The Jersey Shore loves a good celebration. Cinco de Mayo, which recognizes Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire in 1862, is no different. On May 5th, locals search for an authentic Mexican food + drink experience to honor the day. For those looking for traditional Mexican plates, a mariachi band, or a quality margarita, we've compiled a list of the best spots to appreciate Mexican culture. Keep reading for a guide to celebrating Cinco de Mayo at the Jersey Shore.

Events

4th Annual Highlands Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl | 329 Bay Avenue, Highlands

The 4th Annual Highlands Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl is on Saturday, May 3rd, from 12PM-5PM. The $40 ticket can be purchased here, and it includes drink specials and discounted food at restaurants + bars, surprise samplings, and specials at local retail shops. Other day highlights include live mariachi bands and a margarita contest. Check-in is at Huddy Park between 11:30AM-12:30PM.

Downtown Toms River Cinco de Mayo Festival | 53 Main Street, Toms River

The downtown Toms River Cinco de Mayo Festival is on Washington Street. It's happening on May 3rd from 12PM-6PM. Washington Street will have live entertainment options, handcrafters, and different merch vendors. The breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and local businesses will add to the festive vibes. FYI: It's free admission.

Restaurants

10th Ave Burrito | 801 Belmar Plaza, Belmar

10th Ave Burrito serves Mexi-Cali food in downtown Belmar. The local hangout lasts all year because of its chill atmosphere and live music lineup. The menu has modern twists on Mexican food, like its Mexican street corn bites and southwestern burritos. On Cinco de Mayo, 10th Ave Burrito is typically the place to go if looking to go all-out to celebrate the holiday.

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Agave Mexican Restaurant | 138 Myrtle Avenue, Long Branch

 

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Agave Mexican Restaurant is in the heart of Long Branch. JSG loves the botana sampler, which includes taquitos, homemade guac, and cheese quesadillas. Agave also has a build-your-own burrito option, which could be fun for Cinco de Mayo. FYI: Although typically closed on Mondays, Agave will open its doors on Monday, May 5th, to join the festivities.

Azteca Restaurant | 1633 NJ-71, Belmar

Azteca is an authentic Mexican restaurant in Belmar. For those trying to find a spot to celebrate Cinco de Mayo early, there is an entire huevos (eggs) section on the menu. Other standout features include the large portions and freshly made guacamole.

Barrio Costero | 610 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park

Barrio Costero serves coastal Mexican food in downtown Asbury Park. It is the spot to go to if itching for a margarita — JSG recommends the classic barrio margy. Barrio is also a good choice if going out with a group to celebrate the holiday, as it has a shared plate concept. IYKYK: The tacos here are addicting, and the Mexican hot chocolate bar is ideal for those with a sweet tooth.

Bar One: Resorts Casino Hotel | 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Bar One is on the casino floor, just steps from the Resorts Casino Hotel lobby. From 2PM until 5PM, Bar One has a mariachi band. Bar One also gives out free Jalapeno beads, with drink specials to celebrate the day. For more details, click here.

El Rey Rosticeria y Restaurante | 708 Emory Street, Asbury Park

El Rey is a hidden gem for Mexican food in Asbury Park. El Rey is close enough to downtown Asbury Park to be convenient. The outdoor seating with tiki-style umbrellas and twinkle lightsis so festive for a Cinco de Mayo dinner. El Rey is known for its birria (get it served in a taco or as a pizza) and tortas con papas (Mexican-style sandwiches).

El Senor Pepper's | 60 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank

 

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El Señor Pepper's is a mom-and-pop, traditional Mexican restaurant in Red Bank. A popular menu item to test out for the holiday is the burrito texano, which is stuffed with typical burrito ingredients and topped with a special chipotle cream sauce and sour cream. FYI: The horchata at El Senor Pepper's is a must-try in honor of Cinco de Mayo.

Jose's Mexican Restaurant | 101 NJ-71 #2, Spring Lake

Jose's Mexican Restaurant has served the Jersey Shore with its classic Mexican cuisine since 1997. Jose's is a spot where customers can dine in or take out for Cinco de Mayo; if dining in, JSG recommends BYO. Menu highlights include its homemade salsa and guac. The fajitas by the pound make sharing with friends and family an added bonus.

Juanito's Restaurant | 159 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Juanito's is just a block from Red Bank's train station, which is convenient if you take advantage of its BYOB policy. JSG loves that Juanito's has various salsa flavors. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we recommend trying the aguacate relleno - half an avocado stuffed with shrimp, scallops, crabmeat, and lobster meat and topped with a creamy jalapeno sauce.

La Sierra Restaurant + Bar | 1621 Main Street, Lake Como

La Sierra is a Mexican restaurant in Lake Como with a festive vibe. La Sierra is covered ceiling to floor in vibrant decor — a good backdrop for one of its margaritas, which locals love. The menu has comforting food options like burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas garnished with a miniature Mexican flag decal.

Loteria | 632 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park

Loteria is an authentic taqueria in downtown Asbury Park. The menu is reflective of Mexican street food. It has burritos, tacos, and quesadillas (the blackened shrimp quesadilla is so good). There are plenty of margarita flavors, but the mango is a must-try.

Mathis House | 600 Main Street, Toms River

Mathis House is a Victorian bed + breakfast and tea room in Toms River. On May 5th, from 5PM-8PM, Mathis House is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Mexican dinner buffet. Those attending can expect a ton of decorations to celebrate the holiday, and there will be a five-piece mariachi band. Tickets to attend cost $35 per person (plus tax) and can be purchased here.

Mexitacos | 1070 NJ-34 Suite J, Matawan

Mexitacos is a BYOB restaurant in Matawan that sells traditional Mexican dishes. Mexitacos is the choice for anyone looking for a casual, quick-service spot for Cinco de Mayo. JSG recommends the yucca fries (served with chipotle mayo) and chorizo cheese dip (served with flour tortillas).

Mi Lupita's Kitchen | 78 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank

Mi Lupita's is a staple Mexican restaurant in the Red Bank community. Locals love the birria tacos, churros, and loaded Mexican street fries. Mi Lupita's is BYO, which mixes well with one of its non-alcoholic bebidas, like its margarita-flavored drink.

Oaxaca By The Sea | 123 Main Street, Bradley Beach

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Oaxaca by the Sea is a laid-back Mexican restaurant in Bradley Beach. Oaxaca has fun options like its shrimp chipotle pasta and fried plantains. If celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a group, the Oaxaca platter is a good choice as it comes with tacos, nachos, guacamole, sope, and a quesadilla.

Plaza Tapatia Restaurant | 707 Main Street, Asbury Park

Plaza Tapatia is a cozy restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Asbury Park. Menu highlights include a vegetarian section and its molcajete de mariscos — a platter of a mix of all kinds of seafood cooked with a choice of sauce + necessary toppings like avocado and bell peppers. Plaza Tapatia has fitting drink options for Cinco de Mayo, such as a tequila list, cervezas, and plenty of margarita options.

Reyna's Mexican Restaurant | 4057 Asbury Avenue, Tinton Falls

Reyna's is in Tinton Falls; it serves Mexican food with a twist. Its menu has all the traditional plates like tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and flautas. Still, it also features options like wings, mozzarella sticks, and the Oaxaca Cheeseburger, which is topped with jalapenos and comes with chipotle mayo. FYI: The twists continue with dessert, with selections like the chimichanga cannoli.

See More: A Guide to Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Hoboken + Jersey City

Spicy Cantina | 500 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights

Spicy Cantina is a lively boardwalk restaurant in Seaside Heights. It's a fun spot for celebrations as it's known for its live music and its large tequila selection. Spicy Cantina has margarita flights, which is a good pick for Cinco de Mayo. The food menu has all the standard Mexican plates, and to live up to its name, the sauces used are labeled mild, hot, or extra hot.