Plus, a rundown of other Mexican options in the area.

Rio’s Mexican Grill, which has been serving up tacos and more in New Buffalo for 26 years, is closing its little stand after March 11. But don’t despair! Rio’s owners are opening a larger spot on March 14 with indoor seating at the north end of New Buffalo. 

Rio’s new place is at 603 E. Buffalo St. (aka US 12, in what was a Buffalo Bill’s, across the street from Redamak’s), about a mile from their original taco stand. The counter-service restaurant will have a menu much like the original Rio’s, along with weekend specials, such as posole. There’s no liquor, but Marysol Rios, daughter of the founders and a co-owner with her brother, says that might come once they settle into the space. Agua frescas will be on offer. 

Marysol says the family plans to reopen the original stand on the southern end of town sometime early next year. It will an entirely different menu; the family is working on exactly what that will be. Rio’s also has had a drive-through location in Michigan City on Franklin Street since 2002. 

Marysol says the family prides itself on serving fresh, homemade food quickly for those on the go and will continue that tradition. 

Last summer, another takeout Mexican spot opened on US 12 kitty corner from the old Rio’s: Tacos Los De Catemaco.  I’m not sure I can tell you which restaurant has the better taco; but Los De Catemaco has breakfast tacos and burritos, distinguishing it from Rio’s. I like the esquites here: fried corn cooked with chiles and epazote leaves, queso fresco, mayonnaise, lime, and chili powder. Los De Catemaco is owned by the people behind Al Fuego, close to the Highway 94 in New Buffalo. Al Fuego, a full-service restaurant with a patio, offers authentic Mexican, including breakfasts both American and Mexican.

My favorite area restaurant for sit-down Mexican is Tapa Taco, somewhat of an undiscovered area gem. Located in Gordon Beach Inn in Union Pier, it started out as straight Mexican, but their Peruvian-born, New York-trained chef, Eduardo Pesantez, shakes things up with other South American dishes.

You might find an Argentinian steak with chimichurri and a cheese-stuffed mashed potato ($42); beer-braised goat meat in broth served with white rice; several paellas (veggie, seafood or meat), and arepas, Venezuelan ‘sliders’ made with corn flour and served with cilantro lime aioli. Do yourself a favor and get the churros with chocolate for dessert. 

The drinks are terrific, the prices are reasonable (check out Taco Tuesdays off season) and in nice weather, the screen porch is an excellent choice. In winter, the seating is in Gordon Beach’s lobby, which has a nice fireplace. There’s a bar area, too, that never seems crowded.

Other Mexican spots I’ve sampled in Michigan City: El Cajeta on Franklin has traditional, authentic Mexican and terrific salsa. A cartoonish cardboard cutout of a man in a sombrero greets patrons at the door; ignore and proceed anyway. 

On Franklin in the Arts District, Mucho Mas is a casual, counter-service spot that distinguishes itself with birria, California-style Tex Mex, and even tofu tacos. It no longer has a liquor license.

Haro’s (1708 Franklin St., 219-878-1966) is the place for yummy, inexpensive tamales, wrapped in packages of six and ready to go at the front counter. (Call a day ahead to order large quantities or the cheese and pepper, which they don’t always have.) Haro’s is a fully stocked grocery store with a meat counter. You’ll find any ingredient you might need for a Mexican feast, along with housemade guacamole and salsas. 

There’s a small restaurant with seating as well; I’ve not eaten there because I’m pretty sure that this not-so-strict vegetarian would nonetheless be getting a lot of lard and meat-soaked everything, even the chile rellenos. But judging from the clientele, the food is authentic.