Georgia
Cinco de Mayo is one week away. These 13 Mexican Restaurants are considered best in Georgia
Birria taco recipe using Instant Pot
Make quick and delicious birria tacos with your pressure cooker.
Problem Solved
Whether it’s for Cinco de Mayo coming soon or just another Taco Tuesday, people love Mexican restaurants. Georgia has a lot of them, but which are the best?
Explore Georgia ranked the top spots of several cities across the state. Here are the ones they highlighted:
Location: 1225 N Chase St, Athens
Menu highlights: Tortas, fajitas, parrilladas
Review: “Tlaloc is technically El Salvadorian, but they offer all of the Mexican classics. This place is the gold standard for any Mexican dish. Their tacos are top-notch….tortas, burritos, etc. The salsa is the best part. Most importantly, they sell these things called Papusas which are basically El Salvadorian hot pockets filled with cheese, jalapeños, beans, and chorizo. Definitely one of my top overall food recommendations in Athens!”
Location: 1495 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta
Menu highlights: Quesadilla De La Casa, Holy Tacos, Cadillac Crab Cakes
Review: “Staff is super competent and welcoming. Our drinks were refilled numerous times and the free chips and salsa were amazing. We also got the queso which was delicious. My son and friend split the beef fajitas with an extra order of flour tortillas, other friend got chicken enchiladas, my husband ordered the shrimp barbacoa, and I tried the Holy Tacos, a vegetarian dish which was unique to me and delicious.”
Location: Alpharetta area
Menu highlights: Mexy tacos, BBQ sweet fries, Mexy Mac and Cheese
Review: “There’s nothing fancy about this hole-in-the-wall find tucked into an East Roswell strip mall, but look to the giant truck painted on the wall to know why. With its origins in one of the city’s more recognizable food trucks, this mostly takeaway spot (there are a few stools if you want to dine right away) is the brick-and-mortar purveyor of Southern soul food and Mexican mashups – think jalapeño mac ‘n’ cheese or burritos bursting with collards and barbecue.”
Location: 3107 Washington Rd, Augusta
Menu highlights: Pizza birria, margarita towers, Burrito el Patron
Review: “This is the place to go for some guaranteed good Mexican food. I came here specifically for the sopes which were excellent. I love their abundant meat options….The service is amazing. They are so nice, and when our little one was having a rough time the waitress came over and tried playing with him and helping out. Every time a server would pass by they’d stop and smile at him and you could tell he was the most popular guy in the shop.”
Location: 4114 E First St, Blue Ridge
Menu highlights: Gorditas, burritos, flautas
Review: “A year later and we came back to visit this little town again. One of the main reasons for this entire trip is to visit this resturaunt and have their delicious food. Their service is great and it seems since the last visit they’ve added some more tables and painted some walls. What a great place.”
Location: 5701 Altama Ave, Brunswick
Menu highlights: Tostadas, carnitas, Guisado De La Casa
Review: “This is our spot! The food is great! It’s like a family style ambiance, and the service is always on point! The beer and margaritas are delicious and always cold. From the tacos to the carnitas are to die for! You won’t be disappointed.”
Location: 82 E Main St, Dahlonega
Menu highlights: Brunch burritos, corn flatbread, Texas brisket with cheese chimi
Review: “We were visiting Dahlonega for three days and this was the best meal we had…. They brought a huge bowl of awesome nacho chips when we sat down that were thin and very crispy along with the best salsa I’ve ever had….The portions were not overwhelmingly large as in a lot of Mexican restaurants, but our chimichanga and enchiladas were very tasty and filling.The house margaritas were really good, I had two! For dessert I had the Fried Ice Cream which was delightful and huge.”
Location: 1501 Rice Ave, Dublin
Menu highlights: Torta Azteca, paella, Chori-Pollo
Review: “What a gem in Dublin….La Joya’s customer service and food was excellent….We ordered and were surprised how fast our food came out. I ordered the carnitas, my hubby ordered the bistec Mexicana and our kids ordered kids meals. I also ordered the hibiscus tea, which is delicious. It’s a small place but the dining area is cozy. Great service, great food, and great prices. If you like Mexican food, try this place.”
Location: 4646 Forsyth Rd, Macon
Menu highlights: Mexican street corn dip, Nachos Ala Bar-Ba-Coa, Quesadilla Birria Taco
Review: “This has been my go to Mexican restaurant for years. They are friendly and accommodating. I have had most of what’s offered on the menu and it’s all good. My dad was there for his 94th birthday and he wanted butter pecan ice cream. They walked over to Kroger to get him some buttter pecan ice cream. I was surprised by that touching gesture for him.”
Location: 930 Morgans Corner Rd, Pooler
Menu highlights: Mushroom tacos, empanadas, Mexi-Chickpea Bowl
Review: “We came here for lunch and I am so glad we did! We were greeted when we walked in and seated quickly in a booth. Our waiter was kind and attentive. I liked the salsa that came with the chips! I ordered the Mexi-chicken bowl and it was so flavorful and delicious! I would definitely order that again! I definitely want to come back and try more dishes as well!”
Location: 200 Redfern Village, St Simons Island
Menu highlights: Fried calamari, tacos, Jalapeño Pesos
Review: “Easiest five stars I have ever given a place. Now I’m biased because I have incredibly fond memories of going here when it first opened but it’s among some of the best Tex-Mex I have ever had. It’s incredibly casual….the staff are very friendly and attentive….the ingredients used are all very fresh and tasty. Even some of the most average Mexican food can satiate a cravings.”
Locations: In Savannah at 109 Whitaker St and 7360 Skidaway Rd
Menu highlights: Carnitas, mole, Plátano Macho Con Queso Fresco
Review: “Dude….this place is just really clean and fresh! Great salsa with a kick and the dang tacos are on time! Love it and will be back. Note: Try the Esquites and share with your partner.”
Location: 1300 N Ashley St, Valdosta
Menu highlights: Huaraches, molcajete, asadas
Review: “Decided to stop here for lunch due to all my friends telling me how badly I need to go. Y’all, this place is no joke. This is the most authentic Mexican food I’ve had since I’ve lived in Valdosta. I got tacos, but of course they have a wide variety of other things. The food was fresh, and fast, and our server was super sweet and helpful. Also, get the horchata to drink! This is going to become my weekly spot for Taco Tuesday now. Plus it is super affordable.”
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
Georgia
Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says
A McDuffie County man is facing multiple felony charges after Georgia authorities say he trafficked and sexually exploited a 17-year-old girl.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Monday that Jimmy Mance, 40, of Thomson, has been charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude and sexual exploitation of a child.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the case stems from allegations that the teenager was sold for sex, with the victim later recovered in December 2025.
“This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in every corner of this state,” Carr said in a statement. “If you buy or sell a child for sex, we will find you, arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Charges filed
Authorities say Mance is facing several charges, including:
- Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (harboring a minor)
- Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (providing a minor)
- Two counts of sexual exploitation of a child involving explicit material
Warrants were taken out on April 13 by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation and arrest, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office, Thomson Police Department, and sheriff’s offices in Columbia and Bibb counties.
Statewide crackdown on trafficking
The case highlights Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly involving minors.
The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit — created in 2019 — has secured more than 70 convictions and helped rescue or assist over 200 children, according to state officials.
Carr expanded the unit last year to include additional prosecutors and investigators serving Augusta and surrounding counties, part of a broader push to target trafficking networks statewide.
Officials say the unit works alongside local and state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases involving sexual exploitation and forced labor.
What happens next
Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Mance is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case remains under investigation.
Georgia
NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit
Hurst’s development could go in two distinct directions. If he emphasizes precision, refines his routes, and adds a little muscle to his frame, Hurst could become an aspiring A.J. Green – a big-play primary receiver who can defeat press-man coverage and run the full route tree.
If Hurst bulks up further and his route tree is limited, he could become a big-play possession option like Tee Higgins who isn’t asked to run as full of a route tree and wins with his size at the boundary.
There’s reason for optimism that Hurst will become a weekly contributor in the league. It’s probably a stretch to believe Hurst will become a top-end primary receiver, but others with his athletic gifts have done it before.
Hurst has a medium-high floor with a high ceiling. That’s worth the investment.
Georgia
2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 12: Russell Henley of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Get
AUGUSTA, Ga. – While Rory McIlroy took home the green jacket, local favorites and former University of Georgia standouts made a major impact at Augusta National this year.
2026 Masters: Rory McIlroy survives late drama to win second green jacket
What we know:
Russell Henley delivered the best performance among the former Georgia Bulldogs in the field.
The Macon native surged into contention during the final round, finishing in a tie for third place at 10-under par. He ended the tournament just two strokes behind McIlroy.
By the numbers:
Several other players with local ties finished under par for the tournament:
- Patrick Reed: The Augusta University alum finished in 12th place at 5-under par after a final-round 73.
- Harris English: The former Bulldog kept a steady pace to finish tied for 30th at 1-under par.
- Brian Harman: The 2023 Open winner finished tied for 33rd at even par.
- Sepp Straka: The UGA alum finished at 2-over par in a tie for 41st place.
Dig deeper:
Not every local star saw the weekend. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson missed the cut after finishing 5-over par on Friday.
Joining him on the sidelines was 18-year-old Mason Howell, a future Georgia Bulldog who was the youngest player in the 2026 field. Howell finished at 9-over par.
Local perspective:
The strong showing by Henley and other University of Georgia alumni provided plenty of highlights for local fans.
With multiple players finishing in the top 40, the “Bulldog pro” presence remains a dominant storyline at Augusta National.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Augusta National tournament scoring records.
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