May 5 falls on a Monday this year, meaning San Antonio’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations may be more subdued. Alamo City will barely be able to pop two aspirins before Fiesta blends into the holiday. If raging on the River Walk seems too intense after the weekend, embrace the cherished holiday with our guide to San Antonio’s hidden gem Mexican restaurants serving authentic regional fare, Tex-Mex specialties, and punchy margaritas.

Birria Barrio
From eggrolls to quessabirria tacos to, occasionally, giant Hot Cheeto balls, there are plenty of things to dip in consomé at this Southtown window. But, dang, everything tastes even better when doused in the incredible orange salsa. Pick up a bottle of the new miche mix for next weekend’s brunch.

Cascabel Mexican Patio
We can’t help it if you downed too many preparadas watching the Fiesta Flambeau parade. This Southtown favorite is only open for three hours on Monday. Catch up on sleep Sunday, then rally between 11 am-2 pm to enjoy some of San Antonio’s most healing soups. The pozole is a perennial favorite, but the veggie-rich caldo tlalpeño might have even more oomph to set your life on track.

Los Azulelos Restaurante Bar
Chef Diego Gonzalez takes traditional street food to new heights at this colorful spot. Al pastor tacos are shaved from a trompo, then slathered with a swirl of avocado mousse, and hamburguesa Mexicana is mixed with housemade chorizo and a tumble of caramelized onions. Pluck some hair of the dog with an original cocktail, like a chamoy martini or tequila old fashioned. Frozen margaritas are perfectly acceptable, too.

Aguachile at Los Azulelos Restaurante.Los Azulelos Restaurante Bar/ Facebook

Loncheria El Popo
Why did Garfield hate Mondays? He was too busy stuffing his maw with lasagna instead of sandwiches from this no-frills shop. The yeasty lonches come in only four varieties, a blessing for the early weekday brain. Choose from weenie, hamburguesa, jamon, or ternera (veal) and prepare for that 3 pm Zoom call.

Teran’s Cafe
This East Side spot opens at 3 am, so, theoretically, locals could ride the Fiesta wave straight through to a Cinco de Mayo breakfast. The hand-written menus list a cavalcade of affordable tacos, all served on pillowy homemade tortillas. Be warned that the portions are huge. Most people will only need one, though there’s some wisdom in pocketing a bean and cheese for later.

Tlahco Mexican Kitchen
It’s a shame Frito Lay has the temerity to call their beige paste “bean dip.” Tlaco’s signature appetizer, spiked with chorizo, is from a different reality. In fact, make a meal out of botanas like a grilled jalapeño stuffed with panela cheese and a fresher take on carnival esquites.

Yatzil Mexican Restaurant
This West Side jewel is a must-visit for its mural alone, a psychedelic Aztec fantasia that snakes around the corner storefront. The interior is less remarkable for the decor than what’s on the plate. The rustic chile relleno is a particular favorite.