Where are the best places to go during Cinco de Mayo? We asked MS Coast Foodies

The calendar has flipped to May, which means more than just sun and Ship Island trips.

It means Cinco de Mayo is finally here. That wonderful time of the year where we load up on margaritas and fajitas in remembrance of the Battle of Puebla in 1862. General Ignacio Zaragoza would be proud.

The Mississippi Coast happens to be a prime location for such festivities with a vast lineup of Mexican restaurants ready to take advantage of the co-opted holiday.

Azteca’s, for one, will be throwing a party with live music at their Gulfport and Gautier locations. The Hungry Llama — the restaurant extension of Fly Llama Brewing — will have street tacos in beef, barbacoa and pork with churros and margery passionfruit margarita sours.

But we wanted to put our ear to the ground and see where else the locals were heading. We asked the MS Gulf Coast Foodies Facebook group where they were going over the weekend to celebrate Mexico’s brief victory over the Second French Empire and got a few responses.

We’ll list them here so you can come up with your own game plan for Cinco de Mayo.

Taqueria Los Gordos, Pascagoula

“A casual place that isn’t commercialized or pretentious. Just good food and honest working people,” Facebook user Liz Puga said.

Taqueria Los Gordos is homemade and authentic. If you’re on the east end of the Coast and looking for a true taste of Mexico, this is a good place to start.

El Zarape, Biloxi

El Zarape is another local, hole-in-the-wall option for a low key weekend. El Zarape draws strong reviews for their tacos.

“Awesome tacos!!” Robin Christopher said.

Rosita’s, Ocean Springs

“Rosita’s is doing theirs on Saturday....I’d suggest there!” Tess R. Mares said.

If you like authentic, birria-stuffed dipping tacos , Rosita’s is the place for you. Though closed on Sunday, the shop will be holding their Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday.

Pedro’s Taco and Tequila Bar, D’Iberville

Pedro’s is holding a three-day party full of live music and top shelf margaritas. A pre-party will be held on Saturday, followed by a fiesta on Sunday. Facebook user Kathy Jo will be there, will you?

Other restaurants mentioned:

• El Mexicano Restaurant, Gulfport
• El Patron, Vancleave
• The Bayou Restaurant and Tiki Bar