Grosse Pointe Woods just got a serious upgrade in the taco department. Lola’s Taco Bar recently opened its doors at 20195 Mack Avenue, bringing Michelin-starred culinary expertise to the fast-casual dining scene. If you’re searching for authentic street tacos near Grosse Pointe Woods or wondering where to find the best Mexican food in metro Detroit, this new neighborhood spot deserves your attention.
A Michelin Star Comes Home
Branden McRill, a Grosse Pointe native who earned a Michelin star at his New York restaurant Rebelle, is bringing his world-class experience back to his hometown. McRill started his culinary journey at age 15 as a dishwasher at the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club and went on to work at some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants, including Alinea in Chicago and Jean-Georges in New York City.
After years of success in fine dining, he’s partnering with Chef Brandon Zarb, Mel Fuechtmann, and Niko Moschouris to create something special for the community where it all began.
What Makes Lola’s Different
The menu at Lola’s Taco Bar combines traditional Mexican street food with refined culinary techniques. Rotisserie chicken tacos and al pastor tacos, shaved fresh from a trompo, headline the offerings, all served on warm, freshly made tortillas. The team is using the existing rotisserie system from the former Boston Market space, turning it into a signature feature.
For those wanting more control over their meal, build-your-own bowls and burritos let you customize every bite. The restaurant caters to all dietary preferences with vegan and vegetarian taco options that don’t sacrifice flavor.
Chef Zarb emphasizes that they’re respecting traditional taco-making while applying culinary techniques to the freshest ingredients available. Scratch-made salsas, pickled vegetables, and house-made guacamole round out the menu, while the drink selection features fresh-squeezed lime juice cocktails, quality tequila, and margaritas priced for regular visits, not special occasions.
A Neighborhood Gathering Place
Lola’s operates on a counter service model but keeps the experience personal. No QR code menus here. Staff members are trained to interact with guests, answer questions, and make sure every visit feels welcoming. The interior, designed in collaboration with AvroKO and Tury Design, seats 50 people indoors, with plans to add outdoor patio seating for 24 guests when spring arrives. Support the heart of our community—see more neighborhood favorites featured here at Discover the Grosse Pointes.
McRill’s vision goes beyond serving great food. “Lola’s is meant to be a place you come back to again and again,” he explains. “Great tacos, affordable margaritas, warm hospitality—that’s what makes a neighborhood restaurant work.” The team has committed to being deeply involved in the local scene, partnering with neighbors and contributing to the community they call home.
Why Grosse Pointe Woods Locals Are Excited
With over 100 years of combined restaurant industry experience from Michelin-starred venues, the team behind Lola’s brings serious credentials to casual dining. This isn’t just another taco shop. It’s a homecoming story that blends professional expertise with genuine neighborhood spirit. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch spot, a place to bring the family, or somewhere to meet friends over margaritas, Lola’s aims to become the go-to destination for delicious tacos in Grosse Pointe Woods.
Visit Lola’s Taco Bar
Ready to try chef-driven tacos made with fresh ingredients and Michelin-level attention to detail? Head to 20195 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods. Lola’s is now open and welcoming guests. Find more information at Lola’s Taco Bar or follow them on Facebook for updates on hours, specials, and community events. Come hungry and see why everyone’s talking about this exciting new addition to the neighborhood dining scene.
Sources: lolastacobar.com, yelp.com, Lola’s Taco Bar Facebook Page, patch.com, lolastacobar.com, freep.com, heredetroitmi.com, wxyz.com, detroitpraisenetwork.com, fastcasual.com
Header Image Source: Lola’s Taco Bar Facebook Page
