Find the best tacos in Southwest Michigan

Maybe it’s the “Southwest” in our region’s name, but we do like good tacos here. There is hardly a town in Southwest Michigan that doesn’t serve up a choice of traditional Mexican, street, fish, birria, breakfast or deliciously unique versions of this handheld meal in a tortilla. We asked some of the most taco-loving people we know where to go. Here is what they suggest: 

Top tacos near Benton Harbor/St. Joseph

La Perla Produce, Inc., Benton Harbor

La Perla appears repeatedly on taco fan favorites. This authentic Mexican restaurant serves up Taco Mexicano and Americano choices with steak, chicken, marinated pork or beef tongue. One fan wrote: “We have eaten tacos in Colorado, Texas and Florida, and La Perla put every one of them into the back row.”  

Anemel, Benton Harbor

Anemel is a newbie on the Southwest Michigan taco scene. It is a wood-fired tortaria and taco joint in the Benton Harbor Arts District. As one fan said, “The choices change so often, it’s hard to have a favorite. They’re all good.” The Potato Pastor and Arabes Verde Tacos stand out in the unique choices. 

Sabroso!, Benton Harbor

Sabroso! Is another new choice in Benton Harbor — this one is closer to I-94 and area hotels. Locals recommend the Quesabirria Taco, saying it’s fresh, fast and made to order. Or fill up on the Lengua Taco or Crunchy Burrito with added peppers, onions and guacamole. 

Kingfisher Cocktails & Tacos, St. Joseph

Another top vote-getter is this street taco restaurant in downtown St. Joseph. Must-tries include the Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos or Falafel Tacos with housemade hummus or taco salad. The rice bowls get high praise from vegans and vegetarians. 

Arriba! Taqueria, St. Joseph

Arriba! Taqueria gets lots of local love for its authentic Mexican options. The shrimp tacos on soft corn tortillas, birria taco and steak taco salad were favorites for curbing hunger at this dine-in and takeout destination. A cooler with Mexican Cokes, taco and taquito dinners, lots of vegetarian options and their pride in using only the freshest ingredients will keep you coming back.

Azul Tequila Mexican Bar & Grill, St. Joseph

Azul Tequila in downtown St. Joseph is especially popular for large family, friend and work gatherings. It has lots of menu choices to satisfy any Mexican food craving and gets high marks for its fast service and huge portions. A fan favorite is their California Burrito (no lettuce).  

Other nearby fan favorites

El Rodeo | Benton Harbor | Taco salad 

Taqueria La Cabana | Eau Claire | Best pork tacos and salsa in Southwest Michigan

Tacos Hernandez | Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer | Summer food truck | Mexican-style steak tacos with salsa verde

La Chula Mexican Market | Watervliet | Fish tacos and fajitas

Best taquerias near New Buffalo, Buchanan & Niles

Rios Mexican Grill, New Buffalo

Rios fans recommend everything. Choose from chicken, chipotle chicken, spicy chicken, ground beef, steak, spicy pork or veggies to fill your warm flour or corn tortillas. Their chips, guacamole, pico de gallo, beans and rice are made fresh every day.

Taqueria Don Chepe, Niles

When visiting South Berrien County, make your way to Taqueria Don Chepe for authentic Mexican food. If you are leery of “authentic” claims, this is legit. Choice of steak, beef, marinated pork or chicken Mexican or American-style tacos. 

El Amigo Pepe Food Truck, Buchanan/Niles 

When you see this food truck, make a beeline for the tacos, taco salad and walking tacos. 

Where to go for tacos near Dowagiac

La Casa de Maria, Dowagiac

La Casa de Maria is the place in Southwest Michigan to discover the wonderful flavors of Hidalgo. Choose from Mexicanos-and Americanos-style tacos filling your tortillas with steak, chicken, chorizo, marinated pork, ground beef, lengua, barbacoa or shrimp. La Casa offers several taco salads and soy-protein options as well. 

You will love these tacos near South Haven

El Paraiso Taqueria, South Haven

El Paraiso Taqueria gets locals and visitors singing their praises for its delicious steak tacos, steak fajitas, flautas de pollo, shrimp dinners and beyond friendly staff. You won’t be disappointed. 

Frida's Cantina, Bangor

Frida’s Cantina serves up genuine Mexican cuisine. As one fan said, “You will love EVERYTHING. It’s a great place, wonderful atmosphere, delicious drinks and food.” There are so many taco choices the list fills a quarter of their menu. Where else can you get Brussels sprouts tacos?!

Bigfoot Burrito, Bangor

Bigfoot Burrito is one of those gems you find out about when you put out a call for the best tacos in Southwest Michigan. Here you can build your taco with the ingredients YOU want. They grill their tacos in their custom garlic bay oil, then pack them with cheese, fresh chopped herbs and veggies. You pick the meat and hand made emulsion sauce with flavor profiles heralding Indian, Cajun, Mexican and Hungarian styles. As one fan who has traveled all over the  U.S. said, “They are flat-out the best tacos I have ever had.” 

More nearby favorites

Three Blondes Brewing | South Haven | Great place to pair craft beers with tacos

Su Casa Restaurante | South Haven | Open Memorial Day to mid-September | Signature tacos

Where is your favorite taqueria in Southwest Michigan?

Do you have a must-try taco destination or favorite taco in Southwest Michigan? Send us the name of the restaurant or food truck with a description of your best taco and we’ll add your suggestion to this blog.