Fantastic Mexican Tapas- Isalita-Ann Arbor

One of my biggest problems when I go to Mexican food is deciding what to eat.  Luckily, when the Mexican food is tapas style I can have many options.  Isalita in Ann Arbor on Liberty has an amazing and creative menu that will have you wanting more.  And more and more!
I love so many things about this restaurant.  First of all, the restaurant sign is strung across a line like a Happy Birthday sign.  So fun!!!

The restaurant has two floors, with main dining on the first floor and overflow and party rooms on the lower level.  We were sat on the lower level that connects to Isalita's sister restaurant, Mani Osteria, both owned by Adam Baru. There is an amazing mural on the wall above the staircase that I love.  It adds a classic authentic feel.

Isalita has a very simple menu with drinks on one side and food on the other.  We started our meal with margaritas of course.  They offer your classic house or upgrade, as well as, specialty drinks.  I ordered the classic with a float (an extra shot of tequila, why not).

We got chips right away that were warm and thick and gone in a flash.  For starters, we ordered the guacamole.  Okay I love guacamole, but guacamole with crab on top??!! Wow!!!!  You really need to try it!


We also ordered the queso fundido.
You have the option of house-made chorizo or forest mushrooms.  We, of course, ordered the chorizo.

It was hot and bubbly and fantastic!!!  My husband and I devoured it.


Luckily, they brought out the kids food next.  The children have an option of cheesy nachos or quesadillas with or without chicken.  Of course with three kids we ordered one of each.  Look at those nachos!  Crispy and gooey.  They were really good (unfortunately they were not mine).  The quesadillas were filled with chicken and cheese and nice and crispy.

Then the plates started flowing!  My sister-in-law ordered the tuna tartare.  It was gorgeously presented.  The tuna was mixed with jicama, mango, avocado, onions and spices and surrounded with crisp fried plantains.  It was light and refreshing, a perfect summer dish.

She also ordered the
Al Pastor taco, pork belly glazed with guajillo and topped with pickled pineapple. I tried it because I wanted to blog about it but it was so good!!  The pickled pineapple married the spicy guajillo perfectly.

My husband, son, and I ordered the Carnitas Tacos, the Hanger Steak Tacos and the Baja Fish Tacos.

The Carnitas were smothered in salsa verde and onions.  The pork was moist and perfectly seasoned and the salsa verde added a great kick.

The Baja Fish Tacos were awesome!  Mahi Mahi breaded and lightly fried with a chipotle remoulade it was super yummy and spicy.  My son was so excited about them that he took, and was almost done with, it before I was able to snap a picture of it.  

The Hanger Steak taco was a table favorite.  It comes in pieces as a make your own.  Perfect for my son!  He was able to add as mush steak as he wanted without the onion.  My husband loved them!  Needless, to say we did not have much left over from our meal.  The art of Tapas is a great way to have a family meal and make everyone happy.  We were all happy after our visit to Isalita!