Detroit’s Best New Restaurants, May 2025 | Eater Detroit

"Situated on Woodward in the space that, for many years, was occupied by the Emory, Carajillo is a sit-down Mexican restaurant launched by chef Ara Sotelo, who previously operated Cafe de Olla within Cafe Muse in Royal Oak. At Carajillo, expect a variety of botanas (not the cheesy Detroit-style) like the Botanaza, consisting of guacamole, queso fundido, and chicharrones, or a platter of seasonal fruit topped with sweet and spicy chamoy and Tajín. Visitors can order familiar menu items like tacos and quesadillas, but at Carajillo, customers can have them filled with Mexican delicacies like huitlacoche, flor de calabaza, or arrachera — flavorful skirt steak. The sandwich menu includes pambazos (popular in Mexico City and Veracruz) filled with chorizo and diced potatoes, and molletes — baked bolillos filled with refried beans, ham, melted cheese, and pico de gallo. To drink, expect a lineup of Mexican beers, as well as palomas, mojitos, micheladas, and margaritas. Orders of $75 or more and reservations can be placed online." - Serena Maria Daniels