Cinco de Mayo is the essential excuse to nibble on chips and salsa, tacos and wash it all down with margaritas. This year’s festivities pair “taco Tuesdays” with additional specials from Mexican spots around town.
The earlier you can start the party, the better right? Across the Street is conveniently located on the Freedom Parkway trail, making it easy to go from your workout to the funky decorated patio. Throughout the weekend, the restaurant will serve food and drink specials such as $6 Dos Equis and $8 for select margaritas like Texas, pomegranate and frozen. On Tuesday, the fiesta concludes with live music from Gran Mestizo, a Spanglish cover band. The restaurant boasts a separate vegan and vegetarian menu geared toward those with dietary preferences.
668 Highland Avenue, Atlanta. 404-781-0931, acrossthestreetatlanta.com .
A staple to Emory students, Bad Dog Taqueria is a good choice for a casual meal, but during dinner hours, the service slows down. Steer clear by ordering online through Yelp! for pick-up or delivery and bring the party to your house (or office if it's one of those days.) Tacos are small, so order a few like the "Evita" with grilled flank steak, yucca and chimmichurri, or the "We've Got Seoul" with pork belly, kimchi slaw and salsa verde. The menu lists what farms the proteins are sourced, a comfort to us local food lovers.
1579 N Decatur Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-370-8822, baddogtaco.com .
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
A small space with big flavor, don't let the industrial office complex look fool you. Inside Bone Garden, Dia de los Muertos decorations adorn the walls. Try a shot of mezcal to get the meal started, then nibble on elote , grilled corn on the cob that's seasoned with chili powder, mayo and queso fresco. You can find authentic dishes like red goat soup or three-colored enchiladas stuffed with spicy chicken and chihuahua cheese.
1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd, Ste 6, Atlanta. (404) 418-9072, bonegardencantina.com.
At this Buford Highway Mexican gem, order tacos every time. From barbacoa goat meat, to tender cabeza (beef cheeks) to tripe, these are the authentic offerings you’d find in a taco stand in Mexico. Don’t hesitate to upgrade to homemade corn tortillas. And douse with one of the red or green sauces, but be warned that they have a kick powerful enough to make your eyes water.
5288 Buford Highway N.E., Doraville. 770-986-0032, elreydeltacoatl.com.
If you, like Bernie from Meet the Fockers have that feeling that- "Honey, I'm in the mood for a chimichanga!" here's the spot to get your fix. Elmyriachi's comes fried and brimming with chicken or tofu, roasted corn, and hatch green chiles. It may be served in a pool of queso, guajillo or verde sauce and refried beans, but that makes dipping all the easier. The "Thai burrito" crosses cultural lines with the addition of bean sprouts and peanut sauce to rice, veggies and protein.
1950 Hosea L Williams Drive NE, Atlanta. 678-705-9902, elmyriachi.com .
Come for the food, and revel at the design. The restaurant won the “Atlanta Downtown Design Excellence” years ago and the atmosphere transports you to a vibrant Mexican cantina. The space contains imported Mexican furnishings from more than 300 artisans, ranging from hand-blown glass to a 50 foot travertine stone bar. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early in the day by ordering from ADios Café’s breakfast menu. Mexican “huevos bendictos” is their spin on eggs benedict, or if you’re looking for a spin on hash browns, the “Adios” is a horizo potato cake topped with two eggs, salsa verde, and sour cream.
180 Walker Street S.W., Atlanta. 404-574-5678, nomascantina.com .
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
It may be hidden in an office complex in the innards of West Midtown, but its no secret that Nuevo Laredo’s been an award-winning “best Mexican” spot for years. Margaritas are strong enough to take notice, but you’ll still be able to walk out in a straight line. Expect to wait, especially on Cinco de Mayo. Save a few bucks and come for lunch, where you can mix and match one of their burritos (always bursting at the seams) with tacos or enchiladas.
1495 Chattahoochee Avenue N.W., Atlanta. 404-352-9009, nuevolaredocantina.com.
Since 1996, they put a California twist on Mexican cuisine, inspired by the diverse cultures of the West Coast. A favorite is the "pineapple jerk burrito," where jerk-style chicken or tofu are bundled into a tortilla that's stuffed with pineapple salsa, roasted red pepper, rice and beans. For Cinco de Mayo, pair your burrito with one of their 16 regional craft beers served on tap.
141 Sycamore Street, Decatur. 404 377-3311, ragingburrito.com .
Come here for the fiesta happening all evening on Cinco de Mayo, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The buzzing atmosphere is a welcomed recharge from a day at the office. This is the time to try the “Riverview Farms smoked sucking pig” taco, on special for $2. Another leaf from the South is the “BBQ chicken” taco, doused with chipotle barbecue sauce. For Cinco de Mayo Red Pepper margaritas are $5, while Tecate, Dos XX and Heineken brews are $3. Live music from local bands include Gary Vaughn n’ Friends, marty Nicoles and come late-night, DJ Chad Crane.
Two locations. 404-325-8151, eatredpepper.com .
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Some boast that Superica has the best margarita around. Taste and see for yourself in the upscale atmosphere of Ford Fry’s Mex-Tex restaurant. “Puffy tacos” are most inspired by the Lone Star state, so top them with chicken tinga or morita chili-braised picadillo or spiced beef. The prices may be higher, but you’re getting locally sourced ingredients like Springer Mountain chicken and certified angus beef. If you hop out of work early, catch live music on the patio stage from 3 to 6 p.m. From 6 to 9 p.m., the music moves to the restaurant’s indoor stage.
99 Krog Street, Atlanta. 678-791-1310, supericaatl.com .
Eddie Hernandez is a native of Monterrey, so you can bet he’s doing Mexican right. The Southern staple of fried chicken is hammocked in a soft taco for the “fried chicken taco,” and “the Memphis” takes a leaf from Tennessee’s smoked pork barbecue. Pair your bottomless chips with incredibly creamy cheese dip. And remember, no matter lunch or dinner, you pay the same price!
Multiple locations. taqueriadelsol.com.
From Kennesaw to Buford to Midtown, nine different locations celebrate the same, with specials on Mexican staples throughout the weekend through Cinco de Mayo. Be sure to order the 24-ounce "Bert's Big Cincorita" (their "best house margarita with El Jimador) and $1 will go toward Bert's Big Adventure. Prices are affordable and that means the crowd is speckled with groups of friends and a buzzing atmosphere. The "skillets" allow you to build your own; layer grilled meats, an assortment of cheeses and traditional Mexican toppings onto a skillet of seasoned rice.
Locations and phone numbers here.
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