There’s a lot of misunderstanding as to what Cinco de Mayo commemorates, but one thing is clear: La Jolla knows how to mark the occasion. Salud!
Monday, May 5 is Cinco de Mayo this year, a day commemorated locally honoring the best of Mexican food and drink. Though a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is regionally celebrated in style and we’ve got your guide to the best here in La Jolla.
Cinco de Mayo historically celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is marked in Puebla, Mexico, but isn’t recognized with closures, days off or otherwise in the rest of Mexico.
Many conflate Cinco de Mayo with Mexico’s independence from Spain; Mexican Independence Day is Sept. 16. Cinco de Mayo in the United States, and especially in regions like San Diego with a high population of people with Mexican heritage, has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture.
Culture often involves food, so if you’re looking to raise a glass to the rich traditions of our immediate neighbor to the south, here’s where to find your La Jolla fiesta:
La Corriente
Opened in 2024, La Corriente on Pearl Street is no stranger to Mexican cuisine, bringing the best of its well-established seafood reputation across the border into its first US restaurant here.
Try any one of their numerous fresh takes on Pacific seafood, from La Corriente’s popular red snapper tostada to its “Kalifornia” taco with shrimp, chili and special sauce.
Wash it down with one of La Corriente’s Mexican Bloody Marys – Salud!
Jose’s Courtroom
History happens at Jose’s Courtroom, which has been serving traditional Mexican favorites for more than 50 years in an old courtroom transformed into a cantina.
Check out Jose’s plates of traditional Mexican fare paired with a margarita or one of their many beers on draft.
Don’t feel you have to stay inside; Jose’s Prospect Street location has outdoor seating with a direct view over La Jolla Cove and Scripps Park, a great backdrop for chips, salsa and guacamole.
Puesto La Jolla
For a modern, elevated take on tacos and more, grab a seat at Puesto on Wall Street.
Highlighting fresh, sustainably grown, all natural and organic ingredients, Puesto’s artisanal dishes here are designed to delight, along with high-quality cocktails that are top-shelf ready.
Indulge in one of their guacamoles or ceviches to start, continue onto their tacos featuring crispy melted cheese, braised short ribs, seasonal mushrooms or other items and imbibe in a margarita or paloma.
Verdes El Ranchero
A La Jolla mainstay since 1945, Verdes El Ranchero on La Jolla Boulevard is full of locals and visitors alike who crave homestyle Mexican food in a cozy atmosphere.
Order tamales, enchiladas and more here, and don’t forget the full bar of tequilas!
Known locally as “The Ranch,” Verdes El Ranchero is a family-run spot, ready to welcome guests to its colorful eatery for family-inspired recipes highlighting a range of Mexican traditions.
