A bold new taste has arrived on Vernor Highway with the much-anticipated opening of Tacos Wuey, a vibrant taquería blending authentic street-style flavors, family recipes, and breezy Tulum-inspired design. Officially opening its doors on Friday, July 18, Tacos Wuey is the latest culinary project from chef Eddie Vargas, whose roots and passion for food run deep in Southwest Detroit.
The name “Wuey” is a playful nod to the popular Mexican slang word güey (pronounced “way”), often used informally among friends to express affection or poke fun. That same spirit of warmth and camaraderie pulses through the restaurant’s atmosphere, from the bright, welcoming decor to the menu filled with bold, comforting bites.
Conveniently located at 3970 W. Vernor, a short walk from Clark Park and La Joya Gardens, Tacos Wuey is already drawing crowds with its mix of crave-worthy tacos, birria, and creative takes on Mexican street food, all served with a side of community pride.
At the heart of the menu is Vargas’s birria de res, a rich, slow-stewed beef dish rooted in his family’s culinary traditions. Served up as melty quesabirria with chihuahua cheese, it’s a standout tribute to the Mexican flavors that define Southwest Detroit’s food scene. But Tacos Wuey is more than just a nod to heritage. With house-made guacamole, queso fundido, Birria Noodles, and freshly handcrafted beverages like the Hisbiusi tea, Vargas aims to create a space where culture, creativity, and community collide, rounding out the experience.
“I really wanted to be unique and different. So more like a modern taqueria. I don’t serve rice and beans,” Vargas said.
“I am excited to showcase my talent, of course, showcase different regions of Mexico, give the area a different style of restaurant.”
Vargas is no stranger to Detroit’s food scene. After managing several of the area’s top Mexican restaurants and earning praise for his 2024 pop-up residency at Frame in Hazel Park, he’s finally bringing his brick-and-mortar vision to life, right in the heart of his own neighborhood.
Inside, the 40-seat space is vibrant and whimsical, with framed photos of mustachioed men, moustache wallpaper, and warm wooden finishes. Guests can enjoy full-service dining or opt for takeout at the counter.
The menu at Tacos Wuey showcases chef Vargas’ adventurous side but with a take on Mexican culinary tradition, blending time-honored flavors with creative flair. His signature quesabirria is a standout served with rich, aromatic consommé and wrapped in a hearty 10-inch flour tortilla.
For something lighter, the ceviche salpicon offers a bright, refreshing mix of shrimp, onion, cucumber, and tomato, tossed in a chile de arbol citrus sauce and balanced with a smooth ancho mayo. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Baja Fish taco, floured tortilla, battered cod, jicama cabbage slaw, and chipotle crema.
And for those willing to venture beyond the classics, Vargas introduces birria ramen and crispy birria egg rolls, unexpected dishes that push the boundaries of tradition while honoring their roots. It’s a menu designed for discovery, inviting diners to enjoy both the familiar and the bold in every bite.
“There’s a special dish with pig ears, which you have these crunchy pig ears with a little bit of salt, lime, and then you have the salt Amber cajete or the bean sauce that you can put on top of it,” Vargas said.
In a city with no shortage of tacos, Tacos Wuey stands out for its homegrown heart. Vargas’ roots in Southwest Detroit and deep knowledge of the flavors that shape the community give the restaurant an authenticity that’s both personal and collective.
Whether it’s the creamy guacamole with house-made chips or the towering nachos, the menu pays homage to local favorites with elevated flair. Sweet endings include flan, churros, and classic aguas frescas, along with Mexican Coke and Jarritos to wash it all down.
As Vargas excitedly puts it, “I’m very happy to be part of the Southwest and the Vernor corridor, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Tacos Wuey
3970 W Vernor Detroit, MI 48216
Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri–Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m
Contact:
(313) 406-4767 or follow @tacoswueydetroit on Instagram for the latest updates, specials, and behind-the-scenes kitchen action.
This article and photos were made possible thanks to a generous grant to EL CENTRAL Hispanic News by Press Forward, the national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. Learn more at www.pressforward.news.
