The 38 Essential Restaurants in Detroit

"Carryout-only fave Tamaleria Nuevo Leon has been satisfying Detroiters’ Christmastime tamale needs since the 1950s. The satisfying lineup of tamales sticks with classic fillings like pork and chicken alongside rotating specials like cheese-jalapeño tamales. The tamales tend to be on the thin side, a good thing for folks looking for just the right balance of fillings and masa. Oh, and the masa has a comforting corn flavor that’s not too starchy. It’s also known for its fast, friendly service, where you can call to order and have your to-go bag waiting in just minutes or order from a window outside — a relatively new pandemic-related addition. Don’t forget to bring cash." - Serena Maria Daniels