Evan J. LancasterIf you find yourself craving some cervezas y margaritas to celebrate Cinco De Mayo on Thursday, May 5, there are plenty of options to choose from across Irvine and throughout Orange County. From meals for two, or just a quick bite, this list will help you navigate this beloved annual tradition.
SOL Mexican Cocina
While the list of memorable menu items at SOL is expansive, the list of (17) specialty tacos stands alone. Combinations range from the surf & turf-inspired Filet & Shrimp “El Jefe” Taco, which features a grilled Angus filet, two agave chile shrimp, melted cheese, avocado and a roasted green chile salsa, to the Chorizo and Mushroom Con Queso with epazote, Mexican cheese, serrano chilies, and scallions. This year, SOL is celebrating Cinco De Mayo with some specialty cocktails featuring Bruno Mars’ SelvaRey Rum. The Cold Bruno features SelvaRey Chocolate rum, cold brew, and coffee liqueur.
The Tiki Skinny-Tini at SOL Mexican Cocina in Irvine
The Tiki Skinny-Tini is made with SelvaRey Coconut rum, agave nectar and lime juice. The La Buena Suerte, SOL’s take on the classic Old Fashioned, uses SelvaRey Owners Reserve Rum.
1910 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614
solcocina.com/locations/irvine
Puesto
With two locations in Irvine — inside Park Place Irvine, and also in Los Olivos — Puesto is a family-owned establishment with a long history in Orange County. With a great lineup of tasty margaritas and self-brewed beer, Puesto is a great stop any day of the week.
Currently, the Taco Campechano is Puesto’s Taco of the Month. A unique dish in Mexico, made with marinated Jidori chicken, bacon, pinto beans, caramelized onion, crispy melted cheese, tomatillo morita salsa, pickled red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
3311 Michelson Dr. Irvine
www.eatpuesto.com
Javier’s
Located in the Irvine Spectrum Center, Javier’s Mexican Cantina offers plenty of seating inside, as well as a spacious patio. With well-portioned dishes like La Tablita, Javier’s is the perfect place for a romantic dinner and drinks on Cinco De Mayo.
536 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
With an Irvine location, and a newly opened storefront in Brea, ChaCha’s Latin Kitchen has a weekly Fajita Thursday, as well as other weekly deals. In addition to an epic food menu, Cha Cha’s also offers happy hour all night every Thursday – Sunday and 11:30 a.m., and from 11:30 a.m. – 7:0o p.m. Friday and Saturday.
13126 Jamboree Rd, Irvine
Taqueria Taco Patio
The core inspiration behind the Taquiero Taco concept aims to recreate Mexico’s relatively unknown craft brewery scene. With two locations in Irvine, Taqueria Taco should be on everyone’s Cinco De Mayo radar.
4517 Campus Dr, Irvine
www.taquieroataco.com
Taco Rosa
Hitting all the traditional staples with ease, Taco Rosa is a well-known establishment to many local Irvine residents. From esquites to gorditas, to the well known Queso Fundido En Cazuela, made with melted cheese, longaniza sausage, roasted pepper, onion, mushrooms and tortillas, there is plenty to explore at Taco Rosa.
13792 Jamboree Road, Irvine
La Sirena Grill
With two locations in Laguna Beach, and one in Irvine’s Orchard Hills Shopping Center, La Sirena Grill is well-known to South County residents in O.C. Thanks to a stellar breakfast burrito reputation, La Sirena has folks starting earlier. While you’ll only find the signature list of margaritas at the South Laguna location, the Irvine location has beers, wine along with an open-air patio.
3931 Portola Parkway, CA 92620
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