Chela’s Restaurant offers a vibrant and authentic take on Mexican street food, prepared with fresh ingredients and care. Rooted in tradition and community, Chela’s has become a beloved spot for those seeking bold, flavorful dishes made with intention.
Located at 693 South Maple Road in Ann Arbor, Chela’s is owned and operated by Adrian and Lori Iraola. The restaurant opened in 2012, following Adrian’s retirement from his work as a civil engineer for the City of Ann Arbor. Named in honor of Adrian’s mother, Chela’s reflects the warmth and hospitality of a family kitchen — welcoming, generous and full of heart.
Flavorful favorites
Chela’s menu boasts classic street-style staples, including tacos (al pastor, barrio, carnitas), tamales, burritos, quesadillas and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. But what really sets them apart is their commitment to freshness. Nothing is canned. Everything—from the tortillas and salsas to the masa — is made in-house daily.
We sampled the Nachos Grande, ordered Campechana style (a delicious mix of meat and chorizo), piled high with black beans, veggies and cheese. We also devoured the Loaded Veggie Burrito, which came brimming with bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, rice, black beans and guacamole. We couldn’t resist adding an extra order of chips, black beans and the recommended house dessert: a luscious Tres Leches Cake that was light, moist and perfectly sweet.
To drink, we sipped on their house limeade, a refreshing throwback to the classic offerings of Ann Arbor’s beloved, bygone Drake’s sandwich shop.
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A feast for the eyes — and the heart
Chela’s features décor that thoughtfully celebrates Mexican culture, including artwork, traditional papel picado, and community storytelling. It’s a place where you immediately feel welcome — and where the walls tell stories beyond the menu.
One powerful feature is a community bulletin board, discreetly placed near the ordering counter. It commemorates a 2020 Saline School Board meeting on diversity and inclusion during which Adrian Iraola was subjected to a racist remark. But more prominent than the offense are the overwhelming messages of love, support, and gratitude displayed from the Ann Arbor and Saline communities — handwritten cards, typed letters and heartfelt notes affirming that Chela’s is more than a restaurant. It’s a symbol of belonging.
Kindness is the key ingredient
The staff at Chela’s are warm and attentive, and even the regulars add to the inclusive, feel-good energy of the space. One customer summed it up perfectly: “It’s not just the food—it’s the kindness. You feel it.”
And while kindness is free, the food is reasonably priced. Combo plates — including taco or tamale with rice, beans, and a drink — go for around $10, making Chela’s an accessible option for both quality and quantity.
Final bite
With unbeatable freshness, standout flavor, community pride and a genuine sense of welcome, Chela’s isn’t just another place to eat—it’s a place to feel at home. Chela’s is more than worth the visit.
There is another Chela’s located at 7065 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road in Dexter, Michigan, that reportedly serves alcohol as well.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
