You don’t need a reason to eat tacos. But when Cinco de Mayo lands on a Tuesday — and Bryan has an official Taco Trail with over 40 spots to hit — well, the universe is basically doing the planning for you.
Here’s how to make the most of it.
Get to Town Early — The Fun Starts May 1
If you’re rolling into Bryan for the week, don’t wait until the 5th to get started.
First Friday in Historic Downtown Bryan kicks off on May 1st with live music, local vendors, and the kind of downtown energy that makes you want to stay longer than you planned. 🔗 More Info
Make It a Full Weekend
On May 2nd, El Campo Lost Lagoon RV Resort is throwing a Cinco de Mayo Fest featuring live performances by La Sombra de Tony Guerrero, Chente Barrera y Taconazo, Lucky Joe, and Monico Cortez (MC2 y Los Bad Hombres), plus DJ Gabe. It’s open to the public — presale tickets are $35, day-of is $45. A great excuse to hang out with fellow campers and RVers before the main event. 🔗 More Info
Then Tuesday, You Taco.
The Bryan Taco Trail is the real star of Cinco de Mayo week. Sign up for your free digital passport, check in at participating restaurants, earn points, and redeem them for prizes — stickers, a t-shirt, a baseball cap, or a stainless water bottle.
With over 40 locally-owned spots on the trail, you could spend all week and still have places left to try. Here’s a taste of what’s waiting:
Taqueria Poblana — Al pastor straight off the trompo, slow-roasted with fresh pineapple. Texas Monthly put them in the Tacopedia. Twice. 🔗 More Info
Don Chente — Traditional tacos with a coastal spin. The birria queso tacos are the move.
Proudest Monkey — Bordering the Queen Theatre in Downtown Bryan, this one’s been holding it down since 2012. Try the Ranch Hand or the License to Krill.
Jesse’s Taqueria & Bakery — Infamously large tacos since 2012. The breakfast taco lineup alone is worth the stop.
Taqueria El Tio — Hole-in-the-wall in the best possible way. Order the al pastor, beef or chicken fajita, and a Coke. You’ll figure out the rest.
Casa Monarca — Elevated Mexican cuisine in Historic Downtown Bryan. Birria quesadillas, empanadas, enchiladas verdes. A little fancier, still very worth it.
And that’s barely scratching the surface. There are 40+ spots on the trail — traditional taquerias, food trucks, fusion spots, and everything in between.
Pro tip: After you sign up, watch the Bryan Taco Trail intro video all the way to the end. There’s a 4-digit code at the finish that unlocks 400 bonus points just for watching. 🔗 Sign Up for the Bryan Taco Trail
Round Out the Night
If you’ve still got gas in the tank after your taco run, Grand Station Entertainment in College Station is hosting a Cinco de Mayo night on May 5th from 6–9PM — DIY papel picado flags, paper flowers, $5 margaritas, $5 tequilas, and their spicy margarita on special all week. College Night kicks off at 9PM with $2 bowling, $2 shoe rentals, $2 laser tag, and $2 mini golf. Perfect for wrapping up the week right. 🔗 More Info
Bryan knows how to do Cinco de Mayo right — and with Taco Tuesday giving you the perfect excuse, there’s no better week to be here. Grab your passport, work the trail, and when the tacos are done and the margaritas are history, come rest your shells with us.