Slideshow: Tucson Mexican restaurants open for Cinco de Mayo
If you're a Mexican history scholar or just jonesing for a margarita, these Tucson Mexican restaurants are open during Cinco de Mayo.
Guadalajara Grill
Known for their stellar table-side salsa preparation, Guadalajara Grill also heats up some delicious stone bowl molcajetes like the Ultimo, with steak, seasoned chicken, sliced pork carnitas and jumbo shrimp. 1220 E. Prince Road. Cinco de Mayo hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Boca Tacos y Tequila
With wild meats like kangaroo (pictured here during exotic Taco Wednesdays), you can be sure this campus-area spot Boca Tacos y Tequila is on the cutting edge of modern Mexican cuisine. 828 E Speedway. Cinco de Mayo hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
El Charro Cafe
Tucson’s oldest – and arguably the oldest in the U.S. – Mexican restaurant is a hot spot for air-dried carne seca, enormous chimichangas and a host of margaritas. El Charro has three locations, including 311 North Court Street. Cinco de Mayo hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
La Fuente
Arguably the most decked-out of Tucson's Mexican restaurants, La Fuente always promises a fun night of tropical atmosphere, drinks and live music. They have an enormous menu too, of which fajitas (pictured) are a highlight. 1749 N. Oracle Road. Cinco de Mayo hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Micha's
Micha's, this South Fourth Avenue institution has been owned and operated by the Mariscal family since 1976. The food dishes from left to right: a bowl of Cocido, an order of beef tacos and a Carne Asada burro enchilada style with sour cream and guacamole. 2908 S. Fourth Ave. Cinco de Mayo hours: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Taqueria Pico de Gallo
Tucson's number one spot for tacos de cabeza (head) y lengua (tongue) is Taqueria Pico de Gallo. So soft and fatty they practically melt in your mouth. Leave this one for the real Mexican-food lovers. 2618 S. 6th Ave. Cinco de Mayo hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rigo's Restaurant
Home to our first run-in with nopales, Rigo's offers a wide variety of authentic Sonoran-style dishes. With two locations, 5851 N. Oracle Road and 2527 S. 4th Ave. Cinco de Mayo hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rosa's Mexican Food
Rosa's most definitely has one of the best red salsas in town, but when we go, we can't stop raving about the enchilada combo, with those beautifully rich refried beans. 1750 E. Fort Lowell. Cinco de Mayo hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sir Veza's Taco Garage
They fix hungry! No doubt Sir Veza's Taco Garage will be a hot-spot on May 5. Both locations will feature live music, with a guaranteed raucous party to go along with it. Two locations, 220 W. Wetmore Road and 4699 E. Speedway. Cinco de Mayo hours: 11 a.m. to midnight.