Let’s be honest — I do not need much of an excuse to eat tacos and sip margaritas. But Cinco de Mayo? That is basically a holiday built for people like me. The Social Studies teacher in me does feel obligated to mention that this is largely an American celebration and not widely observed in Mexico itself. Raleigh’s dining scene has evolved a lot since I first put this list together back in 2018. A few favorites have closed, some exciting new spots have opened, and the ones that have stuck around have only gotten better. Here are my seven go-to spots to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in and around downtown Raleigh in 2026 — all within a reasonable walk, rideshare, or easy drive of each other.
Originally published 2018. Updated for 2026. Hours are subject to change — always confirm directly with the restaurant before heading out.
Photo by Glory Roze Photography
Seven Favorite Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in (and Near) Downtown Raleigh
Cantina 18
Photo by Glory Roze Photography
Cantina 18 has been a cornerstone of Raleigh’s Mexican food scene since 2010, and honestly it just keeps getting better with age. Technically located in the Village District (formerly Cameron Village) rather than downtown proper, there is so much to do in the Village before grabbing a drink and some queso. The shrimp tacos remain a non-negotiable order for me, and the skinny margarita is my go-to. Spring weather on their patio or second-floor porch is an absolute treat. They also have a private event space and catering menu if you are ever thinking of something bigger than just dinner for two.
Order: Guacamole & Chips, Shrimp Tacos, Skinny Margarita
Cantina 18 is at 433 Daniels St, Raleigh, NC 27605.
Centro
Photo by Glory Roze Photography
Centro has been a downtown Raleigh institution since 2007, and nearly two decades later it still brings something genuinely special to Wilmington Street. The interior is eclectic and colorful, the menu leans into organic and locally sourced ingredients, and the margaritas — made with fresh juice and pulled from an extensive tequila list — are among the best in the city. Grab a street-side table on a warm May evening and just soak it all in. This is one of those places that reminds you why downtown dining is so good right now.
Order: Chips and Salsa con Queso, Centro Bowl or any of their tacos, House Margarita
Centro is at 106 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Gonza Tacos y Tequila
Gonza holds a permanent place in my heart. The Hillsborough Street location I originally wrote about has since closed, though the brand still has Triangle locations in North Raleigh, Downtown Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Cary — so there should be a location relatively close to you. The Colombian-Mexican menu is creative and consistently excellent, the tequila list is extensive, and the Día de los Muertos decor makes every visit feel like a party. Ask your server about the specials. Seriously — just do it.
Order: Queso Picoso, Camarón Tacos, House Margarita or bartender’s pick
There are three locations — check their website to find your nearest spot.
Gringo a Go Go
Photo by Glory Roze Photography
Gringo a Go Go has been quietly one of Raleigh’s best-kept Mexican food secrets since 2014, tucked into a converted former service station near Moore Square. Everything on the menu is made from scratch daily with locally sourced ingredients, and their guacamole remains my personal gold standard in this city. The outdoor patio is fantastic for warm spring evenings, the vibe is welcoming and unpretentious, and they’ve expanded their menu to include excellent vegan and vegetarian options. Do not miss their seasonal margarita!
Order: Chips & Guacamole, Quesadillas, House Margarita
Gringo a Go Go is at 100 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27601.
K38 Baja Grill
Photo via K38 Instagram
If you have spent any time at Wrightsville Beach, you already know K38. If you have not — welcome, and I am sorry it took this long. The beloved Wilmington coastal staple has opened a Raleigh location at Seaboard Station, and it has been everything I hoped for. The Baja fish tacos are fresh, light, and completely craveable, the Tres Amigos dip trio (queso, guac, and elote) is a perfect starter, and the “Wannabe” margaritas live up to the name in the best way. The Seaboard Station setting is lively and fun, with great patio vibes when the weather cooperates — which in early May, it usually does.
Order: Tres Amigos Dip, ACP, Silver Skinny Margarita
K38 Baja Grill is at 20 Seaboard Ave suite b 110, Raleigh, NC 27604.
La Santa
Located on Glenwood South, La Santa is one of the most talked-about Mexican restaurants in Raleigh, and for good reason. The recipes come from the owner’s mother in Guadalajara, the margaritas are made with fresh-squeezed fruit juices, and nothing on the menu is ever frozen. The Burrito Momia — a burrito wrapped in bacon — is the kind of dish that becomes an obsession after one bite. Go early or plan to wait, and make it worth it by ordering the fresh fruit margarita.
Order: Queso, Lunch Chicken Quesadilla, Skinny Margarita
La Santa is at 222 Glenwood Ave #107, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Mala Pata
Mala Pata is the most exciting restaurant on this list — full stop. This Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized spot takes ingredients seriously, importing corn from Oaxaca and grinding it in house daily to make their own tortillas, tostadas, and chips. Born from the creative minds behind Centro and Gallo Pelón (RIP), the menu is centered around fresh masa and includes standouts like tuna tartacos, aguachile with North Carolina shrimp, pozole verde, and fish tacos. The enchiladas with Cheerwine-infused mole alone are worth the trip. Attached to the restaurant is Peyote, a seven-seat minibar serving intentional cocktails — start your evening there with a cocktail before sitting down for dinner.
Order: Colombian Buñuelos, Lechoncito Tacos, Cactus Flower Cocktail
Mala Pata is at 2431 Crabtree Blvd Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27604.
Final Thoughts
Raleigh’s Mexican and Latin American food scene has grown up in a big way, and honestly, I could not be more here for it. When I first wrote this list back in 2018, these were the hidden gems and neighborhood go-tos that locals knew and loved. In 2026, Raleigh is earning national recognition — Michelin Bib Gourmand nods and restaurants that can genuinely stand alongside the best in the country. We have come a long way from chips and a house margarita (although, let me be clear, I will never stop ordering those).
What I love most about this list is that there is something for every kind of celebration. Whether you want a casual, low-key Tuesday night taco run at Gonza, a festive patio vibe at La Santa, or a proper sit-down dinner at Mala Pata where the tortillas are made from heirloom Oaxacan corn ground in house that morning — Raleigh has you covered on May 5th and every day around it.
So grab your people, pick a patio, and raise a margarita glass. Cinco de Mayo may be an American invention, but the food and drinks we are celebrating with? Those are the real deal. Use this Google map to plan your next adventure.
Have a Raleigh Cinco de Mayo spot I missed? Drop it in the comments — I am always on the hunt for the next great taco.
Give me allllll the Mexican food! Yum!!!
Awesome list for an awesome day! Happy Cinco de Mayo!