When it comes to Americans’ favorite foods, Mexican cuisine has been climbing the ranks for years.
As the New York Times points out in its new guide to the country’s best Mexican restaurants, “A culinary renaissance over the last 15 years has expanded the American palate well beyond Tex-Mex, tacos and game-night nachos.”
For more than a year, reporters traveled the country hunting down spots doing authentic, deep-cut regional cooking. Out of every spot nationwide, only 41 made the list, and one Michigan restaurant earned a coveted spot.
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Even more impressive? The restaurant only opened in 2024, yet it immediately started racking up national buzz, including a spot on Esquire’s best new restaurants list.
National Acclaim for a Midtown Detroit Gem
It’s Vecino, located in Midtown Detroit. Known for serving fresh, modern Mexican food and craft cocktails, it’s widely credited with bringing the authentic taste of Mexico City right to the Motor City.
Google Street ViewGoogle Street ViewAuthentic Techniques and Heirloom Corn Masa
Co-owner Adriana Jiménez and executive chef Edgar Torres run a full in-house heirloom corn nixtamalization program. They import heirloom corn directly from Mexico and process it overnight to grind 80 pounds of fresh masa daily for hand-pressed tortillas and tetelas.
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Vecino Detroit via InstagramVecino Detroit via InstagramWhat The New York Times Said About Vecino
New York Times writer Brett Anderson praised standouts like their butterflied whole red snapper painted with verde and roja salsas, carrot tinga tetelas, and pumpkin seed sikil pak. Anderson noted that the dishes carry “the thrill of what Ms. JimĂ©nez discovered when she finally returned: a valuable inheritance she didn’t know she had,” referencing her return to Mexico after her family fled Mexico City in the 1990s.
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Their wood-fired hearth also produces crowd favorites like duck enchiladas in salsa verde and grilled pollo del fuego. Pair those dishes with an agave-heavy cocktail menu featuring rare mezcal and tequila, and it’s easy to see why Vecino keeps raking in the honors.
Best of the Best: Michigan’s Top Restaurants to Try
Looking for a new restaurant to try? Add these to your bucket list! From the best diners and delis to the best steakhouses, bakeries, and Mexican eateries, we’ve compiled a list of Michigan’s best restaurants based on national rankings.
Gallery Credit: Janna
Dining and Cooking