Gran Castor

Reviews

• Lex C.

  star star star star star_border 21 July 2026

  The only thing I didn't like was the noise level. It was pretty loud making conversation at the table a little more work than it should have been
  
  The food, however, was incredible. I had the brisket taco and the chicken. My boyfriend let me try his oxtail. All of them were just super amazing. Totally worth the trip there.

• Varun R.

  star star star star_border star_border 16 July 2026

  Ambiance awesome. Drinks delicious. Highly recommend the margaritas.
  
  ...however, if you like spicy/flavorful food, I do NOT recommend this place. I tried the Elote pizza and the tacos. All were bland AF.

• Sona S.

  star star star star star_border 13 July 2026

  While visiting the area, I was really craving some Mexican food but also wanted to go out somewhere nice to dress up, and so I found this place nearby. And I'm so glad I got to experience Gran Castor. If I ever go back to Troy, Michigan, this is definitely a spot I'm going to return to!
  First off the ambience of this place is amazing. We came in pretty late, around 9:45 pm , and though there weren't too many patrons left, it was still lively. The decor is very different from what you'd expect on the outside and it's definitely a very hip and lively place with a casual and chic atmosphere. You can see the kitchen from anywhere you sit, and there's a great cough and fireplace area in the middle (which is great to get some coffee and lounge). The staff was friendly as well.
  Now for the food:
  We got the jerk chicken taquitos for an appetizer, and they didn't disappoint. The grilled cactus pico was so delicious and something I've never had before.
  For our main, we ordered the Elote Special pizza with Honcho hot chicken added and I can definitely say I was thinking of that pizza for the next couple days. The Peruvian green chili sauce was such a great kick and it was delicious as well. With its pretty authentic flavors, this was the showstopper of the evening.
  The only confusing bit were the tacos. We ordered 2 of the house tacos in "Taco night", and based on the menu it says "the house" is 2 soft corn tortillas, so we assumed we were going to get 4 tortillas total. Well we did, but it was only 2 tacos - each taco filling was wrapped in 2 of the soft tortillas. Later we found out that if you order the Dorado or the Champ, the tortillas are separated by a cheese (which makes sense then). But the meat was tasty, and luckily the pizza was pretty filling so we didn't feel much of a lack of tacos.
  Overall I'd say if you want to head to a hip and greatly decorated place to make you forget where you are and have some authentic flavors, definitely this is a place worth the splurge in prices (and the pizza is so worth it!)

• Amanda T.

  star star star star_border star_border 30 June 2026

  I've waited and waited to try this place, mostly waited because we just never got on that side of Rochester? Or because that corner is always so busy.. But finally after heading to the grocery store we decided it was now or never!
  
  We walked in on a Sunday afternoon. They had the doors open and the big windows for the patio and there was a nice breeze coming through the restaurant. Felt like a vacation, really! Anyways, we walked in and immediately greeted. We sat at the bar and looked around to see what all the fuss was about. It was nice. Our bartender server went over drinks and food and we ordered. I got a castor margarita to get the full experience!! It was good but went down super fast.. I then ordered a house margarita and I actually enjoyed that margarita better. I could taste the tequila in it which, I've come to realize I'm a tequila on the rocks girl.
  
  Our food: we decided to make a pizza and breadsticks. Who doesn't order pizza at a latin restaurant? The server/bartender told us that they were great as a light bite and made fresh as you order in a wood-burning oven. Here's the thing- the bottom always gets done before the rest of the pizza in a wood burning. So here we are with a pizza with a burnt bottom or so it was for us and breadsticks. Honestly the breadsticks were enough for me and those were the shining star of our experience. The sticks are also made in the same oven but they were perfect, not burnt like that pizza. We did order the donuts and let's be real,  that's all I really wanted going into this place. I've read about those donuts. I've seen pictures of the donuts and who doesn't like little donuts!! (Remember the donut place in Gibraltar? Almost like that!!)
  
  There are many places along Big Beaver, many. The drinks were good, dessert was better. I'd go back but it wouldn't be my first choice. I think you have to try it, but, maybe next time no pizza and stick to what they are known for: tacos and burritos, salsa and guacamole.

• Amy B.

  star star star star star_border 30 June 2026

  I've seen and heard about this place, and have been wanting to try it for some time. I finally got to experience it with 5 other yelpers last night for a UYE and it was fabulous!
  
  Walking in, I love the setup. It has plenty of open seating, and there were huge booths throughout the place. They also had 2 and 4 top tables as well for smaller parties.  We got seated in the back, at a huge booth, which had plenty of room throughout.  I also love the decor here, as it's very well done. Not over stated, not to minimal.
  
  The menus were already at the table, and they have a great selection of items to choose from. Burritos, pizza, tacos, nachos and other items as well. I didn't want a ton of food, so I stuck to two tacos. Also, you know what's cool about this place? you can order different styles of tacos all at once! WHAT? YES. I LOVE THAT. I ended up ordering two tacos. One was regular ground beef, and the other was brisket.
  
  I loved both! The brisket was really spicy, and had jalapenos in it. So, I had to make sure I wasn't eating the whole jalapeno in one bite. LOL. Anyways, the rest of my party had other items, like tacos, dip and nachos. Derek's nachos looked so good, but I was already so full from my tacos that I couldn't think about getting over there to try them.
  
  Considering there was six of us, our server handled us well.  Drinks were filled, she checked in on us regularly, and did a good job of handling our party.  Food was really good and I would totally come here again.
  
  Thank you Gran Castor, you are the best!