Find the Best Tacos in Southwest Michigan
Maybe it’s the “Southwest” in our name, but we sure love a good taco around here. From traditional Mexican and fish tacos to birria and creative twists you won’t find anywhere else, nearly every town in Southwest Michigan has a local spot that delivers serious flavor in a tortilla.
Benton Harbor
Anemel
Anemel 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 Mushroom stand out among the unique options. While there, take a selfie with the Anemel Mural to participate in the Murals Challenge.
El Rodeo
El Rodeo offers a wide-ranging menu, but its fish, shrimp and carne asada tacos are standout favorites among regulars.
Joanna La Michoacana Taqueria
Joanna La Michoacana Taqueria serves up bold, authentic tacos with a SoCal street food twist. Pair your meal with homemade ice cream, fruity paletas or a refreshing agua fresca for a sweet finish.
La Perla Produce, Inc.
La Perla is a repeat favorite among local taco fans. This authentic Mexican restaurant serves up Taco Mexicano and Americano styles 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.”
Sabroso!
Craving flavor? Locals say the Quesabirria Taco at Sabroso! is the go-to —fresh, fast and made just for you. Or, fill up on the Lengua Taco or their crunchy burrito with added peppers, onions and guacamole.
St. Joseph
Arriba! Taqueria
Arriba! Taqueria gets lots of local love for its authentic Mexican options. Shrimp tacos on soft corn tortillas, birria tacos and the steak taco salad are go-to picks. A cooler with Mexican Cokes, taco and taquito dinners, vegetarian options and a focus on fresh ingredients keep fans coming back.
Azul Tequila Mexican Bar & Grill
Azul Tequila in downtown St. Joseph is especially popular for large gatherings with family, friends or coworkers. The menu has something for everyone, with fast service and generous portions.
Bangor
Frida's Cantina
Frida’s Cantina serves genuine Mexican cuisine. As one fan said, “You will love EVERYTHING. It’s a great place, wonderful atmosphere, delicious drinks and food.” Their taco list takes up a quarter of the menu — where else can you find Brussels sprout tacos?
Berrien Springs
Melendez Imports
Melendez Imports creates a vibrant fusion of Mexican, Tex-Mex and Caribbean-inspired tacos. Favorites include jerk chicken, red snapper and flavorful veggie options.
Coloma
El Asadero
El Asadero is celebrated for its bold, flavorful tacos and welcoming service. As one diner put it, “Every bite tasted like it came straight from a family kitchen in Mexico — hands down the best I’ve had in Michigan.”
Dowagiac
La Casa de Maria invites you 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.
Tienda y Taqueria Del Rey
Tienda y Taqueria Del Rey is known for its Tacos de Camarón, birria tacos and classic street-style options. Creative dishes like Birria Ramen and Carne Asada Fries add even more reason to stop by.
Eau Claire
Taqueria La Cabana
Locals say Taqueria La Cabana has the best pork tacos and salsa in Southwest Michigan.
New Buffalo
Rios Mexican Grill
Rios fans recommend everything. Fill your flour or corn tortillas with chicken, chipotle chicken, spicy chicken, ground beef, steak, spicy pork or veggies. Chips, guacamole, pico de gallo, beans and rice are made fresh daily.
Niles
Taqueria Don Chepe
When in south Berrien County, head to Taqueria Don Chepe for legit Mexican food. Choose steak, beef, marinated pork or chicken tacos, Mexican or American style.
Watervliet
La Chula Mexican Market
Known for its fish tacos and sizzling fajitas, La Chula Mexican Market is a low-key favorite.
Food Trucks
El Amigo Pepe Food Truck
When you see El Amigo Pepe roll up, make a beeline for their tacos, taco salad and walking tacos.
Jalapeño Grill
Jalapeño Grill is known for its birria tacos — corn tortillas filled with slow-braised beef, crisped to perfection and topped with melty cheese and a fresh onion-cilantro blend. These tacos come with rich, savory broth for dipping.
La Chula Mobile
La Chula Mobile serves a flavorful lineup of tacos, burritos, nachos and taco salads.
Where is your favorite taqueria in Southwest Michigan?
Do you have a must-try taco destination or favorite taco in Southwest Michigan not listed here? Send us the name of the restaurant or food truck, along with a description of their best taco and we will add your suggestion to this blog!
Stay Over for a Taco Tasting Tour
With so many taquerias and Mexican-style restaurants to pick from, why not stay for two or more days so you can continue to search for your favorites? Choose from over 25 lodging choices in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Stevensville to get the amenities and rates that meet your needs. Rooms fill up quickly in the summer, so make reservations early. Or book during the other seasons for greater availability on the dates you want. Between eating tacos, you can fill your days with outdoor adventures, following the Makers Trail and seeing our many attractions.
Share with Us
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