Fiesta! Here are 10 places in the Augusta area to celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Friday 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 Augusta area, as ranked by contributors to the online review site Yelp. Brief descriptions accompany actual customer reviews.
1. Taqueria El Patron, 3107 Washington Rd.
The restaurant says: "The most authentic Mexican food in Augusta! Typical Mexican dishes and ceviche. Daily specials and menudo Sundays! Come try our handmade corn tortillas and fresh salsas. We use the freshest ingredients to bring out the best flavors in our dishes."
A customer says: "I think we'll be regulars here forever. My kids refuse to eat anywhere else when we talk about options to eat out. All of their meat is delicious. The salsas are still our favorite and will buy them to-go because I cannot recreate it still."
2. Taqueria El Rey, 3830 Washington Rd., Ste. 25
The restaurant says: “We are an authentic Mexican taqueria bringing the CSRA a real taste of Mexico."
A customer says: "There is never a meal that I have had here that I am ever disappointed with. I bring out-of-town family to eat here because of the freshness of food and the flavor and taste of everything made in the kitchen. The queso fundito is absolutely a must."
3. Lokos Tacos, 2825 Washington Rd.
The restaurant says: “We are excited to be able to offer you a Mexican dinning experience like no other. Fresh ingredients and real authentic Mexican food are our specialty. In this journey you will be transported to different regions of Mexico through our food.”
A customer says: "Excellent! Since moving to this area from Southern California, I've been struggling to find good Mexican-style food, so I am thrilled to find Lokos Tacos. The food tastes like it's made with love and is muy auténtica!"
4. La Michoacána Creamery and Mexican Grill, 2805 Washington Rd.
The restaurant says: "Authentic Mexican ice cream and ice pops made with all natural ingredients and real fruit."
A customer says: "We could hardly choose what we wanted. Very authentic, as far as I could tell. Beautiful desserts, and all the traditional street food, too. I cannot wait to go back!"
5. El Presidente, 2 Eighth St.
The restaurant says: "Mexican restaurant; lunch and dinner specials; Happy Hour Monday through Thursday; daily drink special."
A customer says: "This is the best place to eat Mexican food in Augusta. Don't go anywhere else. I have eaten at several locations and have not come to anywhere as fresh and organized."
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6. La Jalisciense, 535 Old Edgefield Rd., North Augusta
About the restaurant: La Jalisciense is unassuming and reasonably priced with a reputation for authenticity.
A customer says: "I just moved from California and this place would have been my top choice here, but luckily for me it's not that far in North Augusta. What I loved the most was that they could make any of the tacos, tortas, gorditas, etc. with veggies instead of meat. And the veggies are really good, not just some sad afterthought but truly delicious and made with love."
7. Los Cabos, 920 Baker Ave.
About the restaurant: Los Cabos emphasizes prompt service and inspires return visits with their popular fajitas.
A customer says: "This is without a doubt the best Mexican restaurant in Augusta. Came here the first time with my mom and the second time with my mom and boyfriend. The food is always good."
8. Surcheros Fresh Mex, 2907 Washington Rd., Ste. 402
The restaurant says: "Bringing together big taste and bold flavors with the Southern hospitality of his youth," Surcheros chain founder Luke Christian "opened his first restaurant in Douglas, Ga., during 2007, serving freshly prepared Tex-Mex favorites."
A customer says: "I loved this place. The owner or manager asked me to give them a try when a neighboring restaurant that I was attempting to go to was closed and out of business. I have to say it was the absolute best and the tortilla chips were better than any I have ever had. I suggest everyone go and support this local restaurant!"
9. Cantina Locale, 2803 Washington Rd., Ste. 20A
About the restaurant: Cantina Locale is known for its tacos and quesadillas, but perhaps better known for its steady rotation of live music for sit-down customers.
A customer says: "Just wanted to try something new. When I tell you no disappointment, none! I was really skeptical about the tomatoes, but I tried them – soooo good. My daughter said her bowl was very good. I enjoyed this experience so much that I made a TikTok!
10. TacoCat, 990 Broad St., Ste. B
The restaurant says: Promising "tacos and good vibes," Tacocat offers "bold Tex-Mex cuisine, refreshing margaritas and cold beer to wash it down."
A customer says: "Definitely the hangout spot. It has a food-meets-bar-meets-lounge vibe. Very lively! Lots of life in the place if you need an atmospheric pick-me-up. This is a great spot to start your girls’ night or catch up with a bunch of friends after a long week of 'adulting.'"
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Cinco de Mayo: These 10 Mexican restaurants are ranked Augusta's best
