This Saturday May 5th is “Cinco de Mayo” – a festivity celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla. The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage & pride, and to commemorate the cause of freedom & democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. But nowadays, it’s mainly just an excuse to eat Mexican food, drink Mexican cerveza & tequila and listen to mariachi music. Just as on St. Patrick’s Day everyone is Irish, on Cinco de Mayo everyone is Mexican! 🙂
So where would one in Madrid celebrate this festivity? Well, with nearly 5,000 Mexicans residing in Madrid, one can easily find Mexican restaurants, bars and specialty shops in nearly every neighborhood. Whether you choose to celebrate out or in your home, here is a list of Mexican restaurants, bars & shops for you to enjoy the fiesta with friends this Saturday. View links for more info…and if you choose to eat out, be sure to make a reservation in advance!
Classic Favorites
- La Panza es Primero – this group of chain restaurants has 12 locations: La Panza es Primero (9 restaurants), La Barriga Llena (2 restaurants), Sabor a Mi (Calle de Augusto Figueroa 41) & Papasiones (Calle del Almirante 2).
- La Mordida – another group of chain restaurants with 6 locations, have excellent nachos & Jamaica juice.
- Si Señor – located near the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Paseo de la Castellana 128. I love their Chicken Tortilla Soup!
- Las Mañanitas – voted the best of 2010, 2011 & 2012 on 11870.com, this popular restaurant is located on Calle de Fuencarral 82 next to metro Tribunal.
- Lulú Taco Bar – voted the best of 2010, 2011 & 2012 on 11870.com, this small hidden gem is located on Calle de la Luna 22 near metro Callao.
- Colorado Express – one of my classic favorites, this small bar is where I had my very first michalada, your choice of Mexican beer with hot sauce & spices. Greatly accompanied with their tacos. Located on Calle Martín de los Heros 4 near metro Plaza de España.
Speciality Taco Shops
- La Taquería de Birrä – voted the best of 2008, 2010, 2011 & 2012 on 11870.com, this was the very first taco joint in Madrid, first inaugurated in 1989. Located on Plaza de las Comendadoras 2 near metro Noviciado or San Bernardo. Their second location is on Calle de Don Pedro 11 near metro La Latina.
- Taquería Mi Ciudad – voted the best of 2010, 2011 & 2012 on 11870.com, this small joint has tacos for 1,50€! Located on Calle de las Fuentes 11 near metro Opera.
- Taquería del Alamillo – voted the best of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 on 11870.com, located on Plaza del Alamillo 8, nearest metro La Latina, Tirso de Molina or Opera.
Higher End Mexican Restaurants
- Entre Suspiro y Suspiro – voted the best of 2010, 2011 & 2012 on 11870.com, this family owned house has the largest Tequila collection! Located on Calle de Caños del Peral 3 near metro Opera.
- Chilango – this modern, chic restaurant located on Calle de Manuela Malasaña 12 near metro Bilbao has great mole.
- Tepic – voted the best of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 on 11870.com, this favorite is located on Calle de Pelayo 4 near metro Chueca.
Other
- DF Bar – specializes in Mexican sandwiches “tortas” at good prices. Located on Calle de León 31 near metro Antón Martín.
- La Reina de las Tortillas – this is the central Tortilla factory where 100% corn tortillas & tamales are made and delivered fresh daily to clients all over Spain. Orders made by phone and free delivery with minimum purchase. Located on Calle de Santa Matilde 4 near metro Alvarado.
- 100 Por Cien Mexico – this specialty shop carry items made in Mexico, you can find gifts, souvenirs, food & drink. Located on Calle de Castelló 22, near metro Velázquez or Príncipe de Vergara.
- La Canasta – this shop you can buy: Salsas, Jalapeno, Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheese, corn tortillas, or the famous Piñatas. Located on Calle de Segovia 15, near metro La Latina.
