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Birria, a traditional Mexican dish that originated in Jalisco, has a fan base that loves its rich, savory flavors. For those unfamiliar, birria is traditionally a soup or stew of braised meat, slowly cooked until tender and falling apart, and consomme is a chili broth made from those drippings and used to dip tacos or enjoyed all on its own. These marinated meats served with consomme create a delicious experience. Metro Detroit has many local restaurants embracing the concept and putting their own creative spins on this beloved dish. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots in town to satisfy your cravings…
ANTOJITOS SOUTHWEST
2100 Bagley Street, Detroit
Antojitos Southwest is known for its flavorful and authentic Mexican dishes, and its birria offerings are no exception. This food truck, only open Fridays through Sundays, offers asada fries, elote, birria ramen, and Quesabirrias, among other surprise menu items like tamales and taquitos. The ramen takes the classic consomme broth and is filled with ramen noodles, birria meat, red cabbage, and lime to top, for a spiced comfort food. The Quesabirrias, on the other hand, takes corn tortillas dipped in consomme and fried, and filled with birria, cheese, spicy salsa, and fresh onion and cilantro to top. You can also get a side of consomme if you want to dip these cheesy-good tacos. This spot is a go-to for anyone seeking an indulgent yet fast traditional birria experience in Detroit.
CATRINA MIA
6425 North Telegraph Road, Dearborn Heights
The Catrina Mia food truck serves up Mexican street food with modern twists and is 100% Halal. As you can get birria on almost every menu item here, it’s easy to see how this is a favorite. There are birria tacos loaded with cheese, cilantro, and onions, tortas (sandwiches) with Catrina sauce and pico de gallo, burritos filled with fries, cheese, beans, guac, pico, salsa, and consomme, quesadillas, birria pizza, ramen, and even loaded fry and nacho options. No matter how you want yours, Catrina Mia has you covered. Good luck choosing just one birria menu item!
MEZCAL
201 East 9 Mile Road, Ferndale
51 West Forest, Detroit
946 Howard Street, Dearborn
At Mezcal, birria isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. Co-owner Sandra Haro explains that their goal is to make customers feel at home from the moment they arrive. Inspired by travels to Mexico, Mezcal offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that’s rooted in authenticity. “We’re known at Mezcal for our tacobirria (a corn tortilla filled with marinated shredded beef, melted cheese, onion, and cilantro served with savory consomme for dipping.” The Quesabirria is another excellent option if you’d prefer a quesadilla over tacos, but both are delicious. Pair yours with one of their signature cocktails, some street tacos, or fresh chips and salsa.
QUE PASA TAQUERIA
33874 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights
221 East 12 Mile Road, Royal Oak
If you go to Que Pasa Taqueria, you’re looking to order the Red Tacos. These tacos all have shells that were marinated in birria sauce, but the Birria Red Taco is filled with marinated birria meat too. If you prefer a regular shell, those are available too. Birria Noodles are also popular, with a consomme broth, cilantro, and onions. The real show-stopper is the Birria Pizzadilla, which is a large quesadilla filled with birria and cheese before being cut into slices like a pizza. Owner Gustavo Ruizvelasco shares, “We look forward to continuing to share our passion for authentic Mexican cuisine with everyone.” With a focus on traditional family recipes, Que Pasa Taqueria has been able to open a second location, expanding into Royal Oak.
LA BOTANA MEXICAN GRILL
5947 John R Road, Troy
La Botana Mexican Grill in Troy offers a welcoming atmosphere with a menu filled with family recipes that celebrate traditional Mexican dishes. The Birria Dinner is a stand-out, served ‘Enchilada-Guanajuato style,’ this plate has shredded, slow-cooked beef, served in a mild red chile sauce, with rice, beans, cilantro, onion, lime, and tortillas on the side. Also available in quesadillas and as a taco dinner, the birria options capture the dish’s bold, savory flavors. La Botana Mexican Grill’s authentic flavors, fresh salsas, and friendly service make it a reliable spot for anyone craving a taste of Mexico in the Metro Detroit area.
BOBCAT BONNIE’S
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
Bobcat Bonnie’s is known for its unique fusion dishes and has embraced the birria craze with its own twist. On the shareables menu, you’ll find the Ultimate Nachos, with the option to add birria to the tortilla chips covered in queso, lettuce, jalapeño ranch, pico, and chipotle aioli. Another option is the Birria Melt, with chile-braised beef, pepper Jack cheese, onion, and cilantro on brioche bread for a filling handheld choice. Paired with fries, loaded tots, or a side salad, you too can embrace the birria craze.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on November 17, 2022, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
