Donkey Taqueria
1 / 10

Donkey Taqueria

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A hip Mexican eatery in a former service station, celebrated for its fresh tacos, vibrant margaritas, and unique dining spaces like heated igloos.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Donkey Taqueria

Donkey Taqueria

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hip Mexican eatery in a former service station, celebrated for its fresh tacos, vibrant margaritas, and unique dining spaces like heated igloos.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This happening Mexican joint offers a hip vibe and on-point food, making it a must-visit."

TIP

Reserve Igloos in Advance

Book your spot in the popular heated igloos ahead of time, especially for weekend dining.

Explore Taco Varieties

Don't miss highly recommended tacos like Carne Asada or the unique Bruselas (Brussels sprouts).

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Mexican

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(616) 259-9483

Address

665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Heated Igloos for Cozy Dining

Heated Igloos for Cozy Dining

Experience al fresco dining year-round in unique heated igloos. Reservations recommended!

Al fresco without freezing: Winter outdoor dining in Grand Rapids
Flavorful Tacos & Margaritas

Flavorful Tacos & Margaritas

Savor authentic Mexican street food with a wide variety of tacos and creative margaritas.

Where To Find The Best Margaritas In Grand Rapids & Beyond25 Must-Try Restaurants in Grand Rapids, Michigan10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Grand Rapids, Michigan+2
Trendy Setting with Cool Decor

Trendy Setting with Cool Decor

Dine in a lively former service station with a festive atmosphere and indoor/outdoor seating.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Reserve Igloos in Advance

Book your spot in the popular heated igloos ahead of time, especially for weekend dining.

Explore Taco Varieties

Don't miss highly recommended tacos like Carne Asada or the unique Bruselas (Brussels sprouts).

Weekday vs. Weekend Drinks

Opt for virgin drinks during the week or enjoy delicious margaritas on weekends.

Guacamole & Chips

Start your meal with the house-made guacamole and chips, perfect for sharing.

Tips

from all over the internet

Reserve Igloos in Advance

Book your spot in the popular heated igloos ahead of time, especially for weekend dining.

Explore Taco Varieties

Don't miss highly recommended tacos like Carne Asada or the unique Bruselas (Brussels sprouts).

Weekday vs. Weekend Drinks

Opt for virgin drinks during the week or enjoy delicious margaritas on weekends.

Guacamole & Chips

Start your meal with the house-made guacamole and chips, perfect for sharing.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Donkey Taqueria is a popular Mexican spot known for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious tacos, and creative margaritas. While many praise the fresh ingredients and lively ambiance, some diners have noted inconsistent service and occasional flavor imbalances in certain dishes.

"No complaints here. In fact, I've only got good to report after my first visit. The atmosphere has a hip, downtown vibe. The service was friendly, prompt, professional, and helpful. Between an appetizer and two taco options, I can confidently say the food is on point. Plenty of outdoor seating for the warm months is clutch as well."

John Douglas Realtor

"The place is really lively. We went on a Saturday night and had about a 20/30 min wait. We were seated inside, it's pretty close seating inside. The bar seems to be the main attraction. This place would be very good for singles trying to mingle. Its all plate or alicante food. The burrito i had was decent and the best thing was queso. Its very popular place but just not my scene."

Kymmie Loveless

"This is an extremely popular spot with great atmosphere, but I had a notably bad experience.

The service was subpar, mostly i think the waiter must have been having a bad day because he was lowkey rude and clippy the entire time. Asked for a recommendation on something and he was like “idk it’s fine”. I counted my money wrong and tipped him around 50% on accident which i only bring up cause if he he reads this, it was NOT because of you or your service which were horrible, but I guess I hope you appreciated the tip.

FOOD: it was bad. Our appetizer, the street corn style cheese dip was basically flavorless. It was BEGGING for salt and got nothing. We surmised that maybe the employee in charge of salting food must’ve been out sick. The chips were middling. We only got four tacos.

The potato taco? Mushy potato cubes, not salted, basically flavorless

The pork belly tacos? In desperate need of salt and sauce. The cubes pork belly itself was middling, like they were warmed rather than cooked to order.

The best taco was the brussels sprouts, weirdly, and that was because it actually had some sort of sauce on it.

The agua Fresca I drank was good, but it only served to remind me of all the incredible Mexican restaurants in Wyoming like 10-15 min away.

The atmosphere is good though. The prices are fine."

Elijah

What People Like

Lively atmosphere and cool decor
Flavorful tacos and margaritas
Fresh guacamole and chips

What People Dislike

Inconsistent or inattentive service
Some dishes lacking salt/flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are recommended, especially if you wish to dine in one of the popular heated igloos.

Al fresco without freezing: Winter outdoor dining in Grand Rapids

Many reviewers rave about the tacos, particularly Carne Asada and Bruselas, as well as the fresh guacamole and margaritas.

25 Must-Try Restaurants in Grand Rapids, Michigan10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Grand Rapids, MichiganGoogle Review+1

Yes, the restaurant has a spacious outdoor patio and offers heated igloos for year-round al fresco dining.

Al fresco without freezing: Winter outdoor dining in Grand RapidsGoogle Review

The restaurant has a lively, hip, and trendy atmosphere, making it a great spot for singles or groups.

Google Review+1

Yes, they offer virgin drinks, particularly during the work week, alongside their popular margaritas.

Guide to the Best Lunch Spots in Grand Rapids

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An authentic, wallet-friendly Mexican restaurant, Donkey Taqueria is housed in a converted 1920s service station on Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Street. Opened by restauranteur Paul Lee in 2013, Donkey grew out of Lee’s food truck business. Everything from the salsa verde to the guacamole is prepared on-site by chef Craig Svozil and his team.

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Setting: All In Hospitality says the outdoor spaces at its four restaurants including Donkey Taqueria will remain open for the entire winter. At Donkey Taqueria, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s entire menu from a heated “igloo.” Chris Funaro with All In Hospitality says each igloo will offer a “contact-free dining experience” and will be electro-sanitized in between reservations, which are $10 to book online. Traditional outdoor seating is also available.

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Donkey Taqueria – Located in the heart of the Wealthy St district, Donkey Taqueria is the one-stop shop for all of your Mexican favorites. Whether dining in or if you work around the Wealthy St. area this spot has something for everyone to enjoy. Choose from delicious street tacos, chips and dips, and salsas, and be sure to take advantage of their virgin drinks (during the work week) or if you are brunching on the weekend their delicious margaritas.

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This trendsetting eatery has carved out a niche for itself by reimagining the way we experience Mexican cuisine in Michigan. Donkey Taqueria’s creative staff blends the flavors of Mexico with an inventive modern twist, creating a fresh and unique dining experience that will leave you wanting more. Donkey Taqueria takes a fearless approach to combining ingredients that might seem unconventional but result in extraordinary dishes.

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Terra GR, The Winchester, Vivant Brewery + Spirits, Hancock, Donkey Taqueria and other eateries emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and casual dining, while Grove offers a more upscale culinary experience. Shops like Books & Mortar, Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry, Woosah Outfitters (art & apparel), Rebel (gifts), Mokaya (chocolates) and Gemini Handmade (fine leather) are great places to find gifs for your loved one.

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It's easy to see why Donkey Taqueria is number one on this list, they take Margaritas seriously. This authentic Mexican eatery is in a 1920's service station, which gives it a unique aesthetic while you sip your margarita in style. They're also one of the only ones on the list offering special flavors just for today's holiday, including Blood Orange, Lychee, and the unique Thai Basil and Black Pepper

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What locals say: “Donkey Taquería's outside space is fun and communal.” – Lauren Johnson. If Mexican fare like an assortment of tacos, homemade guacamole, and churros is what you’re after, check out Donkey Taquería. This Wealthy Street neighborhood hot spot is located in a former service station from the 1920s, allowing the restaurant to open its large garage-style doors once the weather warms up.

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Find some of the best tacos in Grand Rapids at Donkey Taqueria. Located in the center of Wealthy Street, visitors are in for a unique dining experience inspired by the bursting flavors of Mexican street food. Donkey Taqueria is dedicated to mastering the taco and surely won’t disappoint with its menu of authentic original recipes, eclectic dishes, unique cocktails, and the freshest of ingredients.

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Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Donkey Taqueria is a great spot for delicious tacos, margaritas, and other Mexican specialties. We highly recommend starting with the house made Salsa De Queso with chips—this is perfect to share with a date or friends!. The atmosphere is colorful and festive, and the outdoor patio is a great place to relax and enjoy the weather.

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You know what you are getting into when a restaurant has its own tequila menu. Donkey Taqueria provides an exceptional experience of Mexican street food, with taco as their number one speciality. Their handcrafted cocktails and a great selection of tapas-style portions also make the restaurant a great location for visiting with a group of friends and family.

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Donkey Taqueria is a vibrant spot in Grand Rapids, MI that serves up delicious tacos and Mexican cuisine. With a solid 4.5-star rating, customers rave about the authentic flavors and top-notch service. Located at 665 Wealthy St SE, our doors are open from 11AM to 10PM on Monday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Another great Mexican-street food-inspired restaurant, Donkey Taqueria has a great tasting menu with equally great tasting cocktails. Built from a former 1920’s service station, this restaurant is cute and trendy with a friendly atmosphere. It is important to note that Donkey Taqueria does not take reservations, structured as first come first serve.

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One of the best appetizers I've devoured in recent memory, the dish I declared delectably simple and subtly spicy blends chorizo, roasted poblano peppers, oregano and queso Chihuahua, and is baked golden, served with tortillas. The East Hills taqueria's tacos aren't to be scoffed at, either; they toe the line between authentic and nouveau-gourmet.

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Another no-reservations spot, and an upscale take on Mexican street food, Donkey Taqueria is the type of place where you can expect to find 10 different tacos, from charred carrot, to potatoes and poblano rajas, to braised lamb – all of which can be ordered a la carte. If you need a dose of health, you can order cauliflower on the side.

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Nestled right in the middle of all the action is Donkey Taqueria, which is considered to be one of the most lively Mexican joints in all of Grand Rapids. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is inviting. When the weather is warm, there is plenty of outside seating available to soak in the sun and vibrant community.

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If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, check out Donkey-Taqueria for some of the best igloo dining Grand Rapids offers plus delicious Mexican food. The Grand Rapids igloos hold a maximum of six people, and full food and drink menus are available. You can make a reservation on the restaurant’s website.

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A former service station serving up Mexican street food-inspired dishes. Donkey Taqueria has a large outdoor patio for sipping a cocktail on the warm days and the garage door flood the interior with light year-round. Their taco menu is awesome but I recommend ordering at least on the order of flautas.

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Paul Lee of The Winchester bought a much-neglected 1920’s service station and has converted it in to Donkey Taqueria, on Grand Rapids’s trendy Wealthy Street area. This little gem is often busy (it’s still new and novel), but it is absolutely worth the wait for a table.

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A go-to restaurant in East Grand Rapids for our friend group has always been Donkey Taqueria!. This restaurant has a concept of Mexican street food, with the cutest cocktails!. Our favorite flavored margarita is the prickly pear – that can come in a glass or pitcher!.

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665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503Phone: 616-259-9483 Visit Website. A post shared by Donkey Taqueria (@donkeytaqueria). In between the south and east hills neighborhoods of Grand Rapids, you can find Donkey Taqueria.

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Donkey Taqueria doesn’t claim its food is authentic, but it’s delicious all the same. The tacos, tostadas, tortas, and botanas they serve are exactly what you’d expect from a taco joint on Wealthy Street.

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