entertainment, and dancing. Children are not allowed on the dance floor, but the dining atmosphere is family friendly. Appetizers and entrees are moderately priced ($6-12), and tortillas are handmade. A buffet is also offered during lunch. Los Galanes is multi-level and offers outdoor seating. The restaurant specializes in seafood dishes; locals praise the ceviche, shrimp quesadillas, fajitas, and sangria. --Becki Carr
Mexican Village is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Detroit's Mexicantown. The menu features a Caldo Can-can, steaks, burritos, desserts and other traditional dishes. The eatery resembles an old-style hacienda with white stucco walls, dark-beamed ceilings, tile floors and painted murals. Mexican Village is a collection of several cozy rooms, with seating for more than 300 diners. The restaurant is almost right behind the old train station, set a few blocks away from the center of Mexicantown; adjacent to the building are two large free parking lots. --Becki Carr
Set on Bagley, nestled among the larger, more ornate restaurants in Mexicantown, you'll find the unassuming Evie's Tamales. The restaurant is more than 25 years old and, of course, specializes in tamales. They also serve caldo, botanas, menudos and other traditional Mexican food. Evie's is a family-run, two-room restaurant. Patrons are likely to encounter locals and longtime regulars. --Becki Carr
Armando's is best known for its late-night, post-bar crowd, as the restaurant stays open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Armando's runs daily specials on drinks and dishes. Favorites of regulars include the original margarita (which is only $2.50 on Sundays), the Cuban sandwiches, the Baja seafood tacos and the burger nachos. The bright yellow walls and black velvet paintings make for a festive atmosphere. It is not unusual to find a line for seating after midnight. --Becki Carr
El Rancho has been owned and operated by the Avila family since 1983. The interior is modest and nondescript, but the menu has steak, fajitas, huevos and other authentic and contemporary dishes. Entrees include the triple fajitas with steak, chicken, and shrimp. --Becki Carr
The first thing a customer notices is the delicious smell of freshly baked pastries. La Gloria is located on Bagley among the other busy Mexicantown restaurants. It is a small building with no seating: customers grab a tray, cafeteria style, and get whatever baked goods they want, from churros to cookies to tamales. La Gloria also takes orders for custom cakes for special occasions. --Becki Carr
