06 Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
www.socialgr.com
RESTAURANT GUIDE
SOCIALGR.COM
GREATER GRAND RAPIDS 5 de Mayo • 114 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 719-2401 7 Mares • 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 301-8555 Agave • 2053 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 591-2105 Beltline Bar • 16 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 245-0494 Borados Mexican Grill • 3424 Chicago Dr Hudsonville, MI 49426 • (616) 209-5020 Burrito Boss • 1256 Lincoln Rd Allegan, MI • 49010 (269) 512-7011 Cabaña Tres Amigos • 1409 60th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 281-6891 Cantina Mexican Grill • 2770 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 949-9120 Casa Real • 232 W Allegan St Otsego, MI • 49078 (269) 692-6339 Donkey Taqueria • 665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI • Dorados Mexican Grill & Bar • 3424 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, MI • (616) 209-5020 Ebenezer Bakery & Restaurant • 2046 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 532-9800 El Agave Mexican Grill and Bar • 5401 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 447-0885 El Arriero • 2948 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI • (616) 977-2674 El Azteca • 6031 Lake Michigan Dr Allendale, MI 49401 • (616) 892-1813 El Burrito • 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW I, Grandville, MI • (616) 530-9470 El Globo • 2019 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 734-6869 El Granjero • 950 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 458-5595 El Primo Taqueria Y Pupuseria • 334 Burton St SW, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 719-1694 El Señor Sol • 3603 Division Ave S Wyoming, MI • (616) 248-0057 El Sombrero • 527 Bridge St NW Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 451-4290 El Toro Bravo • 3585 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI • (616) 288-7578 El Torito Asador • 350 28th St SW Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 690-9254 Garibaldi Restaurant • 3375 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 719-2401 José Babushka’s • 2232 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 272-4472 Jose’s Restaurante • 3910 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 719-2401 La Familia Jalisco • 4022 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI • (616) 202-4141 La Casa del Pollo Loco • 244 28th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 • (616) 279-3196 La Huasteca • 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 447-7733 La Laguna • 6250 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 • (616) 805-8821 La Loteria • 705 28th St SW Wyoming, MI • (616) 288-5927 Las Rocas • 2106 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 • (616) 288-5459 La Vencedora • 1961 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 • (616) 245-9352 Lindo Mexico • 2747 Clyde Park Ave SW Wyoming, MI • (616) 261-2280 Little Mexico Tacos • 5651 Byron Center Ave SW Suite 105, Wyoming, MI • (616) 228-4595 Loco Tacos Taqueria • 4005 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant • 1814 Baldwin St, Georgetown Twp, MI • (616) 649-0166 08 Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
www.socialgr.com
SPONSORED
RESTAURANTS Paleteria & Neveria Tsitsiki La Michoacana 3900 Division Ave S, Wyoming, MI 49548 (616) 805-5352
Raspados, Mangonadas and other tasty Mexican treats can be found at this great spot.
Postres Lupita
Inside 34th Street Mall 3375 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (214) 874-1852 Postres Lupita has been serving delicious Mexican treats for many years, like mangonadas, aguas frescas, cakes and more...
Garibaldi Restaurant Inside 34th Street Mall 3375 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 248-1725
Offers some of the best tacos in Grand Rapids and other dishes.
www.socialgr.com
Tacos & Pupusas El Primo
334 Burton St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 719-1694
Mi Tierra El Salvador Cafe Y Pupuseria
Offers delicious authentic Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas & pupusas that are certainly worth ordering.
Inside 34th Street Mall 3375 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 648-8379 Serves delicious pupusas with their traditional fermented counterpart, curdito, plus other delicious Salvadoran dishes.
Mega Tacos
The Latin House
3585 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 551-0309 Offers delicious Mexican tacos, quesadillas, gorditas and other delicious dishes. They have something for everyone.
3363 Remembrance Rd NW, Walker, MI 49534 (616) 288-7966 thelatinhousegr.com Homemade recipes from South America make The Latin House the perfect place to enjoy and have a great time with friends & family.
Las Rocas Postres
Taqueria Garcia
Las rocas postres was one of the first places in Grand Rapids to sell Mexican treats, like Mangonadas, cholados and other more.
Taqueria Garcia has been known for serving tasty and unique tacos, like lengua (tongue), cachete, brain,asada, al pastor and more.
2106 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 288-5459
3536 Division Ave S, Wyoming, MI 49548 (616) 248-3677
Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
11
SOCIALGR.COM
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Los Comales • 2907 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 • (616) 724-4433 Luna Taqueria • 64 Ionia Ave SW #100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 • (616) 288-6340 Maggie’s Kitchen • 636 Bridge St NW Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 458-8583 Malia’s Mexican Restaurant • 3366 M 40 Gobles, MI 49055 • (269) 628-9187 Maya Mexican Grill & Bar • 1020 28th St SW Wyoming, MI • (616) 551-0782 Mega Tacos • 3585 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI • (616) 551-0309 Mi Tierra El Salvador • 3375 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 648-8379 Poncho’s Tacos • 1874 28th St SW Wyoming, MI • (616) 805-3747 Pupuseria El Salvador • 4639 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 257-1092 Stan Diego Baja Taco Kitchen • 355 Wilson Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 • (616) 591-9806 Taco Fiesta Inc • 11972 E Lakewood Blvd Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 393-0161 Tacos El Cuñado • 2751 Alpine Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 608-7787 Tacos El Cuñado • 455 Burton St SW Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 248-9099 Tacos El Cuñado • 1024 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 475-8000 Tacos El Cuñado • 1342 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 452-1266 Taqueria Manriquez • 411 Wilson Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 • (616) 570-0263 Taqueria Manriquez • 4 E Randall St Coopersville, MI 49404 • (616) 384-3242 Taqueria Supermercado Mexico • 1160 Chicago Dr SW, Wyoming, MI • (616) 245-7443 Restaurante Cancun El Pifas • 1518 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 724-4143 Restaurante y Pupuseria Las Comadres • 2747 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI • (616) 805-3341 Taqueria El Mariachi • 3375 Division Ave S, Wyoming, MI 49548 • (616) 248-1725 Taqueria Maravatio • 1100 Chicago Dr SW Wyoming, MI • (616) 475-9088 The Latin House • 3363 Remembrance Rd NW, Walker, MI 49534 • (616) 288-7966 Xela • 1509 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 245-7433 Zason Latino • 3195 28th St SE SUITE 103, Grand Rapids, MI • (616) 940-1010
www.socialgr.com
Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
13
SOCIALGR.COM
RESTAURANT GUIDE
GREATER KALAMAZOO Acapulco Mexican Restaurant • 510 S Paw Paw St, Lawrence, MI • (269) 674-3159 Cancun Mexican Restaurant • 37908 W Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI • (269) 657-0107 El Gallo Blanco • 2838 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 382-7020 Fiesta Burrito • 3774 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI • (269) 324-2442 La Finca Mexican Restaurant • 10412 Portage Rd, Portage, MI • (269) 220-5300 La Piñata Bar & Grill • 475 N Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 382-6642 Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant • 3317 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 532-1170 Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant • 5480 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 459-8092 Los Brothers Mexican Food • 2015 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 459-1249 Lolita’s Tacos • 2307 E Main St, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 532-1473 Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant • 3420 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 349-2469 Premium Authentic Tamale Kitchen • 2120 S Sprinkle Rd, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 903-2322 Pure Mex Mexican Cuisine • 8880 N 32nd St, Richland, MI • (269) 203-7270 Que Buenos Fresh Mexican Grill • 2929 Howard St, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 775-1719 Quekas Mexican Restaurant • 826 East Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 459-8521 Riviera Maya • 5036 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI • (269) 382-6901 The Big Burrito • 036 W Kl Ave, Kalamazoo, MI • (269) 372-2442
Other Cities El Zapopan Market & Restaurant • 73 N Main St, Kent City, MI • (616) 952-0124 Los Lagos Mexican Bar & Grill • 6012 Holton Rd, Twin Lake, MI • (231) 828-7263 El Burrito Feliz • 1416 W Main St, Fremont, MI • (231) 924-3817 La Rancherita • 32063 M-140, Covert, MI • (269) 764-0115 Butch's Beach Burritos • 728 E Savidge St # C, Spring Lake, MI • (616) 842-3900 Taqueria El Paisano • 207 N Michigan Ave, Shelby, MI • (231) 861-8899 El Burrito Feliz • 322 Culver St, Saugatuck, MI • (269) 455-5587 Su Casa Mexican Restaurant • 206 Center St, South Haven, MI • (269) 767-7493 Taqueria Diaz • 306 E Colby St, Whitehall, MI • (231) 638-7327 San Marco’s Mexican Bar And Grill • 3001 E Colby St, Whitehall, MI • (231) 894-2000
www.socialgr.com
Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
15
Tamales Mary: A Fresh, New Experience in Grand Rapids
M
any in the food industry know that building a dream restaurant means you must first learn to overcome setbacks and commit to doing whatever it takes to succeed. Mary Alvarez, of Tamales Mary in Grand Rapids, knows this well. She reminisces about childhood memories to begin the story of her unique shop. “I have always been an entrepreneur since I was a little girl. I remember my mom having tamales ready for me so I could go out and sell them. I rode the bus, [went] to the park; everywhere. I wasn’t embarrassed.” Back in 2010, Mary received her opportunity to grow after meeting Hector Lopez, owner of Tacos El Cuñado, who was moving from Detroit to his current Burton Street location in Grand Rapids. Together, Mary and Don Hector started selling breakfast in a food truck. It wasn’t easy. The first day they made only 21 dollars. But the days that followed began to show promise as their profit grew more and more. From the early breakfast hours to tacos in the evening, Don Hector saw that Mary was very hardworking. From there, they decided to open another location on Grandville Avenue. While continuing to work her job of 11 years at a bakery in Hudsonville, Mary managed to run this new location with her father-in-law, Humberto. Mary helped Humberto with the taqueria and in return he gave her half of the earnings.
By Laura Little
“
Continued on page 25 16 Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
I have always been an entrepreneur since I was a little girl. I remember my mom having tamales ready for me so I could go out and sell them. I rode the bus, [went] to the park; everywhere. I wasn’t embarrassed.”
www.socialgr.com
www.socialgr.com
Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
17
RESTAURANT GUIDE
SOCIALGR.COM
LAKESHORE Arturo’s Tacos • 305 N Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven, MI 49417 • (616) 844-4100 El Burrito Loco • 5916 Harvey St Muskegon, MI 49441 • (231) 798-0328 Baja Grill • 777 Washington Ave, Holland, MI 49423 • (616) 546-3600 Butch’s Beach Burritos • 726 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI • (616) 842-3690 Don Luis Mexican Grill & Bar • 442 N Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven, MI • (616) 844-3002 Don Miguel • 1011 136th Ave, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 796-8037 Don Miguelito • 11975 E Lakewood Blvd #9, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 392-2965 El Huarache • 517 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 510-6024 El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant • 11190 Chicago Dr Ste 1 Zeeland, MI 49464 • (616) 396-8040 El Rancho • 12659 Riley St, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 786-9505 EL Rancho Mexican Grill & Bar 770 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423 • (616) 796-1200 El Tapatio Restaurant • 677 W Laketon Ave, Muskegon, MI • (231) 759-7408 Fat Burrito • 3006 W Shore Dr #80, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 399-9500 Havana Grill • 12059 Felch St Suite 1, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 399-3466 La Casa Fierro • 1427 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI • (231) 759-8400 La Placita • 29 W 16th St Holland, MI 49423 • (616) 796-6756 La Tierra Southwest Cafe • 610 N Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven, MI • (616) 842-9114 Los Amigos • 1848 E Sherman Blvd Suite M, Muskegon, MI • (231) 737-5010 Mi Favorita Grocery & Restaurant • 408 Columbia Ave, Holland, MI 49423 • (616) 355-1993 Los Lagos Mexican Bar & Grill • 6012 Holton Rd, Twin Lake, MI • (231) 828-7263 Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant 495 W 17th St, Holland, MI 49423 • (616) 394-3069 Navarro’s Mexican Take Out • 2537 8th St, Muskegon, MI • (231) 737-6225 RAD DADS Tacos • 470 W Western Ave suite a, Muskegon, MI • (231) 766-7669 Ray’s Tamale King • 264 N River Ave, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 298-8765 Rosita’s Tacos • 2811 Sanford St, Muskegon, MI • (231) 739-4466 Supermercado Rosie & Taqueria • 106 W 16th St, Holland, MI 49423 • (616) 392-7877 Taco Fiesta • 11972 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 393-0161 Tacos El Cuñado #6 • 442 Baypark Dr, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 298-7225 Taqueria Arandas • 98 Douglas Ave #10, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 377-7468 Taqueria Azteca • 2027 N Park Dr Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 355-7804 Taqueria Vallarta • 275 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423 • (616) 848-7778 Tamales Plus • 816 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49423 • (616) 405-1380 Taqueria Azteca • 2027 N Park Dr, Holland, MI 49424 • (616) 355-7804 The Mexican Grill • 2345 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI • (231) 773-5555
18 Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
www.socialgr.com
Los Dos Amigos Taco Truck 7115 Parkwood St, Detroit, MI 48210 (313) 218-3360
El Oasis 2501 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 648-7693
El Taquito Taco Truck 1930 Military St, Detroit, MI 48209
Tamales Mary 1253 Burton St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 288-5007
Pancho’s Taqueria 902 E Saginaw Hwy, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 (517) 749-4867
Botello Grocery 15791 Lake Michigan Dr, West Olive, MI 49460 (616) 846-1480
Taquero Mucho 2408 S Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48910 (517) 303-7882
Pancho’s Taqueria (Food Truck) 902 E Saginaw Hwy, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 (517) 749-4867
Vehicle City Tacos 119 N Grand Traverse St, Flint, MI 48503
Tacos el Caballo 1445 Springwells St, Detroit, MI 48209
Paisas Taco Truck 205 Southfield Rd, Ecorse, MI 48229 (313) 624-6152
Taco Truck Salsa Company 4660 Hagadorn Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 575-6388
Taco ‘Bout It Mexican Fusion 344 River St, Manistee, MI 49660 (231) 887-4441
Continued from page 16
Tamales Mary: A Fresh, New Experience in Grand Rapids
T
he taco businesses were moving forward and a flood of opportunities continued for Mary. Don Hector invited Mary to open a new Tacos El Cuñado location on Bridge Street. After accepting this new endeavor, Mary had a lot on her plate. She tells her story: “It was very difficult. I wanted to quit. I remember many times saying ‘I don’t want to do this anymore. “She had a great deal of encouragement from her husband to keep doing the best she could. While success didn’t come immediately for her family, Mary acknowledges that “all of the sacrifices made were worth it.”
www.socialgr.com
Tacos El Cuñado on Bridge Street became a popular food destination in Grand Rapids and hired more people so that Mary could work less. But things did not slow down. Mary’s dream was to open a Tamaleria, or tamal shop. She imagined a place with a new concept; a place having a big menu where people could choose different tamales and meal combinations. This dream was made a reality when she opened Tamales Mary on Burton Street. Tamales Mary is a fresh, made-fromscratch tamale shop in Grand Rapids that offers the best in customer service and a variety of tamales. The shop currently has 18 different types of tamales ranging from Camaron (Shrimp) to Costilla de Cerdo (Pork Ribs) to Dulce de Fresa (Sweet Strawberry). A few tamales are special by request and all tamales are wrapped in banana or corn leaves. Tamales Mary continues to add to their menu to provide one of the best food experiences in Grand Rapids today.
Guide to Latin American Restaurants in West Michigan
25