8 Places to Get Tacos y Cervezas in OC This Cinco de Mayo

Let’s Get Festive at These Local Hotspots!

Margaritas, micheladas and mole—oh my! Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with your best friends and a Corona in hand. Here are seven places to grab tacos and beers on Cinco de Mayo in Orange County. Cinco de Mayo Orange County

Las Brisas

Kickstart your Cinco de Mayo with a drink at the one and only La Brisas! This Laguna Beach restaurant feels like a vacation the second you arrive. Their kitchen uses only the freshest of seafood and is inspired by the traditional cooking techniques of Mexico. With happy hour happening every weekday from 3-6 p.m., order yourself a $5 Corona Light, grub on some guac and pretend you are in Cabo!

Location: Laguna Beach

Cinco de Mayo Orange County

SOL Mexican Cocina

Credit: Sol Cocina

Credit: Mary Carol Fitzgerald

SOL is no stranger to the Cinco de Mayo scene. With multiple locations to celebrate, this bustling restaurant was created to share the uniquely fresh, simple coastal cooking of Baja California, Mexico. Not only does the food menu offer plenty of tacos to choose from, their tequila selection is curated with over 100 of Mexico’s finest small-batch tequilas and mezcals. Can you think of a better way to honor the holiday than with a tequila tasting?

Locations: Irvine and Newport Beach

Avila’s El Ranchito

Credit: Erik Hale

Credit: Jennifer Chong

Established in the city of Vernon is Avila’s El Ranchito’s original restaurant. What was once a $2,000 family investment has grown into Orange County’s most legendary Mexican restaurant! With venues in Seal Beach, San Clemente and everywhere in between, each Avila’s restaurant is under the personal care of a family member to ensure you are welcomed with love. Since familia is a big part of Mexican culture, it doesn’t get more authentic than Avila’s. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and you should definitely pair your meal with a Corona Extra (don’t forget the lime!).

Locations: Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Santa Ana and Orange

Cinco de Mayo Orange County

El Cholo

Established in 1923, El Cholo Cafe is LA’s very first Mexican resturant and has been taking over SoCal with it’s authentic Spanish charm. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at one of their Orange County locations or bring the party back to your place by ordering off the to-go menu! With everything from enchiladas and tacos to fajitas and margaritas, their party platters can feed up to 20 people! Although the booze is included, we still suggest you BYOB (bring your own bartender).

Locations: Corona del Mar, Anaheim and La Habra

Urbana

No passport, no problem! At Urbana Mexican Gastronomy, you can take a trip to “the belly” of Mexico without crossing the border. Located in the Anaheim Packing House, this exotic eatery has changed the way people perceive Mexican cuisine with their creative flair. If you are on the hunt for a taste of authenticity, the mole enchiladas are a must, but their margarita pitchers are what make Urbana the perfect place to celebrate Cinco with the squad!

Location: Anaheim

Cinco de Mayo Orange County

South of Nick’s

Credit: South of Nick’s

Indulge in paradise at this luxurious Laguna Beach hideaway. With filet mignon taquitos and fresh fish tacos, the South of Nick’s menu offers a mix of traditional Mexican food and five-star cuisine. Did we mention their margaritas are made with fresh juice and premium tequila and are offered by the pitcher? You can also skip the mixers and opt for a tequila flight, but it’s the bottled beer that will take you south of the border for a Cinco celebration.

Location: Laguna Beach

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen

Credit: Max Milla

Experience an old-world, hacienda-style ambiance and native flavors at Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen. In the pursuit of preserving the culinary heritage of Mexico, Chef Gabbi Patrick has integrated modern gastronomy with the regional recipes of Mexican cuisine. Her passion and vision are reflected in the detail of her dishes by supporting local farms and sourcing seasonal ingredients. As a result menu must-haves include their queso fundido con chorizo, mole tostaditas and braised beef quesadillas.

Location: Orange

Cinco de Mayo Orange County

Carmelita’s Kitchen de Mexico

Credit: Mariah Nicole Photography

By using traditional cocina techniques, the kitchen at Carmelita’s prepares their menu from scratch daily. Their memorable meals are all thanks to the passing down of Grandma Carmelita’s recipes from one generation to the next. Be sure to cool it with the chips—you will definitely want to save room for their Famous Carnitas, Marisco Trio or one of their decadent desserts! Meanwhile this spot is located just steps from the beach. You can’t beat the breathtaking views and warm service.

Location: Laguna Beach