The Top 3 Mexican Restaurants in South Jersey for Cinco De Mayo

South Jersey certainly has very little in common with Southern California, but the local Mexican food places have a lot to offer and are worth a taste when Cinco de Mayo comes around. If you feel the same effects that I did, you won't only be returning once a year.

The most obvious place to spend your Cinco de Mayo (and where I'll be) is Cinco de Mayo in New Brunswick. New Brunswick has some of the finest restaurants in the area and a large population of Hispanics, which in description sounds like the perfect choice for dining. Cinco de Mayo is fairly authentic, with brightly colored decorations, a jukebox full of Mexican songs as well as American songs with Mexican vocals dubbed over the music, and some dishes that may turn off most American visitors. If you're looking to try something adventurous, I recommend the taco cabeza (which is literally "head taco"). I ordered it accidently, but I've found that some taboos are worth breaking. Occasionally, they will have a house mariachi band that plays throughout the night, which will surely be on duty on this special day. The band enhances the atmosphere by tenfold always ensures a great experience for me.

For a family with a provider who doesn't mind spending a few dollars that prefers a more upscale dining experience, The Mexican Food Factory in Marlton is a great option. The Mexican Food Factory is more of a formal restaurant than Cinco de Mayo, but every bit as authentic. The atmosphere is much more low-key than the typical Mexican restaurant. Paintings of Frida Kahlo line the walls, but the color scheme is solid and, for the most part, dark. The music is more traditional as opposed to the tops hits that spin on the jukebox at Cinco de Mayo. It creates an overall relaxing feeling that greatly contrasts the other restaurant.

For the proud gringos, Moe's Southwest Grill offers vaguely Mexican food in the comfortable setting of an American chain restaurant. If you can overcome the guilt that accompanies spending a holiday that celebrates the beautiful culture of a nationality in an establishment that destroys the beauty of that culture, you can enjoy the largest burritos that human hands can possibly wrap. Moe's never fails to leave me full, though I will politely pass on May fifth.

Of the three listed, my personal recommendation would be Cinco de Mayo, but you can use the information I've provided to make your own choice. There really isn't a wrong choice in this situation. If you side with me, maybe I'll see you there this year. I will likely be eating the "head taco" again.