7 Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Raleigh

I love any excuse to eat Hispanic foods, but I especially love a Cinco de Mayo celebration.  However, the Social Studies teacher in me feels the need to remind everyone that this is an American made-up holiday and not one that is actually celebrated in Mexico.  But, it is still fun and I still love love a good celebration, so here are my seven favorite places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in downtown Raleigh.  I selected seven restaurants in downtown Raleigh that are just a short walk (or Lyft ride) away.

Cantina 18

Cantina 18 has been open for 8 years now, and has been one of my tried and true favorite restaurants in Raleigh.  I love their shrimp tacos and their skinny margarita is definitely my go-to order.  However, I love asking their bartender to whip up a drink, too.  Their patio and second floor porch are amazing options for spring weather.  I also appreciate the nod to the locally sourced food with the murals on the wall.  P.S. they have a private event space perfect for hosting showers & work functions, and a new catering menu that is absolutely delicious.

Order: Guacamole & Chips, Shrimp Tacos, Skinny Margarita

Hours: 11:00AM-10:00PM, Saturday & Sunday brunch served until 2:00PM

Centro

Centro is such a unique spot in downtown Raleigh.  It has an eclectic vibe on the interior with a delicious menu.  Start with their chips and salsa con queso and a Margarita del Gallo.  If it’s a pretty night, sit outside on their patio.  It’s a great people watching spot and a lovely spot to enjoy downtown Raleigh.

Order: Chips and Salsa con Queso, Carnitas or Del Sur Tacos, Margarita del Gallo

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30-2:30 and 5:30-9:30, Friday & Saturday 11:30-2:30 and 5:30-10:30, closed Sundays

El Rodeo

El Rodeo is on my favorite Triangle chain restaurants.  It is delicious, quick, and casual, which is perfect for a last minute meeting with friends.  They also happen to have my favorite traditional dishes you find at Tex-Mex restaurants.  I love the location of the downtown Raleigh restaurant and their queso is out of this world.

Order: Chips & Queso, House Margarita, ACP

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00AM-10:00PM, Friday 11:00AM-11:00PM, Saturday 11:00AM-10:30PM, Sunday 11:00AM-9:30PM

Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria

This is one of my favorite spots to meet my girlfriend Em for a cocktail.  It’s on the second floor of the building where Centro is, and their cocktail list is absolutely amazing.  I love the vibe and their roof top bar is such a pretty one in downtown Raleigh.  It is one of my favorite spots for girls nights, for sure.

Order: Cactus Flower, Guac & Queso, Veggie Fajita Bowl

Hours: Monday-Thursday 6:00PM-12:00AM, Friday-Saturday 6:00PM-2:00AM, closed Sundays

Gonza Tacos y Tequila

My love for Gonza is too real.  There is one near my office, and it is one of my favorite places to go if I have time to go out for lunch.  I am obsessed with their shrimp tacos (are you noticing a trend here?), their queso, and their cocktails.  I love their iconic interior decor and their servers always have great recommendations.  Take their word on the specials!  There are a ton of locations in Raleigh & Durham, but I do love the Hillsborough one so much.

Order: Queso Picoso,  Camarón Tacos, House Margarita or bartender’s recommendation

Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30AM-2:00PM; Monday-Thursday 5:00-9:30PM, Friday 5:00PM-10:PM, Saturday 11:30AM-10:00PM, Sunday 11:30AM-8:30PM

Gringo a Go Go

The decor, the patio, the location, and the menu make this such an awesome spot.  I have long loved this spot, even just for a happy hour and snack spot with coworkers.  Their guacamole is my favorite in Raleigh and I love their eclectic drink menu.  It is definitely a fun spot and it is hard not to leave in great spirits with all the natural lighting, spunk of the servers, and delicious food.

Order: Chips & Guacamole, Quesadillas, House Margarita 

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:30AM-9:00PM, Friday-Saturday 11:30AM-10:00PM, Sunday & Monday closed

XOCO

XOCO is located on Glenwood South, and is hosting a Cinco de Mayo block party.  I love the location of this restaurant and the fun vibe that it offers.  I can only imagine how fun the block party is going to be just based on the regular dining experience.  XOCO offers great drink specials each day and I love their empanadas for an appetizer and their chimichangas.

Order: Empanadas, Chimichangas, Sangria Rita

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00AM-11:00PM and Friday-Saturday 11:00AM-2:00AM

Where is your favorite spot to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Photos by Glory Roze Photography

Special thanks to Cantina 18 and Tabletop Media Group for hosting me for Cinco de Mayo research.  As always, all opinions are my own.