Michigan might not be the first place you think of for incredible tacos, but trust me, we’re hiding some serious Mexican street food gems across our state! I’ve spent countless weekends hunting down the tastiest taco trucks from Detroit to the UP, sampling everything from traditional carnitas to creative fusion creations. Ready for a mouthwatering road trip? Here are my absolute favorite taco trucks that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Michigan’s food scene.
1. El Taquito Taco Truck: Detroit’s Hidden Treasure
Parked in Southwest Detroit’s vibrant neighborhood, El Taquito has been my go-to spot for authentic street tacos since my college days. The family behind this truck creates magic with their grandmother’s recipes from Jalisco.
What makes their tacos special? The homemade corn tortillas that somehow remain perfectly soft yet sturdy enough to hold generous portions of marinated meats. Their al pastor, slowly rotating on a vertical spit with pineapple dripping down, creates a sweet-savory combination that’s absolutely addictive.
Though the line often stretches down the block on weekends, the wait becomes part of the experience as regulars chat about which salsa packs the most punch. Cash only, but trust me – you’ll want to bring extra for seconds!
2. Los Dos Amigos Taco Truck: Ann Arbor’s Student Favorite
Where can you find University of Michigan students and professors standing in the same line at midnight? Los Dos Amigos Taco Truck! Strategically parked near campus, this truck has saved many late-night study sessions with their oversized tacos.
Though they serve traditional options, their fusion creations have earned them local fame. The Korean-Mexican bulgogi taco topped with kimchi slaw bridges cultures in the most delicious way possible. Meanwhile, their breakfast tacos stuffed with chorizo and eggs have become my Saturday morning ritual whenever I’m in town.
What’s fascinating is how they’ve adapted to their academic clientele – they accept mobile payments, offer student discounts on Wednesdays, and even created a special “finals week” menu with extra-caffeinated horchata. Smart business and smart flavors make this truck a true Ann Arbor institution.
3. El Parian Taco Truck: A Flavor Revolution on Wheels
El Parian has become an unexpected culinary standout, with its truck-turned-permanent-fixture drawing a loyal following for its massive, flavor-packed tacos. Their signature “Taco Loco” – loaded with two meats, grilled vegetables, guacamole, and crunchy chicharrones – is a two-handed feast that stands out in Michigan’s taco scene.
Generous portions and bold flavors keep regulars coming back, while newcomers are often surprised by just how much food they get for the price. Everything is made fresh daily, and the salsas are just as memorable as the tacos themselves – especially the smoky red one that regulars swear by.
Beyond the food, the family-run operation fosters community with a welcoming atmosphere and a thoughtful pay-it-forward program that helps feed those in need. The owners greet customers like old friends, and it’s not uncommon to see groups hanging out long after finishing their meals, making it more than just a place to eat – it’s a place to connect.
4. El Taco Veloz: Detroit’s Flavor Explosion
Whoever said Detroit was just for cars clearly hasn’t experienced El Taco Veloz! This bright blue truck parks near Riverside Park and has transformed my understanding of what a fish taco should be.
Unlike other trucks that hide mediocre seafood under heavy toppings, El Taco Veloz serves perfectly grilled tilapia with just the right amount of char, topped with a tangy cabbage slaw and creamy chipotle sauce. However, their secret weapon is actually their homemade horchata – cinnamon-spiced rice milk that’s refreshingly sweet and the perfect complement to their spicy offerings.
The owners, a husband and wife team, remember regulars by name and often throw in an extra taco for first-timers. Weekend tip: they sell out of their famous birria tacos by 1pm!
5. Tacos El Caballo: Detroits’s Authentic Gem
If you’re wandering through Detroit’s Mexicantown and spot a converted horse trailer with a line of hungry locals, you’ve found Tacos El Caballo! This family-run operation brings the flavors of Michoacán to Michigan’s capital city.
Though the setup looks humble, their carnitas tacos have ruined me for all others – slow-cooked pork so tender it practically melts, with crispy edges that provide the perfect textural contrast. Each taco comes with a grilled jalapeño on the side that’s become their signature touch.
The owner, Miguel, learned to cook from his grandmother and refuses to cut corners. Everything from their salsas to their pickled vegetables is made fresh daily. Bonus points for their eco-friendly packaging and the fact that they donate leftover food to local shelters every night.
6. Dia de los Tacos: Marquette’s Upper Peninsula Legend
Who would expect to find authentic Mexican street food in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? Yet Dia de los Tacos has become a Marquette institution, bringing south-of-the-border flavors to the northernmost part of our state.
Their bright yellow truck stands out against Marquette’s often snowy backdrop, and locals joke they can follow the scent of grilling meats even in a blizzard. Though they serve year-round (yes, even in UP winters!), their summer season brings special treats like Lake Superior whitefish tacos with local microgreens.
The owners, a husband and wife who fell in love with Mexican street food while traveling, have adapted traditional recipes to incorporate local ingredients while maintaining authenticity. Their commitment shows in details like hand-pressing corn tortillas daily and fermenting their own hot sauces. Fun fact: they’ve been featured on three different food shows, putting Marquette on the culinary map!
Note: Dia de los Tacos is currently temporarily closed, but fans are hopeful for their return to the Marquette food scene.
7. Street Chef Shaw / Los Jalapeños: Dearborn’s Multicultural Marvel
Perhaps the most unique concept on this list, Street Chef Shaw (also known as Los Jalapeños) represents the beautiful cultural fusion that makes Michigan special. This Arab-Mexican food truck in Dearborn serves up tacos that blend traditions from both cultures in surprising and delicious ways.
Their shawarma tacos combine slow-roasted marinated chicken with traditional Mexican toppings plus a drizzle of tahini sauce. Meanwhile, their falafel tacos with jalapeño crema bridge Middle Eastern and Mexican vegetarian traditions perfectly. Even their sides show cultural fusion – like elote (Mexican street corn) dusted with za’atar spice.
The truck is run by a Mexican-Lebanese couple who met while working in Detroit restaurants and decided to combine their culinary heritages. Their story represents the best of Michigan’s diverse food scene, and their weekend lines prove I’m not the only one who thinks their cross-cultural creations are pure genius.
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