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Great date spots for Cinco de Mayo

Where to drop two straws in a margarita

The Matador is one of the sexiest, most romantic spots in Tacoma. Photo courtesy of Matador

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Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year. While you may not want to go out and party hardy with the margaritas, there's nothing wrong with skipping home cooking that night and heading out for a little Mexican food! But that's no reason to head to Taco Bell either. Tacoma has a great Mexican restaurant lineup, many of which have a touch of romance to their atmospheres perfect for a date night. Whether you head out on Tuesday night or save your chips and salsa for the weekend. Ole!
 
The Matador (721 Pacific Ave.)

One of the area's most romantic Mexican restaurants is The Matador, hands down. Wrought iron railings, a wall of tequila, high ceilings, exposed brick walls and dark hard woods inside give this hotspot an atmosphere that's comfortable yet more upscale than your average Mexican joint. Weekday nights can be a great time to dine here (especially since they don't take reservations so you'll wait at peak times), but aim to come during happy hour. The Matador is famous for its $5 mountains of nachos as well as other happy hour treats - from taco plates to bacon-wrapped jalapenos. The only downside is the happy hour prices are food only, but while the drinks stay full price, they're still mighty fine drinks. Mmm, sangria. 

La Fondita (2620 N. Proctor)
Tucked into the quaint Proctor District, Taqueria La Fondita is equally cute and quaint. If you prefer cozy over ritzy, this is the place for you. Taqueria's small dining room is especially intimate if you dine earlier in the evening and you may even have the place all to yourself. You can also dine in the attached bar, which is often a quiet place to enjoy drinks and some appetizers throughout the evening.

Vuelve a la Vida (5312 Pacific Ave.)
So Vuelve a la Vida is not a ritzy restaurant, but it deserves a spot on any Cinco de Mayo restaurant listing as it's likely the most authentic Mexican food you'll find in Tacoma. Where this place lacks in ritz (unless you consider paintings of happy octopuses and shrimp in hammocks on the walls ritzy), it makes up for in sheer deliciousness. Fresh, forward flavors make up the menu, from ceviche to fish tacos to amazing tamales. Order a margarita, too - you won't find any blender slush here. Be warned: this place does not serve chips and salsa!

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