It's the United States' favorite day to celebrate Mexican culture, but it's not, as many believe, Mexico's Independence Day — that comes Sept. 16.
Cinco de Mayo instead commemorates a significant military victory in which the Mexican army defeated French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Want to celebrate the occasion and show off your newfound knowledge of Mexican history? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville, using both Yelp data and our own methodology. Use our list to score a delicious Cinco de Mayo meal.
1. Pepe's Hacienda & Restaurant
Topping the list is Pepe's Hacienda & Restaurant. Located in the Southside at 3615 Dupont Ave., Suite 900, the Mexican grocery store, bakery and restaurant boasts four stars out of 119 reviews on Yelp.
On March 20, Yelper Nelma P. wrote, "Whenever I crave caldo (beef soup) I go to Pepe's. ... It's filled with tender chunks of meat, potato, chayote, carrots and a small, one-quarter-size corn on the cob. You can tell it was slow cooked by its rich flavor."
2. Mi Veracruz Restaurant
Next up is Spring Park's Mi Veracruz Restaurant, situated at 3109 Spring Park Road. With 4.5 stars out of 98 reviews on Yelp, the Mexican spot has proven to be a local favorite.
Kerry C. wrote on Yelp on March 6, "The food came out fast and was very good; hot, fresh and very affordable. My husband had the fajitas de casa (steak) and there were enough that he couldn't finish them and had to take a small box home. I had the carnitas and the chunks of roasted pork were fork tender, crispy (on the outside), juicy (on the inside) and delicious (all over). "
3. Margaritas Mexican Grill
The Southside's Margaritas Mexican Grill, located at 9825 San Jose Blvd., Suite 23, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Mexican eatery four stars out of 211 reviews.
On Yelp, Melissa F. wrote, "This place exceeded my expectations. We ordered the California burrito, as many people posted it's huge! My husband and I decided to split it. We are both stuffed and agreed, this may have been the best burrito we've had ever."
4. Cantina Louie
Cantina Louie is another go-to for Mexican cuisine, with four stars out of 140 Yelp reviews. Head over to 9726 Touchton Road to try it for yourself.
Yelper Cari K. wrote on April 14, "Really cool decor and the music on the patio was a great volume and energy. ... Krysten helped me customize a veggie burrito that was perfect! We also tried the avocado enchilada and tamales and they were both excellent. The chips, salsa and queso were also delicious!"
5. Tequila's Mexican Restaurant
Finally, over in Deerwood, check out Tequila's Mexican Restaurant, which has earned four stars out of 171 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Mexican spot at 10915 Baymeadows Road, Suite 101.
On March 2, Yelper Adrinna H. wrote, "The interior was colorful and welcoming. ... The atmosphere has got to be fun especially with the full bar and several beers on tap. The menu was simple, plenty of choices but yet, not overwhelming."
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
