Okay, so after leaving Green Dots for their wretched service my coworkers and I landed up at Armando's. It's directly across from Clark Park and close to Cafe con Leche. I didn't eat anything, except their chips and salsa, which, I mean, can't really do those wrong. Then of course, shared a liter and half of regular margaritas and those were delicious, not too sweet and not too strong. We had a great time, the staff was super accommdating to our big group, unlike Green Dots.
(4)
Amy M.
After leaving the train station, something spicy sounded good - heading to this restaurant and was in for a big surprise. Authentic food, quick and friendly service, and a good atmosphere. I wasn't that hungry, but was a bit under the weather, so soup sounded ground. The Caldo de Pollo was my meal - perfectly homemade soup. I ordered the small and received a good portion - complete with two drumsticks. The chicken meat was perfectly cooked - moist, flavorful, falling off the bone. I love a place that makes real soup and you could tell that this had been. Served with a side of beans and rice, so you can't get much better. The other person in my party had chicken enchiladas, and they were spectacular. Good flavor, good portion size, good price. You get chips & salsa - and the spicy salsa is great! I could eat it all day. They did have a buffet but it was ending at 3 (we got there just after 2:30), but I would definitely go back to try it out. Service was great - she was helpful, made suggestions, and offered the best of what the restaurant had. It was a great experience - best Mexican food I've ever had!
(4)
Andrew C.
Had the milanesa, whilst my lovely lady had the chicken milanesa. They were phenomenal. Too full to write more. I'll fix it later. *burp*
(4)
Robert C.
Good west-coast-style Mexican. Nothing really fancy or very expensive, which is nice. Just simple good food. Armando's has good servers (that we've had, at least), very good hard tacos (with actual DEEP-FRIED corn tortilla shells), very good chips/salsa/beans/rice-, and reportedly very good enchiladas. It is one of the few places in SE Michigan that satisfies my taco fix. Armando's is right next to the Mexicantown Bakery, so you can pop right over there for dessert afterwards. Do beware, however, that the bakery closes first, which is something to keep in mind if heading over in the later part of the evening.
(4)
Nina M.
Went to Armando's because our normal spot was closed. Amando's gets 1 star because they are open til 4am. However the rest is downhill. The food portions are smaller than the other Mexican joints. That's not a huge deal breaker. What killed the meal and left me sick (literally) was the meat used in the entrees. It was worst than the mystery meat that is in Taco Bell's ground beef concoction. It was really fine & looked like as my girlfriend stated "potted ham". Never go somewhere bad when you're hungry. With my stomach growling I ate the taco covered in lettuce and prayed they were better than they looked. Unfortunately it was a miss. The nachos were another bad choice as they didn't look appetizing either. Staff was nice at the beginning, but when we got ready to pay they were a little different. We left a table full of food (you know it's bad when nobody finished there plates). This Girl's Night session ended on a sour note from Armando's crappy food.
(1)
Cantonite P.
I've come here with my wife several times as she always enjoys it when we come here whether it be for a Tigers game or an easy date night. Great location when it comes to parking (a fenced in lot), no need to park on the street as with other places. The chips and salsa are always good... i do like the hot salsa more than the mild which my wife prefers... sometimes its a little runny, but it's still good for that salsa-y kick. I have had a few different dishes (steak fajitas and beef flautas), and they are definitely quality. Not particularly authentic as I'm sure the taco trucks and more ethnic places down the street, but it's still a great meal. Drinks are always on point and there's usually a daily drink special that we don't hesitate to jump on! Pro-Tip: if you go and you're willing to shell out $10+, get the Baja Seafood Tacos. OMG, they are so good... full of cheesey goodness, jumbo shrimp and scallops and they need nothing extra. They do not skimp on the seafood in these 2 tacos and it's so rich, creamy and luscious, I could probably eat 6 but then have clogged arteries for the rest of my life. Overall, a great place with good bang for your buck... it's usually busy around game times, but not too bad.
(4)
Brian A.
I'm upping my three star review to a four for a couple of reasons, the primary one being their hours. Now that I live in Detroit, pretty close to Armando's, I'm excited to know that they're open very late on weekends and we can come here at crazy o'clock at night to stuff our faces with Mexican food. I've been here many times now, and the service has always been consistent and very friendly, so they've earned an additional star. Since I've gone to a low-carb lifestyle, I've avoided many of the common Tex-Mex dishes and been relying more on their stews, which are really good. The beans and rice are bland here, so avoiding them entirely has made my experience better.
(4)
Jess P.
I love this place. It's authentic, addictive, and they have great drink specials. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the bakery across the street is really delicious. I like just about everything I have ever tried. The chimichangas, tacos, enchiladas, carne asada, mexican pizza, tamales, fajitas, chorizo dip, cheese dip, salsa.... My only minor complaint is that over the years of visiting Armando's, they have changed their chips a few times. I miss the really thin ones they used to have.
(5)
Georgiana B.
Disgusting. Everything I tried was oily, lukewarm, or just plain gross. The salad was wilted, the tacos were soupy, it was worse than a taco stand! I couldn't believe someone brought me here but I gave it a chance. Even the rice was gross! Odd place with a very odd vibe. I wouldn't come here again.
(2)
Lisa E.
Best Hot Salsa, wish they would brand and sale in stores, long trip to Armando's monthly just for the salsa! Never encountered a bad meal! Outside of Mexico, Texas and California, Armando's serves up some of the best mexican food in the mid-west:)
(4)
Sara G.
Don't take vegetarians here, unless they're your enemies. What cruel and unusual torture it must be for them to hear the ecstatic moaning and satisfied chomping coming from the mouths of us who enjoy savoring the taste (and smell) of good seared meat. Carne, baby. It's ALL about the carne! The meat they serve here is why I keep coming back. Ok...that and the wickedly delicious mojitos.
(4)
Rachel M.
Went to Armandos as a late night treat last month since we retired our old Mexican-Village spot (Xotchimilcos) after one too many not-so-great meals and a roach. Instantly, we got happy when we saw the menu selections and prices. The chips and salsa were great! My two year old was with us and was not in a social mood. As soon as he got the chips in hand, he was an angel-child. (Thank you corn chips!). My date and I are some greedy eaters, but we split the chicken/shrimp/steak fajitas for two with some to take home! The meat was tasty and seasoned perfectly. The shrimp were large and we loved that (ok, so we fought over them). We also shared the garlic shrimp appetizer. You get 4 big shrimps but they are great. We enjoyed our meal so much we returned later in the week. This time my date at the fajita plate by himself. I made the mistake of ordering lobster, which wasn't bad, but I don't know why I ordered lobster at a Mexican place instead of a Mexican dish which they might specialize in. Again, not bad, but I wouldn't order it again when I come back (and I will be back). This time around we ordered a garlic shrimp appetizer EACH (the fact they were so good is what made me think to order some more seafood) - still just as tasty as before. I also noticed their margaritas (which I enjoyed) are served in large pitcher-type deals as well. I will be taking advantage of that next time. Our server was attentive both times and we were approached several times by servers making sure we were "ok". They do take great care of you. I greatly enjoyed myself. My only suggestion is, despite the large menu, I would probably stay with more authentic Mexican dishes next time I visit. The prices are freakin' great too! EDIT: One of the things I add here is that they've added gratuity to the bill. I never like that because I tip OVER the amount and have not had bad service here... but I dislike when places do this and don't point it out to you.
(4)
N P.
A good, basic place for Mexican food that will give you enough choice to be satisfied. Portions are big and filling. There are options for vegetarians but maybe sure that the rice and beans are not cooked in any animal products and that they use vegetable oil rather than lard to cook with. I've been here a handful of times but it might be more difficult for those with dietary restrictions. It's a nice, lively interior and I've been here when the Tigers were playing on the tv's and it's fun to watch a game. It's also a fun place to go after a game (done that too). It's just a nice, lively place. The food is not exceptional but it's good and that makes it worth the visit.
(3)
Brandy W.
I've come here about a dozen times and there's a reason for it-great Mexican food! It's definitely mine and my husband's go to place. Great margaritas and sangria and the food is really fresh and filling.
(4)
Marie L.
Found a HUGE fly in my salad. To the chef's credit, it was beautifully grilled, with even grill marks on both side of its wings. The only great thing about this establishment is that they are open until 4am on weekends. Great for after the bar. Remember, flies are protein filled!
(1)
Bruce F.
Got a mix of Chicken Flour Tacos w/cheese, Chicken Burritos the same way and a Botana. It made for a great carry out lunch buffet. The counter staff was friendly and professional and the cooks did their usual outstanding job. Still 5 stars for Armando's. I'll be back...
(5)
Carole H.
Maybe I'm just not ordering the right items, but after living around the corner from Mexicantown for the last year, I just haven't found any one Mexican restaurant there that stands out from any of the others. Peppy spanish music, free chips w average salsa, cute decor...check, check, check. For some reason I was feeling a little outside of the traditional mexican food box, and ordered the seafood enchiladas. Oh. My. Gosh. I can't explain it, but I was left craving these for days after!!! I do not claim to be an authority on the authenticity of mexican cuisine. But I have a hunch that seafood burritos, stuffed with shrimp, scallops & crab/krab, served very garlicy and smothered in gooey cheese, is not the traditional Mexican norm. And I dont even care. They were the BOMB. I haven't been there since, I would like to think I will go soon and sample more of the menu...but nah, I know I'll just order the same again. When I ate here it was with my dad, he got tacos, and said they were good but nothing to write home about. Sorry, didn't get any other specifics on that. :)
(4)
Tamara W.
Have been going to Armando's for over 30 years. Their fajitas, caldo de res, and tamales are still good, but the rest of the food has gone downhill in quality and now quantity. So sad. I used to love the varied and very well made food they had during their lunch buffet, but a few years ago they must have changed suppliers because the food is not up to par and it does make a huge difference for our family. We simply do not go to Armando's but a few times a year now. The basic Mexican food menu items such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc. are just plain old average. They make their money on the drinks, so I guess the food part is not top priority any longer so I no longer give them my business. The wait staff are always very nice, and the parking situation is awesome. The restrooms need to be bigger and better built because the space is way too small for even 2 people to stand in!!
(2)
Quinton H.
OH MY... I loved the salsa and the food was very good.
(4)
Joshua V.
Ok here I go. I and a group of friends visited Armando's restaurant last night. We were sited by the hostess immediately. The place was almost empty and very cold. A waitress brought us cold chips and "salsa" tostiotos style no flavor at all. I wanted to try a piña colada but the our waitress told us they didn't a have it at the time. I asked our waitress how the sangria was made. She reply " I don't know" . I was shock. How is it possible?. Although she didn't know how the sangria was made nor she bother to ask the bartender I ordered it. It was too sweet and the glass was full of ice. The waitress seem very distracted talking to co-workers. I had to get up from my table to order a margarita. Once, again I asked her what was the well tequila they use for their traditional margarita . She didn't know either. I was very disappointed of service. My New York stake was horrible. Apples bees have way better food. First time in Armando's and last time.
(1)
Cynthia L.
Great food, cheap and fast. I know it is not true Mexican but the nachos are awesome. Really good salsa as well.
(4)
Sue H.
Their lunch Buffett is great
(4)
Michael G.
Only one word is necessary to justify a four star rating for this restaurant: nopalitos. Alright, I guess that's a bit of a lie. It takes two words: juevos nopalitos. Cactus eggs. Almost any place you go in Detroit's Mexicantown is going to have this dish (I've only found one place in Chicago that does). For example, Xochimilco has nopalitos on the menu as well and they're slightly better. But Armando's has several advantages over its more popular neighbor (I wonder if people look down on Armando's from the second floor of Xochimilco?). For one, there's usually less of a wait. For two, Armando's is in the ticket book. At least that's the reason my family goes here. But the prices, Entertainment Book or no (it's a Detroit thing, Chicagoans reading this might not understand even though we have one), are very reasonable. Three, the portions are huge and the unlimited chips and salsa are the good thick chips. And four, their staff also has the patience of santos. My not-grandma (my nickname for my grandpa's girlfriend) is very Farmington Hills (almost West Bloomfield) - if you catch my drift. She must have drove the poor waitress nuts with her constant requests for substitutions. But our waitress gave great service, always with a smile on her face. The only thing lacking about Armando's is the atmosphere. It's more a Mexican themed sports bar than somewhere you would go to show someone Detroit proper's (great) idea of a Mexican restaurant. It's a good place to catch a sports event over drinks in their dining rooms but it's not a place to converse over a family dinner, per se. Though my family always tries. Of all the Mexican places just off I-75 (read not scary for tourists who just want to hop on-and-off the expressway and not play around in the Detroit city limits), this isn't the one I'd choose with a visitor. But it's a very close second.
(4)
Matt S.
We had a decent dinner at Armando's. The salsa was very good. The hot was just enough hot, and had just the right amount of flavor. No complaints there at all. The fajitas were not cooked the way I typically like them cooked, but maybe thats just me. The onions tasted like they were boiled. They didn't have that usually charred-grilled taste that they should have. The chicken and green peppers were the same way. Not nearly grilled enough, and not nearly flavored enough. The melted cheese on top was good, but since the rest of thne food was bland, it was a little much. It just tasted like we were eating a glob of cheese. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food just fine(Carne Asada, Burritos, Chimichangas, Tomales). On the bright side, I have no complaints about the service. Our drinks were refilled when we needed them,, which is not bad for a party of 12. I probably would avoid going again, since there are so many other choices in the area. Some of the people I went with would probably disagree, though.
(3)
Dea A.
Tuesday is $3 mojito day and they are the best mojitos I've had since Miami. Everything more or less tastes the same, it just depends on what form you want it in. Advice? Order the Tampiquena and get the carne asada medium rare -- or bloody -- and my god is it delicious. The best part of this place is its hours! Open until at LEAST 2am 7 days a week. FINALLY a business that runs on my schedule!
(4)
Rachel C.
I have patronized Armando's quite a few times pre-Yelp days (one year I even picked up catering from them for my then-company's holiday luncheon and everyone looooved it much better than our usual mystery-kitchen potluck type deals). I've always liked their food. Today I got the combination plate which included a tostada, enchilada, tamale, and beef taco, plus rice and beans. I am used to tostadas being crunchy and able to pick up and eat, and the cheese not melted...but this was not the case with Armando's tostada today. It was on the plate with everything else and had been baked so that the cheese melted along with everything else. Not my favorite way to eat a tostada (with a fork) but no complaints still. It just wasn't what I was expecting and I don't think I have ever ordered a tostada there before. Tamale was good and the chili it was topped with had a little kick to it. Not super-duper spicy, but enough to clear the sinus a little bit. Enchilada was good and cheesy, and the taco...well...it was a beef taco. I found in our basket of chips today though, that a few of the chips towards the bottom had some salsa remnant on them that was definitely not a result of our particular spillage or dripping. I am sure this is not the case, but I had this horrific thought suddenly that these chips were from someone else's table. I didn't want "used" chips! I am sure they cannot do that, but just to be safe I asked for another basket of chips. Salsa is good there too, chips weren't warm so that was a little disappointing. Portions are generous, my combo plate was $8. Service was good, although I was disappointed that the server was not Mexican as I've always experienced there in the past. Call me what you will, but I love being waited on by native Mexicans because their service is more often than not, outstanding. Service is something that can make or break my dining experience and I love Mexican restaurants that employ natives because I almost always get excellent service at them. Til next time, Armando's!
(4)
Jan D.
Mediocre,at best. I had a Groupon so my husband and I decided to try Armando's one Tuesday evening. I'll make this short and not so sweet. Don't waste your time. The chips were blah and the salsa wasn't as good as stuff I've had from a jar. My chicken quesadillas were barely edible. The tortilla was tasteless and dry, as was the chicken. One of my favorite parts of a Mexican dinner is the rice and re-fried beans. I always eat pretty much all of that. Suffice it to say that I left 90% of it at Armando's. My hubby eats pretty much anything with no complaints, but he simply said his tacos were "all right." He didn't think he'd want to go back. The waitress was nice, but not overly. When we arrived, there was no one to greet us. A waitress did let us know she knew we were there. Someone did seat us shortly after that. The place was kind of dreary-feeling, not what you think of in a festive Mexican restaurant. I felt like it and it's staff are just plain worn out and don't care. anymore. When restaurants start getting complacent, it's time to hang up the apron. I don't enjoy giving negative reviews, but I think it's only fair to warn other unsuspecting patrons. Thank goodness for the Groupon. I wouldn't have been happy to have paid more than the $10 for that. Actually, I think $10 was too much. Needless to say, we won't be back. I think this place is a good candidate for "Kitchen Nightmares." Will someone please call Gordon Ramsey?
(2)
Kate H.
Armando's was the first place I ventured to in Mexicantown that was outside of the Xochi's, Lupitas, Galanes area, so I was very excited thinking I was going to get something extra special. Well, not so much. It definitely seems to have more to offer than most of the other, more tourist-y places (I'm talking to you Xochi's), better atmosphere but similar prices. My tacos were of the deep fried, fall-apart-when-you-bite-them variety, but the queso flameado was pretty tasty, if melted cheese, chorizo and peppers are your thing. The chips and salsa were acceptably tasty and the beans and rice were nothing special. I've also had the bean and cheese enchiladas, which were quite tasty and, of course, covered in gobs and gobs of gooey delicious cheese. Filled tortillas, deep fried and/or covered in cheese? You betcha! Complimentary, tasty chips and salsa. Yep! If those are your criteria, and you want to venture safely off the beaten path of the two block radius that most people consider Mexican Town, then Armando's will suit you just fine! However, I should tell you that I have since been to many places outside of Mexican Town proper and there are many places where you can get far tastier and less expensive eats!
(3)
Michael G.
Living 25 minutes from Armando's, and several Mexican chains much closer, I go to Armando's every time.. I do not waste my time or money at any chain. If you want the best Mexican food, go to Mexican Town. My favorite is, hands down, the chicken enchiladas. Good flavor and TONS of nice melted cheese. Friendly staff and quick carryout counter. I'll drive out of my way for their food every time!
(5)
Claire A.
Getting into Armando's with no wait on Cinco de Mayo = priceless. Granted there was a huge line out of the door when we were leaving, at around 5:30, but I don't think we would've had the same no hassle experience at Xochi's or Mexican Village on May 5. I love Armando's because of its kind of underdog status, it's in Mexicantown but not IN Mexicantown, still totally authentic but when you tell people you're going to Armando's more often than not they respond with blank stares. I feel like I have a 10-pound brick in my stomach at the moment, but hey, it's Mexican food. The chicken enchilada's are seriously good, except for, y'know, the 10-pound brick feeling. They also took the extra step today to serve red and green colored corn chips for the holiday - cute touch.
(4)
Debbie Z.
I must've picked a horrible day to go to Armando's Mexican Restaurant. It was quite crowded and very loud. Me and one of my friends were seated next to 2 ladies and an enormous amount of children! They had absolutely no control over the kids, the kids were basically bouncing off the walls. The waitstaff had absolutely no control over them. I asked my waiter to talk to the Manager. When the manager came over I asked if we could be seated elsewhere. The ladies with all the children started mouthing off to me saying they had a right to be there and I just looked at them. Well, finally we were moved elsewhere and I understand that the 2 ladies with the enormous amount of children were asked to leave the establishment due to disruly behavior from the children! OMG -- it was horrible, it was like these 2 ladies (I say ladies for lack of a better word that I can use) wanted to literally fight with me, just for asking to be relocated! When we got our food, it ws okay - nothing to write home about. Since there is a large selection of Mexican Restaurants in this area I am sure I will visit another place instead of Armando's. Sorry - just think the restaurant should have had more control.
(2)
Flor J.
It was a very horrible experience! The waitress was very rude. She asked what we wanted to drink and asked for water. She gave us a smirk after asking if water was all we were drinking. We asked for soup and she recommended the black bean soup. We got the black bean soup and it was just a cup of boiled black beans!! Aftering eating it a strong stomach ache followed. A friend of ours didn't want beans in the burrito and she questioned his decision....what does it matter?!? The customer is always right!
(1)
Brian M.
I must say, considering I do not go out for Mexican very often, and I am very picky when I do, I really enjoyed Armando's. One of my coworkers said he was a fan, and considering it had been quite some time since I last went for Mexican, my mother and I decided to try it for Cinco de Mayo. The salsa and chips were some of the best I've had in some time, and the hotter salsa had quite a kick to it (and if you've read any of my reviews, spice is a good thing in my book)! I had the taco dinner, and it was immaculate. To top it off, the cheese they used had a bit of spice to it, as well. I will say this, though, I was not feeling the ambiance in the upstairs seating area. Then again, considering I visited on Cinco de Mayo, I'm sure we were seated there because they were expecting quite a crowd. I also would have rather been served my beverage in a real glass, but then too, I do not expect a restaurant to order additional tableware for one day out of the year.
(4)
Stephen B.
I'm a big fan of fresh, quick, delicious food. I'd heard about this place over a decade ago... maybe I visited back then, can't recall. I'm now living within 5 miles and it has been a favorite destination with friends when hitting up Mexicantown. As one that likes to sample a variety of places I may have to get busy finding other spots to drop in on. Armando's is friendly and great, hard to make that choice to look around!
(5)
Sara A.
In an ethnic enclave filled to the brim with restaurants its hard to know what joint to dine in when visiting Mexicantown. Located in west Detroit, Armando's is one of the many great places to grab some authentic Mexican fare for lunch or a late night dinner. Finding its home on Vernor, this darling Mexican joint offers huge portions for small prices. the menu is loaded with traditional fare from botanas to tacos to enchiladas. The food is always fresh and the service consistently good. I recommend the enchiladas, the sauce has a sweet and zesty tomato taste to it. The homemade salsas are a crock pot of flavors, and the margaritas are beyond tasty. I've heard that their mojitos are pretty rad, but me and mojitos have had a very trying relationship, so I don't tread down that road. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming. With traditional Mexican music playing while you dine with the locals who are chit- chatting in Spanish. I like eating at Armando's because it's always a low key dining experience. So, when you're in Mexicantown and having trouble choosing one of the many great restaurants that line the streets, check out Armando's.
(4)
Susan R.
The food is mediocre. The chili was all grease
(1)
Miike G.
Get the nachos they will NOT disappoint. In a very "interesting" area of Mexican town.
(4)
Ramona R.
The only good thing about this restaurant is a Chicken Torta when you're hungry late at night. Otherwise, I think that they are a bit heavy handed on the cheese on pretty much any item that calls for cheese. And who puts a taco in a hard shell? This offensive taco was placed on the combo platter . . . right next to a thing that was attempting to pass for an enchilada. I make enchiladas at home and they are spicy and NOT smothered in Americanized cheese goo. The only other passable item is the Tampiquena and the Jalapeno poppers (yes I know poppers aren't Mexican but they're just so good . . .. darn tootin'). All in all this is definite corporatized Mexican assimilated cheese sauce.
(2)
Ernie H.
This was probably our 3rd. or 4th time to Armando's. I had my favorite Mexican meal, Vegetarian Fajita. I have to admit, this was probably the BEST Vegetarian Fajita that I ever had.
(5)
Lisa M.
"Meh" would be the best word to describe my experience. I was having a "date night" with one of my good friends and she suggested trying this place. We started with a 1/2 liter of the peach margaritas, which were tasty, but I think the liquor was lacking. I had the chicken enchiladas, which were a little bland. With so many other choices for Mexican food in southwest Detroit, I'd definitely pick another one over this.
(2)
Lauren M.
I went to Armando's on Friday night around 6:30 - 7:00 pm/ Service was quick and courteous, and the food was phenomenal. This place is away from Xochi's and Mexicantown Restaurant, but by far much better. Security guard in the parking lot as well, and the place was clean and bright.
(4)
Naim F.
Armando's is a very good Mexican restaurant that's only major flaw is that it is surrounded by great Mexican restaurants. That said, there are still some reasons to hit this spot. For example, perhaps you're at the Mexicantown Bakery just next door (which is owned by the same family as this restaurant) and the need for a Negro Modelo and tamales strikes you. Well sure you could go to Taqueria Lupitas (which is excellent and probably my favorite Mexican restaurant) but Armando's is right there, and the food and service are still pretty damn good. The inside is reminiscent of pretty much any Mexican restaurant I've been to, though probably less cheesy than most. Colorful and bright interior with flat screens playing soccer. That sounds about right. The food is quite good in general and I've never really had anything that was disappointing. The salsa is probably the weakest item, with both the mild and hot being somewhat watery. While the hot has a nice flavor it doesn't have much heat. They were quite generous with it though. As for main courses the tacos (authentic with cilantro and onion) are quite good, as is Carne Guisada (Beef Stew). I also really like the pork that you can get in some of the dishes there. It's flavored very nicely. The prices are very reasonable (that's one thing I love about Mexicantown) if you get a beer or some of their great sangria you can get out the door for about $12-15 at dinner time. My friend swears by their lunch buffet, which is extremely cheap (I believe he said $6). I haven't been there for lunch myself (yet) but I can say judging from their dinners that it's probably just as good.
(4)
Carlos G.
My dad used to bring me here when we went to Tigers games back in the day. Just moved to the area, and decided to come here. Walked in, and we were greeted promptly. Upon server arrival to the table, you receive the usual salsa & chips. The salsa was great as we got a refill of that. Ordered the steak/chicken fajitas for 2. The steak was cooked perfect and very tender. The chicken was very moist. Definitely some of the best restaurant fajitas, i've had in a long time. The service was great, my drink was never empty. Prices are very affordable. I'll definitely be back again!!
I liked this one better than Xochimilco. The chips tasted better, and the atmosphere was nice with the artwork on the walls. This is a place I could definitely go back to. Though I still have yet to find a mexican place here that compares to places in Cali.
(3)
A B.
I loved being there and experiencing Mexicantown. The waitress was fantastic. We ordered the buffet and the food was either boring, dry or tough. Perhaps if we had ordered from the menu it would have been better.
(2)
Francina G.
Best place for fajitas in Mexican Town!
(4)
Eric C.
Great Tamales that come with an excellent chili and chunky beef burritos are fantastic. My favorite in SW Detroit.
(4)
Brandon B.
My sons and I absolutely love Armando's. We always eat here and we just can't seem to get enough. We especially love dining here in the daytime then going next door to the bakery and getting sweets for the ride home.
(4)
Niquesha S.
Unlike my cool friend Terry K. I LOVED this place... My decision could be biased, because I was also elated by my baby sis surprising me by being in town ( I haven't seen her since my New York Yelp's). Anywho the staff was extremely nice, my waitress Jasmine was not only adorable, but one of the best waitresses I've had in awhile. The food verdict: DELICIOSO!!! My pics speak for themselves... True it's "American Mexican" but still pretty good.
(4)
Laughs W.
This used to be my go-to Mexican food place in Detroit until 10 minutes ago. Now I will never go there or to any other businesses I know are owned by their family, such as Mexicantown Bakery. I live around the corner. I would go to Armando's at least once a week, and sometimes more. If anyone with whom I was dining wanted to have Mexican, I steered us there. I have a small B&B, so they were always whom I recommended. I manage a 20 unit apartment building, so they were whom I recommended. Dates, neighborhood meetings, study groups - I took them all there. The food is not amazing, but it's consistent and the atmosphere doesn't completely suck, nor have I ever personally seen things there that freak me out (unlike their other business, Mexicantown Bakery, where every package of chips I picked up one day had a hole eaten through by a mouse.) Yet, in spite of this frequency, tonight I showed up to pick some food up and a woman I'd never seen before was running the register - in spite of never having seen her before, she was apparently a manager. I presented my DEBIT card, and she asked for ID. I've never been asked for ID here, in any instance - not when ordering drinks, not when paying with credit cards, not ever. NOT. EVER. Nor did anyone tell me over the phone that I'd need to bring ID if I was using anything other than cash. Normally, debit cards are treated differently because they require a PIN, in any case. But, no. Either they've done a very poor job of training everyone but her about the rule, thus setting up exactly this kind of bad interaction by enforcing an expectation, or she just decided to interact in such a way that alienated me and everyone associated with me who would not have otherwise chosen Armando's over the many other options in the area. The thing about places that become staples is that they no longer have to worry about service. Losing my business is not going to wound them. Not even losing the cascade of referrals is going to probably make a dent. But I will never go there again. Because, after all, if my repeated patronage didn't earn at least vague recognition and value as a customer, then there are literally 50 Mexican restaurants in a 2-mile radius who might appreciate me more. Bad service experiences are a primary trigger for me, because there is absolutely no point in eating out anywhere if the service is not consistently rewarding - no one goes only for the food, but for the experience. People who do not understand that do not warrant being in this business. For the $8 "risk" she might have taken, her choice was arrogant in its assumptions that she didn't need to positively manage customer experience.
(1)
Jeremy-County R.
I was so excited to try this "real Mexican food" that my friends were just oh so bragging about. Ordered me some Taco Salad. Where is the flavor? Plain, no real taste. Who knows, maybe the cook screwed up. I'm not sure. Would I eat here again if someone is paying for it? Sure. I'm fat. Who am I to deny a free meal. But would I spend my own money here? No way Jose.
(1)
Karen W.
My former work colleagues love this place to the point where at least twice a week there was carry out in the office for lunch. I decided to get carry out for a staff meeting and I was highly disappointed. All of the food was rather bland and soggy. They did not get our order correct so my vegetarian and lactose intolerant employees were unable to eat. Flash forward a few months and we end up here for a work going away party. I figured since we were dining in this time it would be much better....nope! All I can say is yuck. I guess the common theme here is bland boring Mexican wannabe food. Where's the spice? Where's the flavor? Where's my non soggy tortillas? Apparently somewhere else in Mexicantown.
(1)
Marty F.
I've been eating here for over a decade. It's pretty consistent. The carne asada fajita is great. The chicken tacos are good. The Al pastor is good. The buffalo wings are good. The salsas and guacamole are good. The Cuban sandwich was not so good.
(4)
Krysten J.
Ordered a Cuban sandwich which looked tasty, then I saw a mouse run through the dining room where we were eating.... Didn't eat the sandwich... I commented on their Facebook page about the mouse and they deleted it
(1)
Rebecca R.
I love this restaurant! I've never had a bad experience. The food is always great! The service is always great! The drinks are strong and the portions are generous. I don't feel either way about the atmosphere. It seems pretty typical of a Mexican restaurant. It never looks dirty in there except the bathroom was messy tonight but it was super busy.
(5)
Andrew B.
Several good things about Armandos and several bad things. The bad first: their website does not support iPad and therefore there is no way to view the menu online. They no longer serve the Sunday Brunch Buffet and were very rude Sunday when I asked about it. Kinda snotty. The good: the weekday buffet is a delight and delicious. The food is well seasoned and freshly prepared. Generally the servers are attentive and friendly during the weekdays. Four stars for weekday staff, two for weekend staff, and three overall.
(3)
Alex C.
Armando's is in the heart of Mexican town South West Detroit. The food and atmosphere at this restaurant is average. I ate the chicken enchiladas, nothing special. If your in the mood for Mexican food this place will hit the spot but nothing special.
(3)
Kamil K.
My wife and I come here once a month. The wait staff is great the food is good overall it's a pretty good Mexican restaurant.
(4)
Debra H.
Found this place on a whim and decided to stop in for lunch. Was greatly pleased with the service, portion sizes, drinks, and food. Carne asada was to die for!! The quac was really good, and I usually don't like that stuff. Would recommend this place when ever you are in the mood for delicious Mexican.
(4)
Victoria B.
Haven't been here in a few years, Was here last night and it was horrible . The guacamole had lettuce & carrots! The rice was dry and bland. The beans had NO flavor. One of my family members got so sick was in bathroom all night! Don't waste your money, go down the road to El Rancho much better.
(1)
Lynn S.
I've always been a fan of Armandos. Service is always great. The food is always plentiful and flavorful. I especially love the Southwest Detroit neighborhood it's in. I've been to several Mexican restaurants in the area over the years. Armandos has always been consistent. Drinks are strong and their outdoor patio makes a great setting for a nice spring day in southwest Detroit. Everyone comes here
(3)
Amy R.
This is one of my favorite places in Mexicantown. They always have great service and delicious food and drinks. Mango margaritas are awesome, especially frozen. I usually get flaming cheese for an appetizer, followed by either chicken enchiladas or the super burger nachos. The super burger nachos are so big that I order the small size and always have enough to take home for lunch the next day. Everything tastes very fresh and flavorful. I have gone there for a lot of birthdays with big groups and they are always accomodating. Plus, Mexicantown Bakery is right next door so you can always head over there for dessert afterwards!
(4)
Drew A.
$6.29 NOT-fried ice cream. Haven't tried the food, so I can't judge that. We came just to have fried ice cream. It was 6.29 and it wasn't fried, it was just rolled in cornflakes and doused in whip cream in a fancy cup.
(1)
Yolanda S.
My new taco spot. You had me at peach margaritas. The tacos were awesome. I live in Mexicantown and the Mexican food fare is in abundance, so the choices can be overwhelming. I had heard negative remarks concerning Armandos, but what does that have to do with me? I had to try it myself, and was pleasantly surprised. I do not want a taco bell taco, but sometimes I want a single taco with ground beef and this was the taco of the week, with a crispy fried shell, wonderful beef filling and of course the peach margaritas that highlight the cilantro that l like live to squeeze on my dinners. Two more visits will tell If the story is real but for tacos and margaritas together I got a great meal!
(4)
Sara B.
I was so excited to try a new place in Detroit as I've had some great Mexican food down there, but this place..... was not very good. My friends had commented that they thought it was tasty and seemed to enjoy their meals, but honestly I'd almost say that Taco Bell is better. I got the chicken taco dinner which had 3 tacos and a side of rice and beans. I ordered the corn tortillas and all the fixings on them. The refried beans were flavorless as was the slightly undercooked rice. They deep fried the taco shell, which turned them into a greasy tasteless mess. The chicken in my taco was reminiscent of cat food in texture, and I'm assuming taste. The toppings tasted old and bland. My friend ordered Menudo, which is an intestine and pork fat soup. Closes your arteries, but he said it was pretty good. The chips were standard, and the salsa was alright, but IMO way too heavy on the oregano. With so many places very close that are cheaper and have better food, frankly, I'm amazed this place has stayed open.
(2)
Eileen A.
This place was awful! I can honestly say the worst Mexican food I've ever had in my life! The salsa wasn't home made. It was a can of tomatoes with seasoning. I ordered fajitas. The meat had no flavor and was smothered with cheese. No not blanco cheese but the stuff you have sitting in your fridge. It came with corn tortilia that were all stuck together cause they put the in the microwave. Who does that? Oh yeah Armando's. What a horrible place to eat Mexican food. It was packed but they don't know these people are feeding them crap!
(1)
Keisha M.
My favorite Mexican restaurant. Been going down there since I was younger, corn tacos are the bet!
(5)
Terry K.
You're pretty much guaranteed mediocre service from this staple of Mexicantown. Unmotivated, complacent staff bordering on negligent unless they're attempting to upsell you. The food is slightly superior than your average cheap Mexican coney but not by much. Lukewarm Carona's didn't inspire confidence neither did the wait despite the spot being only half full. Server didn't check on us much and was seemingly overwhelmed despite only having 3-4 tables, tops. The fajitas for two with chicken and steak were on point. The steak had the prerequisite slabs of fat dicing through most of the meat but it was grilled so well that it was forgivable. Hard to complain at this price point. Chips average, salsa delicious. I'd wait 30 mins at Mexican Village with pleasure before going back here.
(2)
Ceaser D.
Yuck. Terrible mexican salsa taste store bought tacos were cold and enchiladas were bland. Margaritas tasted straight out of a bottle and not in a good way....like that Jose Cuervo margarita mix you can get from Walmart. Much better options for Mexican than here.
(1)
Ryan M.
Definitely did not live up to the hype. Went during a slower time. Chips weren't that great and the salsa really not very good. The chunky beef burritos were decent but on par with most other places. While the beans and rice were definitely not very good. My daughter got the chili and it was ridiculously salty and not good at all. Pretty disappointed really but some of that is the way Detroiters hype this place up.
(2)
Casey B.
You know you love a restaurant when you drive 80+ plus just for tacos. Detroit is filled with so many restaurants, so many different cuisines but I can't stop going to Armando's. The atmosphere is very laid back. The wait staff very friendly. On the weekends they are open till 3 or 4am. Durning the week they have a lunch buffet which has everything on it. There is also an area for take out. Even though this is a Mexican restaurant, the black beans are amazing. Oh cant forget on Sundays is $3.00 margaritas.
(5)
Katie D.
The best thing about Armando's is that it's open till 2am! (4am Friday and Saturday). The food is good but not spectacular, the drinks are the same, and everything is decently priced. The wait staff were very friendly, and they had the Tiger's game on where we sat. The parking lot is private and seems safe, considering the area. It's a good standbye, especially when you're hungry after a late show or game and want cheap, tasty food.
(4)
Amanda L.
I really enjoy the food and atmosphere here, its seemingly pretty authentic ? (Im Ron Burgundy? Lol) I havent gotten too adventurous but have a few familiar dishes that were familiar to me, enchilada's, chimichangas, burritos, all very yummy and filling dishes. My personal favorites are the Seafood chimichangas, and Baja Seafood Tacos is on my "tp-do" list, oh and that fried ice cream Service is alright. The manager is great but have yet to have a really great server. However, the food comes out quick so I dont fuss about the servers being slackers, they just get a 15- 18% tip on tje total bill rather than 25% ;)
(4)
Mike T.
I was really hoping this place was a closet four star place, but alas I think the three star rating is being generous. The sangria was a disappointment, low in the alcohol, high on the bottled OJ. The chicken for the fajita tasted dry and seemed to have been reheated on a griddle rather than being freshly cooked. The rice appeared to either be of the instant variety or was yesterday's rice. No oral pleasures here, only disappointments. The only saving grace of this place...I discovered a great Mexican bakery across the street.
(2)
Mylo R.
I went here last night (5/18/24) worst place ever. The staff was horrible, the food even worst and im sick from eating there. I had the Seafood chimichangas and gross. The food is out of the can, and the chips were hard and not fresh. We left a $3 tip and now im pissed we shouldn't have left anything. Never again.
(1)
Christina D.
The food was pretty good. Four stars for the chicken enchiladas. But the service was meh. The waitress rolled her eyes as I asked for hot water. Ma'am, I am the customer, you are the waitress. You take orders and deliver. If not, keep the attitude once you turn the corner to retrieve thy hot water. She slams the plate of enchiladas and tacos my family ordered. Uhm the food is great but your service sucked. That is all.
(2)
Roy W.
The food and service has gone down hill over the last few years. Did the old chef quit or die? All I get anymore seems to be reheated or stream table bland food only moderately improved with the moisture of dousing in salsa or hot sauce. Have received better food from the super market about 6 Blocks west on Vernor on the South Side of the street. The ladies who work here are nice to look at... But once they open their mouths, it's all mush brain yammering while your food gets cold waiting to be boxed and bagged up.
(2)
Kiyomi C.
I would have given them 0 stars but that was not an option. Food gross was not hot, the place look gross they need updates, it was not appealing at all just like the food. I'm never going back
(1)
Samir N.
"Meh. I've experienced better." That is about right. I am not going to tell you that because I am Texan, I know Mexican food better than their obviously Latin American staff. What I will say that this place is in line with experiences that I have had in my travels in Mexico - there are places that are amazing and places that cut corners. Montezuema's revenge is a real thing in Mexico, and fortunately you do not have to worry about getting that from this place. If you have to eat here, go with reliable standbys (fajitas, enchiladas, etc.). I went adventurous with the menudo and ended up leaving that more or less untouched. I do not know if they did not take the pains to properly prepare the tripe or if it was poor quality to begin with, but the soup gave off an off-putting smell. The guacamole was common sub-standard guac and relied too heavily on the cream. The nopalitos (cactus scrambled with eggs) breakfast dish was much more passable and that was the only thing I completely finished. The spicy salsa was also really good and had a really healthy kick. It does look like they have a cool patio area, for when it is warmer. When I was in the dining area, I did not see a single Hispanic person dining there. I am just saying. . . . Save some money and feast like el rey at Taqueria Lupita's and/or La Gloria, instead.
(2)
Daron D.
Cinco De Mayo baby. Came here as part of a fun filled day for cinco de mayo. Although the wait was over an hour long, we got to enjoy ourselves where they were have a patio party with $6 margaritas ( pretty good and strong, but there are better and stronger ones in the Mexicantown area) and a DJ. After finally getting seated, the first thing they gave you is chips (bottomless) and Salsa ( the hot salsa here is super good, probably best in area). For my meal I had hard shell chicken tacos (good), flour steak tacos (OK, nothing great) and chicken chimichanga (pretty good, could of been better though). As far as food goes, this is really a 3 star place, but the drinks and the overall experience bumps it up in my book.
(4)
Neil Y.
I go to Armando's for one thing and one thing only: the lunch buffet. Still to this day after dozens of visits, I have never ordered from the menu nor have I actually seen the menu. I'm guessing they have Mexican food. The buffet is simple: botanas, tacos, cheese enchiladas, beef burritos, slow-cooked beef in gravy, rice, beans, tortillas, and a mini salad bar. It's a too-the-point, no-nonsense, DYI buffet. It's not bad and quite reasonable at $7.95. You'll leave stuffed, swear that you'll never do that again and be back next month. The servers are all pretty nice so please be nice in return as most people order the buffet and the girls are basically plate clearers and chip getters. Don't forget to tip them you cheap bastard! The slow-cook beef in the stew gravy is great over rice. It is also in the beef burrito. Beyond fork-tender and it kind of melts. If you just ate that, it is worth the money. Parking is tight on Vernor but Armandos has a big lot in the rear.
(3)
Alex K.
Dad brought some home on his way back from the airport. He claims I was here when I was little, but I don't really remember it at all, after looking at the pictures. He got ground beef enchiladas and shredded beef tamales. Basically... I'm shocked so many people enjoy this place as much as they do. It isn't bad, but have you actually looked at the food? There are some mystery meat chunks in the ground beef mince, and it doesn't make my stomach happy to see. White tubes that look like part of the cow's heart? The hell IS that? It didn't have a bad taste, but I didn't care for the texture, and I certainly didn't care for how it looked. Bleh. It really just reminds me of Taco Bell... but Armando's isn't as good at hiding the fact that they don't use quality ground beef. Is it edible? Sure. But if I'm in Detroit, I'm going to go somewhere else for Mexican food. To me, Armando's is definitely the worst of the Mexican food that I've had in Detroit.
(2)
Deb M.
I probably should have reviewed this shortly after I dined there - it's been a couple of weeks and the food was very forgettable.... We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday - it was really slow, but it was lunch time so that didn't concern me too much. Being that it was slow, we should have had decent service, but instead we had to ask for refills, for more salsa, etc. We went with the fajitas for 2 - now I know that's not exactly authentic, but I had my doubts as to the quality and authenticity of the food about 2 minutes after I walked in the door. The fajitas were the weirdest ever - I swear there was absolutely no seasoning on them. I mean zero. I had to ask for some lime slices to squeeze over them just for a droplet of flavor. We had the asada, chicken and shrimp combo...none of the meats had flavor. The beans and rice were nothing special. I noticed they had a buffet - not one person went to it while we were there. I shutter to think of what was on it......
(2)
Steve T.
Armando's....what happened to you? I've been going there for twenty years and always thought it was better than the other more well known restaurants on Bagley. Over the past couple of years, I've noticed it starting to go down, dirty bathrooms, menus that are all greasy, etc but the food has remained fairly good. Two weeks we went and after waiting 15 minutes for someone to approach our table, finally ordered. I ordered the cheese chimichangas as I've done for 20 years and it's one of the few places where you can get them in cheese only. They brought the guacamole which was mostly brown (very strange) so we didn't eat most of that. They then brought the entrees. They brought me chicken enchiladas by mistake so I sent it back. They returned ten minutes later with chicken chimichangas instead of cheese so I sent that back as well. An additional twenty minutes later they finally brought the correct entree. Forty minutes to get food in a Mexican restaurant that is mostly empty? I called for the manager who recognized me as a regular for so many years. In the meantime the waiter comes over and starts screaming at me insisting that I ordered the other dishes and I was trying to "scam" the restaurant. Huh? We paid for our drinks and walked out of that place and will never return. Back to Mexican Village for us.
(1)
Michael C.
Was expecting a lot coming here, I'd heard from a friend that Armando's serves some excellent mexican food. They started us off with some chips and salsa. Great chips here! They had a nice consistency and a solid crunch to them. Heeding the advice of my friend, I ordered the chicken enchiladas. Well made and covered with cheese. They were decently flavorful and came with rice and beans. Overall decent experience, although the decor definitely feels less than authentic.
(3)
Stephanie M.
My hubby and I moved closer to the city and promised ourselves to be more adventurous. Thank goodness we did. The lunch buffet is amazing. The food was delicious, with a nice variety of choices. I was most impressed with the staff, Esmeralda was fantastic. I am allergic to gluten and she knew exactly what I could eat. Not many places know let alone have such a selection of fresh gluten free foods. The buffet was well stocked, spotless, and fresh thanks to the constant attention. We will definitely be back. Give Armando's a try you won't be sorry!
(5)
Gregory S.
I'll give them an extra star, because they have a bar, but the service sucks, most of the time, and the food is bland. If you like tasty meals head elsewhere. Nothing they serve here is spectacular at all. You can get extremely better meals cheaper at the other joints around the area.
(2)
JonNDebby P.
We came here for a business meeting in the private event space upstairs. The room was comfortable (except for the lack of air-conditioning on a warm, humid, rainy day) for a small group. Only one waiter was assigned to our party, which evidently was too few, as he never approached half of our table for drink orders. I settled for water, which, thankfully, was in a large pitcher on each table. Chips and salsa were also on each table before we arrived. The chips were regular, but the salsa was pretty spicy and seemed house-made. The buffet was fine but not outstanding. The shredded beef in the burrito was very moist and flavorful, probably slow-cooked. The quesadillas contained a good Mexican white cheese, but the tortillas became floppy after sitting in the serving tray. The taquitos were forgettable. I didn't try the nachos, because a bunch of refried beans were dumped on top. I don't understand nachos, anyway. The toppings always fall off the chips, and you get left with a bunch of naked chips. Boring. I drowned my plate with the delicious salsa to add flavor. Located in Mexicantown, the Latino restaurants around here have a lot of competition. I would probably try somewhere else next time.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Emine S.
Okay, so after leaving Green Dots for their wretched service my coworkers and I landed up at Armando's. It's directly across from Clark Park and close to Cafe con Leche. I didn't eat anything, except their chips and salsa, which, I mean, can't really do those wrong. Then of course, shared a liter and half of regular margaritas and those were delicious, not too sweet and not too strong. We had a great time, the staff was super accommdating to our big group, unlike Green Dots.
(4)Amy M.
After leaving the train station, something spicy sounded good - heading to this restaurant and was in for a big surprise. Authentic food, quick and friendly service, and a good atmosphere. I wasn't that hungry, but was a bit under the weather, so soup sounded ground. The Caldo de Pollo was my meal - perfectly homemade soup. I ordered the small and received a good portion - complete with two drumsticks. The chicken meat was perfectly cooked - moist, flavorful, falling off the bone. I love a place that makes real soup and you could tell that this had been. Served with a side of beans and rice, so you can't get much better. The other person in my party had chicken enchiladas, and they were spectacular. Good flavor, good portion size, good price. You get chips & salsa - and the spicy salsa is great! I could eat it all day. They did have a buffet but it was ending at 3 (we got there just after 2:30), but I would definitely go back to try it out. Service was great - she was helpful, made suggestions, and offered the best of what the restaurant had. It was a great experience - best Mexican food I've ever had!
(4)Andrew C.
Had the milanesa, whilst my lovely lady had the chicken milanesa. They were phenomenal. Too full to write more. I'll fix it later. *burp*
(4)Robert C.
Good west-coast-style Mexican. Nothing really fancy or very expensive, which is nice. Just simple good food. Armando's has good servers (that we've had, at least), very good hard tacos (with actual DEEP-FRIED corn tortilla shells), very good chips/salsa/beans/rice-, and reportedly very good enchiladas. It is one of the few places in SE Michigan that satisfies my taco fix. Armando's is right next to the Mexicantown Bakery, so you can pop right over there for dessert afterwards. Do beware, however, that the bakery closes first, which is something to keep in mind if heading over in the later part of the evening.
(4)Nina M.
Went to Armando's because our normal spot was closed. Amando's gets 1 star because they are open til 4am. However the rest is downhill. The food portions are smaller than the other Mexican joints. That's not a huge deal breaker. What killed the meal and left me sick (literally) was the meat used in the entrees. It was worst than the mystery meat that is in Taco Bell's ground beef concoction. It was really fine & looked like as my girlfriend stated "potted ham". Never go somewhere bad when you're hungry. With my stomach growling I ate the taco covered in lettuce and prayed they were better than they looked. Unfortunately it was a miss. The nachos were another bad choice as they didn't look appetizing either. Staff was nice at the beginning, but when we got ready to pay they were a little different. We left a table full of food (you know it's bad when nobody finished there plates). This Girl's Night session ended on a sour note from Armando's crappy food.
(1)Cantonite P.
I've come here with my wife several times as she always enjoys it when we come here whether it be for a Tigers game or an easy date night. Great location when it comes to parking (a fenced in lot), no need to park on the street as with other places. The chips and salsa are always good... i do like the hot salsa more than the mild which my wife prefers... sometimes its a little runny, but it's still good for that salsa-y kick. I have had a few different dishes (steak fajitas and beef flautas), and they are definitely quality. Not particularly authentic as I'm sure the taco trucks and more ethnic places down the street, but it's still a great meal. Drinks are always on point and there's usually a daily drink special that we don't hesitate to jump on! Pro-Tip: if you go and you're willing to shell out $10+, get the Baja Seafood Tacos. OMG, they are so good... full of cheesey goodness, jumbo shrimp and scallops and they need nothing extra. They do not skimp on the seafood in these 2 tacos and it's so rich, creamy and luscious, I could probably eat 6 but then have clogged arteries for the rest of my life. Overall, a great place with good bang for your buck... it's usually busy around game times, but not too bad.
(4)Brian A.
I'm upping my three star review to a four for a couple of reasons, the primary one being their hours. Now that I live in Detroit, pretty close to Armando's, I'm excited to know that they're open very late on weekends and we can come here at crazy o'clock at night to stuff our faces with Mexican food. I've been here many times now, and the service has always been consistent and very friendly, so they've earned an additional star. Since I've gone to a low-carb lifestyle, I've avoided many of the common Tex-Mex dishes and been relying more on their stews, which are really good. The beans and rice are bland here, so avoiding them entirely has made my experience better.
(4)Jess P.
I love this place. It's authentic, addictive, and they have great drink specials. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the bakery across the street is really delicious. I like just about everything I have ever tried. The chimichangas, tacos, enchiladas, carne asada, mexican pizza, tamales, fajitas, chorizo dip, cheese dip, salsa.... My only minor complaint is that over the years of visiting Armando's, they have changed their chips a few times. I miss the really thin ones they used to have.
(5)Georgiana B.
Disgusting. Everything I tried was oily, lukewarm, or just plain gross. The salad was wilted, the tacos were soupy, it was worse than a taco stand! I couldn't believe someone brought me here but I gave it a chance. Even the rice was gross! Odd place with a very odd vibe. I wouldn't come here again.
(2)Lisa E.
Best Hot Salsa, wish they would brand and sale in stores, long trip to Armando's monthly just for the salsa! Never encountered a bad meal! Outside of Mexico, Texas and California, Armando's serves up some of the best mexican food in the mid-west:)
(4)Sara G.
Don't take vegetarians here, unless they're your enemies. What cruel and unusual torture it must be for them to hear the ecstatic moaning and satisfied chomping coming from the mouths of us who enjoy savoring the taste (and smell) of good seared meat. Carne, baby. It's ALL about the carne! The meat they serve here is why I keep coming back. Ok...that and the wickedly delicious mojitos.
(4)Rachel M.
Went to Armandos as a late night treat last month since we retired our old Mexican-Village spot (Xotchimilcos) after one too many not-so-great meals and a roach. Instantly, we got happy when we saw the menu selections and prices. The chips and salsa were great! My two year old was with us and was not in a social mood. As soon as he got the chips in hand, he was an angel-child. (Thank you corn chips!). My date and I are some greedy eaters, but we split the chicken/shrimp/steak fajitas for two with some to take home! The meat was tasty and seasoned perfectly. The shrimp were large and we loved that (ok, so we fought over them). We also shared the garlic shrimp appetizer. You get 4 big shrimps but they are great. We enjoyed our meal so much we returned later in the week. This time my date at the fajita plate by himself. I made the mistake of ordering lobster, which wasn't bad, but I don't know why I ordered lobster at a Mexican place instead of a Mexican dish which they might specialize in. Again, not bad, but I wouldn't order it again when I come back (and I will be back). This time around we ordered a garlic shrimp appetizer EACH (the fact they were so good is what made me think to order some more seafood) - still just as tasty as before. I also noticed their margaritas (which I enjoyed) are served in large pitcher-type deals as well. I will be taking advantage of that next time. Our server was attentive both times and we were approached several times by servers making sure we were "ok". They do take great care of you. I greatly enjoyed myself. My only suggestion is, despite the large menu, I would probably stay with more authentic Mexican dishes next time I visit. The prices are freakin' great too! EDIT: One of the things I add here is that they've added gratuity to the bill. I never like that because I tip OVER the amount and have not had bad service here... but I dislike when places do this and don't point it out to you.
(4)N P.
A good, basic place for Mexican food that will give you enough choice to be satisfied. Portions are big and filling. There are options for vegetarians but maybe sure that the rice and beans are not cooked in any animal products and that they use vegetable oil rather than lard to cook with. I've been here a handful of times but it might be more difficult for those with dietary restrictions. It's a nice, lively interior and I've been here when the Tigers were playing on the tv's and it's fun to watch a game. It's also a fun place to go after a game (done that too). It's just a nice, lively place. The food is not exceptional but it's good and that makes it worth the visit.
(3)Brandy W.
I've come here about a dozen times and there's a reason for it-great Mexican food! It's definitely mine and my husband's go to place. Great margaritas and sangria and the food is really fresh and filling.
(4)Marie L.
Found a HUGE fly in my salad. To the chef's credit, it was beautifully grilled, with even grill marks on both side of its wings. The only great thing about this establishment is that they are open until 4am on weekends. Great for after the bar. Remember, flies are protein filled!
(1)Bruce F.
Got a mix of Chicken Flour Tacos w/cheese, Chicken Burritos the same way and a Botana. It made for a great carry out lunch buffet. The counter staff was friendly and professional and the cooks did their usual outstanding job. Still 5 stars for Armando's. I'll be back...
(5)Carole H.
Maybe I'm just not ordering the right items, but after living around the corner from Mexicantown for the last year, I just haven't found any one Mexican restaurant there that stands out from any of the others. Peppy spanish music, free chips w average salsa, cute decor...check, check, check. For some reason I was feeling a little outside of the traditional mexican food box, and ordered the seafood enchiladas. Oh. My. Gosh. I can't explain it, but I was left craving these for days after!!! I do not claim to be an authority on the authenticity of mexican cuisine. But I have a hunch that seafood burritos, stuffed with shrimp, scallops & crab/krab, served very garlicy and smothered in gooey cheese, is not the traditional Mexican norm. And I dont even care. They were the BOMB. I haven't been there since, I would like to think I will go soon and sample more of the menu...but nah, I know I'll just order the same again. When I ate here it was with my dad, he got tacos, and said they were good but nothing to write home about. Sorry, didn't get any other specifics on that. :)
(4)Tamara W.
Have been going to Armando's for over 30 years. Their fajitas, caldo de res, and tamales are still good, but the rest of the food has gone downhill in quality and now quantity. So sad. I used to love the varied and very well made food they had during their lunch buffet, but a few years ago they must have changed suppliers because the food is not up to par and it does make a huge difference for our family. We simply do not go to Armando's but a few times a year now. The basic Mexican food menu items such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc. are just plain old average. They make their money on the drinks, so I guess the food part is not top priority any longer so I no longer give them my business. The wait staff are always very nice, and the parking situation is awesome. The restrooms need to be bigger and better built because the space is way too small for even 2 people to stand in!!
(2)Quinton H.
OH MY... I loved the salsa and the food was very good.
(4)Joshua V.
Ok here I go. I and a group of friends visited Armando's restaurant last night. We were sited by the hostess immediately. The place was almost empty and very cold. A waitress brought us cold chips and "salsa" tostiotos style no flavor at all. I wanted to try a piña colada but the our waitress told us they didn't a have it at the time. I asked our waitress how the sangria was made. She reply " I don't know" . I was shock. How is it possible?. Although she didn't know how the sangria was made nor she bother to ask the bartender I ordered it. It was too sweet and the glass was full of ice. The waitress seem very distracted talking to co-workers. I had to get up from my table to order a margarita. Once, again I asked her what was the well tequila they use for their traditional margarita . She didn't know either. I was very disappointed of service. My New York stake was horrible. Apples bees have way better food. First time in Armando's and last time.
(1)Cynthia L.
Great food, cheap and fast. I know it is not true Mexican but the nachos are awesome. Really good salsa as well.
(4)Sue H.
Their lunch Buffett is great
(4)Michael G.
Only one word is necessary to justify a four star rating for this restaurant: nopalitos. Alright, I guess that's a bit of a lie. It takes two words: juevos nopalitos. Cactus eggs. Almost any place you go in Detroit's Mexicantown is going to have this dish (I've only found one place in Chicago that does). For example, Xochimilco has nopalitos on the menu as well and they're slightly better. But Armando's has several advantages over its more popular neighbor (I wonder if people look down on Armando's from the second floor of Xochimilco?). For one, there's usually less of a wait. For two, Armando's is in the ticket book. At least that's the reason my family goes here. But the prices, Entertainment Book or no (it's a Detroit thing, Chicagoans reading this might not understand even though we have one), are very reasonable. Three, the portions are huge and the unlimited chips and salsa are the good thick chips. And four, their staff also has the patience of santos. My not-grandma (my nickname for my grandpa's girlfriend) is very Farmington Hills (almost West Bloomfield) - if you catch my drift. She must have drove the poor waitress nuts with her constant requests for substitutions. But our waitress gave great service, always with a smile on her face. The only thing lacking about Armando's is the atmosphere. It's more a Mexican themed sports bar than somewhere you would go to show someone Detroit proper's (great) idea of a Mexican restaurant. It's a good place to catch a sports event over drinks in their dining rooms but it's not a place to converse over a family dinner, per se. Though my family always tries. Of all the Mexican places just off I-75 (read not scary for tourists who just want to hop on-and-off the expressway and not play around in the Detroit city limits), this isn't the one I'd choose with a visitor. But it's a very close second.
(4)Matt S.
We had a decent dinner at Armando's. The salsa was very good. The hot was just enough hot, and had just the right amount of flavor. No complaints there at all. The fajitas were not cooked the way I typically like them cooked, but maybe thats just me. The onions tasted like they were boiled. They didn't have that usually charred-grilled taste that they should have. The chicken and green peppers were the same way. Not nearly grilled enough, and not nearly flavored enough. The melted cheese on top was good, but since the rest of thne food was bland, it was a little much. It just tasted like we were eating a glob of cheese. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food just fine(Carne Asada, Burritos, Chimichangas, Tomales). On the bright side, I have no complaints about the service. Our drinks were refilled when we needed them,, which is not bad for a party of 12. I probably would avoid going again, since there are so many other choices in the area. Some of the people I went with would probably disagree, though.
(3)Dea A.
Tuesday is $3 mojito day and they are the best mojitos I've had since Miami. Everything more or less tastes the same, it just depends on what form you want it in. Advice? Order the Tampiquena and get the carne asada medium rare -- or bloody -- and my god is it delicious. The best part of this place is its hours! Open until at LEAST 2am 7 days a week. FINALLY a business that runs on my schedule!
(4)Rachel C.
I have patronized Armando's quite a few times pre-Yelp days (one year I even picked up catering from them for my then-company's holiday luncheon and everyone looooved it much better than our usual mystery-kitchen potluck type deals). I've always liked their food. Today I got the combination plate which included a tostada, enchilada, tamale, and beef taco, plus rice and beans. I am used to tostadas being crunchy and able to pick up and eat, and the cheese not melted...but this was not the case with Armando's tostada today. It was on the plate with everything else and had been baked so that the cheese melted along with everything else. Not my favorite way to eat a tostada (with a fork) but no complaints still. It just wasn't what I was expecting and I don't think I have ever ordered a tostada there before. Tamale was good and the chili it was topped with had a little kick to it. Not super-duper spicy, but enough to clear the sinus a little bit. Enchilada was good and cheesy, and the taco...well...it was a beef taco. I found in our basket of chips today though, that a few of the chips towards the bottom had some salsa remnant on them that was definitely not a result of our particular spillage or dripping. I am sure this is not the case, but I had this horrific thought suddenly that these chips were from someone else's table. I didn't want "used" chips! I am sure they cannot do that, but just to be safe I asked for another basket of chips. Salsa is good there too, chips weren't warm so that was a little disappointing. Portions are generous, my combo plate was $8. Service was good, although I was disappointed that the server was not Mexican as I've always experienced there in the past. Call me what you will, but I love being waited on by native Mexicans because their service is more often than not, outstanding. Service is something that can make or break my dining experience and I love Mexican restaurants that employ natives because I almost always get excellent service at them. Til next time, Armando's!
(4)Jan D.
Mediocre,at best. I had a Groupon so my husband and I decided to try Armando's one Tuesday evening. I'll make this short and not so sweet. Don't waste your time. The chips were blah and the salsa wasn't as good as stuff I've had from a jar. My chicken quesadillas were barely edible. The tortilla was tasteless and dry, as was the chicken. One of my favorite parts of a Mexican dinner is the rice and re-fried beans. I always eat pretty much all of that. Suffice it to say that I left 90% of it at Armando's. My hubby eats pretty much anything with no complaints, but he simply said his tacos were "all right." He didn't think he'd want to go back. The waitress was nice, but not overly. When we arrived, there was no one to greet us. A waitress did let us know she knew we were there. Someone did seat us shortly after that. The place was kind of dreary-feeling, not what you think of in a festive Mexican restaurant. I felt like it and it's staff are just plain worn out and don't care. anymore. When restaurants start getting complacent, it's time to hang up the apron. I don't enjoy giving negative reviews, but I think it's only fair to warn other unsuspecting patrons. Thank goodness for the Groupon. I wouldn't have been happy to have paid more than the $10 for that. Actually, I think $10 was too much. Needless to say, we won't be back. I think this place is a good candidate for "Kitchen Nightmares." Will someone please call Gordon Ramsey?
(2)Kate H.
Armando's was the first place I ventured to in Mexicantown that was outside of the Xochi's, Lupitas, Galanes area, so I was very excited thinking I was going to get something extra special. Well, not so much. It definitely seems to have more to offer than most of the other, more tourist-y places (I'm talking to you Xochi's), better atmosphere but similar prices. My tacos were of the deep fried, fall-apart-when-you-bite-them variety, but the queso flameado was pretty tasty, if melted cheese, chorizo and peppers are your thing. The chips and salsa were acceptably tasty and the beans and rice were nothing special. I've also had the bean and cheese enchiladas, which were quite tasty and, of course, covered in gobs and gobs of gooey delicious cheese. Filled tortillas, deep fried and/or covered in cheese? You betcha! Complimentary, tasty chips and salsa. Yep! If those are your criteria, and you want to venture safely off the beaten path of the two block radius that most people consider Mexican Town, then Armando's will suit you just fine! However, I should tell you that I have since been to many places outside of Mexican Town proper and there are many places where you can get far tastier and less expensive eats!
(3)Michael G.
Living 25 minutes from Armando's, and several Mexican chains much closer, I go to Armando's every time.. I do not waste my time or money at any chain. If you want the best Mexican food, go to Mexican Town. My favorite is, hands down, the chicken enchiladas. Good flavor and TONS of nice melted cheese. Friendly staff and quick carryout counter. I'll drive out of my way for their food every time!
(5)Claire A.
Getting into Armando's with no wait on Cinco de Mayo = priceless. Granted there was a huge line out of the door when we were leaving, at around 5:30, but I don't think we would've had the same no hassle experience at Xochi's or Mexican Village on May 5. I love Armando's because of its kind of underdog status, it's in Mexicantown but not IN Mexicantown, still totally authentic but when you tell people you're going to Armando's more often than not they respond with blank stares. I feel like I have a 10-pound brick in my stomach at the moment, but hey, it's Mexican food. The chicken enchilada's are seriously good, except for, y'know, the 10-pound brick feeling. They also took the extra step today to serve red and green colored corn chips for the holiday - cute touch.
(4)Debbie Z.
I must've picked a horrible day to go to Armando's Mexican Restaurant. It was quite crowded and very loud. Me and one of my friends were seated next to 2 ladies and an enormous amount of children! They had absolutely no control over the kids, the kids were basically bouncing off the walls. The waitstaff had absolutely no control over them. I asked my waiter to talk to the Manager. When the manager came over I asked if we could be seated elsewhere. The ladies with all the children started mouthing off to me saying they had a right to be there and I just looked at them. Well, finally we were moved elsewhere and I understand that the 2 ladies with the enormous amount of children were asked to leave the establishment due to disruly behavior from the children! OMG -- it was horrible, it was like these 2 ladies (I say ladies for lack of a better word that I can use) wanted to literally fight with me, just for asking to be relocated! When we got our food, it ws okay - nothing to write home about. Since there is a large selection of Mexican Restaurants in this area I am sure I will visit another place instead of Armando's. Sorry - just think the restaurant should have had more control.
(2)Flor J.
It was a very horrible experience! The waitress was very rude. She asked what we wanted to drink and asked for water. She gave us a smirk after asking if water was all we were drinking. We asked for soup and she recommended the black bean soup. We got the black bean soup and it was just a cup of boiled black beans!! Aftering eating it a strong stomach ache followed. A friend of ours didn't want beans in the burrito and she questioned his decision....what does it matter?!? The customer is always right!
(1)Brian M.
I must say, considering I do not go out for Mexican very often, and I am very picky when I do, I really enjoyed Armando's. One of my coworkers said he was a fan, and considering it had been quite some time since I last went for Mexican, my mother and I decided to try it for Cinco de Mayo. The salsa and chips were some of the best I've had in some time, and the hotter salsa had quite a kick to it (and if you've read any of my reviews, spice is a good thing in my book)! I had the taco dinner, and it was immaculate. To top it off, the cheese they used had a bit of spice to it, as well. I will say this, though, I was not feeling the ambiance in the upstairs seating area. Then again, considering I visited on Cinco de Mayo, I'm sure we were seated there because they were expecting quite a crowd. I also would have rather been served my beverage in a real glass, but then too, I do not expect a restaurant to order additional tableware for one day out of the year.
(4)Stephen B.
I'm a big fan of fresh, quick, delicious food. I'd heard about this place over a decade ago... maybe I visited back then, can't recall. I'm now living within 5 miles and it has been a favorite destination with friends when hitting up Mexicantown. As one that likes to sample a variety of places I may have to get busy finding other spots to drop in on. Armando's is friendly and great, hard to make that choice to look around!
(5)Sara A.
In an ethnic enclave filled to the brim with restaurants its hard to know what joint to dine in when visiting Mexicantown. Located in west Detroit, Armando's is one of the many great places to grab some authentic Mexican fare for lunch or a late night dinner. Finding its home on Vernor, this darling Mexican joint offers huge portions for small prices. the menu is loaded with traditional fare from botanas to tacos to enchiladas. The food is always fresh and the service consistently good. I recommend the enchiladas, the sauce has a sweet and zesty tomato taste to it. The homemade salsas are a crock pot of flavors, and the margaritas are beyond tasty. I've heard that their mojitos are pretty rad, but me and mojitos have had a very trying relationship, so I don't tread down that road. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming. With traditional Mexican music playing while you dine with the locals who are chit- chatting in Spanish. I like eating at Armando's because it's always a low key dining experience. So, when you're in Mexicantown and having trouble choosing one of the many great restaurants that line the streets, check out Armando's.
(4)Susan R.
The food is mediocre. The chili was all grease
(1)Miike G.
Get the nachos they will NOT disappoint. In a very "interesting" area of Mexican town.
(4)Ramona R.
The only good thing about this restaurant is a Chicken Torta when you're hungry late at night. Otherwise, I think that they are a bit heavy handed on the cheese on pretty much any item that calls for cheese. And who puts a taco in a hard shell? This offensive taco was placed on the combo platter . . . right next to a thing that was attempting to pass for an enchilada. I make enchiladas at home and they are spicy and NOT smothered in Americanized cheese goo. The only other passable item is the Tampiquena and the Jalapeno poppers (yes I know poppers aren't Mexican but they're just so good . . .. darn tootin'). All in all this is definite corporatized Mexican assimilated cheese sauce.
(2)Ernie H.
This was probably our 3rd. or 4th time to Armando's. I had my favorite Mexican meal, Vegetarian Fajita. I have to admit, this was probably the BEST Vegetarian Fajita that I ever had.
(5)Lisa M.
"Meh" would be the best word to describe my experience. I was having a "date night" with one of my good friends and she suggested trying this place. We started with a 1/2 liter of the peach margaritas, which were tasty, but I think the liquor was lacking. I had the chicken enchiladas, which were a little bland. With so many other choices for Mexican food in southwest Detroit, I'd definitely pick another one over this.
(2)Lauren M.
I went to Armando's on Friday night around 6:30 - 7:00 pm/ Service was quick and courteous, and the food was phenomenal. This place is away from Xochi's and Mexicantown Restaurant, but by far much better. Security guard in the parking lot as well, and the place was clean and bright.
(4)Naim F.
Armando's is a very good Mexican restaurant that's only major flaw is that it is surrounded by great Mexican restaurants. That said, there are still some reasons to hit this spot. For example, perhaps you're at the Mexicantown Bakery just next door (which is owned by the same family as this restaurant) and the need for a Negro Modelo and tamales strikes you. Well sure you could go to Taqueria Lupitas (which is excellent and probably my favorite Mexican restaurant) but Armando's is right there, and the food and service are still pretty damn good. The inside is reminiscent of pretty much any Mexican restaurant I've been to, though probably less cheesy than most. Colorful and bright interior with flat screens playing soccer. That sounds about right. The food is quite good in general and I've never really had anything that was disappointing. The salsa is probably the weakest item, with both the mild and hot being somewhat watery. While the hot has a nice flavor it doesn't have much heat. They were quite generous with it though. As for main courses the tacos (authentic with cilantro and onion) are quite good, as is Carne Guisada (Beef Stew). I also really like the pork that you can get in some of the dishes there. It's flavored very nicely. The prices are very reasonable (that's one thing I love about Mexicantown) if you get a beer or some of their great sangria you can get out the door for about $12-15 at dinner time. My friend swears by their lunch buffet, which is extremely cheap (I believe he said $6). I haven't been there for lunch myself (yet) but I can say judging from their dinners that it's probably just as good.
(4)Carlos G.
My dad used to bring me here when we went to Tigers games back in the day. Just moved to the area, and decided to come here. Walked in, and we were greeted promptly. Upon server arrival to the table, you receive the usual salsa & chips. The salsa was great as we got a refill of that. Ordered the steak/chicken fajitas for 2. The steak was cooked perfect and very tender. The chicken was very moist. Definitely some of the best restaurant fajitas, i've had in a long time. The service was great, my drink was never empty. Prices are very affordable. I'll definitely be back again!!
(4)Dil F.
I've read the 12 stellar reviews that precede mine, so I feel a little hesitant already to defend my two star not-very-impressed-rating. I'll preface by making it very clear to all fans and potential first-timers alike, my experience was SOLELY based on a one-time take-out order. There I said it. But whatever. I won't be able to comment on some of the inner workings of this cult favorite, but I still paid for a meal nonetheless and here's what I thought. Have generally been curious about it because 1) it's the restaurant nearest where I live 2) It's iconic front-sign is unfathomably inexplicable 3) I've been hearing SOME people say some good things about it 4) There are often people walking in I've avoided it mostly because of the sign which just seemed too silly and over-the-top to take seriously, and also because I've already built up a repertoire of excellent taqurias and restaurants. But, one evening walking back from Café Con Leche and feeling suddenly inspired by hunger pains to give Armando's a try. Upon entering, you're greeted to some free salsa and chips AS YOU APPROACH the take-out counter. Ok, it was surprising and titillating, and I thought I'd wait 'til after I ordered. I gave the menu a once-over and, to my eye and in comparison to the half dozen other restaurants i frequent, the prices seemed a tad higher than I anticipated. Ok, not a big deal, but noticeable. I went with the camarones rancheros (as I noted in one of my other posts, camarones rancheros is a good "tester" dish because nearly EVERY restaurant in SW carries it on the menu, so it's a good point of comparison). The service, even though it was just take-out, was really great, i must say. I sat beside the free chips for a few minutes, and watched the cashier handle a few dudes who were looking to chow down on some free nachos on a night when they looked to have no money and probably nowhere to go. Basically, the cashier helped the duo load up a very small plate and ushered them out with no fuss, which was also aces in my book. After a 10 minute wait, I started munching on the chips and salsa. Tasty, but nothing fancy. At 15 minutes, my order was ready. I walked it home, 5 minutes away, placed it on the table and popped it open, still steamy and smelling good. As soon as I started eating however, I knew i probably wouldn't be back. The ranchero sauce tasted like nothing more than boiled onions plopped into a jar of canned tomatoes and splashed on the shrimp. The shrimp themselves were not that flavorful. Rice was bland. Beans were not bad, but I wouldn't say anything more than that. Is it possible that having food served in a styrofoam take-out box distorts the flavor? maybe, but i doubt it. Does a 5 minute walk home in the winter frost chill the food beyond repair... MAYBE, but like i said, it was still steamy. I don't know. Everyone else seems to really like this place. MAYBE someday I'll try a real dining experience there... but my one time take-out was NOT impressive. Other than the great service, I have nothing really to recommend. I'll report back if and when I re-visit.
(2)Drea K.
I liked this one better than Xochimilco. The chips tasted better, and the atmosphere was nice with the artwork on the walls. This is a place I could definitely go back to. Though I still have yet to find a mexican place here that compares to places in Cali.
(3)A B.
I loved being there and experiencing Mexicantown. The waitress was fantastic. We ordered the buffet and the food was either boring, dry or tough. Perhaps if we had ordered from the menu it would have been better.
(2)Francina G.
Best place for fajitas in Mexican Town!
(4)Eric C.
Great Tamales that come with an excellent chili and chunky beef burritos are fantastic. My favorite in SW Detroit.
(4)Brandon B.
My sons and I absolutely love Armando's. We always eat here and we just can't seem to get enough. We especially love dining here in the daytime then going next door to the bakery and getting sweets for the ride home.
(4)Niquesha S.
Unlike my cool friend Terry K. I LOVED this place... My decision could be biased, because I was also elated by my baby sis surprising me by being in town ( I haven't seen her since my New York Yelp's). Anywho the staff was extremely nice, my waitress Jasmine was not only adorable, but one of the best waitresses I've had in awhile. The food verdict: DELICIOSO!!! My pics speak for themselves... True it's "American Mexican" but still pretty good.
(4)Laughs W.
This used to be my go-to Mexican food place in Detroit until 10 minutes ago. Now I will never go there or to any other businesses I know are owned by their family, such as Mexicantown Bakery. I live around the corner. I would go to Armando's at least once a week, and sometimes more. If anyone with whom I was dining wanted to have Mexican, I steered us there. I have a small B&B, so they were always whom I recommended. I manage a 20 unit apartment building, so they were whom I recommended. Dates, neighborhood meetings, study groups - I took them all there. The food is not amazing, but it's consistent and the atmosphere doesn't completely suck, nor have I ever personally seen things there that freak me out (unlike their other business, Mexicantown Bakery, where every package of chips I picked up one day had a hole eaten through by a mouse.) Yet, in spite of this frequency, tonight I showed up to pick some food up and a woman I'd never seen before was running the register - in spite of never having seen her before, she was apparently a manager. I presented my DEBIT card, and she asked for ID. I've never been asked for ID here, in any instance - not when ordering drinks, not when paying with credit cards, not ever. NOT. EVER. Nor did anyone tell me over the phone that I'd need to bring ID if I was using anything other than cash. Normally, debit cards are treated differently because they require a PIN, in any case. But, no. Either they've done a very poor job of training everyone but her about the rule, thus setting up exactly this kind of bad interaction by enforcing an expectation, or she just decided to interact in such a way that alienated me and everyone associated with me who would not have otherwise chosen Armando's over the many other options in the area. The thing about places that become staples is that they no longer have to worry about service. Losing my business is not going to wound them. Not even losing the cascade of referrals is going to probably make a dent. But I will never go there again. Because, after all, if my repeated patronage didn't earn at least vague recognition and value as a customer, then there are literally 50 Mexican restaurants in a 2-mile radius who might appreciate me more. Bad service experiences are a primary trigger for me, because there is absolutely no point in eating out anywhere if the service is not consistently rewarding - no one goes only for the food, but for the experience. People who do not understand that do not warrant being in this business. For the $8 "risk" she might have taken, her choice was arrogant in its assumptions that she didn't need to positively manage customer experience.
(1)Jeremy-County R.
I was so excited to try this "real Mexican food" that my friends were just oh so bragging about. Ordered me some Taco Salad. Where is the flavor? Plain, no real taste. Who knows, maybe the cook screwed up. I'm not sure. Would I eat here again if someone is paying for it? Sure. I'm fat. Who am I to deny a free meal. But would I spend my own money here? No way Jose.
(1)Karen W.
My former work colleagues love this place to the point where at least twice a week there was carry out in the office for lunch. I decided to get carry out for a staff meeting and I was highly disappointed. All of the food was rather bland and soggy. They did not get our order correct so my vegetarian and lactose intolerant employees were unable to eat. Flash forward a few months and we end up here for a work going away party. I figured since we were dining in this time it would be much better....nope! All I can say is yuck. I guess the common theme here is bland boring Mexican wannabe food. Where's the spice? Where's the flavor? Where's my non soggy tortillas? Apparently somewhere else in Mexicantown.
(1)Marty F.
I've been eating here for over a decade. It's pretty consistent. The carne asada fajita is great. The chicken tacos are good. The Al pastor is good. The buffalo wings are good. The salsas and guacamole are good. The Cuban sandwich was not so good.
(4)Krysten J.
Ordered a Cuban sandwich which looked tasty, then I saw a mouse run through the dining room where we were eating.... Didn't eat the sandwich... I commented on their Facebook page about the mouse and they deleted it
(1)Rebecca R.
I love this restaurant! I've never had a bad experience. The food is always great! The service is always great! The drinks are strong and the portions are generous. I don't feel either way about the atmosphere. It seems pretty typical of a Mexican restaurant. It never looks dirty in there except the bathroom was messy tonight but it was super busy.
(5)Andrew B.
Several good things about Armandos and several bad things. The bad first: their website does not support iPad and therefore there is no way to view the menu online. They no longer serve the Sunday Brunch Buffet and were very rude Sunday when I asked about it. Kinda snotty. The good: the weekday buffet is a delight and delicious. The food is well seasoned and freshly prepared. Generally the servers are attentive and friendly during the weekdays. Four stars for weekday staff, two for weekend staff, and three overall.
(3)Alex C.
Armando's is in the heart of Mexican town South West Detroit. The food and atmosphere at this restaurant is average. I ate the chicken enchiladas, nothing special. If your in the mood for Mexican food this place will hit the spot but nothing special.
(3)Kamil K.
My wife and I come here once a month. The wait staff is great the food is good overall it's a pretty good Mexican restaurant.
(4)Debra H.
Found this place on a whim and decided to stop in for lunch. Was greatly pleased with the service, portion sizes, drinks, and food. Carne asada was to die for!! The quac was really good, and I usually don't like that stuff. Would recommend this place when ever you are in the mood for delicious Mexican.
(4)Victoria B.
Haven't been here in a few years, Was here last night and it was horrible . The guacamole had lettuce & carrots! The rice was dry and bland. The beans had NO flavor. One of my family members got so sick was in bathroom all night! Don't waste your money, go down the road to El Rancho much better.
(1)Lynn S.
I've always been a fan of Armandos. Service is always great. The food is always plentiful and flavorful. I especially love the Southwest Detroit neighborhood it's in. I've been to several Mexican restaurants in the area over the years. Armandos has always been consistent. Drinks are strong and their outdoor patio makes a great setting for a nice spring day in southwest Detroit. Everyone comes here
(3)Amy R.
This is one of my favorite places in Mexicantown. They always have great service and delicious food and drinks. Mango margaritas are awesome, especially frozen. I usually get flaming cheese for an appetizer, followed by either chicken enchiladas or the super burger nachos. The super burger nachos are so big that I order the small size and always have enough to take home for lunch the next day. Everything tastes very fresh and flavorful. I have gone there for a lot of birthdays with big groups and they are always accomodating. Plus, Mexicantown Bakery is right next door so you can always head over there for dessert afterwards!
(4)Drew A.
$6.29 NOT-fried ice cream. Haven't tried the food, so I can't judge that. We came just to have fried ice cream. It was 6.29 and it wasn't fried, it was just rolled in cornflakes and doused in whip cream in a fancy cup.
(1)Yolanda S.
My new taco spot. You had me at peach margaritas. The tacos were awesome. I live in Mexicantown and the Mexican food fare is in abundance, so the choices can be overwhelming. I had heard negative remarks concerning Armandos, but what does that have to do with me? I had to try it myself, and was pleasantly surprised. I do not want a taco bell taco, but sometimes I want a single taco with ground beef and this was the taco of the week, with a crispy fried shell, wonderful beef filling and of course the peach margaritas that highlight the cilantro that l like live to squeeze on my dinners. Two more visits will tell If the story is real but for tacos and margaritas together I got a great meal!
(4)Sara B.
I was so excited to try a new place in Detroit as I've had some great Mexican food down there, but this place..... was not very good. My friends had commented that they thought it was tasty and seemed to enjoy their meals, but honestly I'd almost say that Taco Bell is better. I got the chicken taco dinner which had 3 tacos and a side of rice and beans. I ordered the corn tortillas and all the fixings on them. The refried beans were flavorless as was the slightly undercooked rice. They deep fried the taco shell, which turned them into a greasy tasteless mess. The chicken in my taco was reminiscent of cat food in texture, and I'm assuming taste. The toppings tasted old and bland. My friend ordered Menudo, which is an intestine and pork fat soup. Closes your arteries, but he said it was pretty good. The chips were standard, and the salsa was alright, but IMO way too heavy on the oregano. With so many places very close that are cheaper and have better food, frankly, I'm amazed this place has stayed open.
(2)Eileen A.
This place was awful! I can honestly say the worst Mexican food I've ever had in my life! The salsa wasn't home made. It was a can of tomatoes with seasoning. I ordered fajitas. The meat had no flavor and was smothered with cheese. No not blanco cheese but the stuff you have sitting in your fridge. It came with corn tortilia that were all stuck together cause they put the in the microwave. Who does that? Oh yeah Armando's. What a horrible place to eat Mexican food. It was packed but they don't know these people are feeding them crap!
(1)Keisha M.
My favorite Mexican restaurant. Been going down there since I was younger, corn tacos are the bet!
(5)Terry K.
You're pretty much guaranteed mediocre service from this staple of Mexicantown. Unmotivated, complacent staff bordering on negligent unless they're attempting to upsell you. The food is slightly superior than your average cheap Mexican coney but not by much. Lukewarm Carona's didn't inspire confidence neither did the wait despite the spot being only half full. Server didn't check on us much and was seemingly overwhelmed despite only having 3-4 tables, tops. The fajitas for two with chicken and steak were on point. The steak had the prerequisite slabs of fat dicing through most of the meat but it was grilled so well that it was forgivable. Hard to complain at this price point. Chips average, salsa delicious. I'd wait 30 mins at Mexican Village with pleasure before going back here.
(2)Ceaser D.
Yuck. Terrible mexican salsa taste store bought tacos were cold and enchiladas were bland. Margaritas tasted straight out of a bottle and not in a good way....like that Jose Cuervo margarita mix you can get from Walmart. Much better options for Mexican than here.
(1)Ryan M.
Definitely did not live up to the hype. Went during a slower time. Chips weren't that great and the salsa really not very good. The chunky beef burritos were decent but on par with most other places. While the beans and rice were definitely not very good. My daughter got the chili and it was ridiculously salty and not good at all. Pretty disappointed really but some of that is the way Detroiters hype this place up.
(2)Casey B.
You know you love a restaurant when you drive 80+ plus just for tacos. Detroit is filled with so many restaurants, so many different cuisines but I can't stop going to Armando's. The atmosphere is very laid back. The wait staff very friendly. On the weekends they are open till 3 or 4am. Durning the week they have a lunch buffet which has everything on it. There is also an area for take out. Even though this is a Mexican restaurant, the black beans are amazing. Oh cant forget on Sundays is $3.00 margaritas.
(5)Katie D.
The best thing about Armando's is that it's open till 2am! (4am Friday and Saturday). The food is good but not spectacular, the drinks are the same, and everything is decently priced. The wait staff were very friendly, and they had the Tiger's game on where we sat. The parking lot is private and seems safe, considering the area. It's a good standbye, especially when you're hungry after a late show or game and want cheap, tasty food.
(4)Amanda L.
I really enjoy the food and atmosphere here, its seemingly pretty authentic ? (Im Ron Burgundy? Lol) I havent gotten too adventurous but have a few familiar dishes that were familiar to me, enchilada's, chimichangas, burritos, all very yummy and filling dishes. My personal favorites are the Seafood chimichangas, and Baja Seafood Tacos is on my "tp-do" list, oh and that fried ice cream Service is alright. The manager is great but have yet to have a really great server. However, the food comes out quick so I dont fuss about the servers being slackers, they just get a 15- 18% tip on tje total bill rather than 25% ;)
(4)Mike T.
I was really hoping this place was a closet four star place, but alas I think the three star rating is being generous. The sangria was a disappointment, low in the alcohol, high on the bottled OJ. The chicken for the fajita tasted dry and seemed to have been reheated on a griddle rather than being freshly cooked. The rice appeared to either be of the instant variety or was yesterday's rice. No oral pleasures here, only disappointments. The only saving grace of this place...I discovered a great Mexican bakery across the street.
(2)Mylo R.
I went here last night (5/18/24) worst place ever. The staff was horrible, the food even worst and im sick from eating there. I had the Seafood chimichangas and gross. The food is out of the can, and the chips were hard and not fresh. We left a $3 tip and now im pissed we shouldn't have left anything. Never again.
(1)Christina D.
The food was pretty good. Four stars for the chicken enchiladas. But the service was meh. The waitress rolled her eyes as I asked for hot water. Ma'am, I am the customer, you are the waitress. You take orders and deliver. If not, keep the attitude once you turn the corner to retrieve thy hot water. She slams the plate of enchiladas and tacos my family ordered. Uhm the food is great but your service sucked. That is all.
(2)Roy W.
The food and service has gone down hill over the last few years. Did the old chef quit or die? All I get anymore seems to be reheated or stream table bland food only moderately improved with the moisture of dousing in salsa or hot sauce. Have received better food from the super market about 6 Blocks west on Vernor on the South Side of the street. The ladies who work here are nice to look at... But once they open their mouths, it's all mush brain yammering while your food gets cold waiting to be boxed and bagged up.
(2)Kiyomi C.
I would have given them 0 stars but that was not an option. Food gross was not hot, the place look gross they need updates, it was not appealing at all just like the food. I'm never going back
(1)Samir N.
"Meh. I've experienced better." That is about right. I am not going to tell you that because I am Texan, I know Mexican food better than their obviously Latin American staff. What I will say that this place is in line with experiences that I have had in my travels in Mexico - there are places that are amazing and places that cut corners. Montezuema's revenge is a real thing in Mexico, and fortunately you do not have to worry about getting that from this place. If you have to eat here, go with reliable standbys (fajitas, enchiladas, etc.). I went adventurous with the menudo and ended up leaving that more or less untouched. I do not know if they did not take the pains to properly prepare the tripe or if it was poor quality to begin with, but the soup gave off an off-putting smell. The guacamole was common sub-standard guac and relied too heavily on the cream. The nopalitos (cactus scrambled with eggs) breakfast dish was much more passable and that was the only thing I completely finished. The spicy salsa was also really good and had a really healthy kick. It does look like they have a cool patio area, for when it is warmer. When I was in the dining area, I did not see a single Hispanic person dining there. I am just saying. . . . Save some money and feast like el rey at Taqueria Lupita's and/or La Gloria, instead.
(2)Daron D.
Cinco De Mayo baby. Came here as part of a fun filled day for cinco de mayo. Although the wait was over an hour long, we got to enjoy ourselves where they were have a patio party with $6 margaritas ( pretty good and strong, but there are better and stronger ones in the Mexicantown area) and a DJ. After finally getting seated, the first thing they gave you is chips (bottomless) and Salsa ( the hot salsa here is super good, probably best in area). For my meal I had hard shell chicken tacos (good), flour steak tacos (OK, nothing great) and chicken chimichanga (pretty good, could of been better though). As far as food goes, this is really a 3 star place, but the drinks and the overall experience bumps it up in my book.
(4)Neil Y.
I go to Armando's for one thing and one thing only: the lunch buffet. Still to this day after dozens of visits, I have never ordered from the menu nor have I actually seen the menu. I'm guessing they have Mexican food. The buffet is simple: botanas, tacos, cheese enchiladas, beef burritos, slow-cooked beef in gravy, rice, beans, tortillas, and a mini salad bar. It's a too-the-point, no-nonsense, DYI buffet. It's not bad and quite reasonable at $7.95. You'll leave stuffed, swear that you'll never do that again and be back next month. The servers are all pretty nice so please be nice in return as most people order the buffet and the girls are basically plate clearers and chip getters. Don't forget to tip them you cheap bastard! The slow-cook beef in the stew gravy is great over rice. It is also in the beef burrito. Beyond fork-tender and it kind of melts. If you just ate that, it is worth the money. Parking is tight on Vernor but Armandos has a big lot in the rear.
(3)Alex K.
Dad brought some home on his way back from the airport. He claims I was here when I was little, but I don't really remember it at all, after looking at the pictures. He got ground beef enchiladas and shredded beef tamales. Basically... I'm shocked so many people enjoy this place as much as they do. It isn't bad, but have you actually looked at the food? There are some mystery meat chunks in the ground beef mince, and it doesn't make my stomach happy to see. White tubes that look like part of the cow's heart? The hell IS that? It didn't have a bad taste, but I didn't care for the texture, and I certainly didn't care for how it looked. Bleh. It really just reminds me of Taco Bell... but Armando's isn't as good at hiding the fact that they don't use quality ground beef. Is it edible? Sure. But if I'm in Detroit, I'm going to go somewhere else for Mexican food. To me, Armando's is definitely the worst of the Mexican food that I've had in Detroit.
(2)Deb M.
I probably should have reviewed this shortly after I dined there - it's been a couple of weeks and the food was very forgettable.... We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday - it was really slow, but it was lunch time so that didn't concern me too much. Being that it was slow, we should have had decent service, but instead we had to ask for refills, for more salsa, etc. We went with the fajitas for 2 - now I know that's not exactly authentic, but I had my doubts as to the quality and authenticity of the food about 2 minutes after I walked in the door. The fajitas were the weirdest ever - I swear there was absolutely no seasoning on them. I mean zero. I had to ask for some lime slices to squeeze over them just for a droplet of flavor. We had the asada, chicken and shrimp combo...none of the meats had flavor. The beans and rice were nothing special. I noticed they had a buffet - not one person went to it while we were there. I shutter to think of what was on it......
(2)Steve T.
Armando's....what happened to you? I've been going there for twenty years and always thought it was better than the other more well known restaurants on Bagley. Over the past couple of years, I've noticed it starting to go down, dirty bathrooms, menus that are all greasy, etc but the food has remained fairly good. Two weeks we went and after waiting 15 minutes for someone to approach our table, finally ordered. I ordered the cheese chimichangas as I've done for 20 years and it's one of the few places where you can get them in cheese only. They brought the guacamole which was mostly brown (very strange) so we didn't eat most of that. They then brought the entrees. They brought me chicken enchiladas by mistake so I sent it back. They returned ten minutes later with chicken chimichangas instead of cheese so I sent that back as well. An additional twenty minutes later they finally brought the correct entree. Forty minutes to get food in a Mexican restaurant that is mostly empty? I called for the manager who recognized me as a regular for so many years. In the meantime the waiter comes over and starts screaming at me insisting that I ordered the other dishes and I was trying to "scam" the restaurant. Huh? We paid for our drinks and walked out of that place and will never return. Back to Mexican Village for us.
(1)Michael C.
Was expecting a lot coming here, I'd heard from a friend that Armando's serves some excellent mexican food. They started us off with some chips and salsa. Great chips here! They had a nice consistency and a solid crunch to them. Heeding the advice of my friend, I ordered the chicken enchiladas. Well made and covered with cheese. They were decently flavorful and came with rice and beans. Overall decent experience, although the decor definitely feels less than authentic.
(3)Stephanie M.
My hubby and I moved closer to the city and promised ourselves to be more adventurous. Thank goodness we did. The lunch buffet is amazing. The food was delicious, with a nice variety of choices. I was most impressed with the staff, Esmeralda was fantastic. I am allergic to gluten and she knew exactly what I could eat. Not many places know let alone have such a selection of fresh gluten free foods. The buffet was well stocked, spotless, and fresh thanks to the constant attention. We will definitely be back. Give Armando's a try you won't be sorry!
(5)Gregory S.
I'll give them an extra star, because they have a bar, but the service sucks, most of the time, and the food is bland. If you like tasty meals head elsewhere. Nothing they serve here is spectacular at all. You can get extremely better meals cheaper at the other joints around the area.
(2)JonNDebby P.
We came here for a business meeting in the private event space upstairs. The room was comfortable (except for the lack of air-conditioning on a warm, humid, rainy day) for a small group. Only one waiter was assigned to our party, which evidently was too few, as he never approached half of our table for drink orders. I settled for water, which, thankfully, was in a large pitcher on each table. Chips and salsa were also on each table before we arrived. The chips were regular, but the salsa was pretty spicy and seemed house-made. The buffet was fine but not outstanding. The shredded beef in the burrito was very moist and flavorful, probably slow-cooked. The quesadillas contained a good Mexican white cheese, but the tortillas became floppy after sitting in the serving tray. The taquitos were forgettable. I didn't try the nachos, because a bunch of refried beans were dumped on top. I don't understand nachos, anyway. The toppings always fall off the chips, and you get left with a bunch of naked chips. Boring. I drowned my plate with the delicious salsa to add flavor. Located in Mexicantown, the Latino restaurants around here have a lot of competition. I would probably try somewhere else next time.
(3)