Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at these OTP spots

ajc.com

Credit: Rachel Taylor

Credit: Rachel Taylor

With Cinco de Mayo coming up tomorrow, we’re dreaming of ice-cold margaritas and gorging on chips and salsa. If you’re ready to get your fiesta on too and want to keep the celebration OTP, consider checking out these OTP spots where you can order up a libation and nosh on your favorite Mexican fare in honor of the holiday.

  1. HOLA! Taqueria & Bar Situated in a shopping center off Holcomb Bridge Road, HOLA! Taqueria & Bar is a solid find (and pleasant surprise), serving up consistently tasty and fresh Mexican eats in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Their chips are always hot, light and crispy—the basket is easily devoured within minutes, so pace yourself, because you'll want to save room to order some entrees. Try the hefty chicken burrito if you're extra hungry, or the Enchiladas Suizas stuffed with chicken and cheese and stopped with a tomatillo cream sauce (the jalapeno corn side is a must-try as well). A bevy of tacos are on offer (you can order them as lettuce wraps if you're trying to keep it light), but our favorite tacos are the simple camarones, made with grilled cilantro shrimp. shaved Kale, avocado, poblano and chipotle tartar sauce. Wash it down with an ice-cold Corona with a lime or one of their delicious margaritas (order the jalapeno margarita if you like some heat). 688 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell, 470-242-5661, holaroswell.com/ com.
  2. Huey Luey's With three OTP locations (Acworth, Hiram and Sandy Springs), Huey Luey's serves up Mexicana fare inspired by authentic recipes from regions throughout Mexico and around the U.S. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the eatery is offering its Texas Margarita Buckets for $15, and Modelo and Tecate beer for $3 each. Exotico Tequila will also be on-site pouring $5 shots and with special giveaways. Their Cinco specials will be available all day (hello day drinking!) from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. If you get hungry, order up some fresh-made guacamole and follow it with the Tacos Pastor, Baja Burritos or Carnitas. Tequila fans will be happy to know their cabinet is stocked with more than 200 tequilas and mezcals. 3338 Cobb Pkwy., Acworth, 770-917-6073; 5460 Wendy Bagwell Pkwy., Hiram, 678-567-0080; 6650 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, 678-905-7241; com.
  3. The El Felix We'd be remiss if we didn't suggest swinging by The El Felix in Avalon if you're looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Alpharetta. While the wait is always long, we never tire of their pitchers of margs or the chicken verde enchiladas topped with a fried egg. Their extensive menu serves up plenty of other options, from pork hot tamales to snapper ceviche, tacos and much more. For a twist on your regular margarita, try the Texas Star, made with tequila, St. Germain, grapefruit juice and lime. And in honor of the holiday, the restaurant is forgoing their usual siesta/mid-day close and will be open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Note: Avalon is also hosting a fiesta in The Plaza from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. with an outdoor bar and live music from a Mariachi band.) 1130 1st Street, Suite #1030, Alpharetta, 678-248-5239, theelfelix.com.
  4. Tin Lizzy's Head to one of several OTP outposts of local Tex-Mex favorite Tin Lizzy's to take advantage of weeklong beverage specials (May 1-7) as part of their "Drinko de Mayo" festivities. Specials include Corona Light on draft ($4.25 and $7), Grand Marnier and Jager floaters ($3) and shots ($5), 1800 Tequila shots ($5) and 1800 Cincorita ($8 small or $13 large). And on actual Cinco de Mayo tomorrow, they're going all out with DJs, outdoor bars (offering cans of Corona and Modelo for $5) and live music from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. at all their locations. The Buford Mall of Georgia location will be hosting a Slippery When Wet (for Bon Jovi lovers) in the courtyard starting at 7 p.m. Various locations, tinlizzyscantina.com.
  1. Pure Taqueria Lively and fun, PURE taqueria's four OTP locations in Alpharetta, Duluth, Roswell and Woodstock are trusty standbys for Mexican eats, from tacos and enchiladas to taquitos and quesadillas, alongside other specialty dishes and items. Start off with the "Queso Gringo" (the traditional "white" Mexican cheese dip we all know and love) and then get the tostada de tinga, a spicy and crunchy mix of shredded chipotle chicken, guac, sour cream and lettuce atop a tostada. The Woodstock and Roswell locations in particular have cool rooftops where you can hear some live tunes while sipping on your poison of choice (the house marg is a good selection, both frozen or on the rocks). Various locations, puretaqueria.com

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