Cinco de Mayo Red River Gorge | Mexican restaurants near RRG | Where to eat tacos in Slade and beyond
Whether you're hiking hard or hardly hiking, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to eat extra queso and raise a margarita in honor of sunshine, salsa, and solid decisions.
While Red River Gorge is best known for sandstone cliffs and scenic overlooks, it also brings the heat with several Mexican restaurants within a short drive. Whether you're craving street tacos, sizzling fajitas, or a pitcher of frozen bliss after a long day on the trail, we've got your south-of-the-border cravings covered.
Here’s where to fiesta near the Gorge—Cinco de Mayo style (or really, anytime you're taco-motivated).
🌮 1. La Cabana Mexican Restaurant
📍 Slade, KY
The OG Mexican joint of the Gorge scene. La Cabana is a favorite among hikers, climbers, and post-zipline celebrators alike. It’s casual, quick, and home to margaritas that taste better after leg day.
What to order:
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Queso dip + chips (mandatory)
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Fajita quesadilla
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Chimichangas or carnitas tacos
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Frozen margarita (yes, get the large. You're on vacation.)
👉 Cinco de Mayo tip: Expect a crowd and festive energy—get there early to grab a seat on the patio!
🌯 2. Red River Cantina
📍 Beattyville, KY
Just a quick drive from Slade, Red River Cantina is a laid-back spot with friendly service, generous portions, and a crowd-pleasing menu. It’s a great post-hike stop or a chill Cinco dinner if you’re avoiding the rush in Slade.
What to order:
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Street tacos
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Burrito Loco
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House margaritas (strong and simple)
👉 Cinco de Mayo tip: This one’s a hidden gem—easy to miss, easy to love.
🌶️ 3. Mi Finca Mexican Grill
📍 Campton, KY
Mi Finca brings bold flavors and friendly vibes right in the heart of Campton. It’s cozy, colorful, and serves up a wide menu perfect for picky eaters, spice-lovers, and indecisive diners alike.
What to order:
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Carne asada
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Shrimp tacos
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Piña colada or lime margarita
👉 Cinco de Mayo tip: Great pit stop if you’re staying near Wolfe Lake or exploring Campton’s side of the Gorge.
🍹 4. Mi Hacienda Mexican Grill
📍 Clay City, KY
Tucked just outside the southern edge of the Gorge, Mi Hacienda is a welcoming, festive restaurant with flavor-packed plates and big drinks to match. It’s perfect for a scenic dinner drive or an off-the-beaten-path Cinco celebration.
What to order:
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Molcajete (a sizzling must)
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Birria tacos
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Jumbo margarita with salt (or tajín if you’re spicy)
👉 Cinco de Mayo tip: Save room for dessert—rumor has it, the churros are worth the drive alone.
🧀 Honorable Mentions (Not Mexican, But Worth the Carb Load)
If your Cinco plans involve eating like you hiked 10 miles—even if you didn’t—check out:
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Hop’s at the Gorge – nachos, draft beer, and live music
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Miguel’s Pizza – not tacos, but hey, carbs are carbs
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Toad’s – burgers, pizzas and more plus fun drinks
TL;DR: Cinco de Mayo Fuel-Up Guide
✅ La Cabana (Slade) – festive and fun
✅ Red River Cantina (Beattyville) – laid-back and hearty
✅ Mi Finca (Campton) – bold flavors + friendly service
✅ Mi Hacienda (Clay City) – festive dinner with flare
✅ Bonus: Hop’s, Toad’s, and Miguel’s for alt-fiesta energy
Final Thought:
You don’t need to be in Mexico to enjoy Cinco de Mayo—you just need a table full of tacos, a cold drink in your hand, and maybe a little salsa on your shirt. Whether you're here for the weekend or just in it for the enchiladas, Red River Gorge has more flavor than you'd expect.
Book your stay with Vacation Alchemist, and we’ll point you to the best taco trailheads, margarita stops, and fiesta-friendly cabins. ¡Salud!