Cinco de Mayo is upon us and you might be looking for a new place to celebrate. We asked our writers for their favorite places to help you get your fiesta fix.
Las Lomas Fresh Mexican Grille, Landis Marketplace, 631 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland. 856-238-4445
http://www.laslomasgrille.net/
Fresh, traditional flavors in the Northern Mexican-style. Menu includes quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, tacos, tortas and more. Features 9 homemade salsas and sauces!
Taqueria Downtown, 236 Grove St, Jersey City; 201-333-3220
A menu filled with outstanding tacos of every variety (pork, cactus, fish, lamb, beef) as well as sizzling huevos ranchero, bean-rich sopes, guacamole and much more, is complemented by margaritas and a decent Mexican beer selection. Taqueria Downtown is a neighborhood treasure and has recently re-opened after extensive repairs from Sandy damage. Go show them some love this Cinco de Mayo!
Taqueria Pancho Villa and Taqueria Brenda Lee, both in Dover, are very authentic, inexpensive taco joints. There are no tablecloths and waitstaff at these places. Just order at the register, grab a stack of napkins, and dig in. Go to Brenda Lee on Saturdays for the amazing house special “tacos al pastor” made with bbq pork & fresh pineapple.
Pancho Villa: 7 N. Essex St., Dover 973-361-4003
Brenda Lee: 7 N. Warren St., Dover 973-328-6262
La Estacion (also known as Raul’s Taco Town), 94 Elm St, Morristown
973-538-1111
This cozy, vibrant cantina offers a winning combination of fresh, flavorful dishes, friendly service, BYO convenience (they’ll stir up a pitcher of sangria for you with your own bottle of wine), and a regular side of live music. Don’t miss the excellent fish tacos, chunky guacamole, and hearty entree specials. The same owners run Raul’s Empanada Town nearby, offering a delicious selection of fresh empanadas to pick up on the way home for tomorrow’s lunch.
Los Amigos, 1926 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City, 609-344-2293
Los Amigos has been around since my college days ( let’s just say awhile) and was “The Mexican Restaurant” to eat and still is. Their nachos are the best around anywhere! They have a special sauce and the cheese combination is perfecto or perfecta in my case.The Fish Tacos with tuna and salmon are scrumptious as are the Filet Serrano and the Crab and Shrimp Enchiladas! You can’t go wrong. They offer small plates too! They have a full bar with special House Sangria and Margarita’s and many Beer selections. Happy Hour is Sunday’s thru Friday’s from 4pm to 7pm with lots of drink specials. Celebrate Cinco De Mayo on Sunday, May 5th starting at 11:30 am with live music by Beth Tinnon, three time award winning lounge act in AC from 5pm-8pm as well as outdoor patio seating, giveaways and prizes! check out their website for hours, menus, and special events. www.losamigosrest.com
Sol Mexican Cantina, 3366 Route 22 West, North Branch, 908-526-4SOL
If you are in the Bridgewater area, I highly recommend Sol Mexican Cantina for drinks and a bite. They have an extensive Mexican menu and you can find something for everyone. They also have full bar but I recommend you have one of their Mojitos or Margaritas. They have a sunshine brunch every weekend from 12-4pm. Find out more information: http://www.solmexicancantina.com/
Mexico Lindo, 1135 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick, 732-202-1930
Mexico Lindo is bringing traditional Mexican fare to the Brick area. They serve homemade Mexican fare from quesadillas to chimichangas. A cute BYO, perfect on your way down the shore.
Tinga Taqueria, 215 Bellevue Ave., Montclair, NJ, 973-509-TACO
Tinga Taqueria in Upper Montclair is in a heavily trafficked area that sometimes makes it hard to find a parking spot. Luckily, these guys deliver! Solid, no frills tacos with some creative twists—try the BBQ Brisket taco for the perfect it’s-almost-summer snack. Also love their low carb options. Their five day Cinco de Mayo celebration already started, including bring-your-own-tequilla frozen drink specials. Find other Tinga locations in Millburn (321 Millburn Ave.) and Westfield (110 Central Ave.).
Blue Moon, 42 Kinderkamack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, 201.782.9500
Blue Moon is not as “authentic” as some of the other Mexican Restaurants in the area, but it makes up for its somewhat Americanized feel, with bold flavor and generous portions. First timers should try the, bigger than your arm, burritos which made me fall in love with this establishment. Their full service bar will assist you in celebrating Cinco De Mayo the proper way, with a Margarita in one hand and a shot of tequila in the other. http://www.bluemoonmexicancafe.com
Picante, 263 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ
Whenever my husband and I are in the mood for real Mexican food we head to Picante in Springfield. The flavors are bold and authentic and the service always makes us feel welcome. Our favorite dishes include the Cecina tacos (cured salty steak), Camarones A La Diabla, and anything that’s covered in their delicious mole sauce. The restaurant is byo, so pop open a couple of cold beers, start with some guacamole, and find yourself transported to Mexico.
http://www.picantethetasteofmexico.com/
The Tortilla Press, 703 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Mexican “influenced” — which makes them very different. The offer meats and accompanying side dishes familiar to the American palate, but seasoned with the clean, savory flavors of Mexican herbs and sauces. Everything is fresh and elegantly prepared.
http://www.thetortillapress.com/
10th Ave. Burrito Co., 801 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, New Jersey 07719 (732) 280-1515 –
Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diner’s, Drive-ins and Dives, 10th Ave. Burrito serves “Mexi-cali style food.” Diners can choose from an extensive list of burritos, Tacos, Soups, Salads, Quesadillas, With dishes like their Black Bean Cakes over sauteed spinach or Blackened Catfish burrito, even diners on a diet can find something healthy to enjoy. Open for lunch and dinner.
