Cinco de Mayo in Clearwater, FL |

There’s something about Cinco de Mayo that does it. You suddenly have a craving for Mexican food and an ice cold beer. (And no, you can’t get coronavirus from drinking a Corona.)

How did Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for ‘Fifth of May’) originate into a mad dash for tacos and enchiladas? The date originally commemorated the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Yet, even so, the day is more popularly celebrated in the United States than in Mexico and has become associated with a recognition of Mexican-American culture. And while approximately 18 percent of Clearwater’s population is Hispanic or Latino, only a portion of that demographic is of Mexican descent.

Normally – in a non-COVID-19 world – people in the U.S. attend parades with colorfully dressed dancers, listen to lively Mexican mariachi folk music and consume millions of avocados in traditional eats such as guacamole.

Still, whether you’re carefully venturing out or still staying safely at home, Clearwater does have a number of outstanding places to enjoy this colorful culture’s food. While some restaurants have opened for limited seating, others have not, but still serve up take out or delivery. In any case, the following locales in Clearwater offer tasty Mexican food to satisfy your every craving:

Tijuana Flats

Patio dining, take out, delivery, sales of paper goods (like that hard-to-find tp!), hot sauces, beer and water

2849 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater

727-469-7933

https://order.tijuanaflats.com/menu/tijuana-flats-gulf-to-bay