Donkey Taqueria

Ate at the bar one evening during a work trip out to GR. It was around 5pm and the place was already hoppin’ but I was lucky to snag one solo spot. Service was a little slower at the bar (luckily I had my ipad to keep me entertained) but I’m sure if I was a little more outgoing as the bartenders walked by I could have gotten their attention quicker. They seemed really on top of the tables behind me. So just a protip if you’re sitting at the bar – don’t be afraid to flag them down since they’re mixing up drinks AND taking orders. Lots going on up there.
ANYWAY, The food was awesome. I ordered more than one person reasonably should but all reason goes out the window when it comes to me and Mexican food. I went with the al pastor and the fish tacos and the queso fundido with chorizo. The al pastor tacos came with marinated roasted pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, onions, and cilantro. The pork and the pineapple went SO well together. I loved it. The fish taco came with cabbage slaw, red onion, charred jalapeño mayonesa, and cilantro. Also great but the pork was my favorite. The queso fundido is basically just a delicious mess of chorizo and roasted poblano peppers baked with in queso chihuahua in a cast iron skillet and served with tortillas. This was particularly tasty, especially on a cold day when all you want is warm, gooey cheese (but let’s be real, I don’t need a cold day to want warm, gooey cheese).
I ate early and had a long night of working in my hotel room ahead of me so I also got some queso and chips to go for a late night snack. This was an excellent decision. The serving size was ample so I had snacks just not one night but two nights in a row thanks to my in room fridge and microwave.
The drink menu also looks great and the tequila list is extensive. Tequila and I had an intense falling out the fall of 2003 so I don’t often go for it straight but if you’re into that sort of thing you will be in heaven here. I’ll stick with the margaritas.

This place opened up shortly after we moved from GR to Denver, CO, which is probably a good thing — seriously delicious tacos! There aren’t many places that you can close your eyes and just point to something on the menu, then have no problem ordering it. I’ve never been anything less than impressed when eating at Donkey, and make it a point to visit every time I’m in W. MI (countdown = T-​2 weeks, F YEAH!)
Favorites at Donkey:
–Paloma — they make this classic tequila-​based, grapefruit juice /​soda drink correctly. I can only have one because I’m a liquor-​weenie, and because they make them so well ;). If you’re into grapefruit, and refreshing tequila-​based drinks, Paloma’s are where it’s at. Especially this one!
–Taco de Cangrejo Rio — being from Nola, I will always try anything with crawfish as the base protein. They take these rad little crustaceans, bread & fry ‘em, then add to a tangy purple cabbage and some serrano-​based mayo. This is an «always-​order» of mine whenever getting tacos from Donkey.
–Queso Fundido de Chorizo — I like this not only because of the flavor, but because their tortillas are delightful and come with the app. You fill up little torts with this hearty queso chocked full of house-​made chorizo. I’ve never cared for tortillas with queso, but this totally changed my mind — using the two together is a must! Totally capitalizes on an already-​delicious experience with just the queso. If you’re not so into spice, watch out — this may not be the queso for you. Luckily, there are other queso offerings on the menu.
I could seriously go on. This place is my jam. It’s a great spot to meet up with friends for dinner, have happy hour, or cure a hang over (don’t judge. I know you feel me). Definitely a new GR great, in my mind.

I’m going to update my review. Lots of my previous points still stand, but overall the food has gotten consistent, they seem to run out of stuff less often, and service is really good.
The Flautas are next level. Tacos are still average and expensive.

Overall Donkey’s a good place for some quality tacos, chips and house made sauces and of course tequila filled margaritas.
It’s a hip place with both a bar seating area and high top tables with stools. In the summer months they have a patio area open as well.
I’ve had a mixed bag of service experiences here. On one visit, I was ignored for much of the time by the bartender who ended up processing my order incorrectly, overcharging me. But, the food was memorable enough so I thought I’d give them a second look.
My most recent visit, our server was great. We sat to the back of the restaurant and ordered an assortment of tacos. The lamb and the fish tacos were our favorite. The tortillas are made of corn and are gluten-​free. They also have a selection of vegetarian options. I haven’t found the meat to be incredibly flavorful here but the toppings and ingredients they use are fresh and somewhat make up for this. Their sauces, from smokey to spicy are probably my favorite part. I add them to everything!
Donkey’s a place I’d return. Both for the atmosphere and to try a few more of their tacos.