Celebrate Cinco de Mayo At One of These Boston (And Beyond) Mexican Restaurant Faves

What are the best Mexican restaurants in Massachusetts? With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, we wanted to put together a list of some of our favorites AND some of your favorites too. But before we get into the yummy details, we first want to get into, what exactly Cinco de Mayo is. Cinco de Mayo, translated to May 5th in English, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. In what ways do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Here in the United States, the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly those with heavy Mexican-American populations. The holiday is typically celebrated with parades, parties, restaurant deals, Mexican folk dancing, traditional Mexican foods, food trucks and so much more. This year will be no different as several area Mexican restaurants will be offering deals leading up to the big day.

What makes a good Mexican restaurant? Most people are heavily drawn to the basic traditional Mexican dishes: tacos, burritos, enchiladas etc. A good Mexican restaurant will specialize in those dishes and make them spectacular. Other things that make a Mexican restaurant good is the variety of creative dishes plus the specials it offers and even the drink specials that may involve a margarita in some way shape or form. Not to mention the decor, appearance, atmosphere, ambience and quality of the food all count as points toward high ratings for any restaurant.

We have polled the audience and asked staff members here at Beasley Media Boston for their favorite Mexican restaurants in and around the Boston area. These are the ones we've come up with. Hopefully this helps you when looking for a place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Enjoy!

It's on Willow Street in Waltham. I've lived in Waltham for 10 years and have seen this place but just tried it recently and OMG. So far I've only gotten the soft shell tacos but OMG the flavor in these tacos. They put LOVE in them LOL. You can ask for sour cream on the side. They come with shredded chicken, avocado and you can ask for hot sauce. TRY IT! Oh, and it's not a sit down place (although they do have a few tables). It's meant for take out only, no delivery.

https://www.masslive.com/food/2023/01/taqueria-el-amigo-in-waltham-is-one-of-the-best-restaurants-in-us-yelp-says.html

"The portions are ridiculous and the prices are good...for what you're getting, they should be charging you more." ~ Ramiro

https://www.superburritosdos.com/

They have another location in Woburn but the Dorchester location is where I've been. The tacos are brilliant and flavorful. There is restaurant seating, but it's very limited. Great for take out.

https://dorataqueria.online/

Their chips and salsa are addicting! I love their combination plates.

https://elmariachimr.com/

Beautiful place, GREAT food!

http://vidamexicanatogo.com/

"I could drink their queso, it's so good!"

https://cieloma.com/

"Great variety…..freshest ingredients. Delish." 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-vallarta-saugus

"Their burritos are out of this world. The burritos are easily a solid 5-10 pounds depending on what you get. They stuff their burritos and give you your moneys worth! The best place that I’ve had a burrito from!"

http://www.menujoy.com/menu89.htm

"The Mexican fair is authentic and at great prices!" 

https://www.restaurantji.com/ma/chelmsford/tequilas-mexican-grill-and-cantina-/

"Love this place, always an amazing vibe, drinks and food are delicious, service is great. Any special they have ever had can be made again without being on the menu."

http://www.lasiestarestaurante.com/menu.html

"My favorite is the birria burrito it is amazing and the tres leches cake and horchata drinks are sooo delicious! They even have a large selection of Mexican sodas! Overall everything there is awesome!"

"The staff is always so friendly, drinks are good, food is great and comes out fast even when the place is packed. There is keno too. Great music and atmosphere."

https://www.fiestataqueria.com/

 "Their food is delicious and (Margaritas) drinks are strong. Service is amazing."

https://www.sombrerosmexican.net/?useYB=1&cam=ppc-g-m240302-c810192-g2671933-&ClickAttributionId=CjwKCAjw9J2iBhBPEiwAErwpeadcmE6198WthY4LnYa_Z7o6d0vZ95V4ug4-efjUN4wrtSVfBiAJwhoCO-sQAvD_BwE

Okay, EVERYTHING about this place is amazing. The service, the food...I get the fajitas and they're phenomenal and the portions are HUGE.

 "Super friendly staff affordable food delish margaritas!"

https://www.yelp.com/biz/ixtapa-mexican-grill-and-cantina-woburn

"Best Mexican food and drinks in my opinion (my fav spicy margarita is there, called el Diablo). Great vibes, too."

https://www.thepaintedburro.com/

 "Great customer service, clean, food is fresh and hot family oriented."

https://acapulcos.net/

"Amazing food and even better margs. These guys know their tequila."

https://www.buenomalo.com/

"Three Amigos in MALDEN best pineapple jalepeno margarita, tortilla soup, beef short rib tacos...need i say more?"

http://www.3amigosmalden.com/

 "Everything is fresh and just really good. Their chips and salsa are too!"

https://www.nacocentral.com/

"Delicious authentic classic Mexican dishes, large portions and excellent drinks,, especially the coconut mojito and coconut margarita! A little off the beaten path but well worth the drive!"

https://www.jaliscofamilyrestaurant.com/

"Every Sunday and i think Tuesday they have a live mariachi band from 6-8. They also give you refried beans for their chips. The food is also amazing!"

https://www.mazatlangrill.co/

"You could feed an entire family with 1 entree but it’s so good you don’t want to share!"

https://www.fiestataqueria.com/

" 2 locations Eagle Hill and Orient Heights. Authentic Mexican food from Puebla Mexico. Everything is fresh made from scratch and soooo good. I also love their breakfast."

https://www.angelascafeboston.com/

"Mexican Puerto Rican fusion. The food is fresh, delicious, affordable and the portion sizes are great!"

https://www.cocorays.net/