We came in for happy hour, right at 2 PM. Immediately got a table and had the place to ourselves. After walking past the sign advertising Happy Hour Sangria, we ordered Sangria... wait for a bit...find out they dont have any Sangria of any type. So we order Gold Margaritas... and get asked how to make one. We order a Mojito, wait for quite some time and then the hostess comes back to ask if we really want that because the bartender said she could mix some Sangria if we really want that instead. So my wife drank water and I had a very mediocre margarita. Why am I giving three stars? Because the food was OK. The beans and rice were about par but the green sauce, enchilada, steak taco, and tacos were really good. Granted, at 2 o'clock on a Thursday we didn't expect to have their A team but we expected better than this, for a happy hour. read more

I ordered takeout from Chela's, and I didn't even finish my lunch! The chicken tacos were VERY bland, and had zero flavor, even when I dumped salsa all over them. The taco shells were very soggy and way too chewy. The refried beans were watery and looked gross (I refused to even try a bite). Also, when someone orders takeout, a fork to EAT it would be nice! I've given them a try numerous times now, but I will NOT be back. read more

Super bummed out!! I was so excited to try Chela's! Maybe it's because the opening was so built up....maybe because it took what felt like forever for the place to open. My husband and I were disappointed! First I asked if we could sit away from the door, it was cold and windy... We were sat close to the door anyway in an almost empty restaurant. I decided just to let that go because I was so excited about the food! Our waitress took forever to come over to the table, after I asked for a drink menu, she pulled a crumpled up piece of paper from her apron and dropped it on the table and walked away. After looking over the drink menu and food menu, we decided on food and drinks. We sat for several more minutes waiting on the waitress to come back. When she returned, I ordered the cider from the drink menu, she looked at me confused and very snarky said "no one else has ever ordered that before!" (Excuse me for ordering something from your menu) Again, we tried to let it all go because we were so excited to try the food. When our food came, I suggested they may have forgot the "set up" that went with the fajitas I ordered. I was very quickly informed that there was nothing missing! The fajitas come with the skillet (meat/peppers/onions) and tortillas! That is all!! No cheese, no sour cream, no guacamole, nothing! I understand this is suppose to be "real Mexican food" but I feel like it should be "Americanized" or at least offered at a minimum. Maybe I am crazy?!?! I had to order cheese and sour cream, which came out in the tiniest cup that was maybe 1/2 full. I ate my fajitas, they were okay, I guess, I was hungry and the served the purpose. Definitely not impressed! My husband ordered the taco trio with 3 different meats. ALL of the meats were SOOOO dry, he added anything and everything we had on the table that might add the tiniest hint of moisture to the tacos....some of my sour cream, salsa, hot salsa, guacamole, cheese, beans...anything! Oh, our appetizers came with the meal...after we reminded our waitress that she forgot them! The waitress was okay at best, definitely not trying to go above and beyond. Never asked if we want another drink or anything! I hate to trash a local place or a Mexican restaurant because I love local and I LOVE Mexican food, but this place was terrible at best! We will not be coming back! Too bad I heard so many good reviews on the other Chela's but I'm terrified to even try it. read more

Driest tacos I've ever had. Seemed like the meat was made yesterday and reheated. The area is nice. Full bar and TVs.

This was my first time to the Dexter location. I have loved the Ann Arbor location for years. Being able to have a margarita with dinner was great!! The food was good and the service was good if a bit slow. I will be back. read more

This review is of a recent takeout experience. The online ordering experience was straightforward and easy to use. The food was ready promptly, at the time promised, and the counter staff was friendly and efficient. The order was filled accurately. The food itself was a mixed bag. I should preface this by saying that we know real Mexican food and appreciate traditional eateries. We had no expectation of TexMex fare with globs of fake sour cream, bagged shredded cheese, and the like. The chicken fajitas in our order were competent enough, they were simply rather bland and uninteresting. For whatever reason, they seemed substantially under seasoned. They didn't need more salt, they needed actual seasoning. The wet burritos were pretty tasty and large enough for two portions (we split them). The covering sauce was fairly flavorful, but the filling was on the bland side. It was also largely rice. I went looking for chunks of my al pastor meat and was able to turn up only a few tiny 1/4" cubes. Hmmm... The gaucamole was pretty decent and the portion was reasonable. The chips were odd - thick, hard, fried too long, and visibly encrusted with salt. They weren't corn chips, but appeared to be wedges of thick flour tortillas. Pass. They offer tiny plastic cups of salsas to grab with your meal, from mild to hot. We weren't fans of any of them, and substituted our own homemade salsas at home. Our bill for three people (with no beverages or desserts) was close to $50. Granted, we did get five meals off the order, but it still felt on the steep side for what we received. We very much want to see them succeed, but don't plan to return anytime soon. read more

We were really looking forward to trying this place as we heard the Ann Arbor location was really good. Well, this one is not! The service was horrible... If the waitress does not want to be nice or even cordial to the customers call in sick...jeez. Had to ask for chips then when she brought them she slammed them down on the table and dumped the salsa into the basket. I ordered the taco trio with pork, chicken and steak. Everyone was so dry I had to dump the beans on top to make them go down. How about a little cheese or something? My wife had the taco salad, she said it was not good at all and was sick later in the night. So we tried it and will not be going back! read more

I've eaten here several times. Their dishes are always yummy! The wait staff is attentive and on top of things. The food arrives quickly. Take out ordering has also been a very good experience as well. The order is always 100% correct and so delicious! read more

Finally a Chela's with table service and alcohol! The tacos are authentic simple; meat, cilantro and onions on two corn tortillas with a wedge of lime. Today I had the enchiladas and was quite pleased. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and prepared. Guacamole is fresh and tasty, and is served with chips and salsa. The salsas are very good. Medium is my favorite for flavor, but I like the burn of the hot. (Pro tip: add medium salsa to the black beans). I had a michelada and while it had a little more tomato than I would have liked, the taste brought me back to Saltillo. read more

The food is alright. I love the wet burrito, but it's a little dry. I also had the enchiladas and they were kind of dry as well.

Not your typical Mexican place that has the same menu as the next. They prepare everything fresh, the barbacoa burrito and campechano taco salad were amazing. Yum, yum, yum. We will be back. read more

The best of the Chelas! Great fast service on Togo food there tonight! Great Tacos and Guacamole! read more

Our daughter recently catered Fajitas from Chela's for Mother's Day. When I first visited the restaurant the food was less then up to the standards we see where I live. The food we had on this occasion was much improved.The fajitas were excellent. The retried beans very good as well. Hats off to the staff for this improvement in the food quality. read more

Extremely friendly staff. Food was delicious. Service had some bumps but all was good. We love the corn, barbacoa tacos, and enchiladas.

Don't waste your time here. Ordered takeout and asked for no dairy on my food, I get home and sure enough they end up putting dairy on my food along with not even giving me tortillas with my fajitas that I ordered. Like what kind of place doesn't give you tortillas with fajitas? I got veggie fajitas and all they really seemed to have for the veggies were mainly just red , green and yellow bell peppers with barely any onion. Complete waste of time and money. I drove back to get my food fixed and end up just Being disappointed. First experience with this place and I won't be back again. read more

Ann Arbor has been lacking in casual (yet nice) Mexican restaurants where you can get a beer or margarita. I have one other fave that might be cheaper, but the food here is much better. We had 3 different types of tacos. They were served open face on corn tortillas...just how it should be. The al pastor was delicious. Friends had flautas and quesadillas. They serve a hot, med and tomatillo salsa with the chips. Delicious. Highly recommend. Some of the lower reviews must have been just after opening. Our group had a great experience. read more

Great atmosphere, fantastic food and very welcoming. We enjoy their margaritas... and wide variety of taquilas. I appreciate great Americans like Adrian and his family. read more

The best Mexican food I've ever tried. Everything is made in house. The desserts were amazing. The appetizer was to die for. The main dish was beyond delicious. The person who served us, I assumed the business owner, was extremely nice and the restaurant had a family feel to it. read more

We have gone a few times and while they are still working out some opening kinks, the wait is worth it! The food is fantastic, margaritas are great and it's truly wonderful to have authentic Mexican in Dexter! The people that often complain are used to traditional texmex giant plates of bland food. So many vegetarian options as well! We will continue to come back :-) The owners are incredibly kind. read more

Extremely good, authentic Mexican. I had the elotes and tacos, both were very good. The staff was responsive and friendly and when we asked to talk to the manager to inquire about a painting he came over immidietly and ways very friendly. read more

We are so happy to have Chela's in town as we have traveled to Ann Arbor for years for good, authentic Mexican food. The owners are wonderful, the dexter manager kind and always asking how everything is, happy to be a regular! read more

To be quite honest, I am absolutely perplexed by the negative reviews I have seen here... My husband and I had one of the BEST restaurant experiences we have had in months at this location, especially for a Friday night. The service was incredibly friendly and timely. The food/drinks were flavorful, authentic, and fantastic. This restaurant is an absolute GEM in Dexter. We have found our new favorite date night spot and I hope it remains for years to come. Support small business -- Fantastic! read more

I have had great Mexican food across the country and in Mexico, this place is among the best considering it's casual and cheap approach. The salsas and tortilla are handmade and fresh. The tacos are all amazing and the drinks are creative. We received great service and the manager stopped over to make sure everything was good. I mentioned I loved one of the salsas so our server got us a to go cup of it and a bag of tortilla chips, at no cost, without us even asking. Great place. Will be back many times! read more

Food was over priced. Very limited kids' menu, and a very expensive a la carte to make a kid plate. The margarita was expensive and had little flavor other than tequila. Service was incredibly slow and our order was messed up because of tablet ordering. We were disappointed, but will look for a menu change and try again. read more

Fresh and delicious.. just like the other two Chela's locations! You will notice some differences, like the addition of more substantial items and entrees and the full bar with an amazing selection of tequilas! We tried a few items - guac, carnitas tacos and Chile relleno, quesadillas. Full of flavor and you can tell everything was prepared with love. 5 read more

Just ok. We were given a happy hour menu , once we ordered and placed our second round of drinks we were told there was no happy hour on Friday. Not a huge deal if the food would have been better than average we would have overlooked the mixup. I will continue to drive to Maze in Depot Town for my Mexican dinner. read more

Welcome to Dexter, Chela's. We are happy to have an authentic Mexican restaurant. Great food, drinks, service and atmosphere.

Finally, a Mexican restaurant in Dexter! I have wanted one for 10 years and this one fits the bill! Went to try it out and was not disappointed. I had a cranberry margarita with cranberries that was refreshing and a great opener to shared fajitas and flag salad. Fajitas were great and loved the rice that came as a side as did my husband who usually does not like any kind of rice. Flag salad had the best balsamic dressing and onion fries - didn't want to share it after tasting the first bites! We were comfortably satisfied after sharing a piece of cake also. I look forward to trying more things on the menu and find the setting fun with different table/booth options available. It feels like a place you definitely want to make a regular stop. read more

This was my first time to the new sit down Chela's in Dexter. Overall I was very happy with the experience. The restaurant was clean, the servers friendly and the food was very good. I hope they expand their menu in the future. I was pleased with my first visit and I will plan on going again soon! read more

First tie trying Chelas Dexter after reading some good reviews. Not a good experience. Did curbside pickup, Got home, Part of my order was missing, the steak in the tacos was so tough we couldn't eat it. Can't really re3view other food from y order, as I didn't get it to taste it. read more

I have been waiting for an authentic Mexican restaurant!! Chela's is the place for that!! Great staff and great food!!! Definitely going back!!! read more

My new favorite Dexter restaurant. My choice is the Taco Salad and my boyfriend loves the Wet Burrito. read more

Chela's - Mexican Near Me - Dexter, Michigan

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So I love chelas, the food is great but Jesus Christ your hostess at the dexter location are some of the dumbest white girls ever met. Didn't ask for my number on my takeout order, didn't tell me the price, got my order wrong after they re asked me for the order 3 times, and hung up on me. When picking up the food I stood inside waiting for 10 minutes while looking at my order Because they were talking and to oblivious to notice anything around them.Grrr. But once again good is great only if I get the right order tho read more

My fiance and I ordered Chela's - Dexter carryout for the first time when it opened - we were super thrilled about the latest addition to our city. When we got home, the food was not what we ordered and we were missing items. We've ordered carryout 2 other times over the past few months and have similar issues with an item missing or just an overall incorrect order. We love Chela's - Ann Arbor but have noticed a similar issue with the carryout organization lacking (we always have to double check what we ordered it about 50% of the time it's wrong). The food is good but there needs to be more organization for carryout items. read more

So god damned delicious. Absolutely an Ann Arbor must have. Potato tacos are to die for.

Very good! I loved my chicken tacos. I have been looking for more of an synthetic joint and i love Chelas. The wait staff was a little slow but it's new so be patient. read more

I was at another business in the shopping center in Dexter and noticed how cool the outside patio looked and then I'm guessing I talked to one of the owners who made the tables that are sitting out front herself. I lived in Arizona for 17 years I've been to Mexico several times several different places in Mexico and also lived in the Midwest in Missouri and in Florida and now Michigan in Dexter. The corn is so mouthwatering and so delicious. The tamales were fantastic the chips the salsa and the tacos:) I had the Carne Asada tacos :) Everything is fantastic from the atmosphere to the service to the food. Highly recommend read more

Stopped on the way through Ann Arbor the first time out, was so delicious that we got it again on our way back through. Delicious homemade tortillas and great tacos for a great price. Also has a great seating area and friendly staff. read more

Nope. Drat. Was hoping this would be a repeat visiting place. No such luck. The service was awful. Our waitress was so rude-never once asked how our food was or if anything was wrong---after seeing almost all of my dish wasn't eaten. We did tacos & enchiladas. Bland, cold, & tasteless. And it took a long time-no drink refills-and really, not worth coming in. The taco was just soggy, tasteless, and cold. The rice was also unflavorful. I asked for salt to help the taste but it never arrived. We wasted a night out on poor service & bad food. Try another place-any but this one. read more

After a friendly greeting, we sat ourselves toward the back of the restaurant near the 'stage' eager to see how this Chela's compares with the A2 locations. Big difference. It's w-a-y louder inside due to cement floors and lots of metal everywhere. Nonetheless, our friendly server, Joey, took our orders and promptly returned with our drinks. Soon the food arrived. The mole appetizer, a glob of sauce in a bowl with three greasy cold tortillas did not make the grade. Looked awful, yet had taste. Not reconstituted with chicken stock. Next came the Three Tacos: tilapia (excellent!), carne asada (unseasoned), and rajas (unseasoned). Dry hard greasy tacos. Bad tortilla day, I guess. I had to ask Joey for salt! Don't sit in the back! Just after we were seated, six tables were pushed together for a massively loud party. Out table was very close to theirs, so close that this party had to brush against us, stand next to us shouting and brushing us with their coat removal and the like. I will try Chela's Dexter again, yet maybe by summer, when the kinks have been ironed out. I hear they are opening an Ann Arbor West location also. Hope bigger means better. Just saying... read more