CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It’s almost time for the unofficial kick-off to summer -- Cinco de Mayo, of course!
This Mexican holiday is celebrated every May 5 to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Nowadays, the holiday is known for cool margaritas and hot eats.
We checked in with the 20 finalists from cleveland.com’s 2019 Best Mexican Restaurant contest to see what specials they have will sizzling in the kitchen and from the bar for Tuesday’s holiday. While we won’t get to dine in at our favorite cantina this year, Mexican eateries are still gearing up to help make your fiesta at home authentic with traditional foods and drinks you can pick up or get delivered. Show your support by ordering local.
Unless noted, all specials are for Tuesday, May 5 only. Alcohol orders are available for carryout only (no delivery).
Ask any longtime Clevelander where to go for authentic Mexican cuisine and Luchita's on the west side is on their list.
Address: 3456 W 117th St., Cleveland
Phone: 216-252-1169
Website: www.luchitas.net
Where they finished in contest: No. 10
Luchita’s taste test: Popular West Side of Cleveland Mexican Restaurant
Pick up or delivery with Doordash and Ubereats
Cinco de Mayo specials: Chiles En Nogada -- all three colors of the Mexican flag are featured in this dish, which consists of a stuffed poblano pepper, walnut salsa and pomegranate seeds (or strawberries), plus rice and beans. $15.95
What we recommend: Chicken chimichanga with its nice thin, flaky and crunchy tortilla shell packed with tender and juicy chicken inside.
Chicken Chimichanga with its nice thin, flaky and crunchy tortilla shell packed with tender and juicy chicken inside. We also were fans of the presentation. (Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com)
El Rodeo, a family-run business in North Olmsted, produces a festive and creatively authentic menu. (Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com)
Address: 23135 Lorain Road, North Olmsted
Phone: 440-686-1250
Website: elrodeomexrestaurant.com
Where they finished in contest: No. 9
El Rodeo taste test: Explosion of color straight from Mexico decorates family-run hot spot
Pick-up only
Cinco de Mayo specials: They expect to offer their full menu on Cinco de Mayo, but suggest you check their Facebook page for updates. Drinks will be limited to traditional lime margaritas on the rocks.
What we recommend: Burrote Gigante: The translation on the menu is “bigger than your head.” It’s a 15-inch flour tortilla burrito filled with your choice of meat, along with rice, black beans, pico, lettuce and melted cheese and covered with red or green salsa.
A 15-inch flour tortilla with your choice of pork, grilled chicken or steak filled with rice, black beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, and melted cheese covered with red or green tomatillo salsa. (Photo by Yadi Rodriguez)
If you are looking for a different twist on traditional Mexican entrees, you need to visit Zocalo Mexican Grill and Tequileria. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Address: 2071 E 4th St., Cleveland
Phone: 216-781-0420
Website: zocalocleveland.com
Where they finished in contest: No. 6
Zocalo taste test: Sky-high nachos and drink not yet on menu set tone
Takeout or delivery
Cinco de Mayo specials: Taco box of four tacos (your choice of chicken or veggie), chips and salsa and two traditional margaritas for $15.
What we recommend: The nachos are definitely created for sharing. This sky-high dish is constructed of your choice of protein, queso, enchilada sauce, black bean and corn salsa, slaw, jalapenos and chipotle crema.
Constructed of your choice of protein, queso, enchilada sauce, black beans and corn salsa, slaw, jalapenos and chipotle crema. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Being absent from the Northeast Ohio food scene nine months for a relocation did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of Nuevo Acapulco loyalists in 2019. The new digs have four-times the space. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Address: 21750 Lorain Road, Fairview Park
Phone: 440-734-3100
Website: nuevoacapulco.com
Where they finished in contest: No. 5
Nuevo Acapulco taste test: Popular spot back with a bang at new Fairview Park location
Pick-up and delivery through Grubhub or Doordash
Cinco de Mayo specials: Specials are only for carry-out orders. Food specials, $1.50 side order of corn enchiladas; $2 side order flour enchiladas; Tacos al Carbon meal for $10.50. Drink specials, all bottled beer $3; traditional lime margarita $4; flavored margarita $5; house-made Sangria $5.
What we recommend: Carne Asada made with slices of skirt steak with whole green onions, rice, beans and guacamole.
Made with tender slices of skirt steak and whole grilled green onions. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Uncle Tito's located in Akron.
Address: 2215 E Waterloo Road, Akron
Phone: 330-208-0429
Website: uncletitosspringfield.com
Where they finished in contest: No. 4
Uncle Tito’s taste test: Huge fajitas platter has us wanting more
Pick-up, curbside or delivery through Doordash.
Cinco de Mayo specials: Family packs will feed a family of four: choose from tacos, fajitas, enchiladas or street tacos priced from $25-$45. Family packs are available daily.
What we recommend: Fajitas Yucatan: Not only do you get the standard veggies of onions and peppers, but the dish also features broccoli, cauliflower, squash and zucchini. Oh, and steak and chicken.
The Fajitas Yucatan at Uncle Tito's. (Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com)
Cozumel has locations in Independence, Lakewood, Broadview Heights, Brunswick and Richfield. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Address: 5555 Brecksville Road, Independence. Cozumel also has locations in Lakewood, Broadview Heights, Brunswick and Richfield.
Phone: 216-447-1070
Website: cozumel.us
Where they finished in contest: No. 3
Cozumel taste test: Mild mango habanero wings left us wanting many more
Pick-up (call to check for delivery options).
Cinco de Mayo specials: No Cinco de Mayo specials this year, but you can order from their full menu.
What we recommend: The ceviche is not on the menu anymore, but you can ask for it. Be sure to try the ceviche if you are looking for a healthy entree with a lot of taste. Served as a tostada, the shrimp is soaked in lime juice for 12 hours, chopped and then married to fresh onion, tomato and cilantro.
Ceviche at Cozumel. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Casa del Rio may be unknown to Mexican foodies in other areas of Northeast Ohio, but it is a staple around Medina County. And we want to tell you it's definitely worth the trip. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Address: 839 High St., Wadsworth
Phone: 330-335-4001
Website: casadelriomex.com
Where they finished in contest: No. 2
Casa del Rio taste test: Quesadilla Chipotle alone worth trip to Wadsworth
Curbside pick-up or delivery via Doordash.
Cinco de Mayo specials: No Cinco de Mayo specials but you can order from their full menu. Margaritas will be limited to traditional lime, strawberry or raspberry on the rocks.
What we recommend: The Chipotle Quesadilla was a big favorite of our team. It’s a flour tortilla filled with your choice of grilled chicken or steak, chipotle sauce, poblano pepper, onion, cheese and bacon. Yes, bacon!
Chipotle Quesadilla at Casa del Rio.
Open just six months when they won our contest, Blue Habanero Street Tacos and Tequila has quickly gained a foothold in Northeast Ohio's Mexican food scene. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Address: 6416 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Phone: 216-465-1818
Website: bluehabanerocleveland.com
Where they finished in contest: No. 1
Blue Habanero taste test: New spot quickly establishes itself as major player
Pick-up only.
Cinco de Mayo specials: Family Pack, which feeds four, for $40. Included are 12 assorted tacos, rice, beans and chips with 16 oz. of guacamole and salsa. You may order up to eight margaritas with the family pack.
What we recommend: The huge steak, chicken and chorizo chimichanga is for those with big appetites (or at least with someone to share it with). Great combo of three meats and just the right amount of cheese sauce.
Steak, chicken and chorizo chimichanga at Blue Habanero. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
At Don Ramon in Lyndhurst there's nearly 20 types of tequila displayed on this wall. Decisions, decisions, so many to choose from. (Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com)
Address: 5708 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst
Phone: 440-461-9077
Website: donramonlyndhurst.com
Where they finished in contest: Best of the Rest
Don Ramon taste test: Authentic cantina with no shortage of tequila
Pick-up and delivery for orders over $30.
Cinco de Mayo specials: 16 oz. traditional margarita for $5. You can also order from their full menu.
What we recommend: For you shrimp lovers, we recommend the shrimp chimichanga. This was packed full of shrimp and just look at all the cheese on the plate. The shell had a little crunch, which enhanced the dish.
Shrimp chimichanga from Don Ramon in Lyndhurst. (Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com)
Fiesta Jalapenos in North Ridgeville was a finalist in 2019 search for the Best Mexican Restaurant contest - Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Address: 33725 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville
Phone: 440-327-1431
Website: fiestajalapenos.com
Where they finished in contest: Best of the Rest
Fiesta Jalapenos taste test: Great mole sauce and unique fried peppers
Pick-up, curbside.
Cinco de Mayo specials: Buy one margarita get one 1/2 off, 16 oz. $7.99 and 24 oz. $10.99. The $18 taco special features 12 tacos with rice, beans and tortillas separate, as well as lettuce, tomato and cheese. This is also available every Tuesday.
What we recommend: Lupe’s Nachos with plenty of toppings and cheese atop a mountain of chips. The chargrilled chicken and chorizo and large pieces of grilled onions meld together perfectly. Just enough shredded cheese and cheese sauce make this dish a winner.
Lupe's Nachos from Fiesta Jalapenos. (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
La Plaza in Cleveland, finalist in Best Mexican Restaurant contest Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer
Address: 13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Cleveland
Phone: 216-476-8000
Facebook page: La-Plaza-Supermarket
Where they finished in contest: Best of the Rest
La Plaza taste test: New taqueria serving much more than delicious tacos
Pick-up and delivery through Doordash, Grubhub, Ubereats and Postmates.
Cinco de Mayo specials: No Cinco de Mayo specials but you can order from their full menu.
What we recommend: Tacos are a must try. Whether you go with the chorizo, carne asada or barbacoa, you won’t be disappointed.
La Plaza Taqueria in Cleveland was a Top 20 Mexican Restaurant finalist in 2019. They are well known for their tacos. - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Mucho Buenos in Brunswick was a finalist in 2019 in our search for the Best Mexican Restaurant. - Photo by Kristen Davis, cleveland.com
Address: 1421 Town Center Blvd., Brunswick
Phone: 330-273-6294
Facebook page: facebook.com/muchobuenos/
Where they finished in contest: Best of the Rest
Mucho Buenos taste test: A hidden gem in a Brunswick shopping plaza
Pick-up, curbside and delivery.
Cinco de Mayo specials: No Cinco de Mayo specials but you can order from their full menu.
What we recommend: This enchilada trio below consisted of chicken covered in verde sauce, cheese in enchilada sauce and beef covered in mole sauce. We all agreed the chicken one was our favorite. It was moist, seasoned well and the green sauce amped it up to another level.
Enchilada trio from Mucho Buenos in Brunswick. (Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com)
Plaza Nueva in Brooklyn was a finalist in cleveland.com's 2019 Best Mexican Restaurant contest - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Address: 7106 Biddulph Road, Brooklyn
Phone: 216-230-2294
Website: plazanuevamexicangrill.com
Where they finished in contest: Best of the Rest
Plaza Nueva taste test: Table-side guacamole adds freshness to this Mexican cantina
Pick-up, curbside.
Cinco de Mayo specials: No Cinco de Mayo specials but you can order from their full menu.
What we recommend: Burrito De La Casa, pictured below. This was the lunch version; we can’t imagine how big the dinner version is. Don’t fill up on chips if you plan on ordering this burrito. One of their most popular burritos, it is stuffed with chicken, chorizo, rice and beans. Topped with queso, pico and sour cream.
Burrito de la Casa from Plaza Nueva Mexican Grill in Brooklyn. (Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com)
The interior of Si Senor in Seven Hills - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Address: 7729 Broadview Road, Seven Hills
Phone: 216-447-9960
Website: sevenhills.sisenormexicangrill.com
Where they finished in contest: Best of the Rest
Si Senor taste test: A colorful explosion greets you as you walk through the door
Pick-up, delivery via Ubereats
Cinco de Mayo specials: No Cinco de Mayo specials but you can order from their full menu.
What we recommend: Chicken fajitas, which are piled high and loaded with veggies, including peppers, onions and tomatoes.
Chicken fajitas from Si Senor in Seven Hills - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Tacos Mexicanos in Macedonia was a top 20 Best Mexican Restaurant finalist in 2019 - Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Address: 223 Highland Road E., Macedonia
Phone: 330-467-9205
Website: tacosmexicanos.net
Where they finished in contest: Best of the Rest
Tacos Mexicanos taste test: Sangria margarita, chicken bowl among favorites
Pick-up, curbside and delivery (minimum $10 order).
Cinco de Mayo specials: $1 tacos (choice of shredded chicken or ground beef). You can also order from their full menu.
What we recommend: Queso with chorizo. If you are a fan of chorizo you should order this dish. The creamy cheese sauce is topped with plenty of Mexican sausage and delivers a great kick.
Queso Chorizo from Tacos Mexicanos in Macedonia - Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Villa Y Zapata in Cleveland was a top 20 finalist in our search for Best Mexican Restaurant in 2019 - Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Address: 8505-09 Madison Ave., Cleveland
Phone: 216-961-4369
Facebook page: facebook.com/Villa-Y-Zapata
Where they finished in contest: Best of the Rest
Villa y Zapata taste test: Enthusiastic regulars help keep eatery humming for 42 years
Pick-up, curbside.
Cinco de Mayo specials: No Cinco de Mayo specials but you can order from their full menu.
What we recommend: Taco Dorado: A special creation by the owner, this taco is made by stuffing a soft taco with your choice of protein, then rolling it and flash-frying it. The taco is then unrolled and topped with fresh vegetables. The process creates a unique crispy shell.
Taco Dorado from Villa Y Zapata in Cleveland - Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Best Mexican Restaurant finalist temporarily closed due to the coronavirus: Momocho in Cleveland
Momocho taste test: Margarita flights left us wanting to sample all the flavors
Best Mexican Restaurant finalists that have closed since the contest: La Fiesta in Richmond Heights and Lopez in Cleveland Heights.
Best Mexican Restaurant finalist we could not reach: La Mesa in Mentor
La Mesa taste test: Authentic and proud family run establishment made us feel at home
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