Fiesta! Here are 10 places in Athens Yelp reviewers recommend to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Donnie Z. Fetter and Joe Hotchkiss, Athens Banner-Herald
·4 min read

Today is Cinco de Mayo, when Mexico annually celebrates its victory over France in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. Actually, everyone is motivated by their own reasons to join the festive atmosphere this time of year at Mexican restaurants. But how do you choose where to toast the military victory of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza?

Here are the top 10 Mexican restaurants in the Athens area as ranked by contributors to the online review site Yelp. Brief descriptions accompany actual customer reviews.

1. Tlaloc El Mexicano, 1225 N. Chase St., Athens

The Mexican and Salvadoran restaurant received a 4.5 star average from 336 reviews. It's most popular dishes include pupusas, fajitas and quesadillas.

A customer said: "The food...oh the food! Was delicious! The pupusas we got were the mixed ones, definitely the best ones to go with. They were probably the best ones I've had, as far as in the U.S."

2. Sr. Sol, 175 Tallassee Rd., Athens

This is the first of two appearance for a Sr. Sol restaurant on this list. This location received a 4.5 star average from 150 reviews.

A customer said: "This place has the best food and service I have experienced in a long time, and you cannot beat the pricing."

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3. Cali N Tito's, 1427 S. Lumpkin St., Athens

At a whopping 828 reviews, this Peruvian, Latin American and Cuban restaurant received an average of 4.5 stars. Los Fish Tacos was named a favorite dish.

A customer said: "We love Cali N Tito's! It's like going on vacation in your own town. When we have family come into town we always love to take them to this quirky little place."

4. Taqueria la Parrilla, 2439 Jefferson Rd., Athens

Mexican food staples enchiladas and fajitas were among the favorite dishes noted by Yelp users, 58 of whom gave the restaurant an average rating of 4 stars.

A customer said: "Good food, great service, good prices.  Will definitely return when back in town − GO DAWGS."

FILE - The Agua Linda dining room in Athens, Ga., on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.
FILE - The Agua Linda dining room in Athens, Ga., on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.

5. Agua Linda Taqueria, 1376 Prince Ave., Athens

At the halfway mark on Yelp's list is this restaurant prized for its chimichangas, as determined by 100 reviewers who gave Aqua Linda 3.5 stars.

A customer said: "Agua Linda is easily the best Mexican restaurant in Athens. That's not to say Cali & Tito's isn't also amazing, but Cali & Tito's serves more general Latin food, not specifically Mexican like Agua Linda does."

6. Taqueria la Parrilla, 855 Gaines School Rd., Athens

A second showing for Taqueria la Parrilla on Yelp's "10 best" list, but for its location on the other side of town. The restaurant received a 4-star average from 81 reviews.

A customer said: "I just love this place. It never misses. $14 margarita pitchers on Fridays and I've never had a bad experience with the food."

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7. Taqueria Del Sol, 334 Prince Ave., Athens

Fried chicken and brisket tacos were among the favorite dishes noted for this restaurant, which received an average 3.5 stars from 198 reviews.

A customer said: "The atmosphere and patio are awesome for a night out with friends or when you want to splurge and have a nicer meal/time."

8. Surcheros Fresh Mex, 700 Baxter St., Athens

This Tex-Mex restaurant received an average 3 stars from 10 reviews.

A customer said: "Amazing staff and fresh ingredients. Simply delicious. We drive from 45 min away (because) it's just the best."

9. Sr. Sol, 2455 W. Broad St., Athens

Sr. Sol returns to the list. This location racked up an average 4 stars from 122 reviews. Mexican tacos and nachos fiesta were popular dishes.

A customer said: "Delicious food and great service. Margaritas are great and best sold as a pitcher. Great ambiance."

FILE - Punta Cana Latin Grill co-owner and chef Frank Cambero holds sample plates featuring empanadas, fried yucca, tostones, maduros, and a variety of Dominican seasoned meats.
FILE - Punta Cana Latin Grill co-owner and chef Frank Cambero holds sample plates featuring empanadas, fried yucca, tostones, maduros, and a variety of Dominican seasoned meats.

10. Punta Cana Latin Grill, 367 Prince Ave., Athens

This Latin American and Dominican restaurant rounds out Yelp's list with 4.5 stars from 95 reviews. Smoked chicken and carne asada are favorite dishes.

A customer said: "I've been here a handful of times and I'd go more if I wasn't a broke college student!"

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Cinco de Mayo: Customers rank Athens' top 10 Mexican restaurants