Overview:
Restaurant: Donkey Taqueria
Location: 665 Wealthy
St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Price: A little
pricier. I split an appetizer, got a drink, and a torta and with tip my bill
was around $26. I’d recommend saving this place for a nice night out or just
stopping by for a casual drink.
-
Atmosphere: Unique and modern (the building is a former
service station). Great outdoor patio for the summer. Not a ton of seating so
be prepared to wait. -
Service: Sometimes on the slower side but still friendly and
polite. -
Food Options: Not a massive menu. Chips and a variety of
dips/salsas, appetizers, tacos, tortas, tostadas, and a couple desserts. Their
tequila menu is larger than their food menu! -
Taste: Good quality food. Everything was delicious even down
to the smallest detail, like their salsa or guacamole. You can tell they take
pride in what they’re serving. -
Vegetarian Options: Decent variety. Mexican food is usually pretty
easy to make vegetarian. Fried brussels sprouts taco, potato taco, carrot taco,
vegetarian torta and tostada, etc.
Description:
Fancy date night? Check. Grabbing a drink with a friend?
Check. Business lunch? Check. Honestly Donkey Taqueria feels pretty perfect for
any situation, but it can run a little pricier if you splurge on a drink, appetizer, and meal. Located in East Grand Rapids in the heart of Wealthy Street, it’s
a perfect summer restaurant spot. First off I always park on the street down a
ways so I can walk by the shops and everything else around the area. And if you
go on a weekend or during prime times, be prepared to wait. Donkey isn’t that
big and a very popular location, but if it’s a nice day out you can grab a
drink and hangout at one of their standing tables as you wait for a table.
If you’re a tequila fan, welcome to heaven. There are
literally more tequila options than there are food options. You can do a flight
of different tequilas or try one of their specialty cocktails, margaritas, palomas,
etc. I had their white peach margarita which was delicious, but don’t expect to
get a massive goblet of margarita like some other chain Mexican restaurants. This $8
drink came in a smaller-looking wine glass, (which I had to stop myself from
chugging as soon as I got it). I also tried a sip of the prickly pear margarita
(which I liked even more) and their paloma which seems like it comes in a
little bigger of a glass for about the same price if you’re looking to get more bang for your buck.
Their food is delicious but some of their portions, like their tacos, are kind of small.
I started with chips and guacamole (which was surprisingly a massive portion and
their guac was incredible) and then had the “Torta Aguacate” for dinner (sliced
avocado, refried black beans, queso cotija, salsa verde, romaine, crispy
onions, cilantro, telera roll). The sandwich was actually a nice size but I
noticed some of their tacos were much smaller, but for how much they put inside
of them it looks worth it. Overall I would say don’t come starving to this
place if you don’t want to spend a ton of money. Share an appetizer, maybe
try a couple different tacos, and call it good.
Definitely check out their specials on their website. They
do things like 2 tacos and a beer for $8 or $9 on Mondays or nachos and a beer
for $9 or $10 on Tuesdays. They sometimes have fun events like “tequila school”
and even yoga classes at the restaurant. Their hours are pretty simple mainly
11am-12am pretty much every day with an opening time of 10am Saturday and
Sunday. I’ve heard that their brunch menu and “Bloody Maria” are quite
delicious, so I’ll have to come back one morning to try it for myself.
Overall Donkey Taqueria is a unique good-quality Mexican
restaurant with a massive tequila menu, smaller but delicious portions, and a
hip atmosphere to grab a drink or make a nice summer night out of it.
