Top Restaurants For Cinco De Mayo In South Florida

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday of national pride for many Mexicans as they were able to rout the French army (considered then in 1862 the greatest army in the world) at the Battle of Puebla and thwart Napoleon's plans to build an empire in the Western Hemisphere. Although on TV and in many areas, the holiday takes on a Mardi Gras-type feel with festivals emphasizing dancing, food and drink, many Mexican-Americans feel a sense of national pride and celebrate it with educating kids about the history of the day and showcase Mexican art and dance in special events. These five restaurants give customers a snapshot of Mexico with their decor, food and presentation.

El Rancho Grande
314 72nd St.
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 864-7404
www.facebook.com/ElRanchoNorthBeach

El Rancho Grande has wooden seats that appear carved by a furniture maker in the back of the store and the food looks like it was brought in from a family farm. The service is warm and friendly and makes those who enter feel welcomed. The drinks are first rate with options like the blueberry mojito and guava jalapeno margarita.

Baja Cafe
1310 S. Federal Highway
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
(954) 596-1305
www.bajacafedeerfield.com

Baja Cafe specializes in good food (burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas) and good service. The decor is bright and multi-colored with murals of the American Southwest and/or the Mexican landscape. For those who arrive late and can't find a seat inside, they can dine outside while watching the sunset and dreaming that they are in Mexico City listening to a street guitarist play romantic songs.

Cielito Lindo Mexican Spanish Restaurant
600 S. Dixie Highway
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
(954) 782-1600All who dine at Cielito Lindo are satisfied with the food and service. The location is small but worth the effort for those willing to wait. For customers who like to eat with their eyes, the dishes are piled with yellow rice and are sizzling with juicy meats. Be careful not to get too full with the starter of chips and salsa (the chips are crisp and hot and the salsa is delicious).Related: Top Chili Dishes In South Florida

Casa Frida
5441 N. Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 530-3668
www.casafridamexicancuisine.com

Voted the Best Mexican Restaurant in 2012 by the Reader's Choice awards, Casa Frida is a great place to get Mexican food and enjoy a bit of Mexico in South Florida. Working professionals can escape here for an impromptu dinner and drink sangria or enjoy a glass of wine from the extensive list of both economic and high-end expensive wines. Enjoy delicious, authentic dishes like queso fundido (Mexican cheese casserole with sausage), enchiladas, fajitas, ceviche and tacos, all made according to traditional Mexican cooking standards.

Talavera Cocina Mexicana
2299 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 444-2955
www.jaguarhg.com/talaveraspot

The blue decor of the restaurant on its awning and in its interior will make customers think of the blue of the oceans surrounding the ports of famous Mexican cities like Acapulco, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, etc. The name "Talavera" comes from the beautiful Mexican pottery made from Talavera clay found and made in the Puebla area of Mexico, where the battle was fought in 1862. The food is delicious and not only offers selections of pork, chicken and steak but also shrimp and fish as if caught that day by Mexican fisherman and brought to the restaurant in preparation for that night's entree.

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