Cinco De Mayo is upon us once again, and whether your plan on celebrating with a taco feast or a massive margarita, there are plenty of places to patronize here at the beach. From Ocean City to Fenwick/Selbyville and on up into Rehoboth, we’ve rounded up ten spots for you to consider this Cinco De Mayo, including the more low key options as well as the more rowdy bar scenes.
Historically speaking, Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican victory over the French army during the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today, as is the case with most holidays, the celebration has – for better or worse – evolved into an Americanized version of the holiday with a heavy emphasis on feasting on Mexican food while sipping margaritas (and most likely a couple shots of tequila). Nonetheless, we find ourselves gravitating to the celebrations with a major hankering for any combination of beans, rice, cheese and guacamole; all washed down with an ice cold Tecate or Dos Equis.
Note: This is by no means a complete list, but after picking ten of our favorite spots and reading through their delicious specials, we had to cut ourselves off. Enjoy!
Mother’s Cantina
2810 Coastal Highway, Ocean City
410-289-1330
If you have a ‘go big or go home’ mentality this year for Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Cantina in OCMD should be high on your list of spots to hit. Their Cinco De Mayo party will include all-day drink specials, including new offerings from Patron, Avion, and Flying Dog. Look for the appearance by the Patron girls and don’t be scared to try your hand at the piñata! While you’re there, fill up on some tacos, chips and salsa, and queso dip (particularly if you’re going heavy on the Patron).
Guido’s Burritos
33rd Street & Coastal Highway, Ocean City
410-524-3663
The team at Guidos Burritos does not take Cinco De Mayo lightly, which is why they will be celebrating all-day long and well into the night. Expect $4 cervezas, $5 margaritas, and $5 off the Monsterita. The industry party will run from 7pm until 9pm, with Dom Dig (5-9) and a professional face painter (6pm). By 9, Papi Roisterous will take over, keeping the party going until 2am. Prizes, giveaways, costume contests, sugar skull face painting, models, music…that’s a serious fiesta.
Papa Grande’s
38929 Madison Avenue, West Fenwick Island
302-436-7272
At Papa Grande’s in Fenwick, we’ve got our eye on the suckling pig tacos that will be fresh from their Cinco De Mayo Pig Roast! Drink specials will flow heavily of course, but what’s even better is the fact that our friends from Burley Oak will be on the scene for a tap takeover! For dinner, there’s plenty to choose from, including their irresistible street corn, classic ceviche, and a wide selection of tacos. Tip: if you’re really hungry, the short rib cheesesteak burrito is worth the food coma that it will put you into.
Plaza Tapatia
11007 Manklin Creek Road, Berlin (multiple locations)
As a Salisbury University alumni, you can bet I spent many Cinco de Mayo’s at the Plaza Tapatia across from campus. The menu is massive and the chips and salsa arrive immediately along with that amazing white sauce (you know the one). These days we visit the Ocean Pines location more frequently, although we still mourn for the loss of the West OC location that was a mere one-minute drive from our office. Service is predictably prompt and friendly at all the locations and the food never disappoints. The fajitas are an easy favorite, arriving sizzling on a skillet along with an impressive pairing of rice, beans, guacamole salad, sour cream and tortillas.
La Abuelita
8101 Coastal Highway, Ocean City
410-520-5248
Not up for Cinco de Mayo celebrations? We get it, not everyone wants to battle throngs of twenty-somethings downing tequila shots or lengthier-than-usual wait times for a table. For the Cinco de Mayo scrooge that is looking to indulge in a culinary feast at home, stop in La Abueliea for take-out. We wandered into this tiny storefront several years ago after spotting the notably straightforward signage that just reads ‘Mexican Food.’ Sometimes simplicity really is key. Expect zero fuss and fluff here, it’s authentic Mexican through and through. Prices are on point and the portions are large and downright delicious. The ceviche is a must and is hands down the most generous portion for the price in OC.
La Sierra
58 Church Street, Selbyville
302-436-4446
For another ‘off the beaten path’ spot to grab some seriously authentic Mexican food, we suggest taking a drive to Selbyville to visit La Sierra. For starters, La Sierra also includes a Hispanic mini-mart, offering a wide range of grocery products, as well as a butcher shop. At the restaurant, expect incredibly delicious tacos that are about as close to the real deal as you are going to get around here with prices that sweeten the entire experience. It’s the perfect spot for a less Americanized version of Cinco de Mayo fun.
Mariachi
14 Wilmington Avenue, Rehoboth
302-227-0115
Our friend and trusted food source, The Rehoboth Foodie, clued us into this fantastic spot and we are forever grateful. Featuring Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American cuisine, the menu never disappoints…and neither do the two bars for that matter which are stocked with fine wines and spirits to get your Cinco De Mayo kickin’. Fan favorites include the Plato Norteno, handmade pupusas, and the fried plantains, but we’ll let the Rehoboth Foodie give you the complete rundown.
El Dorado
18766 John J Williams Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE
302-345-1596
Any restaurant that was inspired by a love of authentic fish tacos is a win in our book. The spot has humble beginnings as a taco stand in the owner and chef’s (Aquiles Demerutis) hometown of Guadalajara in 1997, well before the fish taco craze hit the Eastern Shore…or the US for that matter. Specials for Cinco De Mayo will include $3 Mexican beers, $5 Sauza Gold margaritas, and $3 homemade sangria. For a complete rundown on their specials from Demerutis himself, click here.
The Atlantic Hotel
2 N. Main Street, Berlin
410-641-3589
The Atlantic Hotel in Downtown Berlin may not serve traditional Mexican fare, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be celebrating Cinco De Mayo. In fact, the hotel is celebrating for four days (May 4-May 8) with $5 orange margarita crushes, $3 Coronas, and $2 beef tacos. What’s more, it’s the opening week for the hotel’s beer garden! Now if we can only get some sunshine to go with those Coronas…
Big Chill Cantina/Taco Reho
19406 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE
302-227-5568
Big Chill Cantina’s Famous Cinco De Mayo Festival takes the cake for longest celebration in our area, with five days and five nights planned for the event. Each day features a special event, along with plenty of giveaways, prices, and drink specials. Wednesday, look for a special Star Ways themed day (I know, not Cinco De Mayo related, but awesome nonetheless) at Taco Reho. Thursday, Cinco De Mayo celebrations will include happy hour at Big Chill, live acoustic music, and plenty of tacos from Taco Reho. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, enjoy the CHEF Fundraiser, Carnivale Big Chill Style, and Official Opening of the Big Chill Patio. Click here for more details.
