Venue by 4M Handmade Masa Tortillas

The Art of Handmade Masa Tortillas at Venue Ann Arbor

There’s something special about the way a handmade tortilla feels in your hand. The warmth, the texture, the way it enhances every bite, some say the tortilla can make or break the taco. At Venue in Ann Arbor, we take that feeling seriously. It’s why we handcraft every masa tortilla that wraps around our tacos, bringing an authentic, made-from-scratch touch to each and every plate.

From Mexico to Ann Arbor: Our Hand Cranker Story

At the heart of our tortilla process is a hand-cranked press brought directly from Mexico. This piece, a relic of culinary craftsmanship, is as storied as the recipes we make with it. Chef Thad has rebuilt and restored this press twice, keeping it in perfect working condition. The result? Tortillas that taste like they were made in a Mexican cocina, right here in Ann Arbor.

Just Masa and Water.  Nothing Else.

Our tortillas are simplicity at its best. The only ingredients: Maseca flour (a traditional masa harina) and water. Once mixed, the dough must rest to allow the masa to hydrate and develop its signature soft, pliable texture. It’s a process that can’t be rushed, and that patience is what gives our tortillas their signature warmth and flavor.

Cooked to Perfection

Each tortilla is hand-pressed and cooked on a flat top grill, creating those delicate golden spots that signal it’s ready. The aroma alone can stop you in your tracks as you walk through the kitchen - warm, slightly nutty, and deeply inviting. The best part? That first bite. When you bite in, the tortilla has just enough chew to hold your taco together without stealing the show. There is a reason our tacos are one of our most requested dishes, and the VIP is the handmade masa tortilla.

Handmaking masa tortillas takes time, patience, and skill, but for us it’s more than just a process. It’s about preserving tradition and creating connections through food. Every tortilla we make is a small act of craftsmanship, a nod to authenticity, and a promise of flavor you can’t find just anywhere.

So next time you’re at Venue Ann Arbor, take a moment to appreciate the art behind your taco. You’ll taste the difference in every bite.

Meet Our Signature Tacos

Our house-made tortillas are the foundation for four signature tacos, each crafted to highlight the bold flavors of their fillings:

Al Pastor Pork – Smoky, sweet, and perfectly spiced, our al pastor starts with shaved pork butt marinated for 48 hours in a blend of Mexican chiles, onions, and pineapple, with the fruit’s natural enzymes tenderizing the meat until it’s irresistibly soft. Finished with a splash of pineapple juice and tucked into a fresh tortilla, it’s bright, juicy, and deeply flavorful in every bite.

Birria Beef – Rich and comforting, this traditional birria features slow-braised beef simmered in a classic chili sauce infused with cumin, clove, and Mexican avocado leaves for a warm, earthy, and subtly citrusy profile. Folded into a warm handmade tortilla with a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s indulgent, aromatic, and unmistakably traditional.

Green Mole Chicken – Tender chicken is paired with a vibrant Oaxacan mole verde made from jalapeños, green poblanos, pepitas, epazote, and Mexican oregano. Herbaceous, bright, and layered with earthy depth, it meets the natural richness of handmade masa for a fresh and satisfying balance of flavor.

Vegan Mole Rojo – Our plant-based mole rojo is a deeply complex, Oaxacan-style mole made vegan without losing any of its signature richness. Raisins, nuts, and a blend of chilies create a chocolate-tinged depth that coats a hearty mix of grilled potatoes, onions, poblanos, and cauliflower. Roasted, then marinated in the mole, the vegetables become tender, smoky, and incredibly flavorful. Proof that vegan can still be bold and soulful.

Each taco tells its own story, but they all start with the same essential base: a tortilla made with care, by hand, every time.

A Note on our Tortilla Chip Flight:

While our tacos feature handmade tortillas, our chips and salsa are made with imported tortillas that we fresh-fry in house to keep up with demand. Chef carefully selected a brand to partner with that is known for their consistent texture and crispness. We fry them fresh to order in-house for the perfect crunch to pair with our salsa, guacamole and queso fundido.