Cinco de Mayo – May 5 – commemorates the victory of Mexico over France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. In the United States, the holiday has become an opportunity to celebrate the colors, flavors, and, of course, the tequilas of our neighbor to the South.
Looking to observe the occasion? These North Shore hot-spots offer everything from delicious tacos and enchiladas to sangria, margaritas, and a huge variety of tequilas suitable for sipping straight-up.
Howling Wolf Taqueria
From quesadillas to burritos, you do not want to miss out on the food at Howling Wolf this Cinco de Mayo. Their avocado fries are a can’t-miss for any visit – add in a fully-stocked tequila bar and a wide-ranging taco menu and you are all set for a great night. The award-winning taqueria’s lively atmosphere makes for the perfect setting for Cinco celebrations this week.
76 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-744-9653, howlingwolftaqueria.com
La Victoria Taqueria
La Victoria Taqueria aims to bring authentic Mexican street food to the North Shore, serving family recipes and local ingredients. This Cinco de Mayo, enjoy one of their deliciously authentic tacos or tortas and wash it all down with a refreshing Mexican soda. Or take your food to go and make your own margaritas to accompany the acclaimed food.
6 Wallis St., Beverly, 978-969-2228, victoriataqueria.com
Casa Maria Tacos & Tequila
Located in downtown Amesbury you cannot miss the bright pink building where Casa Maria serves specials including arroz con pollo, mole poblano, pollo asado, chicken flautas, carne asada, and tres potrillos with marinated chicken breast, charbroiled skirt steak, and shrimp sautéed in garlic sauce. You can wash it all down with a wide variety of tequila cocktails including the bonita margarita with tequila, pineapple juice, blueberry syrup, and lime juice.
37 Main Street, Amesbury, 978-834-5610, casamariatt.com
Metzy’s Cantina
Located at the Newburyport MBTA train station and easily accessible via the Clipper City Rail Trail, Metzy’s has weekly specials including select $5 tacos on Tuesdays, kids eat free on Wednesdays, $5 off fajitas on Fridays, and 50 cent wings on Sundays. All specials are dine-in only. Explore a wide menu of favorites including street corn, sweet potato and black bean fritters, bulgogi beef puffy tacos, pork belly tacos, and birria ramen.
5 Boston Way, Newburyport, 978.255.7347, metzys.com
Sin-a-loa Tacos + Tequila
Located in an open airy space near Salisbury Beach Sin-a-loa will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo event on May 5. Join them for a full night of tacos, tequila, and music featuring Mi Campo Tequila + a live DJ bringing the energy all night long. They will be featuring: Mi Campo Margaritas with some signature house-made flavors, tacos, and a build-your-own menu. There will be giveaways and swag throughout the night. Doors open at 12PM and reservations now are strongly encouraged! As a thank you, they are offering 20% off all food for teachers and first responders all day with valid ID.
3 Broadway, Salisbury, 978-961-7310, sin-a-loa.com
Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey, Salem
Barrio has a six-step process for building your perfect taco, bowl, or nachos including the base, protein, cheese, toppings, salsa, and sauces. Unique options include the bombshell – with flour soft + corn hard + queso + crumbled bacon, and Green Goddess – with flour soft + corn hard + queso + guac. Looking for fiery experience – pick from crack sauce, barrio secret sauce, mango habanero, and the ultra-spicy carolina reaper sauce.
41 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-594-8854, barrio-tacos.com/salem
Port Vida
Newburyport’s Port Vida is an authentic Mexican cantina in Market Square. They stand out for their fresh seafood dishes including Zarandeado – a traditional Mexican coastal dish with your choice of octopus, salmon, red snapper, or shrimp smothered in our special adobo and grilled to perfection, served with rice, lime, and salad. Their seafood soup is loaded with shrimp, scallops, fish, mussels, and crab legs, served with avocado, onions, cilantro and lime.
10 Center St, Newburyport, 978-225-7773, portvidaamexicancantina.com
Sunset Club
Out on Plum Island enjoy the Sunset Club and its open air setting serving street corn dip, pulled pork nachos, Cubano empanadas, tacos, and more. Wash it down with their piping paloma, margarita of the week, or a bucket of beer. Parking is available on site, and there is a two hour time limit for tables. Their tables are a first come, first served basis and they do not take reservations.
4 Old Point Rd, Newbury, 978-255-1016, sunsetclubpi.com