G Lee
Google
I recently visited Chapala Mexican Restaurant on Main Street in Ann Arbor, and there’s no denying the fun and festive atmosphere inside. The space is bright, colorful, and full of personality—they even have swinging benches at the bar, which adds a playful touch that sets the place apart.
The service was friendly, and we appreciated the complimentary chips and salsa to start. The chips were thick and hearty, though they tasted a bit stale, but still worked well as a vehicle for the salsa.
I was a little surprised by the higher menu prices, but that might be expected given the location in downtown Ann Arbor. I ordered the Chile Rellenos, which are cheese-stuffed peppers that are fried. While the peppers and cheese were good, the fried coating was heavy and left me feeling a bit unwell afterward. I’m not sure if it was due to old oil or improper frying temperature, but it’s not a dish I’d order again. On the other hand, the rice and beans on the side were solid and classic—no complaints there.
They do offer happy hour specials starting at 3:00 PM, including discounted margaritas, though I didn’t see any signage about it during my visit. They also have Taco Tuesday deals, which might be worth checking out on a return visit.