Cinco de Mayo is one of the most festive and fun celebrations of the year, and you don't have to know a thing about the Battle of Puebla to get a bit rowdy with friends and celebrate this holiday over a pan of piping hot fajitas!
***As a quick aside, we personally think it's appropriate to respectfully participate in cultural holidays and to understand the meanings and reasons behind the celebration, so read all the way to the end if you'd like to be enlightened! 
But first, let's talk about the fiesta grande you're trying to achieve! With abundant Mexican restaurants in and around The Woodlands, you could dine out EVERY day during the entire month of May if you wanted to (and we wouldn't judge), and you wouldn't run out of menus to sample!
But first, let's talk about the fiesta grande you're trying to achieve! With abundant Mexican restaurants in and around The Woodlands, you could dine out EVERY day during the entire month of May if you wanted to (and we wouldn't judge), and you wouldn't run out of menus to sample!
Whether it's a Tex-Mex favorite or a more Mexican cuisine, your destination is sure to offer house margaritas and other drink specials, plenty of chips and queso to keep you satisfied, plus you're likely to stumble upon live music for the holiday, and maybe even a mariachi band! Oye!
Get dressed in your bright and colorful ensembles (traditional colors are red, white, and green; ruffles are a fun touch, and sombreros are optional!), and make plans to dine in at one of these local picks:
Xalisko
Xalisko
A fellow blogger first tipped us off to this beautifully decorated, family-owned gem, and now it's one of our go-to spots in The Woodlands for any day of the week! You'll find an inviting upscale atmosphere, authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine, and usually quick, friendly service. Be sure to check their calendar, as live music nights make the experience even more special. And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert—the churros are a must (trust us on this one), especially paired with their rich and aromatic Mexican coffee.
Xalisko
1335 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands
Pappasito's Cantina
Pappasito's always serves up a good time, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. The mood is festive and loud(ish), the tortilla chips are light, delicate, and crispy, and the food is high quality! We love that their extensive menu includes all the Tex-Mex staples plus some well-done seafood dishes, quail, and even ribs. The festive, cool vibe and outdoor patio seating make this restaurant a top pick!
Pappasito's Shenandoah
18101 Interstate 445 South, Shenandoah
Pappasito's Shenandoah
18101 Interstate 445 South, Shenandoah
Cyclone Anaya's
Tableside guacamole is on the menu at Cyclone Anaya's - which means they'll make it fresh, right at your table. And guys, this place even has a Tex-Mex brunch (weekends only) with mimosas! Located on the Waterway, they serve up jumbo margaritas, Mexican cervezs, and delicious food in a lively atmosphere. Sit on the patio if the weather suits you.
Cyclone Anaya's
20 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands
Escalanete's Mexican Restaurant
1900 Hughes Landing Blvd, The Woodlands
El Tiempo Cantino
9595 Six Pines Dr, The Woodlands
Cyclone Anaya's
20 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands
Escalante's Mexican Restaurant
If you're craving something more upscale, Escalante's in Hughes Landing it is! How can you resist those world famous lime-pepper-marinated, tender-as-all-get-out, sizzling fajitas? Lupe Tortilla is easily a crowd-pleaser, with a rustic-style Mexican decor and both sopapillas and churros on the dessert menu.Another great spot for tender fajitas and good service is El Chaparro Mexican Bar & Grill. Family-friendly atmosphere, service is usually quick and friendly, and the virgin daiquiris here are sweet and refreshing.Escalanete's Mexican Restaurant
1900 Hughes Landing Blvd, The Woodlands
El Tiempo Cantino
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, keep the chips and salsa flower at El Tiempo Cantino, one of the newest and prettiest Mexican restaurants in the area, and that alone makes it worthy of a visit, especially if you're already in the Market Street area. Try them out and let us know what you think.El Tiempo Cantino
9595 Six Pines Dr, The Woodlands
Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant
Los Cucos is a family friendly menu and atmosphere, so take the kids! And let me tell you something else. If your favorite part of celebrating Cinco de Mayo is the good eats, you'll be glad you chose this place, because the plates are quite hefty! Lots of decently priced menu, and they're good for a casual day out. Expect margarita specials and possible a live DJ for the holiday!Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant
4775 W Panther Creek Dr, The Woodlands
Caffe di Fiore
Move over, Tex Mex. If you're headed to the back of The Woodlands, Caffe di Fiori offers a diverse menu of traditional Mexican cuisine. It's a beautiful, family-owned and cozy restaurant, and you'll find options such as mole enchiladas, sopes, and even Mexican pastries.
Caffe di Fiore
10110 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands
Caffe di Fiore
10110 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands
Lupe Tortilla
You're not likely to find more satisfying fajitas than the fresh, lime-pepper-marinated, perfectly seasoned ones at Lupe Tortilla! Dine in at their Shenadoah location that features tables, booths, and bar seating, or order your Cinco de Mayo party packs and gallons of margaritas to go. Lupe doesn't play around with the fixings. Fajitas are served with guacamole, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, grilled onions, rice, and beans. The flour tortillas are thin and super-wide and delicious, and the corn tortillas are just as warm and tasty (though not as large).Lupe Tortilla
19437 Interstate 45 North, Shenandoah
FAST FACT: Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862.
19437 Interstate 45 North, Shenandoah
FAST FACT: Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862.
