Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with 4 must-try NoVA restaurants

Spice up your May 5 plans by visiting a local Mexican restaurant serving authentic flavors. 

Looking for a way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla? We can’t think of a more delicious option than tasting an authentic meal. 

Mi Rancho Authentic Mexican Food

Location: Fredericksburg

Mi Rancho Authentic Mexican Food serves dishes that are inspired by tradition.

“We’re passionate about creating the perfect, handmade Mexican food specialties with the freshest ingredients,” the website reads. “From traditional burritos and enchiladas to fajitas Veracruz and sizzling molcajete, you’ll love our all-Mexican Food specialties!”

Be sure to take a moment to look at the traditional hand-painted artwork on the walls, which tells stories of countryside living and Latin American culture.

Senor Tequilas

Locations: Ashburn, Fairfax

Senor Tequilas offers traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients.

“Today, Senor Tequilas has maintained the long-held recipes and decor brought straight from Mexico—literally!” the restaurant’s website reads. “We pride ourselves in keeping the same authentic flavors while also adding a little fun with a bar menu of tequilas, margaritas & beers to complement the dishes.”

Give the Al Carbon a try. It comes with your choice of grilled steak, chicken, or carnitas and is served with pico de gallo, salsa de molcajete, and limes. Wash it all down with a Famous Jalapeña Margarita, which comes with house-infused jalapeño tequila, Cointreau, Grand Maier, fresh lime juice, orange juice, and fresh jalapeños.

La Campesina Restaurant

Location: Fairfax

La Campesina Restaurant offers both traditional Mexican and Salvadorean food.

“We take the freshest ingredients, cook them according to time honored family recipes and add a dash of inspiration to prepare a delicious dining experience with something for everyone!” the establishment’s website states.

Seafood lovers can’t go wrong with the Camarones con Calabaza, which comes with shrimp, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes that are sauteed in the grill’s homemade cream-and-garlic wine sauce. It’s served with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and salad.

Buena Vida

Location: Arlington

If you’re looking for Mexican cuisine with a twist, then Buena Vida is the place for you.

“Situated in the vibrant Clarendon district, our Mexican restaurant brings the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine to the forefront, crafting unforgettable dining experiences,” the website reads. “With a commitment to authenticity and innovation, we invite you to immerse yourself in the enticing flavors of Mexican cuisine in Arlington, VA.”

Consider ordering the Buena Vida Burger. The 8-ounce house-made short rib seasoned beef comes layered with Morita mayo, bacon jam, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh watercress, and tomato and is served with a side of golden hand-cut fries.