A casual cash-only joint in Southwest Detroit, Taqueria El Rey serves up flavorful grilled chicken and a variety of tacos that keep diners coming back for more.
"One of Detroit’s most beloved taquerias, this spot has reemerged in a new location three years after its original property burned in a fire. Now situated within the space formerly occupied by El Zocalo, Taqueria El Rey continues to offer its popular grilled chicken, along with ribs, tacos, and other Mexican delicacies. In addition, Tres Leches ‘n’ Snacks food truck — also owned by the family that operates the taqueria — has found a permanent home within this location. Expect sweet snacks like tres leches cake, paletas, and fruit cocktails, alongside savory munchies such as walking tacos and tamales." - Serena Maria Daniels
"A Latino-owned taqueria closed in solidarity with the movement." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Taqueria el Rey, a southwest Detroit stalwart, features tacos al pastor made with marinated pork on a corn tortilla, topped with cilantro and onions. Available at Miller Lite Market, Section 149." - Serena Maria Daniels
"“Mexicantown,” also known as Southwest Detroit, is the only place you should go when you’re craving tacos here. There are plenty of overdone, guacamole-made-at-your-table restaurants in the area, but skip those and head to our personal favorite, Taqueria El Rey. This super casual spot is known for its wide variety of tacos and whole grilled chicken, which is cooked under a tent next door. If you don’t feel like tackling an entire bird, choose from their lengthy taco list that includes everything from al pastor to beef tongue." - sara barron, sam faye
"Southwest Detroit’s wildly popular Taqueria El Rey has reemerged from a 2022 fire into a mobile food offering, operating from a red barn-shaped food trailer situated on Vernor just off the West Fisher Service Drive from noon to 9 p.m. Friday to Sunday. On Mondays and Tuesdays, find them posted up at Batch Brewing Company at 1400 Porter St. in Corktown. El Rey fills tacos with a generous helping of meat, cilantro, and onion with sliced limes and radishes. The restaurant offers more than 10 options for filling the tacos (the buche and pastor are particularly tasty). Newcomers with a big appetite should also be sure to order a whole grilled chicken, which comes with a side of tortillas for a build-your-own taco experience. The house salsas help to amp up the flavors." - Serena Maria Daniels
