Looking for places to shop, eat or drink for Cinco de Mayo? Here are some Athens options.

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
Tacos from El Camino Real Super Market & Taqueria on North Ave.
Tacos from El Camino Real Super Market & Taqueria on North Ave.

The Athens area is home to several outstanding Mexican restaurants, many of which have been in operation for years, and everyone has their own personal favorite. Instead of attempting to create a "best of" list, the Banner-Herald chose to spotlight a few unique options for Cinco de Mayo, which honors Mexico's 1862 victory over the Second French Empire.

From family festivities to those in search of the most extravagant cocktails in the city, our list is intended to serve as a starting point for ways to celebrate on or around Sunday, May 5.

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Chicken pastor and grilled shrimp tacos and a blood orange margarita on the rocks made with alcohol-free tequila at el Barrio in Athens, Ga. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Chicken pastor and grilled shrimp tacos and a blood orange margarita on the rocks made with alcohol-free tequila at el Barrio in Athens, Ga. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

el Barrio Tacos & Tequila

  • LOCATION: 1331 S. Milledge Ave.

  • HOURS: Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed on Mondays.

  • DETAILS: Known for quick-service tacos, covered patio seating and outdoor play area, el Barrio's distinguishing feature is the wide variety of margaritas, which can be ordered on the rocks with tequila or zero-proof (alcohol-free) spirits.

Mexican pastries at El Camino Real Super Market & Taqueria on North Ave.
Mexican pastries at El Camino Real Super Market & Taqueria on North Ave.

El Camino Real Super Market & Taqueria

  • LOCATION: 401 North Ave., Suite 2

  • HOURS: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • DETAILS: One of Athens' "hidden gem" meal spots, El Camino offers a $10 deal for three tacos, soda and ice cream. For folks looking to cook their own Cinco de Mayo meals with authentic ingredients or just throw a great party, El Camino also offers a full shopping market.

A Michelada Preparada topped with cucumber slices and shrimp and served with peanuts, salsa and tajin at Poquitos located in the former Go Bar on Prince Avenue.
A Michelada Preparada topped with cucumber slices and shrimp and served with peanuts, salsa and tajin at Poquitos located in the former Go Bar on Prince Avenue.

Poquitos

  • LOCATION: 195 Prince Ave.

  • HOURS: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • DETAILS: With unique menu items like pozole (hot soup), quesabirrias (beef and cheese tacos with dipping sauce) and tortas (sandwiches) coated in their signature red sauce, Poquitos is also home to some of Athens' most extravagant Bloody Marys made with Mexican beer, shrimp, salsa, cucumber slices and more.

Taqueria Juaritos

  • LOCATION: 3865 Jefferson Rd.

  • HOURS: Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • DETAILS: This combination taco restaurant and convenience store is one of Athens' IYKYK (If You Know, You Know) places for authentic Mexican food. Though they don't serve alcohol, there are several coolers full of beverages to choose from, and the menu options include barbacoa (barbecue) burritos and sandwiches.

Tienda Mexicana Los Amigos on Rowe Road
Tienda Mexicana Los Amigos on Rowe Road

Tienda Mexicana Los Amigos

  • LOCATION: 109 Rowe Rd.

  • HOURS: Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • DETAILS: For those looking to get a bit more adventurous with their exploration of Mexican cuisine, this grocery store and restaurant is a wellspring of fun snacks, traditional drinks like horchata and Jamaica, and a variety of meats that range from chicken and beef to lengua (tongue) and tripitas (tongue).

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Cinco de Mayo food and drink options in Athens

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