El Parian's vibrant taco trucks and cozy La Palapa spot in Southwest Detroit serve up fiery tacos al pastor and inventive tequila cocktails.
4802 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209 Get directions
"This taqueria has always stood out for its signature tacos, available with suadero, birria, lengua, and al pastor — all grilled fresh from an outdoor griddle and accompanied with a side of stewed potatoes and green onions. La Palapa also has an impressive cocktail menu, thanks to the talents of industry veteran Eddie Vargas, the restaurant’s general manager. Expect mostly tequila-based drinks named after iconic figures in Mexican history, such as the Diego Rivera made with peach puree, ginger beer, chile de arbol, rosemary, and lime or the coconut water-infused Frida Kahlo that’s garnished with a coconut bandera candy. Or you can unleash your inner tóxica with La Tóxica, a martini-style cocktail with vodka, violet syrup, pineapple juice, lychee, triple sec, and edible glitter." - Serena Maria Daniels
"El Parian has a fleet of do-not-miss taco trucks in six locations throughout the neighborhood. For a sit-down meal and a full bar offering margaritas, pop by La Palapa del Parian, its brick-and-mortar spot, for four-for-$7 Taco Tuesdays, live mariachi performers every Sunday, and an expanded cocktail menu." - Serena Maria Daniels
"With multiple locations dotting Southwest Detroit, El Parian may be the most prolific fleet of taco trailers in the area. Tacos al pastor (marinated pork shaved from a spit) is the standout at this restaurant, though customers can also savor lengua (beef toungue), pollo (chicken), and more. The mobile restaurant also serves up a mean cheese quesadilla in a grilled and folded flour tortilla and massive tortas topped with sauce and sliced hot dogs. During the pandemic, the ownership expanded to include a brick and mortar location, La Palapa Del Parian at 1633 Lawndale St in Springwells, where the tacos are freshly prepared on the outdoor comal." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Southwest Detroit is arguably the taco truck capital of the city and the Diaz family behind El Parian mobile food trucks are in many ways leading the pack. With several locations that can reliably be found at the same address daily, El Parian offers a little something for everyone at each of its locations. Fan favorites include Parian’s fiery yet slightly tangy and chargrilled tacos al pastor, complete with slivers of pineapple; tacos campechano (asada mixed with chorizo); and tacos filled with tender cuts of suadero. For fans of mariscos, hit up El Imperio at 7812-7816 Vernor Highway for a variety of seafood cocktails, citrusy ceviche served on top of crispy tostadas, and even chilled oysters. For a choice of Mexican and burgers, Wicho’s Burgers offers thick Hawaiian burgers and satisfying tacos alike. While the locations are pretty consistent, be sure to follow Parian’s social media accounts for updates." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Southwest Detroit is arguably the taco truck capital of the city and the Diaz family behind El Parian mobile food trucks are in many ways leading the pack. With several locations that can reliably be found at the same address daily, El Parian offers a little something for everyone at each of its locations. Fan favorites include Parian’s fiery yet slightly tangy and chargrilled tacos al pastor, complete with slivers of pineapple; tacos campechano (asada mixed with chorizo); and tacos filled with tender cuts of suadero. For fans of mariscos, hit up El Imperio at 7812-7816 Vernor Highway for a variety of seafood cocktails, citrusy ceviche served on top of crispy tostadas, and even chilled oysters. For a choice of Mexican and burgers, Wicho’s Burgers offers thick Hawaiian burgers and satisfying tacos alike. While the locations are pretty consistent, be sure to follow Parian’s social media accounts for updates." - Serena Maria Daniels
