Tacos, Tradition, and Traverse City

Taqueria Las Lagunas keeps its wheels and puts down roots

By Abby McKiernan | Jan. 4, 2025

Taqueria Las Lagunas in Traverse City is more than a restaurant—it’s the realization of a family’s long-standing dream. What began with a few family recipes has showcased the Guillén family’s dedication to authentic, homemade Mexican cuisine…and created a loyal following that continues to grow.

Today, Taqueria Las Lagunas operates from both its brick-and-mortar location at the Cherryland Center and their original Suttons Bay food truck, serving as a culinary bridge between the traditions of Mexico and the vibrant Traverse City community.

From Matamoros to Michigan

The Guillén family’s connection to northern Michigan began in the 1990s when Juan and Margarita Guillén worked as migrant laborers in the cherry and apple orchards. Originally from Matamoros, Coahuila, the couple moved to Texas and began working across the country for farms and orchards before relocating to Michigan in 1998 with their 11 children.

At the time, their son Juan “Junior” Guillén was in sixth grade, and the family was eager to plant permanent roots. “We all loved this area when we would come up, so moving to the area was exciting,” Junior says.

Over time, the Guilléns raised their children in the region, instilling values of hard work and connection to their heritage. As their children grew up and moved off to college or started families of their own, Margarita decided to pursue a dream that had always sat quiet in the back of her mind: opening a restaurant with her family recipes.

In 2018, Margarita, Juan, and Junior launched Taqueria Las Lagunas as a food truck in Suttons Bay. The truck quickly developed a reputation, with fans flocking to enjoy their small-batch recipes and fresh, homemade sauces.

For six years, the food truck was a local favorite, serving everything from tacos to enchiladas to hungry customers at events and catering gigs.

Despite its success, the family always envisioned a larger venture. That dream became a reality when they had the opportunity to jump on a space in the up-and-coming Cherryland Center. Taqueria Las Lagunas opened its doors on Oct. 19 at 1752 S Garfield Ave, touting “Same family, same flavor, now with a new address!”

Choosing the Cherryland Center as the location for their restaurant was a strategic decision. Junior, who has worked as a salesman at Bill Marsh Automotive (now Serra Auto Group) for over 14 years, saw an opportunity to serve the professional lunch crowd.

“In this area, you either had fast food or sit-down restaurants that took too long for a 30-minute lunch break,” he says.

Taqueria Las Lagunas bridges that gap. Knowing what it is like to want a fast but freshly-made meal, “We encourage people to call and order ahead so that their food is ready and can be eaten on the go when they get here,” Junior says. “It’s so much better than fast food and takes the same time that way!”

The location has exceeded the family’s expectations. Not only has it attracted a steady stream of customers, but the revitalization of the Cherryland Center has brought additional foot traffic to the area. Junior notes that the smaller space and efficient operations reflect their food truck roots, allowing them to serve high-quality meals without the overhead of a traditional full-service restaurant.

Menu Must-Haves

At the heart of Taqueria Las Lagunas is its menu. Margarita and Juan lead the kitchen, creating dishes inspired by her childhood in Matamoros.

“The sauces and marinades are our claim to fame,” Junior says, emphasizing the importance of small-batch preparation for freshness. Every marinade, salsa, and sauce is crafted with care using recipes that have been passed down through generations. “My mom is the sauce and salsa queen.”

The menu features several standout dishes that Junior says have become customer favorites. The Fish Tacos are made with fresh fish sourced from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, served grilled or breaded with cabbage, pico de gallo, and a tangy cilantro sauce. Meanwhile, the Carne Asada Tacos offer a classic Mexican dish with tender, flavorful steak and a marinade that will leave you ordering seconds.

Also popular are the chimichangas and enchiladas—hearty, satisfying options for those craving traditional comfort food. And the Sombrero Platter is a staff favorite. This fajita look-alike is topped with melted Chihuahua cheese for a rich, indulgent flavor providing the perfect twist on a classic.

And, of course, each dish is complemented by homemade salsas, ranging from mild to fiery, and prepared fresh daily.

The move to a permanent location has also allowed the Guilléns to expand their offerings. Catering services now extend to Traverse City, accommodating weddings, graduations, corporate events, and more. The food truck remains active from May to September, continuing to serve customers on weekends, while the restaurant operates seven days a week.

One of the most exciting additions to their operation is the introduction of chef’s choice specials every Friday. “My dad has a deep passion for cooking,” Junior says. “The Friday specials are his way of staying creative and sharing something new with our customers.”

The response from the Traverse City community has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers frequently praise the flavors, freshness, and authenticity of the food. One reviewer shared, “Their food is insanely good. The first step in the door smelled just like Mexico!” Another raved about the wet burrito, calling it “the best I’ve ever had.”

Junior attributes much of their success to the support of repeat customers and new visitors alike. “We’ve been lucky to have die-hard supporters from our food truck days and so many new faces discovering us at the restaurant. It’s been amazing.”

Find Taqueria Las Lagunas at 1752 S Garfield Ave in Traverse City. (231) 943-1101; laslagunastc.com