Jose's Authentic Mexican — Restaurant in Petoskey

I first visited this place last Spring 2016 after searching out good Mexican in the area. The reviews were high and let’s face it – La Senorita is absolute garbage and Petoskey is not exactly a bustling cultural metropolis. I ordered enchiladas. They were rather good for the price, and the rice and beans on the side were spot-on for “authentic” Mexican. I did not mind at all paying for items that are typically standard elsewhere like chips and salsa, since they made their own fresh. Off to a great start! The reviews made sense. I went back again a few weeks later and had the same worthwhile experience. Yesterday, however, after a couple months away, I was very disappointed. And it was not unique to yesterday’s visit. Something there has seriously changed for the worse. The person managing genuinely did not care about literally anything at all. It wasn’t like a bad day or something. She was entirely removed and the food was very bad. Again, I got enchiladas. This time they were covered in a canned sauce. I picked at them, but it was a super bummer. I ordered a torta sandwich to go as well, and it was comprised of reheated chopped up chicken with wilting shredded iceberg lettuce and tomatoes. That was it. No beans, no salsa, no avocado, nothing. And it was assembled on two mini grocery-bought buns that were literally like half-size stale subway bread. It was the worst torta I have encountered in my life. It technically should not have even been called “torta.” I never would have expected it from this place. Someone in my party wanted rellenos too, another favorite from previous visits, and the manager’s response was that they “could not make that right now.” We gave no attitude. We loved this place previously and figured, well, whatever. I just checked online to see about any news in ownership change, or if they are closing soon or something, but couldn’t find anything. If this is the new Jose’s they won’t last long, and I know my group...

In all my years of travel, from Mexico & Los Angeles, I've never found a place where I liked the Guacamole more than Jose's Authentic Mexican restaurant in Petoskey. Which is strange, right? I've been to hundreds of places, and I would choose Jose's Guacamole over all of them. I've been coming here for over a decade, and made a pilgrimage here when I was visiting and lived elsewhere. Jose and his family are always kind and sweet. Good people. I would recommend the Guacamole (obviously) as well as the asada tacos and Mexican pizza. Note there is a difference between the Quesadilla and the Large Quesadilla, as the latter is a side which is just cheese. Enchiladas are great, Burritos too, but they're pretty big. The atmosphere is casual and it doesn't pretend to be otherwise. Mexican music is always playing. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Ask about the specials. Sometimes Jose's mom is in town and she prepares some off-menu hits. I...

We ate here on a week night in late May, close to closing time but we were greeted warmly by the staff. I have food sensitivities which makes me highly skeptical when eating at a new restaurant. Jose's is one of the highest rated restaurants in Petoskey so thought it would be worth a try. The young lady taking orders at the counter was friendly & helpful when I expressed my concerns & assured me that it wouldn't be a problem since their tortillas are made with corn. I ordered the shrimp tacos. The menu said they are served with cilantro, tomatoes & onions. When they arrived they also had cheese on them. The cook was more than happy to take them back & make me 3 more tacos minus the cheese. The restaurant itself is quite small & very basic. My husband agreed with my assessment that the food was mediocre at best. Jose's redeeming quality is the friendly,...