Oakland Thrive Restaurant Quest: Carajillo in Downtown Ferndale
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 9, 2025)
Ferndale, MI – Just a few months ago, Carajillo opened in Downtown Ferndale, taking on the spot that for years housed The Emory. I finally got a chance to try the Mexican cuisine, and I brought a few friends along with me.
The table started off sharing chips and salsa, as well as an order of Vaso de Fruta – a giant bouquet of sliced melons, mango, cucumber, apples, and other fruits drizzled with spicy tajin, chamoy, and lime juice. The refreshing appetizer was both sweet and spicy, pairing well with the salty chips, pork rinds, guacamole and salsa.
Among the beverages our group enjoyed were cocktails, Mexican beer, and Mexican soda.
Two friends ordered Enchiladas, which are corn tortillas with chicken topped with salsa verde with beans and rice. One friend had their topped with cheese and avocado slices.
Another ordered Super Nachos, made with melted cheese, sour cream and black beans with pico de gallo and jalapeno peppers.
And yet another had the amazing dish of Lasagna de la Casa. This was a unique twist on an Italian classic, made with noodles layers with ground turkey and chicken with three kinds of cheese and house marinara.
For me it was a meal of shrimp tacos, with pico de gallo, avocado, and chipotle mayo drizzle.
The feast was delicious. The ingredients were fresh and the dishes had bright flavors with just the right amount of heat to make them memorable, but not overwhelming. The space was comfortable, and our server was totally on top of things – making it a wonderful evening.
Carajillo is located at 22700 Woodward Ave in Downtown Ferndale. Check them out online at https://www.carajilloferndale.com/.
With support from Oakland Thrive, Oakland County Times Editor and Publisher Crystal Proxmire is on a quest to try every restaurant in Oakland County. Oakland Thrive is a transformative force dedicated to nurturing local businesses. Since 2023, Oakland Thrive has helped foster success by connecting Oakland County businesses of all kinds with resources and expert advice, including specialized help for businesses in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Oakland Thrive is focused on bridging economic disparities, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring equitable opportunities. Learn more about Oakland Thrive events, classes, and opportunities for small businesses at https://oaklandthrive.org/
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