Frugal Friday at Dos Hermanos Market - have a taco and tamale feast for less than $5
Mary Bilyeu | Contributor
Mary Bilyeu | Contributor
I love tamales, which cost only $1 apiece, so I ordered two — the only variety available is pork, which was perfectly fine and made me very happy. I planned to eat one myself and then share the other.
Tacos, which cost only $1.60, can be filled with chicken, pork or beef; we chose two each of the first options and one of the last, so we could taste each of them. Once you order, the men preparing your lunch take portions of the available meats (BBQ de Res = barbecued beef, Pollo Rostisado = rotisserie chicken, Carnitas de cerdo = braised or roasted pork) and chop them by hand before generously filling the tacos with meat, onions, and cilantro. The take-out boxes are wrapped in plastic to help keep them sealed and to limit any potential leaks, and then you pay for your lunch at the market's check-out counter.
Dos Hermanos is also a great place to shop, where you can get a Mexican soda to go with your lunch, or perhaps buy a cookie or other treat to bring home and enjoy later. You could also buy ingredients for making your own feast, as I found that indulging in this fabulous fast food only caused me to crave it more.
412 W. Michigan Ave.
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
734-487-8839
Friday - Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Go visit Mary's blog — Food Floozie — where she enthuses and effuses over all things food-related; and look for her monthly articles in the Washtenaw Jewish News. "Like" her on Facebook, or send a tweet on Twitter, too.
The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers - when you come to visit here, may you always be happy.
Comments
Soulful Adrenaline
Sat, Jan 12, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
Oh boy this is what I've been looking for! Props.
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 9:16 p.m.
One correction to the info above. I made my first trip to Dos Hermanos this afternoon and was surprised to see that the taco/tamale "cart" part of the store was still open and still handing out great food. One of the guys working the counter said it's open until 7 PM, not 3 PM. So you can not only get lunch there--you can also get dinner! The food was as good as promised. The guacamole is insanely delicious. And then there's the cooler with the pineapple, lime, and grapefruit sodas straight from Mexico. FABULOUS!
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 7:40 p.m.
See, now THIS is what I'm talking about. This is a GOOD find. Much better than the: 'we bought a $14.00 hamburger and split it up 3 ways and had plenty to eat' articles. Thank you. I WILL be stopping here.
EightySeven
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.
This place is awesome!! I'm not a soda person by any stretch, but after I buy my tacos I head straight for the real lime soda from Mexico. If you haven't tried this place out my suggestion to you is head on down.
Julie Baker
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 5:14 p.m.
This sounds delicious. Thanks for the heads up, Mary! I've lived in Ypsi for a while now and still haven't checked out Dos Hermanos. I really need to get on that!
StopCrying
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 5:05 p.m.
mmmmm this place has survived in that location for a reason, they do have some good eats!
blueeyedpupil
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
And dont forget to check out their fabulous meat counter. All fresh and butchered on premises. Nice and fresh and prices are good. This store is a fantastic asset to the neighborhood.
EyeHeartYpsi
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 7:43 p.m.
I second the meat counter. Pre-marinated beef (carne asada) and chicken (Pollo adobo) just needs thrown on the grill and it couldn't be tastier. Grab some cervezas while you're there too!
JRW
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 3:41 p.m.
"Freshly fried pork rinds?" You must be kidding.
EyeHeartYpsi
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 7:40 p.m.
Chicharones. Better than you think.
roadsidedinerlover
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
That is how they make them in Mexico and YES, they are fresh and hot out of the fryer. My friend from Mexico devoured the big bag I brought to him. They are SO much better than those dried and stale ones from anywhere else!
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 3:31 p.m.
How many times have I driven past this market without an inkling of the treasures inside! Thanks, Mary, for the major heads-up! I hate cooking on Fridays, so I'm going to swing by this evening and give the place a try. The photos make my mouth water!
Tony Livingston
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
Thanks for the tip. I am so excited about the authentic Mexican food choices that are popping up around here. Tmaz on Packard near Platt is fantastic and so is Taco King on Liberty near Stadium. I will check this place out the next time I am over that way.
Chanda Wilbanks
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
I am often asked to stop and purchase their salsa for my non-local co-workers on my way into work - it's the best.
billchase2
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
Looks great! I'd also recommend checking out Chela's in Ann Arbor. Their special is 2 tacos or 2 tamales (or you can ask for a combination of both) with rice & beans, salsa & spicy veggies, & a fountain drink for $5.50. Also a great deal for some great food! (I do not work at Chela's or know anyone who does. I just enjoy good food.)
Jonathan Blutarsky
Sat, Jan 12, 2013 : 4:56 a.m.
Pilar's is excellent too.
roadsidedinerlover
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
I love Chela's!! I go there alot and apparently so alot of other people. They are always busy!
treetowncartel
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
Those tamales are the best around!
EyeHeartYpsi
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.
They also have really good poblano chile and cheese tamales in addition to the pork. I had two for breakfast as a matter of fact!
seldon
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
Nice! I hadn't realized that they served food on Fridays too.