Vote: What’s your go-to Mexican restaurant in Pierce County?

The truth — that Cinco de Mayo is not a major holiday in Mexico — never slows down the early-May celebrations at Mexican restaurants across the United States.

The date commemorates the scrappy Mexican army’s unexpected victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla, 1862. Then-president Benito Juarez declared May 5 a holiday, though Mexico would later lose the war.

The country places greater credence to its independence day, Sept. 16, which recognizes the 1810 Grito de Dolores — when a Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla insisted on the end of Spain’s multi-century rule.

Benito Juarez Day on the third Monday in March, Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 1, and Revolution Day on the third Monday of that same month also are considered to be bigger holidays in Mexico.

With flavorful food that’s great for families and groups, any day of the year is a good day to dig into a platter of enchiladas or chile relleno. When you’d prefer Modelo Especial on tap or a homespun margarita, where do you go? Vote for your favorite full-service Mexican restaurant in Tacoma and Pierce County below.

For the purposes of this survey, we have stuck to sit-down restaurants with a full bar. That is not to exclude the great tacos at taquerias such as Los Tapatios and Brewers Row, or quesabirria and pizzaco at Los Tamales, offered at local counter-service spots and food trucks parked in nondescript lots.

Speaking also to the success of these businesses, most of which are locally owned and operated, a few listed here have more than one location.

If we missed your favorite, send an email to TNT Diner with the name and address, and stay tuned for the winners next week.

This story was originally published May 2, 2022 at 1:27 PM.