The legendary Cinco De Mayo celebration takes place this Sunday and a day which once started as a celebration of the Mexican Army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, is now a combination of festivals, street parties, food and drink.
Regarded as the biggest Mexican-American celebration in the World, NoKYC decided to research and list the best places to throw back Margaritas and enjoy the best Mexican cuisine each state in the US has to offer.
Methodology: We scraped Tripadvisor data across all 50 US states to determine the highest ranked Mexican restaurant across all capitals in each US state (including well known cities).
| State | City | Restaurant | Rating/ 5 |
| Alabama | Montgomery | Sol Restaurante & Taqueria | 4.5 |
| Alaska | Juneau | La Salsa Mexican Food | 4.5 |
| Arizona | Phoenix | Cocina Madrigal | 4.5 |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | Local Lime | 4 |
| California | Sacramento | Zocalo | 4 |
| California | Los Angeles | El Compadre | 5 |
| Colorado | Denver | La Loma Restaurant | 4.5 |
| Connecticut | Hartford | Agave Grill | 4 |
| Delaware | Dover | La Hacienda | 4 |
| Florida | Tallahassee | El Jalisco | 4 |
| Florida | Miami | Esquina Mexicana | 5 |
| Georgia | Atlanta | No Mas! Cantina | 4.5 |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | Oahu Mexican Grill | 4 |
| Idhaho | Boise | The Matador | 4 |
| Illinois | Springfield | Azteca Mexican Grill | 4.5 |
| Illinois | Chicago | Xoco | 4.5 |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | Nada | 4.5 |
| Iowa | Des Moines | Malo | 4 |
| Kansas | Topeka | Margarita’s Jalisco | 4.5 |
| Kentucky | Frankfort | Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant | 4.5 |
| Lousiana | Baton Rouge | Superior Grill | 4 |
| Lousiana | New Orleans | Juan’s Flying Burrito | 4.5 |
| Maine | Augusta | El Agave’s Mexican Restaurant | 4 |
| Maryland | Annapolis | Jalapeno’s | 4.5 |
| Maryland | Baltimore | Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant | 4.5 |
| Massachusetts | Boston | Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar Back Bay | 4 |
| Michigan | Lansing | Pablo’s Old Town | 4.5 |
| Michigan | Detroit | Taqueria Mi Pueblo | 4.5 |
| Minnesota | Saint Paul | Pajarito | 4.5 |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | MAYA Cuisine | 4.5 |
| Mississippi | Jackson | The Iron Horse Grill | 4.5 |
| Missouri | Jefferson City | El Jimador | 4 |
| Missouri | St. Louis | Arzola’s Fajitas + Margaritas | 5 |
| Montana | Helena | Melaque Mexican Restaurant | 4 |
| Nebraska | Lincoln | Copal Progressive Mexican Cuisine | 4.5 |
| Nevada | Carson City | San Marcos Grill | 4.5 |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina | 4.5 |
| New Hampshire | Concord | El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant | 4 |
| New Jersey | Trenton | El Angel Mexican Taqueria | 4.5 |
| New Jersey | Atlantic City | Casa Taco & Tequila Bar | 4 |
| New Mexico | Santa Fe | Sazón | 5 |
| New York | Albany | El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant | 4 |
| New York | Manhattan | Dos Caminos | 4.5 |
| North Carolina | Raleigh | Gonza Tacos y Tequila | 4.5 |
| North Dakota | Bismark | La Carreta Mexican Restaurant | 4 |
| Ohio | Columbus | Bakersfield | 4.5 |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | Ted’s Café Escondido | 4.5 |
| Oregon | Salem | La Fondita | 4.5 |
| Pennsylvania | Harrisburg | El Sol Mexican Restaurant | 4.5 |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | El Vez | 4.5 |
| Rhode Island | Providence | Tallulahs Taqueria | 4.5 |
| South Carolina | Columbia | Real Mexico Restaurant Y Tienda | 4.5 |
| South Dakota | Pierre | Gallos Taqueria | 4.5 |
| Tennessee | Nashville | Mas Tacos Por Favor | 4.5 |
| Texas | Austin | Fonda San Miguel | 4.5 |
| Texas | Dallas | Velvet Taco | 4.5 |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | Red Iguana | 4.5 |
| Vermont | Montpelier | Mad Taco | 4 |
| Virginia | Richmond | Pepe’s | 4.5 |
| Washington | Olympia | Valentina’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar | 4.5 |
| Washington | Seattle | Cactus Restaurant | 4.5 |
| West Virginia | Charleston | Plaza Maya | 4.5 |
| Wisconsin | Madison | Taqueria Guadalajara | 4.5 |
| Wisconsin | Green Bay | Vintage | 4.5 |
| Wyoming | Cheyenne | Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant | 4 |
Best Mexican Restaurant’s In The United States
Sazon – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Originally based in Mexico City, Sazon has been serving diners with it’s unique interpretation of contemporary and traditional Mexican dishes.
Over 1,200 excellent reviews and a 5/5 TripAdvisor rating stands it as the best Mexican in the United States.
One review said; “We went to Sazon on a hotel recommendation during a visit to Sant Fe. The food is unique and fantastic. The decor has many wonderful paintings. The owner, Chef Fernando, greeted us and visited our table many times. Our server was Alycia and she was fantastic! She knew everything about the ingredients in every entree we asked about. A wonderful experience!”
El Compadre – Los Angeles, California
Set on the trendy Sunset Blvd corridor, El Compadre boasts a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor with over 270 excellent reviews.
One user wrote; “First time here and can’t wait to come back! Amazing ambience from the moment we walked in. Foods amazing and the staff is super friendly.”
Esquina Mexicana – Miami, Florida
Esquina Mexicana is Mexican restaurant based at Miami Beach, with a modern Mexican food style, which strives to not lose traditional flavors.
Another location with a 5/5 TripAdvisor rating with more than 290 excellent reviews.
One review said; “Visited on basis of its great reviews on here. The staff were extremely welcoming and plentiful. Our server Leo was great and so nice. Only ordered mains and drinks and the food was all great. Glad we visited and would definitely return.”
Arzola’s Fajitas & Margaritas – St Louis, Missouri
Arzola’s Fajitas & Margaritas offers a fresh take on Mexican and is based in the historic Benton Park. With a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor and it is one of the top 20 restaurants in St Louis, it is a must visit this Cinco De Mayo.
One happy customer said; “We love every visit to Arzola’s!! It’s always a hit and the food is by far the best Mexican food we have had in St. Louis!! We take everyone who visits us in St. Louis here, guarantees good vibes and amazing food!”
