Best Mexican restaurants to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

RALEIGH, N.C. — Cinco de Mayo is this week! These are our five fave places to celebrate, in no particular order!

Gonza Tacos Y Tequila (Raleigh Durham and Wake Forest) - From the atmosphere to the drinks, Gonza is a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or any Saturday night for that matter. The margaritas and mojitos are delicious and they have some of the best tacos around. In fact, the tacos are so popular that the restaurant will be serving a special taco-only menu on Cinco de Mayo this year. My favorites are the Pastor (pork with pineapple), Camaron (shrimp) and Carne (steak).

Gonza's Cinco de Mayo celebration will include live music, street performers, tequila flights, sangria and margaritas at all three locations.

Jose and Sons (Raleigh) - Formerly known as Jibarra, this restaurant celebrates the owners' Mexican-Sousthern upbringing with great cuisine and drinks. This year's Cinco de Mayo celebration will include the debut of the restaurant's new photo booth, in addition to drink and tequila specials and live msuic.

Centro (Raleigh) - Another great place to dine and drink. This year's Cindo de Mayo celebration will include the special Cinco de Mayo Margarita. For every one sold, the restaurant will donate $1 to Mercy Corps to help victims of the Nepal tragedy. The lunch menu will be served as day. Upstairs at Gallo Pelon, DJ Nick Neptune will be playing from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Guacamaya Fresh Mex (formerly Chubby's Tacos) (Cary) - Don't let the name change fool you, they still have great tacos! For Cinco de Mayo, they are planning special tacos including pork belly and mole verde and drinks specials on margaritas and Mexican beer.

NanaTaco (Durham)- Great food! Cinco de Mayo will bring $5 pork taquitos and other specials. They already serve $5 margaritas every day, but make sure to check out their Rose Watermelon Sangria.

Bonus pick: Dos Taquitos (Raleigh) - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo for the final time at Dos Taquitos on Creedmoor Road. The restaurant is relocating in August to Taverna Agora location on Glenwood Avenue. Dos Taquitos is planning a special menu and fun drinks. There will also be a children's menu. They aren't taking reservations so arrive early.