We’re going to be completely honest over here. Cinco de Mayo at the Jersey Shore is one of our absolute favorite holidays. Not only does it give you an opportunity to enjoy cold margaritas, but you get to eat Mexican food and there’s really nothing better than a spicy taco in our book.

So in honor of our favorite holiday, we put together a list of places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re ready to party or looking for a great night out with the kids, we’ve got a place for you.

There’s BYOB’s, sensational cocktails, and sizzling fajitas that are all waiting for you. So grab your sombrero, put on some mariachi music, and hit the town! It’s a fiesta!

Cinco de Mayo at the Jersey Shore

Dive Coastal Bar, Sea Bright
No, it may not be a Mexican restaurant, but with Dive’s assortment of tacos and cold drinks, they might as well be “El Dive” for the evening.

Lucky enough, Cinco falls on Tijuana Tuesdays at Dive, so grab a seat and take a bite into the Braised Pork Tacos topped with Wasabi Cole Slaw and Queso Fresco. We know the margarita is the traditional drink of choice tonight, but step out of the crowd and order “The Comatini” featuring citrus vodka, golden tequila, and a hint of Malibu Rum with a splash of Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur that’s shaken with pineapple juice. It may sound loco but it’s delicioso.

10th Avenue Burrito, Belmar
What once was a small restaurant has turned into a place that still serves the same delicious cuisine with all the same flair, but this time with alcohol and lots of tequila. Take on the all you can eat buffet for just $20 on Cinco de Mayo while you listen to XOL Azul’s authentic Spanish music and maybe win some prizes. It’s a fiesta that’s worth waiting for!

Bubbakoo’s, West Long Branch, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Brick, Toms River, Bayville
If you’re celebrating with the kids or just feel like a really good burrito on Cinco de Mayo at the Jersey Shore, visit Bubbakoo’s. Fill your burrito everything from your classic chicken, to barbacoa, and even shrimp, and then maybe top it off with some mango and corn salsa. And with over six locations in Monmouth and Ocean County, there’s no reason you can’t have delicious burritos any day of the week.

La Tapatia, Asbury Park
What was once a little known secret has quickly become one of the best-known restaurants in Asbury Park. La Tapatia is the place to chow down on your favorite Mexican dishes from burritos to enchiladas. Classic cuisine in a classic abode. And here’s a little known secret – they have a liquor license!

Carlos O’Connor Café, Red Bank
BYOT – Bring your own tequila, and they’ll  create an amazing pitcher of margarita for you! If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you were in your own casita, head to Carlos O’Connor in Red Bank where the decorations alone will get you in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo at the Jersey Shore. Bring your favorite tequila or cerveza and order up one of their specials or go with a classic like the sizzling seafood fajitas featuring hot shrimp, tilapia, and salmon. Ole!

El Familiar, Toms River
Looking for something classic this Cinco de Mayo? At El Familiar, you’ll enjoy traditional Mexican and Columbian cuisine that’s made to order with the freshest ingredients around. Named after the legend El Familiar is the Devil in snake or dog’s clothing. We promise, only the legend is scary, the food on the other hand is delightful.

El Rancho Restaurant, Long Branch
This hidden gem has delicious Mexican dishes in a place that makes you feel like you’re actually in old Mexico. Try out the tortilla soup and chorizo burritos for a Cinco de Mayo at the Jersey Shore that you’ll always remember.

Jose’s Mexican Restaurant, Spring Lake
What Jose’s Mexican Restaurant lacks in décor, they make up in the quality of their food. Walk in on any night of the week and you’ll find locals happily eating home cooked Mexican cuisine that keeps people coming back again and again.

Spicy Cantina, Seaside Heights
What you may just know as your traditional boardwalk vendor turns into a full-service Mexican restaurant as you head upstairs. Enjoy a ocean view as you sip on your fresh squeezed all fruit Magnificent Margaritas as you enjoy the party that Spicy Cantina is known for throwing on Cinco de Mayo.

Casa Comida, Long Branch
Head to Casa Comida this Cinco for drink specials, and giveaways including: 43″ Vizio Smart TV, Google Chromebook, Kindle Fire HD, Corona Beer Cooler & a Corona Bicycle. The festivities begin at noon!