It's no secret that food is a way for many cultures to retain, express and celebrate their identity. With less than two weeks left of Hispanic Heritage Month, it could be exciting to follow suit in eating, and perhaps even learning, something new.
Around Eastern Michigan University's campus are a number of Hispanic and Latino inspired restaurants worth visiting year round. The following are a few establishments highlighted in honor of the occasion and their unique stories.
Miny's Mexican Restaurant
Miny's Mexican Restaurant, open everyday 11am until 8pm. Located at 2866 Washtenaw Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Located only five minutes from campus at 2866 Washtenaw Rd., Miny's Mexican Restaurant opened in 2017 when the previous establishment’s owner decided to retire and sold the spot to one of his employees, Miny. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Miny now cooks in her own restaurant with her devoted children and grandchildren there to help as well.
Largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family decided to remove dine-in options but still experience a revolving door for pick-ups during lunch and dinner rushes.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy bite of authentic Mexican food, Miny’s Mexican Restaurant is a wonderful intersection of family influenced cooking with a modern energy.
Miny’s Mexican Restaurant is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
La Torre Taquería
La Torre Taquera found at 1525 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 49197. Also open everyday 11am until 8pm
If their name didn’t already give it away, La Torre Taquería, located at 1525 Washtenaw Ave., is notorious for their authentic tacos. With roots from Veracruz, Mexico, the colorful interior does indeed make one feel like they’ve been transported to the tropical gulf city.
Having been in this building for seven years now, La Torre Taquería has established themselves as a must-visit for authentic Mexican food lovers. Barely two minutes from campus, this is a perfect spot for either picking up a speedy to-go order back to campus or dining in.
La Torre Taquería is open every day from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
MAIZ Mexican Cantina
In this location since June 2014, MAIZ Mexican Cantina is located at 36 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
In the heart of Depot Town at 36 E. Cross St., MAIZ Mexican Cantina is a versatile place catering to both a fun lunch audience and a buzzing late-night crowd. Fully aware of their audience, MAIZ Mexican Cantina has recently added margaritas-to-go as a featured option.
In the kitchen is the Elizabeth, the kindest woman and warmly referred to as “Mama” by the staff, hailing from the Mexico City area. She has masterfully integrated classic Mexican dishes with a modern take under gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian guidelines.
Naturally, Taco Tuesdays are celebrated with $2 tacos all day, a classic to pair with one of their many margarita flavors.
MAIZ Mexican Cantina is open Sunday and Monday 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
La Marqueza Taquería
La Marqueza Taquera at 1396 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Upon walking into La Marqueza Taquería, located at 1396 E. Michigan Ave., one is initially greeted by Mexican love songs, and then either Carmen or a member of her family. She and her brother have been helping their parents, also originally from the Mexico City area, since their opening in 2015. In fact, Carmen and her brother have just agreed to partial ownership terms with them.
Uniquely, on one of their walls is a frame of all their first dollar bills, now filled with rarities collected since then. Of course, every one of their dishes is made from scratch and touched by the influences of Carmen’s mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
La Marqueza Taquería is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Encuentro Latino
Encuentro Latino, in the former home of the Wolverine Grill, found at 228 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
With a daily change in featured specials to their menu, Encuentro Latino, located in downtown Ypsilanti at 228 W. Michigan Ave., is another Hispanic restaurant in the neighborhood not to be overlooked. While the owner and chef Manuel DePaz is from Guatemala, he and his family also operate a Mexican restaurant in Taylor, Michigan called Matador Restaurant, which has been open since 1954.
With an emphasis on plantains and the tropics, their Guatemalan flair on otherwise traditional Hispanic dishes helps to differentiate them from the rest.
Encuentro Latino’s hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
