Satisfy Your Cinco de Mayo Cravings in NB
Calling Southern California your home comes with many perks — gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches, but perhaps most importantly, GREAT Mexican food. It would be wrong not to honor Cinco de Mayo by eating the cuisine inspired by our neighbors on the southern border. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, no-frills spot to grab a few tacos or burrito bowl, or maybe you just need a refreshing watermelon margarita, these Newport Beach spots are all you need to have a fun-filled Cinco de Mayo.
Photo Credit: Yelp Jesse K.
With a breakfast burrito that some have called The Best in the OC, Wild Taco serves up traditional and creative tacos, refreshing margaritas, and other Mexican fare staples. This modern day taqueria is located on the Balboa Peninsula and some of its seafood taco options include red snapper, squid, scallops, shrimp, and lobster — WOW. If it’s tacos you crave this Cinco de Mayo, Wild Taco is your spot.
The perfect burrito bowl is hard to come by, but at Chronic Tacos, it’s a simple order away. Just choose “Bowl-Rito” as your base, and you’re on your way to building your perfect burrito bowl. Top it with one of their many protein options, which includes fish/shrimp, al pastor, carne asada, grilled chicken, carnitas, and vegetables. Located right by the beach, grab a friend and a bowl-rito, and make your way down to the ocean for a picnic on the sand.
Sharky’s Woodfire Mexican Grill
At Sharky’s Woodfire Mexican Grill, the Cinco de Mayo celebrations last all month long. This spot offers an order-by-the-counter casual feel and serves up organic, locally sourced takes on Mexican classics. This May, they’re introducing three new tacos — Steak and Arugula, Slow-Roasted Pork, and Roque Shrimp. It wouldn’t be Cinco de Mayo without a cold Mexican beer, and this Newport Beach spot is offering bottled Pacifico Beer, Negro Modelo, Corona Light USA for $3.50 and Modelo USA on draft for $5. Sharky’s also offers a delicious Fajita Bowl made with grilled veggies & onions, organic rice and beans, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
For a more upscale Cinco de Mayo filled with greats eats and even better drinks, SOL Cocina is your haven. On the Friday holiday, SOL is offering $10 Watermelon Margaritas and $10 Partida Cadillacs ($12 Grande Size), $10 beers (draft or bottles) and Partida Shots special, and $8 Frozen Margaritas. Starting at 6:30, the oceanfront spot will have live entertainment by SayReal. They have some of the best starters and tacos in town, including Grilled Sweet Corn, Coconut Calamari, Shrimp Taquitos, and Grilled Agave Shrimp Taco. Pro tip: the bean dip that comes with the chips and salsa is amazing.
Looking for a traditional Mexican experience this Cinco de Mayo? Taco Rosa Mexico City Cuisine is your spot. The restaurant utilizes ingredients, spices, and flavors inspired by the creative team and chef’s Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish heritage. Their drinks are made with fresh hand-squeezed juices. This Cinco de Mayo, grab one (or a few) of their 10 margaritas, Nachos Mexico City (topped with pinto beans, cinco quesos, sour cream, and serrano relish), and Tacos Asada (made with steak, cilantro, onions, and melted cheese).
Red O
Inspired by Mexican influences, this Fashion Island spot serves up refined dishes made from Prime Steak and Seafood. Red O uses local and sustainable ingredients to create its flavors that stay true to traditional Mexican fare. With live music and drink specials, Cinco de Mayo is sure to be a vibrant night at Red O. There will be live music out in the restaurant’s pavilion and over at the bar, there will be $5 draft beer, $5 Modelos, and $10 Cabo Wabo Margaritas.
Looking for a quick meal and a delicious bite on Cinco de Mayo? Try fast casual eatery, Las Fajitas. On everyone’s favorite holiday (Cinco de Mayo, obviously), they’ll be serving up special-priced drinks and $1.95 tacos ALL DAY as part of their regular Friday Tacos deal — imagine how many tacos you can buy. If you’re somehow taco-d out, try the Rice Bowl made with chicken, steak or carnitas, veggies, rice, and beans. It’s seriously delicious.
