While some people believe that this day is Mexico's Independence Day, it is actually not. May 5th, 1862 was the day the Mexican army defeated France in the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is a day to commemorate Mexican culture and heritage and it is widely celebrated in the United States. For those that want to observe this day with Mexican cuisine and Mexican-inspired drinks, we have gathered up some of the best restaurants in Lake Norman to go to!
Carrburritos
445 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036Located in Davidson, Carrburritos is a family-owned and operated restaurant that offers fully stocked beer and award-winning margarita options. They offer the use of fresh ingredients that are served generously. For at-home parties, Carrburritos also offers catering that includes their taco bar, nacho bar, and burrito station.
Google Review: Shrimp tacos changed my life! I'm not a food critic, but I know great food when I taste it, and trust me this place knows what it's doing! My server was pleasant and attentive the food was fantastic! - William
El Toro
20930 Torrence Chapel Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031If you want something with variety, El Toro is the place to go. They are a Mexican grill spot with tons of different items on their menu list. El Toro offers a great deal on their lunch special that includes 10 different dishes for only $6.99! This is great for friends and family that want to try new things but aren’t able to finish everything.
Google Review: The Tacitos Mexicanos are a great start. The flavor of their steak and shredded beef in their dishes are incredible. – Bruce
Juan Loco
8301-3 Magnolia Estates Drive, Cornelius, NC 20831Want crazy good burritos & tacos? Juan Loco will be the spot. Offering a wide range of items such as Taco Loco, Fish Taco, California Burrito, Loco Bowls, and Chori Pollo. Juan Loco offers a great family pack meal that will feed the whole family.
Google Review: Awesome, highly recommend the fish tacos and steak and shrimp burrito. Best place on the lake! – John
La Unica
16203 Northcross Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078With over 23 years of experience, La Unica brought their delicious Mexican food from Durango, Mexico into Huntersville. Their goal is to bring Mexican culture as one of their main customer experiences by offering them the feeling of sitting on the street enjoying a meal from back home. With tons of authentic meals, La Unica will really set the mood on Cinco de Mayo.
Google Review: Chicken dishes have the most flavorful, tender and beautifully seasoned chicken I've ever had in a Mexican restaurant – Don
Las Meras Tortas
14601 Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078Las Meras Tortas is a great option for take-out food in Huntersville. Right off I-77, off Gilead rd, Las Meras Totas is just right down the street for easy access to grab food and head home. With your own choice of meat, they offer their Los Meros Tacos for only $1.99 or the Las Super Flautas for only $7.99.
Google Review: Really good food. Great tortas. Horchata was delicious, plantains are always great to satisfy my pregnancy cravings. – Bryanna
Mestizo Contemporary Mexican Cuisine
121 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036As the weather gets warmer, Mestizos offers a great dine-in area with a great view of the post office's natural garden. The patio also faces the southwest direction that will cast a beautiful sunset to end out the day. With great view and great food, Mestizo also offers a glass of wine with their meals so you can relax as you unwind for the day.
Google Review: Affordable, delicious, courteous staff, great ambiance, food presentation excellent, what's not to like? Lobster enchilada is amazing. And have to finish the night with their tres leches. – Rob
Osito's Tacos & Tortas
20700 N Main St, Suite 124, Cornelius, NC 28031Unlike your typical restaurant, Osito's Tacos & Tortas bring their culinary experiences from their family's southern roots. With passion and love for Mexican food, they believe good food comes from the heart. The name Osito's comes from a nickname given to the owner and chef by one of the kitchen staff that describes his take-charge attitude when in the kitchen. Tacos and tortas are their specialties hence the name. Ositos offers a wide variety of different tacos and tortas in their menu list with delicious items such as salad bowls and quesadillas.
Google Review: Delicious, fresh and unique. I love that they always have seasonal specials and new tacos that you would never be able to find anywhere else. Definitely a local favorite of mine – Chelsey
Que Onda Cantina Highland Creek
13016 Eastfield Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078Specializing in enchiladas, traditional seafood, and signature drinks, Que Onda is a truly authentic restaurant that prepares fresh to order meals with seasoning and sauces by Mexican cooks. They offer great food at great prices for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to visit them on Tuesday’s so you can participate in their #TacoTuesday special!
Google Review: From the start, the salsa and queso were the best I have ever had. The meal was delicious too! Gourmet for sure! New favorite place! – Deborah
Sabor Latin Street Grill
14230 Reese Blvd, Huntersville, NC 28078Love food from all over the place? Check out Sabor where they offer foods from many different places such as Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, and El Salvador. They are an independently owned business with many locations. Sabor will always have some type of deal going on in the week such as $5 margaritas on Wednesday or $2 domestic beers on Sunday. Give their website a visit to see the full list of deals going on and head over.
Google Review: Good, fast, mostly authentic Mexican food. Excellent Tuesday tacos for a $1 specials. – Thomas
Sauza's Mexican Restaurant
19501 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031Locally owned establishment Sauza’s Mexican Restaurant offers a wide variety of items that will peak everyone’s interests. They offer items such as nachos, steak, chicken, salad, soups, as well as combo items to your personal liking. They even offer a separate vegetarian menu for all the non-meat eaters. For the beer drinkers, Sauza’s offers both domestic and imported beers.
Google Review: Great tasting food and when you order a meal, they give you plenty of it! The staff is friendly and attentive. – Betty
Sauza's Mexican Restaurant
Taxco Mexican Grill
9719 Sam Furr Rd E, Huntersville, NC 28078Want a quiet, home-style meal? Taxco Mexican Grill located in Huntersville could be the one. They have been known to have a more relaxed dining experience where guests are made to feel welcomed and at home. They offer generous sizing on old-Mexican style food from tacos and burritos to sizzling fajitas.
Google Review: Amazing food. I have been trying something new the last few times I went and have enjoyed everything. My plan is to try everything on their menu – Karrie
Verde Mexican & Nuevo Latin Fusion
9818 Gilead Rd b107, Huntersville, NC 28078Verde is not just an average Mexican restaurant, but one with bold innovative flavor that will fill you up. Straight from Cuba, chef Rene Garcia Mayor brings a touch of his homeland flavor in every meal. The atmosphere here is great if you are looking for a place to casually dine and have a good time. Verde has a full open bar and kitchen with a patio seating area for everyone.
Google Review: Verde was delicious, and we'll definitely be back again! It was reasonably priced, had wonderful vegetarian options, excellent staff, and great atmosphere. – Danielle
Zapata's Cantina Mexican Restaurant
19905 W Catawba Ave #102, Cornelius, NC 28031In business for nearly 20 years, Zapata’s is here with a goal to create unique and authentic Mexican flavor and a fair price. They have a great dining experience with a menu full of delicious items that can feed the whole family.
Google Review: Best tacos we have ever had! The Grilled Shrimp and Hawaiian Tacos were amazing! We will definitely make this a frequent stop. – Cory
While we near the end of the pandemic, we encourage people to go and try some of these restaurants around the area while following social distancing practices. For a smooth experience, we recommend you to make reservations! Grab your friends and family and head out to enjoy Cinco de Mayo! Be sure to tag us on social media @VisitLakeNorman to share your experience.
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
