Supporting Hispanic-owned businesses for Hispanic Heritage Month is easy thanks to the number of Hispanic-owned grocers, clothing stores, restaurants and more in Southeast Michigan.
Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as a way to celebrate the “histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America,” says the official government site.
For those in southeast Michigan looking to support the Hispanic community locally, there are a number of ways. You can try on (and fall in love with) a pair of authentic cowboy boots at Rodriguez Vaquerita, order a round of tapas from La Feria, get a full detailing at Sanchez Auto Wash and much more.
Check out our list below of Hispanic-owned businesses in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. You might just find a new favorite spot in your city.
Antojitos El Catracho
- Address: 4627 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit
This restaurant features authentic food for Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico. All of their dishes are prepared fresh daily in house.
Culantro
- Address: 22939 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Find authentic Peruvian cuisine including ají de gallina, lomo saltado and arroz chaufa at this downtown Ferndale eatery.
Encuentro Latino
- Address: 228 W Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
Try out authentic Guatemalan cuisine, like the chilies rellenos, at this shop located near Ann Arbor.
ESI Hardware Store
- Address: 1240 Lawndale St., Detroit
This store is owned by a Mexican American from Chihuahua, Mexico. She delivers her products to people who cannot get to her store because of mobility issues or transportation and to those who are simply looking for convenience.
Donut Villa
- Address: 5875 W. Vernor Highway, Detroit
Fresh-made coffee and doughnuts are always available at this beloved Southwest Detroit doughnut shop.
El Popo Market
- Address: 3438 Bagley St, Detroit
This supermarket is located in the heart of Mexicantown. You will find clothes, arts and crafts, Mexican snacks and other Mexican products.
El Rancho Mexican Restaurant
- Address: 5900 Vernor Hwy., Detroit
This corner cantina is decorated with a large sidewalk mural. Step in for some authentic Mexican food including tacos, flautas, tamales gorditas and more.
El Rey de las Arepas
- Address: 7701 McGraw Ave., Detroit
This Venezuelan restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh food including chicharron dinner, parilla mixta, cachapa, bandeja paisa and crazy fries.
Frita Batidos
- Addresses: 117 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor and 66 W. Columbia, Detroit
This place has been voted Metro Times Best Cuban Restaurant 2020 and Best Burger 2021. It offers Cuban-inspired street food like loaded plantains, churros, black bean frita, conch po’boy and much more. Their menu is broken up into gluten free, vegan, no dairy, vegetarian, no garlic and lighter meals.
Honey Bee La Colmena
- Address: 2443 Bagley Ave., Detroit
This grocery store is worth a visit for the store-made guacamole, chips and salsa alone, but also sells many Hispanic ingredients and has a small hot lunch counter (with bags of tamales for sale) in the back.
La Feria
- Address: 4130 Cass Ave., Detroit
Tapas abound at this chic, authentic Spanish spot in the Cass Corridor. Cata Vino, the wine bar and shop, is attached to the main restaurant but has a separate entrance.
La Gloria Bakery
- Address: 3345 Bagley St., Detroit
Check out this Mexican bakery that offers a wide range of sweet and savory goods including churros and tamales.
La Posada Mexican Restaurant, Market and Groceries
- Address: 1930 Springwells St., Detroit
This restaurant and mini supermarket offers regional food from the Mexican state of Jalisco. Their menu has evolved and now includes everything from tacos to chiles rellenos, home-cooked breakfasts to full catered dinners.
Mama Coo’s Boutique
- Address: 1701 Trumbull, Suite C, Detroit
This upscale resale and vintage shop located in Detroit’s Corktown community handpicks clothes and furniture pieces and imports unique clothing and goods.
Mangonadas del Barrio
- Address: 1210 Lawndale St., Detroit and 4029 Vernor Highway, Detroit
Try the delectable sweet and savory combination of chile powder and mangos that made Mangonadas del Barrio a neighborhood staple.
Pilar’s Tamales
- Address: 2261 West Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Call ahead for authentic and delicious tamales and more from this Ann Arbor staple. Housemade drinks, too.
Rincon Tropical
- Address: 6538 Michigan Ave., Detroit
Try this Authentic Puerto Rican restaurant, which specializes in yucca-facing dishes, frituras and papas locas. Also, a nightclub in the evening.
Rodriguez Vaquerita
- Address: 5698 Vernor Highway, Detroit
A perfect pair of cowboy boots and a matching hat await you at Rodriguez Vaquerita. The store has been family-owned since 1992.
Tamaleria NUEVO LEON
- Address: 2669 Vernor Hwy, Detroit
It’s located in Detroit’s Mexicantown. They’ve been making handmade tamales since 1957.
Vincente’s
- Address: 1250 Library St., Detroit
This long-standing Cuban restaurant also offers salsa dancing on occasion.
Xochi’s Gift Shop
- Address: 3443 Bagley St., Detroit
Authentic western wear, clay pottery, ornaments and more at this unique shop. Plus, Day of the Dead decorations.
Find even more ways to support the Hispanic community in Southeast Michigan and beyond on our Talking About Race page.
This post was originally published in 2021 and is updated regularly.
