Best tacos in Central Jersey for Cinco de Mayo and beyond

Jenna Intersimone, MyCentralJersey.comTue, May 5, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC

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Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While that triumph was short-lived, the date has endured as a symbol of Mexican pride and resilience — in Mexico and far beyond its borders.

And fortunately, you don’t need Mexican heritage to justify dousing your tacos in Cholula or reaching for an extra order of guacamole.

Whether you count down to any holiday that celebrates food stuffed into a savory shell or you’re simply craving one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes, Central Jersey has no shortage of worthy taco stops this Cinco de Mayo on May 5 — or any day of the year.

Grub Hut, Manville

With playful yet flavorful spins on Tex-Mex, Mexican fare and barbecue, Grub Hut has become a quiet standout in Manville’s often-overlooked dining scene.

At the cozy hometown favorite, diners can opt for soft or crispy tacos filled with steak, chorizo, ground beef, chicken, vegetables, carnitas, shrimp or pulled pork. Adventurous eaters can also go big with colossal combo platters such as the Big Time, which piles burritos, tacos, ribs, smoked chicken, brisket and quesadillas onto one table.

Looking for something more refined? Haute taco choices like avocado taco sliders — featuring fried avocado, lettuce, pico de gallo, bacon and chipotle mayo on corn tortillas — regularly rotate alongside creative specials such as fried chicken tacos topped with Chihuahua cheese, corn salsa and bacon.

Go: 307 N. Main St., Manville; 908‑203‑8003; grubhutbbq1.com

More: Manville isn't on your list of food destinations, but it should be. Here's why

Meximodo, Metuchen

Tacos from Meximodo.

As the anchor of Metuchen Town Plaza, Meximodo delivers a vibrant, family‑friendly take on contemporary Mexican cuisine — and does so on a grand scale.

The 8,000‑square‑foot restaurant features a towering bar stocked with more than 1,000 tequilas, mezcals and agave spirits, earning a Guinness World Record for the most agave spirits in one licensed location. Above it all, a dramatic mural of La Catrina peers down, with thousands of suspended roses completing the spectacle.

The taco menu is just as eye‑catching, offering everything from maitake mushroom tacos and chicken tinga to quesabirria, Baja fish and classic al pastor, all served on fresh corn masa tortillas.

Go: 5 Pearl St., Metuchen; 732‑395‑7767; meximodo.com

Mezcal, Old Bridge

Tacos at Mezcal.

At Mezcal, tacos shed their street‑food reputation for something decidedly more upscale.

This modern Mexican steakhouse has quickly become one of Central Jersey’s toughest reservations thanks to its sultry atmosphere and refined fusion menu. Against a backdrop of sugar skull murals, flame‑lit bars and towering greenery, diners savor braised citrus pork tacos, skirt steak tacos, achiote fish tacos and roasted cauliflower variations.

Those ready to splurge can opt for the 10‑ounce spinealis rib cap, served with corn tortillas, cowboy butter and sides — a centerpiece that pairs seamlessly with Mezcal’s photogenic margaritas and tequila flights.

Go: 292 Route 516, Old Bridge; 732‑724‑5065; mezcalnj.com

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Red Cadillac, Union

Tacos at Red Cadillac in Union.

A vintage 1968 Cadillac Coupe DeVille parked out front sets the tone at Red Cadillac, a family‑run Mexican restaurant steeped in comfort food and street‑style classics.

Chef Joe Montes crafts go‑to favorites such as beer‑battered cod tacos and slow‑roasted pork shoulder, while also offering inventive options like shrimp tempura tacos and strawberry‑glazed jalapeño chicken tacos.

To wash it all down, house margaritas steal the show — especially the Tow Truck Margarita, a towering frozen drink finished with an inverted Coronita.

Go: 2258 Morris Ave., Union; 908‑349‑8411; theredcadillacnj.com

Sofia's Taqueria, Old Bridge

Birria tacos at Sofia's Taqueria.

Heat seekers feel right at home inside Sofia’s Taqueria, where nearly 50 hot sauces line the walls and flames are taken seriously.

From housemade creations to novelty standouts like Da’ Bomb and Satan’s Blood, the choices are dizzying. Signature tacos include carne asada marinated in ancho chili, garlic and pineapple juice, finished with pickled red onions and chimichurri aioli.

Go: 3030 Route 9, Old Bridge; 732‑860‑2020; sofiastaquerianyc.com

More: New Old Bridge Mexican restaurant offers 'secret' guacamole, nearly 50 hot sauces

Tacos de Ojo, Westfield

Tacos made with house-made blue corn tortillas at Taco De Ojo Taqueria.

At Tacos de Ojo in downtown Westfield, the saying “you eat with your eyes first” rings true.

The taqueria — whose name translates to “eye candy” — pairs vibrant décor with carefully plated tacos wrapped in house‑made blue corn masa tortillas. Fillings range from picadillo and chorizo to chicharrón, steak, vegetables and al pastor, finished with Oaxacan cheese.

Go: 106 Central Ave., Westfield; 908‑632‑6822; tacodeojotaqueria.com

Tacowala, Somerville

There are a lot of similarities in ingredients in Mexico and India due to historic trading, which is reflected at Tacowala.

Tacowala proves that tacos don’t need meat — or even Latin roots — to shine.

The all‑vegetarian Mexican‑Indian fusion spot serves street tacos like black magic bean tacos, mushroom tikka tinga tacos and papa picante tacos made with roasted potatoes and layered spices. The blended concept carries into the décor, with murals celebrating both Mexican mariachi and Indian musical traditions.

Go: 133 E. Main St., Somerville; 908‑300‑8690; tacowala.com

Jenna Intersimone.

Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com

Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Where to find the best tacos in Central Jersey

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