BTB Cantina

You can Fire and Ice almost anything you can think of – which means double hot sauce for fire and extra sour cream and jack cheese for ice.
This used to be my favorite lunch on campus, but there’s been some wild variations in ingredient quality over the last few years, which combined with a palpable price increase, makes it hard for me to be as gushingly pleased as I was when this place opened. They have upped their game again since then, and are much more consistent again. And when they are on, they are totally on.
The queso is pretty great, the sauce selection is a hot delight, and the chips are usually excellent. The steak varies from gristly/​fatty to quite good. I’m always a fan of the robust vegan plate, which you can still get (like fire and ice style – gone but not forgotten) even though that’s not on the menu.
I swear they have a perfect soda fountain. Their diet coke is primo. Though they do sell sugar coke in the cooler.
I also like the tacos, and the happy hour margs are exactly right for the price. The staff has always been awesome, and really good at noting regulars.

While I’m not a fan of BTB Burrito, I am a fan of BTB Cantina. Located above Good Time Charley’s on South U, Cantina is a Mexican bar. Along with Mexican grub, they have margaritas in additional to your usual assortment of drinks. The line is often a lot shorter or non-​existent compared to Charley’s so it’s a good alternative if Charley’s is too busy. Even though it was pretty empty when we went, they have a DJ who was playing a lot of 90s hits. Really brought us back and they have a decent-​sized dance floor so you can bust out your moves.

Food quality was poor, the place had no music and karaōke was suppose to start at 10 but didn’t start because the guy wasn’t there and the bar tender had no idea where he was. The service was poor! Only thing that made this 3 stars were the people I was with.

Disgusting.
The first few times I ate here it was pretty decent, however in the last few months it just keeps getting worse. Everything tastes like it was cooked weeks ago and frozen, probably because it was.
I’ve already told myself three times that I wouldn’t get food from here again, I don’t know why I keep thinking it isn’t going to be garbage, but I have to stop doing this to myself. I love Mexican food, if you do too don’t go here. You’d be just as well off going to Taco Bell or ⁷⁄₁₁ for a microwave burrito, probably better off actually because you wouldn’t have to deal with the Bros™ behind the counter.

After trying numerous places around Ann Arbor to celebrate and dance for my sister’s 21^st birthday; we ended up here. We had about a half hour wait to get in (it was a Friday night though, so that was expected). The line was way shorter than Rick’s across the street though, so that was a plus. When we got to the front of the line and had to pay a cover, we were a little bummed, but were then pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and the dance floor! They have these pitchers of drinks that I definitely wanna try next time. But the best part about this place? THE DJ. Honestly, the most amazing DJ I’ve ever heard in my life. We danced for hours and had the best time. I wish I lived closer because this would be a regular spot for me. If you’ve never been here, you need to. It’s a nice little hidden gem of amazing-​ness.

BTB has to be the go to place for a good burrito in downtown Ann Arbor. Compared to your other options (Pancheros and Chipotle) they are cheaper and have tastier fillings. Unlike Chipotle, they also know how to wrap a burrito so it doesn’t fall apart or burst while you’re eating it. They’re menu is also more extensive, including chimichangas, nachos, tacos, and quesadillas. They also have booze. My one complaint is that their «diablo» salsa (the spiciest option) is inconsistently spicy, so be aware of this when ordering– your burrito might come out too mild. Other than that, BTB is fantastic.

Yum. Huge portions. Considered 2 meals for one. The nachos are where it’s at. Super delicious and fresh. Burritos are massive and put pancheros to shame. The rice and bean ratio can be overwhelming, I modify this by asking for more veggies in place of such heavy ingredients. Super fast service during lunch hours

Its a crime that Chipotle is able to stay in business within 100 miles of BTB. Here are the things that are better at BTB
–the ingredients
–the customer service
–everything
–they have queso
–booze
–queso
–no hipsters or 10 year olds
–beer
That list isn’t exhaustive but should give you a good idea. They also have the «chimichanga». For those of you white people who think all Mexican food is the same… your pretty much right. However, the chimichanga is the one exception. You take a burrito and then you fry it. Thats it. You may be thinking «well thats the same thing as a burrito” — you could not be more wrong. Frying anything makes it categorically different, and by different I mean better. Fried.
They also have a nacho bar buffet from time to time which is pretty good– it pairs well with the actual bar.
It’s also open super late which makes it prime for 4^th meal.

Can’t complain. If I lived here I’d be back for lunch. It was quick, cheap, and the food was pretty decent… not covered in grease or anything like that. Service was fine. Counter guy was extremely friendly and upbeat. Definitely liked my experience.

I’d like to say that «if you’re hungry and need something quick and cheap, stop here», but there’s just too many other choices in the area. I’ve had a few things from their menu, and there isn’t anything that stands out as being «must have». I’m sure I’ll stop by again at some point since I work in the area, but for Mexican food, I find myself weighing the thought of driving 10 – 15 minutes all the way to one of the Qdoba joints versus a 5 minute walk to this place. Plus Chipotle is also a close walk.
One direct tip: The two-​taco meal (just the tacos) was actually pretty tasty, the meat was really flavorful, but the tortilla fell apart quickly, and it seemed like paying $ 6 for two tacos was a bit much.
I won’t go so far as to say «avoid» this place, just know that you probably won’t be blown away by anything. The staff has always been great though, very cool people. One of the better locations in the area; it’s on the 2^nd floor giving you an overview of the Church Street and South U. intersections, great for people watching during lunch.

Late night menu is the worst idea ever. I should be able to order whatever I want no matter what. Cantina sucks bring back the old BTB

Spent ALL day here with my best friend on St. Patty’s day and the staff was OVER THE MOON amazing to us. Couldn’t of asked for better service. Definitely my favorite go to spot on South U and even all of downtown. Looking forward to coming back. The food and drinks were fabulous and reasonably priced.

My three girl friends and I came into BTB Cantina on a Friday around 7pm for their AYCE nachos! It was extremely crowded when we first arrived, but we managed to snag a table. The AYCE nachos for $ 6 is available 4−8pm every Friday, and during happy hour their margaritas are only $ 3, so dinner and a drink for ~$ 9 seemed like a good deal. The nacho bar includes only the most typical toppings of queso, salsas of varying spicyness levels, lettuce, sour cream, and beans. When we came they had pork and chicken, and I gathered that this changes maybe slightly every week since my friends commented that the chicken was different before.
This is a mostly undergrad spot, so expect the rowdiness and college drama i.e. I stepped into the bathroom to wash my hands and their was some juicy gossip to be heard. The main points are that it’s a cheap dinner, and fun to sit and chat for an hour or so in a lively atmosphere.

We came up here after hanging out downstairs at Charley’s and I liked the place! The bartender was super friendly, and they had great beer specials, even on a weekend night. We were there around 1030pm and apparently it becomes an undergrad dance party around midnight… we didn’t stay since my undergrad years are long gone, but we headed over to Live instead, where the average age is higher!

Soooo coming from California, I like to think that I have very high expectations for Mexican food. Walking up the flights of stairs to BTB I honestly didn’t know what kind of restaurant I was getting myself into.
When I found out it was a cantina, I rolled my eyes. Quality mex out here in Michigan??? pssshtt.
However, one bite from the steak tacos proved me wrong. The meat… so flavorful… While it could have used a little more cilantro, it was an awesome taco.
Then the nachos came. HOLY shit. They pile that shit UP! i am talking loads of guacamole, beans, cheese, and meat! It was marvelous!
Next time, I would just split steak nachos with a friend. for $ 7.50 that is a steal!

This review is purely based on the food. I used to eat here with a couple of my friends from grad school and this was one of my fav place to eat on south u. I would always get the shredded chicken burrito bowl with a side of hot salsa. The never skimp on any of the ingredients. I love that every bite I take, there’s a great mix of meat, beans, cheese, etc. the interior of this place can definitely use a face lift, but it being a bar makes it challenging since it’s always going to get busy when the student are in school.
I remember when I was getting settled into my new apartment, my cousin and I decided to stop by after reading some positive reviews about btb. We went to the location on state st but remember the food being very tasty and more than enough for both of us. We ordered a steak burrito that in size was comparable with chipotles burrito and nachos. I can’t remember how the nachos were but remember them filling up the chips in the container.

It’s a dive bar but the food is good and the portions are worth it. Although be careful because sometimes the chicken is undercooked. That’s why I always go with the beef. And who doesn’t love that their prices already include tax – no searching around for those pesky pennies.
–Ground Beef Burrito (refried beans, salsa, cheese, ground beef): It’s a great size and all of the ingredients are plentiful and flavorful. It can be dry at times so I really enjoy the «wet burrito» option as the sauce is yummy and hot cheese is great.
FINAL VERDICT: They have good burritos (maybe not the best I’ve ever tasted, but good) and my friends swear by their quesadillas. I got their salad one time but it was underwhelming so just go for the flour tortilla. I mean if you’re eating Mexican food, you aren’t really watching calories anyways

Big ass tacos! I dig the Taco Salad. Total college joint. Weird stage. Not a bad option for lunch, but I wouldn’t have a meeting there.

So one day my guy friends dragged me to «Cantina» even though I was dying to go to Panchero’s. How could anyone choose another burrito place over my beloved Panch? But Cantina held its own. The burritos were so damn cheap and you can actually eat healthy here! The guys got your typical big fatties with all the goods, and I got a veggie burrito on WHOLE WHEAT. How accommodating is that? And it was delicious. Best part is, each was $ 4. Talk about value. And the ambiance is perfect for people-​watching on South University at a bird’s eye view.
Also, on a Tuesday night, this is the spot. 80 cents shots. So naturally, everyone gets about 20. The atmosphere gets crazy but is intimate enough that you really have a great time with the tables around you. So if you want to grab a group of great people together and have the best time — Tuesdays @ Cantina are for you.

Cantina has the potential to get crazy, and it does.
Love the dance space here, and the people are pretty easy to get up and get on their feet. Perfect place to stop by in a night.