Support these Mexican Restaurants on Cinco de Mayo
While Cinco de Mayo isn’t an authentic Mexican holiday, it’s been “celebrated” in the US for years as a way to (over) indulge in Mexican food and drink. We are all for eating many, many tacos and drinking a little too much tequila (or mezcal), AND supporting small businesses that embrace the Mexican culture, so we created a little guide to LBI’s best Mexican restaurants where you can do all of the above.
From authentic street-style to Tex Mex, there is a Mexican restaurant on the island and mainland that suits every taste, along with a cheerful ambiance that says, “keep those margaritas flowing!” This year, the 5th of May falls on a Wednesday, so it looks like you and your friends will have to clear your “hump day” schedule in the name of carnitas. Bummer.
Here’s our guide to celebrating Cinco de Mayo the right way on Long Beach Island. Remember, all of these restaurants are BYOB so you’ll have to bring the supplies for your fiesta!
La Cabanita
If you’ve been on social media recently, you’ve probably come across the latest food craze, Birria tacos. These Instagram-famous tacos are dunkable and delicious — the tacos are filled with meat + cheese, grilled and then served with a side of consommé (broth). Think of it as the Mexican version of a french dip. There’s only one place to get them in or around LBI and that’s Manahawkin’s newest Mexican restaurant, La Cabanita. If you’d like to stick with something a little more traditional, their menu is loaded with all of your usual favorites AND they have an entire vegetarian friendly section, which you don’t find often at restaurants down here. They also have a huge menu board with unique rotating specials and we just know that they are going to bring on the flavor for their very first Cinco de Mayo.
La Bamba
La Bamba is our go-to place on the island for Mexican food with a cozy, homey vibe. Their mole poblano recipe has been passed down for generations and you won’t find anything more authentic than that! If tacos are more your speed this Cinco de Mayo, La Bamba has nine varieties of mouthwatering tacos to choose from including fish, shrimp, chicken, carne asada, el pastor, carnitas, chorizo and barbacoa, all served on warm, soft-shell corn tortillas. Wash it all down with a homemade horchata drink for dessert and your meal is complete.
La Jarochita
Another off-island favorite for Mexican is La Jarochita. We love bringing our family here because the portions are huge and we can always sneak a bite or two off of everyone’s plate. Order the shredded chicken and cheese empanadas and your dinner will come out on one of the largest plates you’ve ever seen. Most of the entrees come with rice and beans so you know you’ll leave fully satisfied. La Jarochita almost always has live music playing for holidays and weekends so we’re sure there will be some great tunes to accompany your Cinco de Mayo feast.