For a state that is 2,821.8 miles from Mexico, the quest for authentic (not Taco Bell) flavors for this Friday on Cinco de Mayo, depends on the establishment. Here are some places all around the Midcoast where you can get the flavors you’re craving.

Ada’s Kitchen

How does an Italian restaurant in Rockland get into this category? The proof is in the mix—mixology, that is. They have some of the craftiest bartenders in the Midcoast and for Cinco de Mayo, they will be offering $6 classic margs with a choice of a Blackberry-Basil, Spicy Watermelon, or Coconut Water Marg for $7. They also offer margaritas to go. FMI: facebook.com/AdasKitchenBar

The Apron

This fast-casual eatery located inside the Knox County Regional Airport in Owls Head, Maine was recently profiled in a Pen Bay Pilot story. Owner-cook Matthew Stilphen has a propensity for street food and slow-cooked, smoked meats such as brisket and BBQ, and regularly adds slow-simmered tacos, such as carnitas, Americanos, and sweet potato to the daily menu. FMI: facebook.com/OwlsHeadApron

Föda Restaurant

This Friday, Föda, Appleton’s only restaurant, which Pen Bay Pilot profiled, is doing something a little different, kicking off a farmer’s market from 3 to 6 p.m. Since it will be Cinco de Mayo, they will be offering tacos for a street-style food option. FMI: facebook.com/fodarestaurant

Park Street Grill

No Midcoast Cinco de Mayo list is complete without this locally-owned fixture in Rockland serving American, Mexican, and southwestern fare as well as award-winning margaritas. You can always get $6 a la carte tacos (chicken, shredded, or ground beef) or the mega-popular Tostada Salad, which is like a taco folded into a salad.  FMI: facebook.com/parkstreetgrille

Sophia’s

This underground chill bar in Belfast which Pen Bay Pilot profiled in a story, is super low-key about how they advertise. However, we got word they will be doing a Cinco de Mayo special food offering of chimichangas (beef and yucca & beef and plaintain) as well as more authentic Mexican snacks. FMI: instagram.com/sophiaisabarhttps://www.facebook.com/TracksideStation/

Trackside Station

Trackside in Rockland is hosting an entire menu dedicated to Cinco de Mayo on Friday with margarita specials and sweet chili chicken tacos along with more Mexican-inspired dishes. FMI: facebook.com/TracksideStation/

Wiley’s

Wiley’s, which opens for the first time in Rockland this Friday on 346 Main Street, will be offering a host of tacos with corn tortillas, cotija cheese, cilantro, and line with toppings including pork, vegetable, and chicken between $3 and $6.  The shack will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Story from Pen Bay Pilot coming soon! FMI:instagram.com/wileysonmain

Honorable Mention

The Block Saloon

The Block Saloon, based in Thomaston, has revived their lunch menu to include a “Taco Lunch” Tue & Wed: from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with varieties that change daily, with $6 offerings such as shrimp, Korean beef, Polo Asado, and veggie. While there is no word that they’ll be offering this on Cinco De Mayo, they’re also renowned for their craft cocktails, so get yourself a hot twist on t hhe classic marg: The Hot Blooded (spicy tequila, blood orange, lime, and agave). FMI: www.facebook.com/theblocksaloon

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com