Did you know Cinco de Mayo is the sixth busiest day of the year for American Restaurants?
All the days that outrank the 5th of May are national holidays: Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, New Year’s Eve and Father’s Day. Of course Cinco de Mayo is also a holiday, the celebration of Mexican independence, but it’s not officially recognized in the U.S.
Not recognized, but it is definitely celebrated!
Millions of Americans will gather their friends this Cinco de Mayo for margaritas. chips with guac, and their favorite Mexican entrée. The Cape Fear region has a number of locally owned restaurants that will be celebrating. We turned to our Facebook page to ask our friends where they recommend. Here are their answers:
Where to go for Cinco de Mayo
Buen Dia
Our friend Benny Hill recommends Buen Dia. “I didn’t know, I mean really know, what authentic Mexican food is until a friend introduced me to this place. Most of what we think as Mexican food is really Tex-Mex. Buen Dia is more of an adventure. They serve cactus! I didn’t even know you could eat cactus, but I tried it and it was amazing,” said Benny.
Buen Dia is for those wanting to celebrate early. It is only open for breakfast and lunch, closing at 3pm. Meals are very reasonably priced, with the most expensive dish listed at just $14. The restaurant does have a beer and wine license but does not serve hard liquor.
Castle Street Kitchen
Our former colleague Louisa Murray told us that one of her favorite restaurants will be going all out for Cinco de Mayo. “Castle Street Kitchen will have a singer/guitar player performing for Cinco de Mayo,” reports Louisa. “Although not strictly a Mexican restaurant, the Castle Street Kitchen does offer several Mexican dishes, including a rotating daily taco special. Located at 509 Castle Street, the restaurant will be open for Cinco de Mayo from 11am to 9pm.
Plaza Mariachi
For those looking for a restaurant with a full bar on the north end of Wilmington, our friend Chris Ice recommends Plaza Mariachi. In addition to an authentic Mexican menu, the restaurant is known for the specialty drinks including a Midnight Margarita and a Malibu Rojo! Plaza Mariachi is locally owned and operated. It is open seven days a week from 11am to 9pm.
TEQUILA COMIDA AND CANTINA
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, JFB friend Carolyn Atkinson recommends Tequila Comida and Cantina. Located just south of Monkey Junction, the restaurant was founded by two bothers in 2014. It offers all the Mexican standards along with a comprehensive selection of ceviche dishes. Open until 10pm Monday thru Saturday (9pm on Sunday) diners are encouraged to make reservations ahead of time.
Aye! Toro
The newest Wilmington restaurant on the list is Aye! Toro. It was recommended by JFB friend Kristen Kozora-Brown. Aye! Toro is a North Carolina business that opened its first restaurant in Sanford, followed by a second location in Pittsboro. The Wilmington location, near Independence Mall, became the third restaurant in the chain when it opened in 2021. According to Kristen, the restaurant uses fresh, locally grown ingredients with a wide array of options on the menu, along with a full bar.