Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire and is celebrated every year on May 5th. These restaurants in New Jersey are bringing all the tacos, chips and salsa, and margaritas to the table for Cinco de Mayo, which falls on Taco Tuesday this year!
Some of our favorite spots to celebrate Cinco de Mayo:
- an all weekend Cinco Fest at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in Toms River and Woodbridge
- the largest selection of tequila and mezcal drinks at Meximodo Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar in Metuchen and Jersey City
- a great selection of vegetarian options at Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen all over the state
- the biggest burrito – called El Machete (that’s 2 feet!) – at La Fortaleza
in North Jersey - a Mexican-style grill experience (called parrillada) at Rosa Mexicano
in Hackensack - authentic Tijuana-style tacos at Taqueria Pancho Villa in Dover
- one of the largest menus you’ll find at Viva Margarita in Cliffside Park
- a super interesting taco (made with beef cheek) at Los Chilitos in Lebanon.Here is a lineup of what’s happening around NJ:
Multiple Locations
Fat Cactus Mexican Cantina
New Brunswick, Parsippany
Order authentic and Tex-Mex style Mexican food such as Mexican shrimp ceviche, cactus salad, coconut shrimp waca tacos, 7-layer burrito dip, or roasted poblano and corn guacamole.
For a Full Weekend Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Toms River, Woodbridge (Metuchen)
Cinco Fest goes all weekend! Friday has drink specials, Saturday is a special Kentucky Derby party, Sunday is a Kids Fiesta, Monday is Industry Night, and Tuesday offers buy one-get one free tacos.
For Top Tier Mezcal & Tequila
Meximodo Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar
Metuchen, Jersey City
Nothing says Mexican party more than tequila, and you’ll have your choice from a record-breaking number of selections. Dinner ranges from pomegranate and pine nut guacamole to coconut tiger’s milk ceviche to cauliflower tacos to Nayarit-style red snapper.
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
Mt. Laurel, Princeton
You can order enchiladas, tostadas or dips with a seafood twist in addition to traditional tacos, burritos and salads that have a Tex-Mex twist.Â
Pancheros Mexican Grill
Multiple Locations
You’ll get free chips & salsa with an entree purchase if you sign up for text alerts. Those chips can accompany an array of tacos, burritos, burrito bowls and quesadillas.
For Mexican Vegetarian Options
Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen
Multiple Locations
Tacoria is popular for good reason — their tacos are fresh and consistently delicious. When choosing your protein, the pollo tinga (spicy pulled chicken) is the way to go. Veggie options include golden avocado, brussels sprouts and roasted corn with poblano peppers.
North Jersey
El Asadero Mexican Grill
Passaic, Rochelle, Fort Lee, Secaucus
The restaurants vary with their menus, serving everything from brunch to dinner to meals in between. Depending on the location, you can order meats off the grill, enmoladas, burritos, fajitas, chilaquiles, enchiladas and tacos. There’s a full seafood menu, too.
Blue Moon CafeÂ
Bronxville, Englewood, Wyckoff
Blue Moon wants you to “fiesta like there’s no manana” with live music and food specials.
Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria
Food truck and carrito (cart)
Garden State Plaza in Paramus
Harborside District Kitchen, Jersey City
Newark Airport, Terminal A, Gate A16, Newark
Lyndhurst
Revving up their business in 2017 as a popular food truck, the Carlitos team serves only pit-smoked BBQ tacos with all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free USDA prime meats, smoked low and slow in-house. Carlitos’ nixtamal masa is made fresh with all-natural, gluten-free ingredients and are hand-pressed to order. Brisket, pulled pork, fish or carne asada are the top picks to cover your tortilla.
Chevy’s Fresh MexÂ
Clifton, Linden
Fresh Mexican food is made from scratch daily, covering everything from enchiladas, tacos and fajitas to lots of margaritas.
La Colina Mexican Cantina
51 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren
2 S. Ave. W., Cranford
There’s a lively atmosphere here, with an impressive drink menu – more than 100 selections! Menu items include baked wings with cilantro ranch dressing, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, grilled shrimp and chorizo, carne asada topped with Flaming Hot Cheetos inside a burrito, and salmon tacos. The kid’s menu has chicken fingers, quesadillas, tacos and mozzarella sticks.
For an Extra Large BurritoÂ
La Fortaleza
Carlstadt, Clifton, Passaic, Lodi
Fan favorites include the burrito mix, combo fajitas, and El Machete (a massive 2-foot-long stuffed burrito).
Grain & Cane
Berkeley Heights
Order up some tacos and festive cocktails Рlike pineapple margaritas and pi̱a coladas featuring Cazadores. During the fiesta, get your picture drawn by the on-site caricature artist.
NOM Mexican Table + Tequila Bar
Morristown
NOM offer’s more than 200 tequilas and mezcals from Mexico; in addition to sharable apps, Mexican-inspired entrees, guacamole freshly prepared tableside, agave-based margaritas and cocktails.
Orale Mexican KitchenÂ
Jersey City, Morristown
If you’re looking for something a little fancier, head to Orale for authentic Mexican food. Their Barbecue Pork Nachos and Carolina Barbacoa Tacos are worth the trip.
Pancho’s BurritosÂ
New Milford
The outdoor patio is open, so order some California-style Mexican cuisine while getting some sun. They have a “tremendous” offering of tequila. If meat isn’t your thing, new to the menu is the Tofurizo, which has crumbled tofu mixed with peppers, onions and spices.
Rosa Azul  Â
Table & Banter Market, Berkeley Heights
A combo of food and live music will celebrate the Taco Tuesday x Cinco de Mayo crossover. There will be crispy camarones, carnitas, Mexican corn salad and fresh cocktails such as smoked pineapple margaritas and grapefruit margaritas.
For a Mexican-Style Grill Experience (Parrilladas)
Rosa Mexicano
Hackensack
This Riverside Square staple is known for its margaritas in addition to tableside guacamole made fresh to order. Staples at the cantina include black bean & cheese empanadas, chicken flautas, quesadillas, chile relleno, tampiqueña, and parrilladas (Mexican-style grill experience).
San Patricios
8 Erie St. A, Jersey City
This Mexican cantina and Irish pub fusion restaurant has 2 for $6 tacos every day, including Mexican-Irish fusion faves like corned beef tacos and fish & chips tacos, as well as beef birria, pork pibil and chicken curry – alongside $12 margaritas.
The Shepherd & The Knucklehead
1313 Willow Ave., Hoboken
There’s tons on the menu here, but for Cinco de Mayo their features are two tacos in a soft or crunchy shell, filled with Ahi tuna, steak fajita meat or chicken teriyaki. They are also known for their large selection of craft beers.
Tacos La Gringa
Bloomfield
Don’t miss out on their amazing tacos al pastor made with spit-grilled pork. Local fans also recommend the chicken tinga.
For Authentic, Tijuana-Style Tacos
Taqueria Pancho Villa
Dover
A small place with a simple menu and excellent food, you can add what you like onto your tacos. Fans say these are authentic, Tijuana-style tacos.
Tinga Fresh Mexican & BBQ
Morristown
Start your fiesta with homemade soup like creamy black bean or chicken vegetable. Cater or dine in for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and wraps or sandwiches.
Toro Loco Mexican Restaurant
South Orange
Kick off your meal with a daiquiri or frosted margarita, or imported Mexican beer. There’s an entire section of seafood appetizers, like nachos with refried beans and shrimp, marinated and sauteed octopus, an avocado stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat, and ceviche. There are other combo meals of burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, tacos, tamales and tostadas.
For an Impressive Variety of Mexican foods
Viva Margarita
Cliffside Park
Every section of the menu has about a dozen varieties – like the burros (larger than the typical burrito), street tacos, California tacos, taco enchiladas, chimichingadas, alambres, traditional plates, and even the salads.
Central Jersey
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Bar
Raritan
The menu is based on Mexican street foods, like fresh hand-pressed tortillas made with heirloom corn, house-made crema, queso fresco, and spicy chorizo made on site. The cocktails add seasonal ingredients to tequila and mezcal made by small-batch and artisan distillers.
Barrio Costero
Asbury Park
Mexican culture is key, with dishes like pescado frito, chicharron, steak nicolasa, chochoyotes (corn masa dumplings) and platos fuertes.
Casa Luna Mexican Cuisine
Somerville
Some of their must-try Tex-Mex items include shrimp mojo de ajo, grilled chicken burrito mojado, birria fajita and chicken chimichangas.
Escondido Mexican Cuisine and Tequila Bar
Freehold
Kick it up a notch with birria bao buns, a tropical bowl, coconut shrimp taco, birria grilled cheese or a southwest burger.
For a Cinco de Mayo Party Vibe
Esquina Latina Restaurant & Lounge
New Brunswick
The festivities last all day with Corona buckets, other draft beer buckets, tequila shot specials, food specials, music by DJ Diamond, a live saxophonist and other entertainment.
For an Mexican-American Twisted Taco
Estrella Azul
Manalapan; Bell Works in Holmdel
Our faves here include the spicy chorizo street tacos, the fried buffalo chicken burrito, the Americano twisted taco (which tastes like a Big Mac), and anything made al pastor (with pineapples).
Kona Grill
Woodbridge
Though not an exclusive Mexican restaurant, you can still get shrimp tacos, cilantro lime chicken or a margarita rimmed with tangy Tajin.
Maize Cocina & Cocktails
Westfield
This Mexican restaurant is inspired by global flavors, with specialty items like poblano rajas spinach and pepper dip, octopus al pastor, chicken bacon and corn empanadas, hot honey kabocha pozole, guava BBQ brisket tacos, chipotle glazed salmon, and sticky salsa macha brussels sprouts.
Melissa’s Bakery
Bound Brook
The casual restaurant serves Mexican comfort food like cakes and pastries.
El Meson
Freehold Borough
Sit inside the themed restaurant or outside on the patio that is surrounded by a beautiful garden and treat yourself to fan faves like the black bean soup, fajita salad, burrito loco (with vegetables) and steak fajitas.
Mezcal: A Modern American Steakhouse
Old Bridge
This popular restaurant is known for its vibe dining: a menu of steaks complemented by high-flavor tacos, poblano peppers stuffed with spicy chicken diablo, guacamole, and chicken tinga tostada.
Tacos TKO
Freehold Borough
This is the place to get traditional street tacos. There’s also a selection of quesadillas, tortas, bowls, burritos, flautas and huaraches – and variations of an avocado salad – to spice up your plate.
Tio Taco + Tequila Bar
Edison, Marlboro
Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays and Happy Hour at the Bar are big draws here. There is an array of Mexican dishes, plus crafted cocktails and of course, tequila.
Tortuga’s Mexican Village
Princeton
Their crispy tortillas, with choice of stuffing, lettuce and sauce are simple perfection. The fish tacos washed down with a cold Jarritos — it doesn’t get any better than this!
South Jersey
Central Taco and Tequila
Haddon Twp.
Central prides itself on the fun of Mexico with a hip vibe. Stop in for house-made salsas and guacamoles, burritos, salads, sides, and a variety of flavorful tacos sold in threes. There are also more than 100 agave-based spirits available.
For a Unique TacoÂ
Los Chilitos
Lebanon
This small restaurant offering a taste of Mexico is a friendly, local place with seriously delicious food. The tacos de cabeza (tacos with beef cheek) make them a unique standout.
La Cocinita de Manasquan
144 Main St., Manasquan
May 5 will be a great time to try their Mexican-style quesadillas, similar to empanadas – they are stuffed with potatoes and chorizo, and topped with pico de gallo, lettuce, and sour cream.
Dona Julia Mexican Restaurant
1308 Richmond Ave., Pt. Pleasant
Their Cinco de Mayo party will include birria tacos, made with short ribs, brisket, onions, cilantro and Oaxaca cheese; and the highly acclaimed chicken tinga tacos.
The Mathis House
Toms River
A tearoom may not be your first thought for a fiesta, but you can experience a celebration that includes a Mexican dinner and a 5-piece Mariachi band.
El Pueblo Authentic Mexican Taqueria
North Cape May
Tacos, bowls, quesadillas, burritos, tortas: there are enough options here to keep you full all week! Protein choices include steak, pork, shrimp, sausage, fish and even tofu.
Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina
Englishtown
This Tex-Mex restaurant offers an Air, Land & Sea Platter featuring a chicken street taco, beef gringo taco and Baja shrimp taco with rice and beans. For a different spin, you could also try the jerk chicken tacos, or cauliflower tacos for vegetarians. There are gluten-free taco shells upon request. On Taco Tuesday, all you can eat tacos are $19.99 per person. Or, come for Happy Hour during the week, half-price margaritas during trivia night on Wednesday, and half-price signature drinks on Thursdays.
Salted Lime Bar & Kitchen
Somerville
With a name like Salted Lime, how can the margaritas not be good? The menu has everything from peach and pork belly burnt ends to fried cassava root to 12-ounce grilled prime skirt steak to Peruvian rice to chorizo with mussels.
Shore Points BBQ
816 Arnold Ave., Pt. Pleasant Beach
Dine in or take out an assortment of tacos that have a coastal flair.
Tacos el Tio Mexican Grill & Bar
Egg Harbor Twp., Medford
The beautiful restaurant and bar are eye-catching, and so are the dishes. Some of the favorites here are churrasco steak, chimichangas and al pastor.
Tacos y Alitas
Jackson Twp.
This very popular food truck also has a home location where you can order tacos, alitas (chicken wings), burritos, quesadillas, and a variety of Mexican sodas.
Tacos Al Carbon
Hammonton
The dishes combine northern and southern Mexican flavors. As the name says, tacos are the stars, but the food truck also serves burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and tortadas. Wash it all down with agua frescas.
Chain Restaurants
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
Multiple Locations
Try one of their Killer Creations, like mango habanero grilled chicken tostada salad, Tongue Twister quesadilla, Silly Philly burrito or Nashville hot fries.
Chili’s
Multiple Locations
Try Tito’s Watermelon Spritz, Casamigos Marg or Tequila Trifecta margaritas. If you sign up for the rewards program, you can get free chips and salsa to snack on while you drink.
Chipotle Mexican GrillÂ
Multiple Locations
Order Burritos by the Box to kick off your Cinco de Mayo celebration, then mix and match your burrito builds or just let them pick out an assortment. Order 24 hours in advance.
Moe’s Southwest GrillÂ
Multiple Locations
Create an epic Cinco de Mayo party by ordering burritos, a taco bar or chips & dip for all your amigos.
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Multiple Locations
Cater your Cinco de Mayo party with Qdoba. From burrito bowls to nachos to tons of craveable toppings, they’ll make it a celebration to remember – especially if you try the new citrus lime shrimp.
Taco Bell
Multiple Locations
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Taco Party Pack! There are Crunchwrap Supremes, bean burritos, quesadillas and taco combinations to choose from, or you can build your own.
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Read More:
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in New Jersey
Mezcal Delivers a Modern Mexican Steakhouse Experience to New Jersey
World’s Largest Tequila Bar Meximodo is Opening a New Location in Jersey City
