We never truly need a reason to drink a margarita, but on Cinco de Mayo, it’s almost mandatory! Now’s the perfect time to get your Mexican food fix, so we rounded up some of our favorite spots all around Texas to order some cheesy queso and a frosty marg.
Irma’s Original
Irma’s Original is a favorite among the Houston Astros, and it will be one of yours, too! Succulent Roasted Pork Tamales and Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas come smothered in homemade sauces with a side of guacamole, but the standout is Irma’s famous mole. 22 N. Chenevert St., Houston, 713-222-0767
Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill
This Austin spot serves up some of the best Southwestern dishes around, like Fried Oyster Shooters with Mango Relish and Tinga Chicken Rellenos. Wash it all down with a house marg! One of the can’t-miss dishes is the crispy Pork Enchilada—one of the best Tanji’s ever had. 700 E. Whitestone Blvd., #204, Cedar Park, 512-528-0889 / 212 W. 7th St., #105, Georgetown, 512-819-6018 / 11840 Hero Way West, Bldg. A, Leander, 512-337-7633
Güero’s Taco Bar
At this Mexican cantina in Austin, you just might have a celebrity sighting! Famous faces like Sandra Bullock, Quentin Tarantino, and Lyle Lovett have all been spotted at Güero’s—and for good reason: They whip up fabulous Mexican favorites like tender marinated fajitas and saucy enchiladas. Don’t miss the vegan Taquitos al Pastor with soy chorizo. Natalie Portman raves about them! 1412 S. Congress Ave., Austin, 512-447-7688
Rudy & Paco
For a more upscale Cinco de Mayo dining experience, pay a visit to Rudy & Paco, named by OpenTable as one of the “Top 100 Restaurants” in 2017 and “Most Romantic Restaurants in America” in 2018. Inspired by the owner’s Central American heritage, the menu includes such dishes as South American empanadas and plantain-encrusted Pargo Simpatico—a pan-sautéed red snapper topped with jumbo lump crab. 2028 Postoffice St., Galveston, 409-762-3696
La Playa Mexican Grille
Port A’s Tex-Mex scene is full of Gulf seafood like fresh ceviche and grilled shrimp tacos. We love La Playa’s enchiladas, especially their signature buttery crab ones covered in a creamy roasted poblano sauce. You won’t be able to miss the “miracle” wall of tequila, featuring over 70 different bottles! 222 Beach Ave., Port Aransas, 361-749-0022
Picoso’s Mexican Kitchen
Hidden away in Lubbock is this Tex-Mex gem well known for its classics like the Crispy Chile Relleno and the signature ultra-cheesy, deep-fried Stuffed Avocado. Here, generosity is the real star: The owners donate all (yes, ALL) of their profits to those in need. 7611 Milwaukee Ave., Lubbock, 806-368-7789
Smoky Rose
Here in Texas, we’re always fusing the signature flavors of the state. Smoky Rose has mixed classic barbecue, Southern staples, and Mexican food all in one spot, to incredible effect. From brisket queso to spicy carnitas tacos to margaritas, you can satisfy your Cinco de Mayo appetite for whatever you’re craving. 8602 Garland Rd., Dallas, 469-776-5655
Mi Familia at the Rim
The Cortez family is well known for San Antonio’s iconic Mi Tierra Café. And their newest restaurant also keeps festivities going year-round. They hosted a drive-thru Fiesta during the pandemic as a way to brighten people’s spirits when the event was canceled in 2020 and continue to offer signature Fiesta flavors that delight the senses, like the Chicharrón de Ribeye. Paired with a world-famous frozen margarita, it’s a party every night! 18403 IH-10 W., San Antonio, 210-728-4700
Ninfa’s
When craving Tex-Mex, there’s nothing like a shareable sizzling plate of fajitas that sounds and smells like a good time. And the birthplace of this mainstay dish wasn’t Mexico, but right here in the Ninfa’s kitchen in Houston, when “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo started making “Tacos al Carbon” in 1973 with tortillas from her family’s struggling factory … which later became known as fajitas! 2704 Navigation Blvd., Houston, 713.228.1175 / 1700 Post Oak Blvd., #1-190 Houston, 346-335-2404
Fonda San Migel
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, look no further than Fonda San Miguel in Austin. As one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the country, it was one of the first in the nation to introduce classic regional Mexican cuisine, which it’s now been perfecting for more than 40 years. Don’t miss the Enchiladas Verdes, not to mention one of the best tequila lists in Texas, curated by Lucinda Hutson, world expert on tequila and author of Viva Tequila. 2330 W. North Loop, Austin, 512-459-4121
Aldaco’s Stone Oak
Make sure to ask for a seat on the patio at Aldaco’s in San Antonio. Located at one of the highest points in the city, this scenic restaurant offers a sweeping view in addition to a stellar menu. Start your meal with one of the award-winning margaritas and end it with a slice of Pastel Tres Leches. Blanca Aldaco, the owner, is credited for bringing this famous dessert to the area. 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy., San Antonio, 210-494-0561
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
Let Sylvia the “Enchilada Queen” give your taste buds the royal treatment at her famous kitchen in Houston. It’s a true fiesta of flavors here with 19 (!!) different types of enchiladas from both sides of the border. One of the secrets of Sylvia’s success is making the enchiladas the traditional way, by seasoning each and every tortilla by hand. As a bonus, we snagged her recipe for Cheese Enchiladas with Chili Gravy! 1140 Eldridge Pkwy., Houston, 832-230-3842 / 6401 Woodway Dr., Houston, 713-334-7295
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