A Taste of Tradition and Modern Flair
When you walk through the doors of Meshico Tacos & Tequila in Rochester Hills, you’re stepping into a restaurant that prioritizes your dining experience. Meshico has quickly become a beloved local favorite since opening in 2022. Founded by Michael Livanos, this vibrant, modern restaurant offers a blend of Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican flavors, served alongside a curated selection of tequilas and margaritas that elevate every meal. As we gear up for Cinco de Mayo, let’s dive into the heart of Meshico’s story and what makes it a must-visit destination for food lovers and tequila enthusiasts alike.
A Name with a Story
The story of Meshico Tacos & Tequila begins with a name—an intentional twist on "Mexico" that reflects the restaurant’s unique fusion of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. "My wife and I were thinking about names, and we wanted something that represented both Mexican food and our unique twist," Michael shared. "We thought Meshico sounded fun and a little different, and it turns out it’s the Aztec pronunciation of Mexico." And just like that, Meshico was born.
The inspiration to create Meshico came during the pandemic, when Michael, who had spent 27 years in the restaurant industry, realized there was an untapped opportunity in Rochester Hills. He knew it was time to bring something fresh to the area. This desire, along with cooking all types of food, led him to switch gears.
“I wanted to bring something fresh and exciting to the community."
- Michael Livanos
Fresh Flavors with a Hacienda Twist
What truly sets Meshico apart is its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, some of which come from Hacienda de Gutierrez. Hacienda provides Meshico with a variety of essential products, including #4 Loose Cut Raw tortilla chips, flour tortillas in 6", 8", and 12", taqueria tortillas, and yellow and white corn tortillas. Michael praises these tortillas for their quality:
“When I tried Hacienda's products, I mean, it was a game changer. These tortillas are made fresh, the day of my order, and they're brought to me the next morning.”
Whether they’re making their signature tacos or their fan-favorite Quesa-Birria, these dishes are always a crowd-pleaser. And Meshico’s commitment to quality doesn’t stop there. The restaurant also prides itself on its in-house salsas and guacamole, all made fresh daily, ensuring that each bite is as vibrant and flavorful as the last.
“We use Hacienda’s chips, and people always compliment us on them. They’re fantastic and really elevate our dishes.”
- Michael Livanos
In addition to the exceptional tortillas from Hacienda, Meshico places great importance on sourcing high-quality fresh produce and meat. They proudly source their fresh produce from the renowned Eastern Market in Detroit, ensuring that everything from avocados to sweet peppers is of the highest quality. "We get our avocados, cilantro, onions, and more from Eastern Market, which is known for its incredible local produce. This gives us the best ingredients to create authentic, flavorful Mexican dishes," Michael explained.
For their seafood, Meshico partners with Motor City Seafood, a trusted supplier that delivers fresh, high-quality seafood directly to the restaurant. "We get our shrimp, mahi, and flounder from Motor City Seafood, and it’s always fresh," Michael shared. "Their seafood is top-notch, and it really makes a difference in the dishes we serve."
A Celebration in Every Sip
No Mexican meal is complete without a refreshing margarita, and Meshico’s margarita menu is truly something to behold. Michael, a self-proclaimed tequila enthusiast, has curated a selection of 40 different tequilas and mezcals from top distillers, each with unique flavors and profiles. "We use agave instead of sugar syrup in our margaritas, which makes them much healthier and more flavorful," he shared.
Meshico offers an array of margaritas, from classic flavors to unique creations, all made with fresh lime juice and agave. "We don’t use pre-mixed margarita mix," Michael emphasized. "We make everything fresh, per order, and it makes a huge difference in taste." And for those looking for something smoky and distinct, Meshico’s mezcal selection is a perfect choice.
"Mezcal is a very distinct flavor. It’s like scotch with a smoky kick. If you love scotch, you’ll probably love mezcal."
- Michael Livanos
A Community-Focused Dining Experience
What truly sets Meshico apart is its strong connection to the community. As a neighborhood restaurant, Meshico is deeply involved in supporting local schools and organizations by donating food for community events, and is deeply involved in its surrounding neighborhood. “We love giving back to our community,” Michael shared. "Whether it’s sponsoring events or donating food, we’re always looking for ways to support those around us."
Their commitment to the community extends to their catering service, which has also become a popular option for special events. "We’ve done catering orders for everything from small parties to large gatherings of 250 people," Michael explained. "We love that people turn to us for their special events, whether it’s a birthday, a wedding shower, or a corporate gathering." Meshico’s ability to accommodate large groups with ease and provide delicious food ensures that every event is memorable.
“The people here in Rochester Hills and the immediate area are supportive. We love our customers. We listen to our customers. And when they come in, they know they’re going to get a perfect experience.”
- Michael Livanos
Cinco de Mayo at Meshico: A Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss
With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, Meshico is gearing up for the celebration. Michael and his team are preparing for a day full of food, drinks, and excitement, complete with live music, a DJ, and of course, a menu item curated with customers' favorites. “It’s our busiest day of the year. People come from all over to celebrate with us,” Michael said. Their special Cinco de Mayo menu will feature all the classics, including tacos on fresh Hacienda tortillas, sizzling fajitas, and the renowned Quesa-Birria.
"The Quesa-Birria is one of our most popular dishes. It’s a combination of two flour tortillas filled with birria, grilled and crispy, and served with consomme for dipping. It’s a fan favorite."
- Michael Livanos
Meshico will also offer mocktails, their signature margaritas, tequila, and mezcal selections to help guests get into the festive spirit. Whether you're enjoying the lively patio or cozying up inside with a margarita in hand, Cinco de Mayo at Meshico is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
What’s Next for Meshico?
As Meshico continues to grow, Michael is always thinking about new ways to evolve the restaurant. "We’re constantly listening to our customers and tweaking the menu," he said. "We’ve added some unique items over the years, like our birria ramen, which combines Asian ramen with our traditional Mexican flavors." Other new menu additions include a hatch chili mac and cheese, which Michael is excited to introduce. "It’s something you won’t find at any other restaurant, and we think it’s going to be a big hit."
In addition to new menu items, Meshico is also focused on improving the dining experience. "We’ve added new chairs and decor to make the atmosphere even more inviting," Michael said. "We’re always striving to enhance the experience for our guests, whether it’s through food, drinks, or the ambiance."
A Perfect Pairing
At Hacienda de Gutierrez, we are proud to be part of the Meshico journey, providing high-quality tortillas and chips that elevate their dishes to the next level. Whether you're enjoying a plate of tacos, a refreshing margarita, or celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Meshico Tacos & Tequila is the place to be. We’re honored to supply their kitchen with our fresh products, and we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in the community.
So, this Cinco de Mayo, gather your friends and family and head over to Meshico for an unforgettable fiesta. With their delicious food, top-notch tequila, and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to celebrate.
For more information about Meshico, visit their website, and come see for yourself why this restaurant has become a community favorite.
¡Salud y buen provecho!
