May 5th is Cinco de Mayo, and though most of us couldn’t exactly explain what the day commemorates, we are all for celebrating it! Where to go up here in Northeast Georgia? Try one of the followi00ng casual places. You can count on with these restaurants to have friendly service, good food and—of course—tasty margaritas.

Close to home is La Cabana Mexican Restaurant in downtown Helen. It has a covered balcony overlooking the park, which is a nice place to relax with a drink, chips and their chunky guacamole. A house-made flan makes a delicious finish to any meal.
8160 S. Main Street, Helen, GA
706-878-3456
Daily, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

A sign for El Campesino Mexican Restaurant on the hill outside Cleveland, Georgia, notes the “best margaritas in town.” If that weren’t reason enough to head to this sunny spot, the friendly owners are. Guacamole is made tableside and there is a tasty array of traditional fare: burritos, chalupas, chili rellenos, enchiladas, and more.
17 Campbell Street, Cleveland, GA
706-348-1275
Daily, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Though part of a chain, Pueblos in Dahlonega delivers consistently good Mexican cuisine that’s a bit more upscale. You’ll find signature dishes such as pork asado, and tilapia Veracruz, as well as a selection of appetizers, nachos, salads, and quesadillas.
82 East Main Street, Dahlonega, GA
706-867-7155
Monday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Also, part of a chain of restaurants, El Jinete Mexican Restaurant in Clarkesville won’t challenge your taste buds but is a good choice if you’re trying to please a lot of palate—and it does offer a nice selection of top shelf margaritas.
345 W. Louise Street, Clarkesville, GA
706-839-1907
Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

You can finish your Cinco de Mayo evening back here at Lucille’s Mountaintop Inn & Spa with our special homemade dessert under a sky full of stars. Viva la fiesta!