Iron Horse

LOVED IT! Burrito was amazing and esquites were to die for! The vibe was good here and the employees super duper nice. Bar tender was amazing and the manager (I’m assuming) was nice to take time to describe the different types of hot sauces they provided. I might add he was very entertaining in doing so.

Great spot! Went for dinner. Was told there would be a wait of 45 mins but we got seated in 20. Hipster crowd dwells here. Good vibe. The food came out fast and fresh. Would return again.

Cold, blustery, snowy winter days are perfect for Sunday brunch! My friend Melissa suggested Iron Horse and it was an excellent choice. The restaurant feels and looks like a pub. The front is bright and airy with large windows, tables and a bar. In the back is more seating but the lighting is darker and has a more cosy feel. We opted to order the Brioche French Toast for the table as we all wanted a little bit of sweet. The brioche comes with a dollop of whip cream, Nutella and carmelized bananas. For my main brunch dish, I ordered the steak and egg tacos. The others in my group ordered the wet burrito which was huge and the straight up breakfast. We were all pleased with our food and have already decided to come back for lunch.

Best bar in royal oak!
I frequent this establishment for happy hour tacos, pre concert beers, and all around good fun. The staff is personable and professional. The atmosphere is cool but not royal oak bro-​ey. All around good times.

The boyfriend and I went here tonight since we were in the area, and the Unilocal reviews were good. It was 30 minutes for a walk-​in. Not bad and we were able to sit at the bar to enjoy a (delicious) cocktail and get our appetizer order started while we we waited.
We ordered the cheese bread to start. It came out warm and gooey. It was good, but there was something about the cheese that made it taste weird. Overall, I’d give this dish a 3.5 because the bread was delicious!
I ordered the nachos as my main entrée and my boyfriend ordered the wet burrito. Don’t get me wrong, we both ate until we were stuffed. The food wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good Mexican food. It just wasn’t authentic. The beans and cheese, particularly, tasted like something out of a package from a grocery store.
Extra star, though, for the super friendly staff!

Iron Horse is a stylish, sleek space serving up contemporary American Mexican food. Overall it’s a good option for a date and the food is strong but not phenomenal. Iron Horse gets major props for offering proper vegetarian options. Yay for menus in the 21^st century! The chef is to be commended for offering tofu as a protein option on many entrees while still keeping a cohesive menu. I can’t stress this enough how much us vegetarians appreciate this!
We tried the Mexican mule cocktails which were tasty but flawed due to the enormous quantities of ice piled into the cute stainless cocktail glasses. It’s cold out and the ice is really off putting and detracts from the flavor of the cocktail. We didn’t comment about it, because of the stigma that is associated with complaints about ice! We ordered the Esquites, tofu tacos, and sides of guacamole and salsa. The Esquites is good but I question how fresh the corn is. Also it’s not grilled. The flavor has a lilt of American blah. That said it’s a creative dish that’s tasty and worth a try. The waitress was nice enough but would randomly become disinterested. For instance she offered us a third round of drinks but didn’t offer us desserts, or ask if we wanted the check. She just brought the check over uninvited. It seemed like we were being rushed out. I also think offering a third round of drinks is pretty tacky, if you’re not offering dessert? The salsas and the guacamole were competent but not amazing at all in presentation or taste. You’re paying for the atmosphere and the experience. I’m still giving it 4 stars because of the great vegetarian options and the potential to improve with a few tweaks. I might give it 5 stars next time! With minor tweaks to service and quality of ingredients this would be a 5. I would come back and you should give it a try!

The food was really good.
Allyse the server was very attentive to our table, never leaving us wanting for anything. The atmosphere is very intimate, I did not expect to find this cool of a place check out the Iron Horse

This place is the most hidden gem in royal oak! Let me start off by saying the service is impeccable! Elise was our server and she guided us properly on our first of many visits to this fine establishment!
Let’s talk about the food, BOMB if you like Mexican this is your place for a creative twist to it and the favors are unreal I had wet burrito that was stupid good we also ordered a steak sandwich that looked amazing my brother ate it in 3.2 seconds it was so good he doesn’t even remember what it tastes like!
My friend John had a ½lb burger that looked magnanimous! He said it was great! We also had fish tacos and cheese bread that were out of this world!
If you want a place that is intimate with great service drinks and food come here!

We were looking for somewhere different to eat, so my wife and I decided to try this place.
The space itself is pretty cool. Somebody spent some money fixing up this old building.
It’s too dark. We went for lunch and could barely see. I’d like to be able to identify the color of my food before eating it. After being seated immediately, I looked around and noticed the floor needed to be vacuumed/​swept. It’s a bit untidy.
I ordered tortilla chips with queso and a hamburger (medium rare). They cooked the burger perfectly. It was ½ pound (they don’t offer a smaller size) and it was relatively decent. I’d give it B on the burger scale. Metro Detroit has better to offer, but this is a decent burger. The queso was pretty decent as well and the chips were warm. My wife had one of the brunch specials which was a plate that was loaded with food. While there was a lot of food, she wasn’t thrilled with it. The menu of this place has a lot of mexican offerings. Unfortunately, it’s really not authentic Mexican food. It’s pretty decent Americanized Mexican food, but it’s pretty standard stuff… maybe a bit better. The non-​alcoholic drinks were pricey considering they are just ice teas and sodas. I guess that’s what you can expect in a place like Royal Oak.
IMO this place is trying real hard to be trendy and cool. They probably have a great business at night before and after the concert crowds (it’s right next door to Royal Oak Music Theater).
However, I’m not throughly impressed.
Parking is a pain in the butt. There really isn’t much close by other than on the street if you get lucky.
I’d like to give this place 3 ½ stars simply because they ARE better than just an average place, but they are not deserving of 4 starts in my opinion.
I probably won’t go here again unless a group of friends want to go out and they have their heart set on this place. It wouldn’t be my choice. There is much better to choose from for less $$$$.

This is my third time here.
First time:
I went with my wife and parents. We really liked the food that time. We ordered some nachos (they are good) for starters. I got wet burrito for the main course. Food was good. My wife and my mom are complete vegetarians and would not eat any meat or fish. They enjoyed the pizza. In all it was a good and great service. I would had given 5 start if I was writing this review then.
Food– 4.5
Service-4.5
Ambiance-​5
Second time:
It was party of 10 people and they told us they can not hold party more than 6 people. They can not move tables and so we all have to sit separate. So we had to go somewhere else. Bummer
Food–
Service– –2
Third Time:
This time we ordered same nachos (they were ok this time) and some pizza (like last time). I got burger and I recommended my buddy to get wet burrito because it was so amazing last time.
But the food quality was just not same. They burrito did not taste well. Beans has almost no salt so food tasted all bland. Service was also alright. Our server did not give us water till I got up and went to the bar to ask for water.
But whatever…
Food– 2
Service– 3
Ambiance– 4.5
Overall it is a good place. I am not sure if I will go there again. Maybe I will try one more time some day.

Went on a rainy Sat night it was a 5 min wait for a table for two. The place is kinda small but nicely decorated with a warm cosy feel.
The menu isn’t big but it had some good choices and their were also some interesting specials. The prices were reasonable and the food was very good, but a few more choices and more veggie choices for the wife would of been nice. But all in all we both liked our meal and the service was good. The place is lively and we had a good time so we will be back forsure. Sorry no picture’s.

This was a case of the good, the bad, and the ugly. If it wasn’t for our fantastic server, there would not be the three star rating. She was fantastic, kind, and knowledgeable. The problem here is that they serve shellfish as part of the regular menu but make it on the same grill that other food is made on thus increasing risk for cross contamination for the shellfish allergy I have. Saving grace, the waitress is willing to ask an adjacent bar that hasn’t cooked shellfish to cook up my tacos which is unheard of customer service.
I felt too bad to have them go to all that trouble although they seemed willing to do so. It’s just a shame that some shrimp tacos can make an entire place inedible for the entire menu. I know, not their fault but I wish they could work out a clean grill system so that those with allergies can eat safely there too.
The drinks-​amazing.
The tables-​weird. The ones in the sun get too hot and your arms burn if you rest them. The others in the back are cold to the touch.
The bathroom– you have to take a trek past a bunch of other stores in the building to get to the restroom-​which is a single bathroom. It’s a bit of a scavenger hunt.
I had the corn which I was told was the best thing on the menu (and really the only thing I could safely eat) but truly, it was just alright. Bland. The corn at unnamed restaurant in Ferndale is much cheaper and more flavourful for a baseline.
Summary: Great drinks and service, ambience and allergy friendly place kind of lacking.

If you are going to order an appetizer, order the esquites. If you want to add a meat, the chorizo is a good option. It’s served with a handful of tortilla chips. The nachos are huge and they are good too.
The four of us ordered Mexican food. The burrito and the tacos were ok but the taco salad and the tamales were better.
Overall the food is alright but not real authentic. The portions are large but the food was average. Maybe next time we should order the pizza.

Brought my mom here for dinner tonight because she loves Mexican and I’ve been wanting to try this place. It is tucked on 4^th street right next to the Royal Oak Music Theatre. Be prepared to pay to park. The entrance has large windows that open to the outside, but no outdoor seating.
We had a craving for cheese and decided to get their cheese bread, which was essentially just a cheese pizza cut into strips. Crust was crunchy and really tasty, but the center was a bit greasy and floppy. Came with marinara and ranch to dip in though which made up for it.
We got the steak sandwich and 3 tacos: mahi, chicken, and chorizo and shared.
The steak sandwich was sirloin and cooked perfectly to medium and set on a hamburger bun with some horseradish sauce. Sauce was tangy and great, but lacked the kick of normal horseradish sauce.
The tacos though. Fantastic. Especially the mahi. The seasoning is very simple, and it allows the fish itself to come through in the taco. Topped with their verde salsa, it was on point. The worst of the three was the chorizo, which tasted a bit sweeter than I’m used to. Overall still fantastic.
The service was friendly and very attentive. We came at the peak of rush hour and had to wait about 30 mins for our food after our appetizer. The ambiance is dark/​saloon-​like and bar oriented, so it was great people watching during the wait.
Overall, well worth it. I will be back for the drinks that I didn’t get this time.

This is the best Mexican food I’ve ever had short of my friend’s authentic Mexican she makes from scratch.
We had the wet burrito with chicken and the nachos with chicken. We were able to finish the nachos together but took most of the burrito home. The chips are fresh and delicious, and the ingredients in the nachos are evenly distributed rather than a pile of chips topped with the cheese, meat, and other items.
I’ve been wishing for amazing Mexican and Iron Horse is the answer. It’s a little trendy or hipster, but the service is friendly. We had drinks right away and food in less than ten minutes. They were out of the tres leche cake, but I’ll be back soon to try it! Their liquor options were impressive and El Rojo beer by Griffin Claw was very good. Also good on the drink menu was the Mexican Mule. Enjoy!!!

Impressed! First time here. We wanted a new place in royal oak. We were super happy we came.
Sat in the window. The back of the restaurant was really dark. I don’t know if I would like it back there. Window was great and fun people watching.
I don’t remember the name of the corn appetizer. It’s awesome. We added chorizo. Next time I might just get that with some avocado and lime. Prefect dish for me.
The $ 3 tacos are the best value. We will try a steak and/​or mahi taco next time. Cheese bread is yummy. Chorizo taco was good.
My husband said his tostada was THE BEST ONE he’s had in michigan.
Another diner said the cocktails were really good and she had food envy looking at our dishes
We will be back!
Ps they need a new street sign. You can barely see it. We had to follow along on phone map to find it when driving

We came in for an early lunch after the R.O. flea market on a Sunday. It was pretty slow giving us our choice of seating. The front of the house is open with open-​air seating by the windows, a few low-​tops and a few spots at the bar. The back of the house is really dimly lit and honestly, at first I didn’t even realize there was a seating area in back. The hostess was friendly, sat us immediately and the bartender came straight away to take our drink order. She was pretty fantastic throughout the meal… thanks Laura. She made my Purple Gang cocktail and another that my girl enjoyed while we waited for the food to come out. Both were refreshing and light with great fresh fruit in each of them.
Torn between the a la carte tacos and the chicken tamales, Laura recommended the latter. They came out with beans and rice, verde sauce on the side, house-​made hot sauce on the side and resting in a cheesy cream sauce. I liked them but I’d try the tacos next time. The hot sauce was a little ketchup-​like but had a nice heat on the back end. The tamales were nice while the beans and rice were a little bland. The hot sauce helped them along though. My girl had a chicken sandwich that was really messy to eat and she liked it but didn’t love it.
Food aside, the atmosphere here is kind of cool… black accents to bring out the wood flooring, and a kind of modern feel to the joint. Service was great and the manager even came by to see what I thought of the tamales since they changed them up. I’d love to try the pizza and I’ll be back but I think this place is still finding it’s footing. Definitely worth trying though.

Oh, it’s like that Royal Oak? As if Ronin, ROMT and Bistro 82 weren’t enough to hold down the block, now you let a freaking horse gallop in with succulent spirits and tantalizing tacos unlike the city has ever seen? Ok, I’ll bite. And drink…
This corner is now the best part of town as far as I’m concerned when it comes to dining out. Iron Horse steps in the arena with a sensationally sensual interior, cool out music and a drink menu that schools. More importantly, the food is delightful and priced surprisingly well considering the high caliber of the ingredients.
My drink was called the Purple Gang and it tasted like a bottle of blueberry grape Clearly Canadian circa 1995. Refreshing yes, but I couldn’t confirm if it had alcohol because it was so unbelievably delicious. I also didn’t feel a buzz until I chased it with a Soft Parade.
I did feel something after eating the steak tacos, however. I think it was lust. Brilliantly marinated and clever portions of small steak slices were sprinkled with cilantro and wrapped in two of the best tasting and perfectly cooked tortillas known to humanity. Your boy is a certifiable, die hard taco enthusiast and I must convey to you that these sons of bitches are other wordly. Skip the boring rice and beans for $ 3, order another taco instead.
Our waitress was effective but had the personality of a 55 year old sage painted wall made of plaster and asbestos. The host wasn’t friendly either (uhh, isnt it your JOB to be nice?) and this unprovoked arrogance still doesn’t take them down a notch. We dropped in around 3 PM on a Friday afternoon and were able to immediately enjoy the place in its entirety with a few other patrons who were seemingly in heaven as well.
Iron Horse is that deal. $ 75 bill for 4 tacos, 3 mixed drinks, a beer and a monumental salad between the two of us. Simply a must stop if you’re in town.

Rob, our waiter was so handsome that I was thankful for the horrible lighting to hide my blushing cheeks. With that being said though the lighting here reminded me of the «mystery meals» where you eat in dark with only the light of a candle. We literally couldn’t even see the food it was that dark! Yikes.
We had the esquites with steak and the chicken tamales and split both of them. The esquites needed a little twist of lime and a pinch of salt to wake up the flavors but overall was very good! It reminded me of elote/​mexican street corn but in salad form. Back of the house was kind enough to split the tamales for us and those too were great! They put some type of sauce on top that I was literally scraping off the plate– it was that good! The refried beans were standard but the mexican rice was lacking any type of creativity and so boring that I didn’t even touch it again after one bite.
Overall, the staff was super nice, food was good, and they don’t price gouge you like most places in RO so I’d recommend trying this place out! Just don’t forget your flashlight ;)

I usually dislike fusion restaurants. Like, all of them. Why? Because I like it when restaurants specialize instead of trying to combine cultures that are not meant to be combined. But, sometimes, the combination yeilds something wonderful, like this little gem here. Here’s my impressions, as I usually roll.
Good:
–The food. SO. GOOD. I ordered the ribs, which I was iffy about because this place isn’t a BBQ joint, but oh em gee if the meat didn’t just melt off the bone.
–Dat steak burger. Damn.
–Awesome and nice wait staff.
–Dat tequila rack on the wall tho (But I don’t drink).
Bad:
–Kind of dark in front of the place at night. They could use a little more illumination inside.
–Tacos are kind of weird. I wouldn’t recommend it.
–Some tables are uneven. This is super annoying for me, since it can cause me to spill my water.
–No ice in the water is cool at first, but over time the chilled water in the bottle gets warmer and that’s not cool.
–I’d rather have fries with my food instead of chips. I wonder if there’s a way you can substitute?
Notes: This place is pretty awesome. The pros definitely outweigh the cons. This would be a 5 star, but the cons are kind of.well.con-y. but hey 4 stars is awesome. I’d totally come back! You go girl!