Cinco Mexican Cantina: Bringing Latin-Infused Cuisine to Life in Atlanta

If you stop into one of the three Cinco Mexican Cantina locations in Atlanta, you might be surprised by what you will find. Once you step into the door, you will quickly discover that Cinco Mexican Cantina is not your typical Mexican restaurant. Their tag line is “Mexican Food With an Attitude” and they certainly deliver on this claim.

Cinco Mexican Cantina is a family owned and operated business with locations in Akers Mill Square, Vickery Village (Cumming) and Suwanee. The design of the restaurant is decidedly upscale and modern, however, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. I visited the Akers Mill Square location and was surprised by the size of the restaurant itself and the size of the menu. This particular location is a lot bigger than it looks from the street. With an outdoor patio, rooftop deck, full bar and public and semi-private dining areas, there is something for everyone. Not to mention the Sunday brunch menu featuring $5 Bloody Marys and $12.99 bottomless mimosas. If you visit on a weekend night, you can enjoy live music while you sip on one of their award-winning margaritas.

I went in expecting to see items on the menu like tacos and burritos, and I did. However, I did not expect to see items like Salmon a La Parilla (grilled salmon filet and sautéed spinach on a jalepeño potato cake drizzled with a lobster shrimp sauce) and Camarones Pueblo (shrimp sautéed in a creamy chipotle sauce with corn relish served over creamy spinach risotto), and I did. I also did not expect to learn that the owner is actually of Irish descent. This place is full of surprises!

Serving authentic Latin-infused cuisine in an upscale, modern environment has made this chain of restaurants a favorite spot for many Atlantans. I had no idea that they had such a following until I started talking with my coworkers who are Concierges at Class A buildings and luxury residential developments. As a Concierge, you get to know the restaurant scene in Atlanta very well. When I announced that Cinco was going to be our featured partner for the month of April, I immediately received a flood of emails from our staff about how much they love these restaurants. It seems that Cinco has a very loyal following amongst the Concierge Services of Atlanta staff!

So, what makes Cinco so different from other Mexican restaurants? Perhaps it is the fact that all of their menu items are carefully prepared from scratch using only the finest ingredients. Their fire-roasted salsa is made fresh several times a day and their guacamole is always made to order. Perhaps it is their full bar featuring cocktails made from twenty-seven different types of tequila. In fact, one of the owners was quick to let me know that they were serving “Skinny Margaritas” way before it became so fashionable. Their Aztec Margarita is made with Familia Camarena Silver tequila, fresh lime juice and agave nectar making it a great option for those who are watching their calories.

In addition to their restaurants, Cinco also offers a full catering menu. Their catering can be served in house in one of their trendy and sophisticated semi-private and private dining accommodations or can be delivered to another site. Their Catering and Special Events Director is available to assist with anything from venue selection to theme and décor along with a selective list of vendors that they recommend. If you are looking for a place to host a special celebration such as a wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, anniversary party or business meeting, their rooftop deck is a great option. The Catering and Special Events Director will work with you to plan an event that is customized to suit your taste and well as your budget.

If you visit the restaurant, I recommend that you start with an order of the Chipotle-Lime Butterfly Shrimp. The Crab Fritters and made-to- order guacamole are also a must. If you still have room for an entrée, I would recommend the Veal Quesadilla (flour tortilla with grilled veal, Portobello mushrooms and Chihuahua cheese topped with lettuce, truffle cream and roasted corn). And of course, you must try one of their signature margaritas.

Stop by one of Cinco’s three locations today and experience “Mexican Food With and Attitude”. You will not be disappointed. Buen Provecho (that is bon appétit in Spanish)!

About Cinco Restaurants:

Cinco Restaurants is a chain of restaurants with the following locations:

2851 Akers Mill Road, SE

Atlanta, GA 30339

770.952.5550

 5755 N. Vickery Street

Cumming, GA 30040

678.341.6962

 1500 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

Suwanee, GA 30024

678.541.0645

They offer Latin-infused cuisine in a modern, upscale atmosphere as well as a full catering menu. Please visit www.cincorestaurants.com for a listing of their full menu and to book a reservation.

Written By Beth Schultz on Behalf of Concierge Services of Atlanta.