15 Mexican-Owned Restaurants Across the U.S. to Visit on Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is here and, happily, we’re all celebrating by eating tacos and drinking tequila

Mexican-owned restaurants to support on Cinco de Mayo Hiplatina

Photo: Unsplash/Travis Yewell

Cinco de Mayo is here and, happily, we’re all celebrating by eating tacos and drinking tequila. JUST KIDDING! Those of us who aren’t ignorant know that Cinco de Mayo isn’t actually Mexico’s Independence Day and it is NOT celebrated all over our neighbor to the south by everyone indulging in the country’s favorite food or drink. Cinco de Mayo, in fact, is a super Americanized holiday that commemorates the Battle of Puebla and has little to do with what actually happens in Mexico on May 5th (though the region of Puebla does celebrate it).

However, just because you know that this holiday isn’t the Mexican version of St. Patty’s Day doesn’t mean that there isn’t a perfectly wonderful and appropriately festive way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Instead of going the super gross/drunk American route, what you CAN do to support Mexicans on Cinco de Mayo (whether you’re Mexican-American, or simply a fan of the culture and food like I am) is visit some Mexican-owned businesses. And because you’re probably still craving those tacos and tequila, we’ve come up with this awesome list of 15 Mexican-owned restaurants all across the U.S. that you should visit on Cinco de Mayo.

1. La Guelaguetza in Los Angeles, CA. 

This family-owned restaurant is a delicious way to spend the day in sunny Los Angeles. 
2. Toloache in New York, NY. 

Incredible food and even more incredible flavors, all thanks to Chef Julian Medina. 

3. Taqueria Viva Mexico in Miami, FL. 

Looking for cheap but DELISH tacos in Florida’s southern city? Here you go!

4. Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen in Houston, TX. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfCHVIDHcJJ/?taken-at=362939982

Great Tex-Mex comes from great Mexican food, thanks to this delicious restaurant.

5. Javier’s Cantina in Las Vegas, NV. 

Co-owner Javier Sosa shares his yummy family recipes in a fancy Las Vegas spot.

6. Las Carnitas Urupan in Chicago, IL. 

Chicago is well-known for their great Mexican food, so you really can’t lose with the best of it here.

7. Tamale Boy in Portland, OR. 

Chef and owner  Jaime Soltero has plenty of tamales… and other recipes… to share with you.

8. Avila’s Mexican Food in El Paso, TX. 

The border city has deliciousness written all over it, and this multigenerational family-run restaurant is where to go. 

9. Maciel’s Tortas y Tacos in Memphis, TN. 

It’s always a good time if you try #TacoTuesday (or any other taco day) at this hip joint.

10. Barrio Cafe in Phoenix, AZ. 

Regional Mexican cuisine truly shines thanks to the great food made by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza.

11. Casa Enrique in Queens, NY. 

This Michelin-starred restaurant has been WOWing customers for years. Find out why!

12. Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana in Washington, D.C.

Brother-sister team Alfredo and Jessica Solis bring elevated Mexican food to the nation’s capital. 

13. Johnny Sanchez in New Orleans, LA. 

Chef Aáron Sánchez brings a surprising Creole twist to his classic Mexican cuisine. 

14. El Taco De Mexico in Denver, CO. 

Denver has some delicious street tacos that you might not be able to get enough of.

15. Taqueria Del Sol in Atlanta, GA. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiLmPUZnqIy/?taken-at=194342

Co-owner and Executive Chef Eddie Hernandez brings fried chicken and sloppy Joe tacos that shock us every time.

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