Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While the victory by the smaller and poorly-supplied Mexican army was short-lived, the holiday has become a symbol of Mexican national pride.
Cinco de Mayo has also become a delicious celebration of Mexican culture and heritage highlighted by food, drink and music that is widely observed in the U.S.
Here’s where to enjoy an authentic fiesta at Mexican restaurants in Central Jersey.
Agave Brunch Bistro Cafe, Flemington
Food from Agave Brunch Bistro Cafe in Flemington.
Celebrating its second anniversary as well as Cinco de Mayo, Agave Brunch Bistro Cafe in Flemington is planning a party with live music and free merchandise on May 5.
The restaurant is a nod to owner Nestor Martinez’s grandfather’s tequila legacy. Its pink agave logo symbolizes Martinez’s grandmother’s battle against breast cancer and her passion for cooking.
Known for its birria tacos and large menu with gluten-free and vegetarian options, Agave Brunch Bistro Cafe prides itself on authentic flavors, fusion cuisine and dedication to family traditions.
Popular items include burritos, guacamole, tortilla Rosy’s soup, mulita, nachos, avocado shrimp ceviche, crispy tacos, queso fundido and chorizo, paella, carne asada and shrimp tostones.
Go: 171 Stanton Road, Flemington; 908-287-7426, agavebrunchbistrocafe.com.
Meximodo, Metuchen
The chile en nogada with mushroom nogada filling, creamy walnut sauce and pomegranates at Meximodo.
Late 2023 marked the opening of Meximodo in Metuchen Plaza at the heart of the borough’s downtown.
It offers visitors a regionally-inspired menu of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine drawn from executive chef Antonio Carballo’s family history and the Meximodo team’s travels through Mexico.
Carballo began his culinary education at the age of three at his grandmother’s knee in his family’s Puerto Vallarta restaurant. Formal education followed in the U.S. at the Culinary Institute of America before he worked at several New York City eateries.
At Meximodo, visitors can choose from dishes like coconut tiger’s milk ceviche with tilefish, shrimp, coconut leche de tigre and macha oil; vegetarian chile en nogada with mushroom nogada filling, creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate; nayarit-style red snapper with salsa avo-verde, white rice, pineapple pico de gallo and avocado; and chipotle chocolate lava cake.
Meximodo executive chef Chef Antonio Carballo in front of Catrina, the restaurant’s Day of the Dead mural.
More: Metuchen restaurant awarded Guinness World Record for having the most tequilas
And with more than 1,000 tequila and agave bottles, Meximodo was recognized by Guinness World Records for having the most tequila and agave spirits available in a bar or restaurant in the world.
Food and drinks are served in a dining room highlighted by “Catrina,” a painting above the bar surrounded by Mexican tiles, which also envelop the window into the open kitchen. Guests can also sit on the seasonal outdoor patio surrounded by greenery.
For private events, celebrants mount the stairs through a tunnel featuring thousands of floating roses and enter a semi-hidden loft above the main dining room. Called Dalia’s Rose Room, it transports visitors to a Mexican garden-inspired lounge and private dining room.
Go: 5 Pearl St., Metuchen; 732-395-7767, meximodo.com.
Mezcal, Old Bridge
A new modern Mexican steakhouse, Mezcal blends bold Mexican flavors with elevated steakhouse dining. Their most popular dish − the Spanish octopus − also happens to be Chef Christopher Dutka’s favorite on the menu.
A new modern Mexican steakhouse in Old Bridge, Mezcal blends bold Mexican flavors with elevated steakhouse dining. It’s the second eatery from Matt and Liz Borowski, owners of the trendy 618 Restaurant in Freehold.
Mezcal is known for its Pat LaFrieda meats, especially the spinalis (ribeye cap) and tomahawk for two. The eatery also partners with Local 130 to source fresh seafood, including Spanish octopus, which is one of the most popular menu items.
Mezcal will be open 4-10 p.m. on Cinco de Mayo with a special menu. A DJ spinning 6-10 p.m. will bring upbeat music and a party atmosphere.
Tables are only available by reservation and advance reservations are recommended. The bar will be first-come, first-serve.
Go: 292 Route 516, Old Bridge; mezcalnj.com.
More: New Old Bridge Mexican restaurant offers ‘secret’ guacamole, nearly 50 hot sauces
The Red Cadillac, Union
Named for the owning family’s 1968 Red Cadillac Coupe De Ville, which used to be the family car and is now parked out front the eatery, the Red Cadillac in Union is a Mexican comfort and street food restaurant.
The restaurant is a family affair. Dad Joe Montes is the chef while mom Jamey Montes is an interior designer who put her creative talents into every inch of the 15-year-old eatery. Daughter Jolie Montes is the manager.
Staple dishes include street corn with chipotle mayo, melted cheese, toasted bread crumbs and cilantro; fish tacos topped with homemade slaw, cheese, pico de gallo and chipotle tartar sauce; and strawberry-glazed jalapeno chicken tacos with homemade jerk chicken tossed in a strawberry glaze and topped with pickled onions, queso fresco and cilantro. The restaurant also always features a taco of the week.
Cinco de Mayo reservations are already filling up. Live music will be performed throughout the day.
Go: 2258 Morris Ave., Union; 908-349-8411, theredcadillacnj.com.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Cinco de Mayo: Here’s which NJ Mexican restaurants to celebrate at
