Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at one of these delicious seaside Mexican restaurants
By Alyson Boxman Levine
The East Coast finally seems to be catching up with the West Coast’s obsession with Mexican food, and Atlantic City is no exception. With a handful of truly-noteworthy locations peppered across the city, locals and visitors alike can easily delve into a delicious plate of Mexican cuisine anytime of the day or night.
With the Cinco de Mayo holiday just around the corner, it’s the ideal time to highlight these lively local establishments. A celebration of Mexico’s victory against the French army on the fifth of May in 1862, this fun holiday is celebrated across the U.S. with parades and festivals, all while highlighting the delicious delicacies served south of the border.
Opening its Atlantic City doors in the 1970s, Los Amigos is the first restaurant that comes to local’s minds when they think of Mexican dining in Atlantic City. This adorable building, with its colorful and funky exterior reminiscent of Mexico City architecture, has become a welcoming landmark on Atlantic Avenue amidst the ever-popular shopping outlets.
Offering Mexican and Southwestern-style cuisine for over forty years, the menu at Los Amigos has grown dramatically over the years, from basic Mexican staples like nachos, tacos, and enchiladas to creative and complex Southwestern fare, such as Chile- Bronzed Salmon, Serrano Filet, and many flavorful vegetarian dishes. Executive Chef Genero Castillo tastefully offers gluten-free and low-fat plates creatively weaved into the always-evolving menu. The upbeat, unpretentious bar features daily specials and offers a welcoming reprieve for worn-out shoppers and fun-seekers alike.
At Dos Caminos at Harrah’s Resort, the fabulous marina views come in a mere second place to their world-renowned fare. From their 18 Ingredient Mole Short Ribs, roasted overnight, to their addictive Mexico City Street Corn, the menu offers something for everyone. The Atlantic City location opened in 2011 to much success and has been a bustling hotspot ever since. Executive chef Ivy Stark created a menu of authentic Mexico City-style quesadillas, tacos, and tuna ceviche, along with their infamous signature dishes; and their guacamole is, arguably, the best in the city.
Upon entering Dos Caminos, guests are immediately transformed to an authentic, upscale Mexican cantina brought to life through the use of earthy, rustic design elements. Utilizing reclaimed wood, handcrafted pottery, and ceramics, the atmosphere is spicy and chic, with the focal piece of the overall design concept being a custom Aztec-inspired totem pole handcrafted by renowned artist Brad Oldham. With a popular bar and the promise of a mariachi band playing on Cinco de Mayo, the restaurant is a must-visit on May 5, and throughout the year.
Ideally situated on Ventnor Avenue in Atlantic City, Mexico Restaurant & Bar has been serving extraordinary Mexican cuisine for over a decade. Opened in 1995 by brothers Marcos and Baruh Villa, natives of Oaxaca, Mexico, to fulfill the need for an authentic Mexican restaurant in Atlantic City, the locale offers a variety of menu items to please every palate. Whether you prefer spicy flavors or light sauces, their food is traditional Mexican cuisine prepared from actual homemade recipes brought with them from Oaxaca. From Chile Relleno de Queso, a Poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, to Guachinango Veracruzano, whole Red Snapper, pan fried and seasoned with garlic, the flavor-infused traditional recipes are deliciously authentic.
The large portions are welcomed by visitors craving real Mexican cuisine, and the reasonably-priced menu is a delightful surprise. Whether you’re in the mood for a margarita, quesadilla, or just a relaxing spot to watch the game, Mexico Restaurant & Bar offers a comfortable, bright, and cheerful atmosphere. Also a spirited place to celebrate any occasion, their friendly bar features Mojitos and Sangria by the pitcher and daily specials, including $1 Taco Thursday, which is conveniently served all day.
Located just off the famed boardwalk in Tropicana Casino and Resort, Casa Taco & Tequila Bar has a vibrant interior with bright oranges and greens throughout. Colorful artwork on the walls consists of bold abstract fruits or dancing skeletons representing Mexico’s “Day of the Dead.” During the warmer months, their beautiful outdoor dining section facing the ocean it’s filled with hibiscus plants and other tropical flowers; the ideal place for relaxing at one of their long cocktail tables, sipping a margarita, people watching, or simply getting some sun.
Offering delicious sizzling fajitas and local favorite Pollo y Camarones Loco -- grilled marinated chicken breast, topped with sautéed peppers, onions and queso, served with refried beans and grilled shrimp -- their menu is extensive. Executive Chef Jennifer Galligan is always coming up with new and delicious creations. They also serve a delicious breakfast daily.
Filled to the ceiling with top-shelf liquors, and oh-so-many different tequilas, the lively bar offers plenty of versions of margaritas — all with homemade ingredients. Most popular are their two signature margaritas — “El Fuego” and “Blood Orange.” The former is a perfectly-spicy concoction infused with jalapeno tequila, the latter is made with a tangy blood-orange puree.
While there is a fun atmosphere any night of the week at Casa Taco & Tequila Bar, Saturday night is when things really get hopping. Their popular house DJ starts at 8 PM, and spins everything from upbeat Latin to electronic dance music. Tables and chairs get whisked to the side, lights are dimmed, and the room becomes a dance floor for guests to salsa, samba, or just plain groove until the wee hours of the night.
Buen Provecho!
Mexico in a Glass
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a true classic. To shake up the perfect batch of margaritas at home, try this mouth-watering recipe from Dos Caminos Executive Chef Ivy Stark.
1 ounce Simple Syrup
1 tablespoon Lime-Salt-Sugar
3 ounces 100% agave silver tequila
2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
½ to 1 teaspoon orange liqueur
Lime wedges, to garnish
Simple Syrup
Yield: 1 ½ cups
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove and cool. You can store extra syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Lime-Salt-Sugar
Yield: ¼ cup
Zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Combine the lime, salt, and sugar in a small blender or mini food chopper and blend until finely chopped.
Make the Simple Syrup and Lime-Salt-Sugar. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. Pour the Lime-Salt-Sugar onto a plate. Press the rims of two chilled rocks or wine glasses into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain the margarita into the glasses and serve.
Salud!
