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
Florida Continues Push to Beat Out Georgia for Top LB Recruit
After a huge ratings boost in the updated Rivals300 rankings that now has Joakim Gouda as a top-30 prospect in the 2027 class, the Florida Gators remain in contention for the elite Georgia linebacker despite an apparent leader in his recruitment.
Gouda, once unranked by Rivals, is now the second-highest-rated linebacker in his class. He has seen multiple expert predictions to land with Kirby Smart and the in-state Georgia Bulldogs recently. However, the Gators have consistently been in the mix for the athletic backer under Jon Sumrall, with both schools making his top five, as well as Texas, Auburn and Alabama, and official visits scheduled to all remaining contenders.
Despite the smoke around Georgia, Florida will still have a strong shot at the 6-foot-2, 225-pound defender with plenty of time left before his decision is officially made.
“Florida is definitely still strongly in the race,” Gouda told Florida Gators on SI. “I’m just focused on building relationships and taking my time. I’m not rushing a commitment — I want to make the best decision for me and my future.”
Though the Gators offered Gouda only just over two months ago, Florida has wasted no time in aggressively pursuing the talented athlete, who is expected back on campus for a visit this spring on top of his scheduled official visit from June 4 to June 6. While still somewhat early in the building of a relationship, the new staff member has stood out.
“Florida sits in my top 5 because I really like the program and the energy around it right now. Even with a lot of competition, I believe in my ability to compete and contribute.” Gouda said. “I think I could fit in well with Sumrall and the new staff because I’m coachable, hardworking, and focused on team success. I like their energy and vision for the program, and that’s earned them a real chance in my recruitment.”
Florida’s chances will rely heavily on the next few months, however, as Gouda goes through his visits looking for the best program fit amongst multiple premier options. With a long way to go till signing day, the Gators will have plenty of time to prove to the elite prospect that they meet his criteria.
“From Florida, I’m looking for a staff that truly believes in me, a system where I can develop, and a culture that feels like family,” Gouda said. “A program will earn my commitment by showing consistency, developing players, and giving me the best opportunity to grow on and off the field.”
After making 100 tackles during junior season at South Pauling High School (Ga.), Gouda is expected to surge up recruiting rankings as he heads toward a decision next year. While becoming one of the largest risers in his class as of late, the four-star is not getting complacent.
“The attention on Rivals feels good because it shows people are noticing my work,” Gouda said. “…I think it’s just a result of staying consistent and improving every day, but I’m still keeping my head down and grinding.”
The Gators will likely be in it till the end for the potential future five-star Gouda, with Sumrall and staff looking to fight off Smart in his home state and land one of the more exciting prospects at his position in 2027.
More From Florida Gators on SI
Georgia
South Georgia honors Officer Caleb Abney
VALDOSTA Ga. (WALB) – Family, friends, and law enforcement agencies from across South Georgia gathered at Martin Stadium to remember Officer Caleb Abney.
First responders from across the region stood alongside Abney’s family as Lowndes County opened the stadium for the service.
Lowndes County Board member Chris Buescher said community attendance was important.
“Obviously, these first responders give their all to our community. It is important to come out and support them. We are all heartbroken as a community as one Lowndes family,” Buescher said.
Abney’s ties to the community
Buescher noted Abney’s deep roots in Lowndes County, describing his connection to the area beyond his role in law enforcement.
“Caleb was not only a first responder in terms of the fire department, a police officer. He was a former Lowndes County High graduate. He was a former Georgia Bridgeman. So he marched on this very field that these last respects were paid to. So his mom and dad were big volunteers within the school system. So it is important to recognize the sacrifices these first responders make for all of us in the community,” Buescher said.
Procession travels through Lowndes County
The procession exited Lowndes High School and traveled through several roadways across the area. Family members, guests, and first responders made their way to Fellowship Baptist Church.
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Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.
Georgia
Man accused of raping University of Georgia student, police say
ATHENS, Ga. – A 19-year-old is facing assault-related charges after police said he raped a University of Georgia student early Saturday morning while she was walking home.
What we know:
Tydarius Wingfield of Athens allegedly approached the student in the area of 400 North Thomas Street just before 1:40 a.m. and asked to walk her home.
Wingfield and the victim did not know each other.
Wingfield then forced the woman behind a building where he sexually assaulted her, police said.
Investigators used the Real Time Crime Center’s camera system to see where the assault happened and track the victim and Wingfield’s movements. Officers continued tracking Wingfield until his arrest and positively identified him using the RTCC technology.
He is charged with rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery and battery.
An investigation is ongoing.
What we don’t know:
It is unclear whether the victim was taken to the hospital after being attacked.
What you can do:
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Burgamy at Charles.Burgamy@accgov.com or 762-400-7173.
The Source: Information in this report comes from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
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