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Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican holiday to commemorate the 1862 victory of Mexico over the French.  Americans love the celebratory atmosphere that comes with this independance, especially the all-out revelry with margaritas, beer and shots of tequila. Oh yeah, and some food. Charlotte has a range of Mexican eateries, from upscale to the infamous hole in the wall.

On the upscale end, Latorre’s, in conjunction with Hass Avocados from Mexico, is hosting a week-long celebration. Their special Cinco de Mayo menu will run from May 1 through May 5 and will feature innovative dishes made with Hass avocados. Featured on the lunch menu is a hot-pressed blue crab Cubano with queso blanco, avocados and tomatoes. A must have for the seafood lover!  On the dinner menu, you must try the cumin cured salmon empanaditas with red onion escabeche and Hass avocado whipped cream.  Or the ancho chile rubbed wahoo over roasted poblano and cream cheese empanadas with a red chile and tomato compote.  Remember to save room for the avocado ice cream!  YUMMM!  On Friday from 5pm to 8pm, Latorre’s will host an Open Hass Bar Party with free tastings and mojito drink specials. 

Latorre’s Restaurant and Bar, 118 West 5th St., 704-377-4448.

It’s hard to beat a cold Mexican beer and tableside guacamole at Cantina 1511.  On Saturday, May 3, from 4pm until 11pm they will feature a Mexican fiesta with DJ Eric Moriera and live music from Simplified.  A buffet of Cantina’s signature dishes as well as beer, wine and margarita stations.

Cantina 1511 1511 East Blvd., 704-331-9222.

Linares Mexican Restaurant is a small eatery on Central Avenue that caters mostly to families. Language outside of the menu can be an issue with the servers, but if you want authentic, this is the place. Munch on complimentary crispy made-in-house corn tortillas served with two sauces, one spicy, and the other spicier. Also available is the salsa bar with condiments from across Mexico. Try the quesadillas or the parrillada. You will not be disappointed!  This is strictly north Mexican comfort cuisine not TexMex.

Linares Mexican Restaurant, 4918 Central Ave., 704-535-6716

Maria Bonita is a more upscale Mexican eatery in the neighborhood shopping center at Rea and Colony. For CINCO DE MAYO, they plan to have a live band on their popular patio and drink specials.

Maria Bonita Mexican Grill, 7741 Colony Road Suite, 704-542-6165.

Azteca is a Charlotte favorite! They now make the guacamole tableside!  For Cinco de Mayo, Azteca, known for their generous portions, is planning $8.95 margaritas and giving away some T-shirts.

Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 116 E Woodlawn Road, 704-525-5110.