Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) is a Mexican celebration often confused with Mexican Independence Day. The day honours Mexico’s unlikely triumph over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While only really celebrated in Puebla, Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a North American fête of Mexican culture. Edmonton’s rich restaurant scene offers many places to go for the party. [Image credit: iStock.com/Robert Ingelhart]
Just off Whyte Avenue, El Cortez shares Tres Carnales’ love of street food and tacos but also includes tapas and Latin entrées, in addition to Nuevo Latino fusion dishes. It’s one of only nine businesses certified by the Tequila Regulatory Council, which governs compliance with international tequila standards, meaning that El Cortez carries only the best tequila. Also offering brunch and hosting special events, El Cortez is sure to provide an exceptional Cinco de Mayo experience.
Taking their successful Mexican approach at Tres Carnales, the three partners opened up Rostizado, which serves up old world style Mexican roticerias. Eat hearty, slow-cooked Mexican dishes family style in a comforting, relaxed environment. Their Mexican twist on rotisserie chicken, beef and pork will make you salivate, and the desserts are out of this world.
With two locations (downtown and southside), The Three Amigos’ fun, fiesta ambiance is complete with mariachi music and authentic Mexican street food. This fun atmosphere is complemented by their delicious tamarindo (Mexican iced tea) and bulldogs (margaritas with beer) to make you feel like you’re in Mexico. A Cinco de Mayo must – try their famous fish tacos, the enchiladas and definitely the margaritas!
Famous for their large, Whyte Avenue patio, Julio’s offers both Mexican and Tex-Mex style cuisine from enchiladas and burritos to nachos and taco salad. They are also popular for their slush beverages: daiquiris, margaritas, pina coladas and bulldogs (a slush beverage with a beer served upside down in it). Julio’s is all about the ambiance and atmosphere, so if you can get there early enough to land a spot on the patio, it’ll be a Cinco de Mayo to remember.
Huma’s owners, Humberto and Mariel, are from Puebla, Mexico, so they are sure to be the best Cinco de Mayo destination! Mariel makes all the queso and salsa from scratch, and, if you like it, you can buy your own in their little shop. Serving authentic Pueblan comfort food, Huma’s offerings include soups, appetizers, street food and delicious mains like enmoladas, fajitas and pipian verde.
No Way Jose’s Taqueria is Sherwood Park’s Mexican street food destination. While providing foodies with authentic tacos, No Way Jose’s also satisfies that good old Tex-Mex craving with nachos. Their menu is structured so that you choose your style (e.g. tacos, vampiros, torta, papa loca) and then choose your fillings. As far as drinks go, though, No Way Jose’s only offers beers, no margaritas.
St. Albert’s Mexican spot boasts a modern décor with murals of Mexican wrestlers and Día de los Muerto skulls on the walls, complemented by beautiful red bar and a nice outdoor patio. Cerdo makes authentic street tacos and delicious huevos bowls, in addition to serving some fine tequila.