Hola. In anticipation of Cinco de Mayo happening in six days, for the latest edition of Patch Picks, we've assembled a list of our favorite Mexican food restaurants in Santa Monica.

They're all distinct, so make sure you're heading to the right place for menudo (Gilbert's El Indio), tacos (Tacos Por Favor) and pollo en mole (Lares). And don't forget to tip the mariachi band.

¡Salud!

Patch Picks: Top 5 Mexican Restaurants

1. Tacos Por Favor: The long lunch lines that regularly spill out the door of this off-the-beaten-path restaurant earn it the top spot on this list. TPF is affordable, fast—and the food is of remarkable quality in light of those two things. This isn't the ideal place to take a date, but count yourself lucky if you work within walking distance of 14th and Olympic. (Cash only.)

2. Lares: Unlike the above, Lares is a fitting place for romance, what with mariachi trios cruising the floor, dim lighting and a decorative interior. It's also more expensive—but it's worth it: The authentic Mexican cuisine that's served here has succeeded for more than four decades. The savanitas and chuletas con papas are among the most popular dishes.

3. El Cholo: If you're after a worthy happy hour margarita, this is probably the best destination on the list—and the best one for 20-somethings in general. Consider the enclosed outdoor dining area if you're kicking back with co-workers on an early Friday evening. Inside, there's good air circulation, which keeps the temperature low and the savory smells flowing. Beware: The dishes are heavy and the portions are large.

4. Border Grill: The best source of Mexican food that you'll find if you're near the promenade, this restaurant offers smaller and lighter portions than the other ones on this list. It's also trendier, but not to a suffocating degree. Border Grill has a popular happy hour that starts at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; it goes from 4 to 7 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

5. Gilbert's El Indio: If you're looking for a rich Mexican breakfast, look no further than here. There's an early-bird special from 8 a.m. to noon on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends. The most family-friendly restaurant on this list, Gilbert's is usually packed, but the service is swift. This place's dishes are also heavy and the portions large. (Cash only.)