All of the food is amazing! Their plátanos fritos and the pupusas are the bomb!! ~Isabella 9 y/o read more

Second time and this place and I'll be a return customer! Food is out quickly, it's delicious, it's affordable, and the servers are super nice. The chicken pupusas were DELICIOUS and hot right from the fryer, with tasty, flaky crust and yummy chicken inside. My super baleada was awesome -- very flavorful steak, egg, and avocado to marry the flavors together. A perfect breakfast/lunch bridge meal. Excited to try the Chapin combo next time; my friend ordered it and I was jealous! read more

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You can really taste the authenticity in the food. Tried one of each of the Pupusas, the bean one was my favorite. All were so good, though. They were the perfect size, very delicious. Not too greasy or anything like that. Lady was pretty nice, helped me fairly quickly. The only picky thing I'd point out is the place smelled like old mop water. read more

This was our first time here, and we enjoyed some delicious, authentic dishes! My combo plate had a churrasquito, a garnacha, and a pupusa. We also tried several other puposas, my favorite was the spinach and cheese. The empanadas appetizer was also delicious! The tastiest empanada, was the chicken, but they were all great! I even loved the pickled veggies. We will definitely return! read more

Encuentro Latino - Combo plate - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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Haven't had such fresh, authentic Latino food in 40 years. It's not fancy -- just a nice diner. Great service. This is the real deal, not commercial tortilla-wrapped fillings, rice and beans smothered in sauce. Highly recommend. read more

This place is just around the corner from my work. Lucky me! It a very simple diner- style authentic Guatemalan restaurant. The service is excellent, as are the food and drinks. I ordered the Chapin Combo. It consists of Churrasquito, garnacha and a pupusa of choice, along with a delicious tomato based sauce and pickled cabbage and carrots with jalapeños. I chose the veggie pupusa, and it was amazing; large and warm and filling of stuffings.i washed it all down with wonderful tamarind juice. I will be back soon to try the beef stew, horchata, seafood soup and many other goodies. read more

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This restaurant is filthy and plus order was incorrect. The taste of pupusas smell like leftover food. No flavor and discusting. I do not recommend read more

Encuentro Latino - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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These were overall good. They had flavor but not a lot of filling in the inside. Most of the time the crust is a little thicker and it more filling, but not these. They were a little different from usual, but not bad. I wouldn't personally come here again only because I can find better empanada's. The ambiance was ok , nothing fancy. I didn't dine in but they had them ready fast. read more

Encuentro Latino - Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

Great local place in downtown Ypsi. It's Guatemalan! You need to know that Guatemalan cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. I went on Thursday and ate it. Also, the tortillas here are amazing. Soft and fluffy. read more

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The service was really great we did not wait long for food or drinks. The pupusas with pork and cheese were very greasy I make mine at home and use plenty oil and it's still not as greasy. The masa could use more salt it was bland. The table was very sticky overall could be a cleaner place. I don't think I would go back but the service was excellent unfortunately it did not make up for the food being 3/5. read more

This is the first time I've tried Guatamalan food, and I'm not from Southern California, which seems to automatically designate a reviewer as an expert in all things Latin American, but this is some tasty stuff. I had the churrasquitos and my wife had a combo plate which also included ganacha and a papusa. Mine was delicious, and she inhaled hers before I could try it. Service was excellent, helpful and the waitress was very friendly. Ambiance is diner. I look forward to my next visit. read more

I want to visit Guatemala one day. I never considered it until I ate the amazing food at this humble place. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's the truth. Maybe it's the fried plantains. There's something extra wonderful about something that's delicious without seasoning. The plantains are perfectly ripe, and the pan fry gives it a rich, subtly sweet flavor. It's served with a crema that compliments it, but it honestly doesn't need it. The simplicity of the plantains is what makes it so good. Or, maybe it's the Guatemalan Breakfast, with its soft masa tacos, black refried beans, cotija cheese, and more of those awesome plantains. Eggs (your choice), too, and more crema. It transforms breakfast into an economy trip to Central America. That trip to warmer climes won't set you back much: only 4 things on the vast menu cost more than $10, and only slightly (no more than $11.95). There's something about the cozy interior that's comforting, making me want to stay all day and savor this amazing food. I'm just glad the day gets to start with breakfast. My pictures don't look pretty. It's a carry out I ate out of a styrofoam container with my brother. It doesn't matter: the flavor transcends the delivery. read more

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Five stars food and service. Every dish we ordered is fresh, handmade and delicious. Environment is relaxing, clean, like home. Will definitely come back again. Sharon is great! read more

Wonderful food! We ordered the empanadas and The Chicken milanase dish and some tostada type beef dish! Everything was amazing! So fresh and the sauce was so flavorful! Service was top noch! You will not be disappointed in trying this place! read more

Encuentro Latino - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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Really good food at this friendly neighborhood Guatemalan diner. Papusas With cheese and spinach were especially good, along with the cabbage salad that came with them. The thin slices of steak with macaroni salad were also excellent. Fast and inexpensive. read more

Food and drinks were amazing. Pupusas were strong and my wife loved her dish. Cantaloupe juice was as good as it gets! We will be back!!

Very happy to have stopped in. Great food and service. Took a little longer than I thought to get the food but they did have a ton of take-out orders to fill. The quality and freshness was A+, overall ambiance was very casual but clean. read more

Encuentro Latino - Papusas cheese and spinach and cheese and bean - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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We ordered delivery from here and the food was really delicious. We had the Chile Relleno, fried plantains, pupusas, chips and guacamole, and churasquitos. Everything was good except the churasquitos which might have been good if we had received all of the parts to assemble them. Sadly, we only received 3 small tortillas and nothing else. Delivery was a bit slow. read more

Really good food, great service, fun environment. We especially love the seafood soup and the pupusas, but everything we've tried is delicious. A+++ read more

A total disappointment rip off. I ordered this years ago and it was delicious. I was surprised when this only came with three tacos and the condiments were tiny portions! Almost $10 for this is ridiculous! read more

Encuentro Latino - Crispy taco disappointment ripoff - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

Impromptu decision to check this place out with a friend and it was a decent experience. Located in ypsi downtown thought parking would be a hassle but luckily got a spot in-front of the restaurant. Entered and chose a table of our choice coz there is only one person hosting and was busy. Ordered empanadas ($6.99)for appetizer -3 pieces(Ground beef, Chicken , Cheese ) that came with sauce and coleslaw. For entree I got Churrasco( Steak slices with rice and salad with side of 3 fresh tortilla) and friend got 3 pupusa. Everything tasted fresh and good but felt little bland , but that's probably due to my preference/taste bud. Pros: ------- Quick service Good friend Decent ambiance Street parking Good portions Cons: ------- None to me read more

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Our first time here, Sunday dinner time. We were a bit nervous when we sat down since we were the only people there but by the time we left it was full. That was for good reason since the food was delicious. I am no expert on Guatemalan cuisine, but this was a great introduction. It's been a while so I don't recall exactly what we had, but it was all very good. Fresh juices were great. read more

Explore another country without having to deal with airports! This is a Guatemalan restaurant in Ypsilanti Michigan. Walking in, the decor is decidedly humble and strikingly clean. Service is without flaw (sign on outside states being bilingual is a requirement for waitressing). Food is unique with Loroco pupusas a great choice. The diners are mostly latinX, futrthrt suggesting authenticity. Do not, repeat, do NOT go here if you want Kroger's tortillas. read more

Incredible food. Probably the best food in Ypsilanti. We are so lucky to have Encuentro Latino in our community.

My favourite spot for breakfast in Ypsi. Great service, great vibes and very nice people. Food is fresh and delicious.

So authentic...everything is so delicious. Even the sides were next level. A very friendly young lady helped me. Wish I lived closer so I could try all the things! read more

Encuentro Latino - Mixed papusa...very flavorful! - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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Color me all kinds of shocked and amazed! Stumbled upon this place after getting drinks at cultivate. We weren't sure what we wanted to eat so quickly Yelped something that seemed good enough. I honestly wasn't expecting much other than a quick bite. The first thing I noticed was the customer service! There's fake friendly, normal friendly, and "we welcome and treat any customer like family friendly" and Encuentro Latino falls into the latter category. The fried plantains are divine!! So perfectly delicious and not too sweet! The sour cream it came with was also very good. I had the pupusas and I could have cried due to how good they were. Back in my hometown in California my aunt lives next door to a woman, Lola, who makes and sells homemade pupusas, and they are absolutely life-changingly amazing! Eating these at Encuentro Latino really brought back all those memories. They were that good! I also really loved the homemade salsa they served with our meals. So spicy and delicious. I'm so glad I found this place and can't wait to comeback for brunch! read more

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The food is so good, service is great & the ambiance is very chill! I love it here! I usually get the beef or chicken empanadas when I'm in town and in a hurry but everything else they serve is delicious!!! read more

Stopped by for lunch. Had the fried plantains and the sampler. Every bite was delicious. Legit Guatemalan food. Definitely recommend.

Small, unassuming place with delicious authentic Guatemalan food. The Chapin Combo was a great way to try a few of their items at the same time. My friend wasn't sure what to expect never having tried Guatemalan food before but ended up loving it! read more

Encuentro Latino - Chapin Combo - one churrasquito, one garnacha and a pupusa. - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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Oh my goodness. After wanting to try this place for ages, my co-workers and I ordered takeout today. It was freaking delicious. I tried the chapin combo with a bean papusa. It was all insanely yummy. The smell was mouthwatering too. Already excited to try it again. I'll have to dine-in next time and try a few different things. Definitely recommend! read more

Soooooo good. The plantains are outstanding. Best in Arbor-Ypsi area for sure. I had the breakfast entree and for the first time tried chorizos that weren't dry!!! Corn tortillas are made to order and still warm. The hot sauce is HOT. but worth it. Also made in house. This is a must try. read more

Encuentro Latino - Homemade corn tortillas. Fluffy and warm. Yum. - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

While I've enjoyed a lot of Latin American cuisines, I can't say that I've ever come across a Guatemalan restaurant in my travels. Nor did I have the time to research the foods of the region before finding my way into Encuentro Latino with my family. So we just winged it and had a great meal. My daughter is probably the most particular of the bunch, but if there is one thing she loves it's meat, beans, and tortillas. Naturally, she ordered the Carne Adobada, which is a staggering amount of food for a child. The marinated and grilled pork was delicious, but perhaps the standout item on the plate were the thick, warm, homemade tortillas. She folded those around her meat, and enjoyed the heck out of them. Fortunately for me, I was able to get a bite... or several. The black beans were tender, as were the many pieces of diced onion, if not particularly flavorful. This may be on par with the cuisine, but I just don't know. The rice was studded with a confetti of small chopped vegetables. Had the beans been more compelling, perhaps more of the rice would have been consumed. Since I knew I'd be eating a fair bit of grilled pork, I ordered one of the smallest things I could, a plate of Garnachas. These are fried corn tortilla rounds, covered with ground beef, a smooth orange salsa, and a ring of raw white onion. They were fun, and different than anything else I had ever tried. They came alive with a little hot sauce which I requested. The hot sauce packed a punch, and was served in minuscule quantities, presumably for safety's sake. I probably could have asked for more, but I didn't want to come across as "the crazy gringo" on my first visit. My wife got the mixed pupusas, which were filled with pork, beans, and cheese. These may have been the best thing on the table. But seriously, who can argue with good pupusas? We also tried one of the cantaloupe agua frescas, which we were told are made in house. The flavor was great, but it was a little too sweet for my taste. Service was friendly. Prices were reasonable. Decor fits with the hole in the wall vibe of the spot. Without a doubt, I'll be back. Hopefully I can return with some more adventurous eaters. Because there are a bunch of items with cabbage and mayonnaise, which I love, but the rest of my family hates. Maybe then, I can find something that take Encuentro Latino up to its fifth star. Any takers? read more

I love Encuentro Latino. First off, they had me at pupusas and fried plantains, which are 2 of my favorite foods ever. And they seal the deal with great food and a clean restaurant. So I would be prone to being a fan of theirs right away, but they also have very good service and they are prompt and accurate with their delivery orders and their food is always really good as well. They are so steady and reliable they have never disappointed and I just happen to love their pupusas, which are nearly as good as the pupusas in Southwest Detroit's best-kept secret of "Pupuseria Y Restaurante Salvadoreno" on Livernois, and that is hands-down the best Latin restaurant in Michigan, for my money. And Southwest Detroit is inundated with lots of great restaurants in and around Mexicantown. It is really difficult to compete or compare with those gems, but Encuentro Latino seems determined to bring to Washtenaw County the kind of authentic experience that you typically would have to go to Mexicantown in order to actually experience. However, Encuentro Latino is itself a gem inside downtown Ypsilanti. read more

The food is delicious! If you are looking to try some Latinoamerican food other than Mexican this is the place. The seafood weekend speciality's is just like the one made on the Guatemala coast, tortillas are real and the plates are big. Drinks are good too, we have made this place our weekend fav to visit read more

Encuentro Latino - Seafood soup - Latin American Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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I've traveled all over Latin America, and this place is the real deal. The food is fresh, delicious, and definitely authentic (the owners are from Central America.) I love the friend plantains... they are one of the first things I get when I land in Guatemala, and these almost make me feel like I'm there. The waitress was very friendly and helpful in telling us the best things to get. Very satisfied with my experience here. The only thing that would be nice is a beer/wine list (I know, I know, liquor licenses are expensive, but I like a drink with my meal! ;)) read more

Guatemalan food in Ypsilanti, give it a shot on Saturday when they have a dish and seafood soup. The soup is delicious and not something found around here. I love the old diner experience, and I've also enjoyed the Guatemalan breakfast. In general, I've found the food here pretty mild, and the service friendly. I don't know that I'd recommend it for regular meals, but I highly encourage a visit for their special weekend soups. read more

Great for a quick bite or a longer mail, this place is casual but the food is so much better than casual! Everything is tasty, well prepared, and it came quickly. It helped that only two other parties were in the restaurant, but they served us everything we wanted even though they were about to close in a half an hour. Great place! read more

Food was delicious. I had the empanadas and my husband had ganaches. It was almost empty so I liked that part but I will come back for breakfast. read more

Got talked into coming here, was a little hesitant because I never had Guatemalan food. Its looks a little shabby from the outside, parking is ridiculous with all the out of order city parking meters but the food is absolutely wonderful once you get in. I honestly didn't think that the food would be as great, but these home cooked meals was worth the hassle. I had the beef stew with rice and it was right on point. Be careful where you are parking because I literally moved my car three times and I just gave up and wrote a note stating meter isn't working on my dashboard. I will definitely be back there soon but will park in the front on Michigan Ave. read more

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