Taqueria El Chaparrito — Restaurant in Delta Charter Township

Update - 6/28/2023

We hadn't been in a while + my husband went out for lunch with friends on Monday + told me about the renovations + updated menu.

Brought my sister — fresh just off a flight from the East Coast — who's only eaten here once before at the former Old Town location years ago.

I was impressed with changes in decor, which gives it a completely different vibe! The booths have been replaced with cute artisan-crafted wooden chairs + tables. This open concept design makes much better use of the space + Colorful umbrellas dangle from the ceiling. They've added a bar + are now serving beer + cocktails!

I typically order the Birria Tacos cos they're incredible. But I switch it up to sample the newer items on the menu + got an Empanada with Ground Beef + a Quesa Taco with Al Pastor.

Their empanadas were unique from those I've previously had — a fried but airy corn tortilla shell stuffed with meat + cheese vs a filled "pocket pastry." Unexpected but still delicious!

The Quesa Taco is my new favorite! 😋 The pork was tender + flavorful. I only wish there was more pineapple in mine ...which makes me wonder if I need to specifically request more pineapple cos this was also the case when I recently ordered Al Pastor from another restaurant.

My sister loved her Tostada + 2 tacos (not pictured) and definitely wants to come back before she leaves!

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Original Review — former Old Town location:

Three different friends recommended this place, but I was skeptical until one of them recently came over with a generous serving of the house made tortilla chips + guacamole. The chips were crisp + held up under the weight of the super yummy guac, which was sprinkled with what appeared to be cotija!

I had been lamenting the mediocre Mexican food around town because it's the same 5 ingredients made 50 ways + I know it is not representative of the vibrant and diverse food culture of Mexico.

So I was hopeful after sampling the chips + guac. Thankfully, the full meal didn't disappoint! I ordered the 3 taco platter (2 with Steak, which is finely chopped not chunked, 1 with Carnitas) with rice + beans. Everything was well-cooked + well-seasoned.

As a lover of all things spicy, my favorite thing is the restaurant's "salsa bar," which offers an array of freshly-blended pepper sauces, chunky salsas, ranging from mild to spicy. I could put the pickled onions with habaneros + the creamy jalapeno sauce on everything!

We ordered takeout, but the staff...

For the first time trying Mexican food in Lansing, I'm disappointed. I've had Mexican food in Grand Rapids and other places and never have I been disappointed until now. First of all, when we had ordered our food the couple behind my friend were clearly upset about something. After further paying attention they were complaining about the price of something to which the owner came out with the menu and receipt. The whole scene was upsetting and uncomfortable to see and hear. When we got our drinks I had ordered a michelada that had shrimp on top. I've never had WARM-HOT shrimp on top of my michelada before (Also this was $19.. way overpriced). I don't know if this is normal in some places but this is not common where I'm from and first of all who wants to drink a mixed drink with warm-hot shrimp on top? Not me. Secondly, we ordered the taco dinner with 3 tacos, rice, and beans. Presentation was disappointing to say the least. We got three tacos, rice, beans, ONE SMALL lime, and ONE THIN SLICE OF RADISH. Again, I don't know if this is normal in Lansing but literally everywhere else I've been in we get grilled onions on the side, a few limes, and a few radishes. This place is stingy!! NOT ONLY THATTTT but after we had left we looked at our receipt and my friend got charged $9 for "open food." We were confused at first but then realized they had charged her $9 for A SMALLLL AND I MEAN A VERY SMALL CONTAINER OF GREEN SALSA. This place is stingy. The food is not good. Portions are horrible. The people here seem very defensive and stingy. I feel bad for the couple that left upset because we certainly left also thinking we got a good service only to find out we got played bad for a $9 small container of salsa. If the business reads this, I hope you guys do better. Because I literally won't be coming back at all. Please do better, stop being stingy, and stop...

What can I say , other than “yum” ? ¡Me encanta! Ignore the ugly sign out front, and from the minute you walk in you will feel as though you have stepped foot in Mexico.. tropical, lush, fiesta-vibes, warm and cheery, a hint of pepper in the air. A handsome bald portly fellow runs the joint, he is the “señor” in charge. But don’t be fooled- eye candy awaits... a lovely gaggle of women are employed here, some with fresh English tongues , from a spicier region of the world I presume. Amazing waitstaff , attentive, kind, polite, the place is run like the navy! But the best part is the food, particularly something they call the “Taquito Dinner”. I originally ordered this item after seeing it served to another patron, and noticing how similarly it resembles human fingers (something that is a fetish/pleasure of mine, it’s personal though and I will not disclose more than that).. so I order the taquito fingers, and MY GOD! Not only did they have the same crunchy snap as a human finger, but they are filled with deliciously savory meat of your choice (not human- I chose beef tongue). Plated with gods greens (lettuce) and nature’s cream (guacamole), what more could you ask for?? I almost busted a nut while I was eating but I quickly thought about horrific things and gore to distract myself. I will totally be back, and next time I would love to talk to the man in charge about the magic he puts into that taquito dinner! My god!!!! Just thinking about it makes...