When you think of northern Michigan cuisine, tacos don’t usually come to mind. Now there’s a new place on the scene looking to change that. Named after the grandmother of Co-Owner and Executive Chef John Larson, Mama Lu’s burst onto Traverse City’s restaurant scene in 2016, slingin’ tasty tacos at 149 E. Front Street.
Mama Lu’s brings the Mexican street food concept to life with a creative twist on tacos, plus sides like addicting Elote (street corn). The menu is small and focused, allowing the culinary team to focus on creating memorable dishes that have locals and tourists buzzing.
On our journey to check out Traverse City’s newest restaurants, we devoured four of the six available tacos at Mama Lu’s. The Panza (pork belly), Short Rib, and Al Pastor Tacos were bright and delicious, but our favorite was the Pescado (fish). The lightly-fried whitefish, orange jicama slaw, mint, hot sauce, and avocado crema worked harmoniously to create a taco that will keep us coming back. You better believe we ordered a side of Elote, too!
To complete the Mexican street food experience, Mama Lu’s serves margaritas and cocktails; the Guava Mojito stood out as our favorite. From food to drinks, fresh ingredients and creativity help make Mama Lu’s an unexpected culinary destination in downtown Traverse City.
