The 5 Best Mexican Restaurants in Traverse City, MI
Last updated October 26, 2026 · ranked from 3,239 Google reviews · How we rank
These five Mexican restaurants are all in Traverse City, MI, with Google ratings and review counts that give each entry a distinct profile. Mama Lu's - A Modern Day Taco Shop leads the list with 4.5 stars from 1,719 reviews, the largest review count among the five. Sabores Y Colores - Authentic Mexican and Fusion ranks second with 4.3 stars from 32 reviews, followed by Tacos & Tequila TC with 4.2 stars from 275 reviews. Amarillo Southern Fusion takes fourth with 5 stars from one review, while Taco Bell rounds out the list with 3.6 stars from 1,212 reviews. Every stop is within Traverse City, MI.
1Mama Lu's - A Modern Day Taco ShopAt 149 E Front St in Traverse City, MI, the menu pairs gourmet tacos with savory sauces, sides, margaritas, and beer.
2Tacos & Tequila TCOne reviewer praises all three, along with the restaurant’s cleanliness and friendly staff.
At 149 E Front St in Traverse City, MI, the menu pairs gourmet tacos with savory sauces, sides, margaritas, and beer. Reviewers single out the steak, shrimp, and pork belly tacos, plus coconut and cucumber habanero margaritas. A cozy, colorful setting, fast service, outdoor seating, and vegetarian and vegan options round out its appeal.
Taco-focused menu
Margaritas and beer
Outdoor seating
“Probably the most flavorful tacos you’ll ever have! Great food, awesome drinks. You can’t ask for anything else! Will be dreaming about these tacos for a long time”
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One reviewer praises all three, along with the restaurant’s cleanliness and friendly staff. Its 4.2 Google rating across 275 reviews adds support. Located at 123 W Front St #1b, this casual Mexican restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with small plates, a children’s menu, and an onsite bar. Outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery give diners several ways to order.
Vegetarian options
Fast service
Outdoor seating
“Idk why everyone goes to barrio. This place is exceptional!”
Sabores Y Colores - Authentic Mexican and Fusion holds a 4.3 Google rating across 32 reviews, listed on Google as mexican.
Mexican and fusion
Fast service
Takeout and delivery
“i want thank them for putting this taco trailer down town it's my top pick number one heck yea this what we need it down at night when i'm in between jobs i now know where to go get the hook up on his amazing tacos and quesodieas”
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Daily hours from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. give Taco Bell at 720 E Front St a practical reason for its fifth-place spot in Traverse City, MI. The low price level and menu of tacos, quesadillas and nachos suit a casual meal, while dine-in seating, drive-through service, takeout and delivery offer several ways to order. Its Google rating is 3.6 across 1,212 reviews; positive excerpts praise dependable staff and friendly service. Free parking and high chairs add convenience for families.
Open until 4 a.m.
Drive-through and delivery
Free parking lot
“Very dependable staff. Tx u to Aurora, Alex, Tara, Mike, Lauryn, Evan, and Cheng for the great service. I'm a disabled veteran n you folks help me out.”
Ratings and review counts shown are Google ratings, displayed with attribution.
How we ranked this list
Each mexican restaurant is scored on a Bayesian-weighted rating (its rating adjusted for how many reviews it has compared with the Traverse City category average), how recently we verified its details, and how complete its listing is. Scores and ranks are stored, so the order only changes when the underlying data changes.
Mexican Restaurants in Traverse City, MI: common questions
Which Mexican restaurants in Traverse City, MI have strong ratings and substantial review counts?
Taquería Las Lagunas has a 4.9 Google rating from 388 reviews. Mama Lu's has a 4.5 rating from 1,719 reviews, the largest review count in this guide. QDOBA has a 4.4 rating from 724 reviews.
Where can I get Mexican food late at night in Traverse City, MI?
The Taco Bell locations at 720 E Front St and 1447 W South Airport Rd are open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 a.m. For table service, Margarita's Grill closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, while Tacos & Tequila TC closes at 10:30 p.m. those nights.
Which places offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Mama Lu's and QDOBA both offer vegetarian and vegan options. Tacos & Tequila TC and Margarita's Grill also list vegetarian offerings. A reviewer at Tacos & Tequila TC specifically praised the vegetarian meals and fresh chips and salsa.
Where can families find children's menus and high chairs?
Mama Lu's, Tacos & Tequila TC, QDOBA, and Margarita's Grill all provide children's menus and high chairs. Each also welcomes children. Margarita's Grill accepts reservations, while Mama Lu's and QDOBA do not.
Which Mexican restaurants offer outdoor seating or takeout?
Taquería Las Lagunas, Mama Lu's, and Tacos & Tequila TC all offer outdoor seating and takeout. Las Lagunas also provides curbside pickup but does not offer delivery. Mama Lu's and Tacos & Tequila TC both offer delivery, and Tacos & Tequila TC also has curbside pickup.
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