Travel Muse Magazine

You can instantly sense the vibrant environment before you step inside. Upbeat music, lively paintings on the windows, and the bright blue color of the building draws in the diverse community of Ann Arbor. Students, families, and tourists gather in Chapalas Mexican Restaurant, sharing laughs and tasty food. This eatery is the embodiment of how food can provide more than sustenance, as your experience is shaped by history, culture, community building and joy.

Chapalas is located on Main Street, just north of downtown. It opened in what was a hard time for everyone: during the Covid pandemic in the summer of 2020, a time where many businesses were struggling and individuals lacked community. Owner Cesar Ochoa grew up in Mexico and wanted to showcase his hometown culture and heritage to the Ann Arbor community while ensuring prices are affordable. His mission has been fulfilled as the restaurant menu reflects popular items of Mexican cuisine, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and many more.

Birria tacos are my favorite item on the menu, and never disappoint. Their main ingredient is meat “marinated in a deeply spiced adobo made from dried chiles (typically guajillo, ancho, pasilla), vinegar, cumin, cloves, oregano, cinnamon, and garlic” before being cooked in a broth.

These are the TikTok-famous taco that seem to be popping up everywhere. I first heard of this style of tacos while scrolling on my “For You” page and was instantly intrigued. But birria are more than just a trendy cuisine; they’re a rich, cultural dish with an interesting history.

Birria originates in Jalisco, Mexico. Spanish conquistadors introduced goats to Mexico, which quickly overpopulated and interrupted their indigenous agriculture by destroying their crops. To combat famine, native Mexicans started cooking goat meat slowly, using chillies and spices to tenderize the meat, which became known as birrira, which “comes from the Spanish word birri, meaning ‘to roast.’” Over time, the dish was adapted, stuffing the tender meat into corn tortillas, and can be found today at celebrations like weddings and quinceañeras or sold at street vendors and restaurants. Birria tacos illustrate how despite modernity, food can still represent authenticity, culture and history simultaneously.

​The service at Chapalas on a Tuesday night was quick; and we got our food 15-20 minutes after we ordered. When I first saw my tacos, I was captivated. They were golden on the outside with tender meat, green herbs and melted cheese, spilling from the edges. It came with a small, dark cup of steaming ​​consomé. The outsides were crispy, while the inside was soft and juicy. Dipping the taco in the broth intensified the flavor, spiciness, and juiciness. Every bite I took was addicting; I was left with a deep sense of comfort.

Upbeat Latin music creates a lively environment that makes you want to get up and dance while enjoying the food. I went to the restaurant with a few friends I haven’t seen in a while and Chapalas was a great place to catch up on our lives. The music kept our energy high and conversation flowing, but not so loud that we couldn’t engage comfortably with each other. Adding to the lively atmosphere are beautiful hand-painted murals of skulls on the walls and wooden booths with colorful designs. Additionally, there are glowing string lights, grass roof canopies, and swings near the bar that bring a fun, tropical vibe to the space. Additionally, Chaplas has a special surprise for birthdays, if you ever want to bring a friend for an engaging experience. During my visit, the staff came to the table next to us loudly singing happy birthday to the guest, drawing the attention of the entire restaurant. If you’re 21+ and drink, you are provided with a complimentary shot. This celebration of collective joy is a perfect reflection of Chapala’s commitment to community building and fun.​

Chapalas is unmatched in Ann Arbor to me and is always one of my first recommendations when someone asks for a place to eat in the city. The restaurant showcases how food can engage diverse members of the community, whether its students, residents, and tourists for a joyful experience with the flavors of Mexican culture. The vibrant decor, upbeat music, flavorful food, and amazing service, fuels an experience you continuously want to come back too.