Looking for a fiesta this Cinco de Mayo? A place to spend an afternoon sipping cold cerveza’s with friends? Or how about just the best tacos in Southern California? Whatever you’ve envisioned to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Costa Mesa, we think you’ll want to take a look at our list below. It’s no secret that the city is home to some amazing Mexican food, but we’ve rounded up some of the local favorites and best deals happening around town.
Taco Mesa
Taco Mesa has been an institution in Costa Mesa for more than 20 years thanks to its no-nonsense approach to fresh, healthy and authentic Mexican food. Not to mention its great prices for organic ingredients prepared without lard, MSG or additives. But the really important bit here for Cinco de Mayo is those $3 tacos. Splurge for seafood for $5 and you won’t regret it. But don’t forget to add a cold cerveza to the mix for a perfectly celebratory, relaxed lunch or dinner with friends!
Taco Maria
Ranked as the Los Angeles Times’ 2018 Best Restaurant of the Year, Taco Maria isn’t your typical Cinco de Mayo locale. But if you’re in the mood for the best tacos and Mexican-inspired “Alta California” cuisine (as Chef Carlos Salgado calls it) this is your place. With an upscale menu of tacos served on homemade blue corn tortillas – also voted some of the best in the U.S. – and plates like aguachile, brussels sprouts with chile moriate or quesadilla de champinones with oyster mushrooms, you will leave plenty satisfied.
Taco Brat
Casual fiesta is the name of the game at Taco Brat in Costa Mesa. Grab a cerveza, glass of sangria or, hey, some tequila and enjoy an afternoon of live music at this local favorite. Happy hour will be going all day for Mason Aleworks beer as well as specials on tacos and margaritas. If you’re brave, we recommend the Germexican nachos as an afternoon snack.
Taco Asylum
Celebrate Cinco de May with unconventional gourmet tacos at Taco Aslyum at The CAMP. The menu showcases a wide range of interesting ingredients and global cuisines, from standard street tacos to bahn mi, ghost chili-braised pork and bacon PB&J (don’t knock it ’til you try it) tacos. They also have a wide variety of beers by the can and a selection on tap to help wash that ghost chili down!
La Vida Cantina
If you’re looking for a full-blown fiesta, La Vida Cantina is it! One of Costa Mesa’s best casual night out spots is transforming for Cinco de Mayo this Saturday. Enjoy live music beginning at 12 p.m., face painting, a photo booth and ice luges. The restaurant is offering $6 margarita rotating specials throughout the day and a $10 beer and shot combo.
Amorelia Mexican Café
Amorelia Mexican Café is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long with $5 specials May 4th, 5th and 6th. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes inspired by Michoacan and including traditional poultry and seafood dishes. Swing by to grab a plate of their delicious street tacos and a house margarita for a quiet, family-friendly Cinco de Mayo celebration.
