Cinco De Mayo II in Baltimore: Authentic Yucatecan and Regional Mexican Food in Fells Point
Cinco De Mayo II is a sit-down Mexican restaurant in Fells Point that specializes in Yucatecan cuisine and regional Mexican dishes beyond the standard Tex-Mex offerings found across Baltimore. The kitchen turns out handmade tortillas, slow-roasted meats, and salsas made to order, drawing on recipes specific to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and interior regions. It operates as a neighborhood spot with counter seating, tables, and a full bar, positioned as a more ingredient-focused alternative to casual chains.
What Cinco De Mayo II actually offers
The restaurant's menu splits between Yucatecan specialties (cochinita pibil, a pit-roasted pork traditionally marinated in annatto and citrus; ropa vieja made with shredded beef; panuchos, fried hand-pressed tortillas filled with black beans and topped with protein) and broader regional Mexican plates. The kitchen makes fresh corn tortillas throughout service rather than warming pre-made ones. Entrees arrive with rice, beans, and house salsa. The bar stocks tequilas organized by type and region, Mexican beer, and horchata made in-house. A small selection of aguas frescas (hibiscus, tamarindo) rotates seasonally.
Menu pricing and ordering
Entrees range from $14 to $20, with cochinita pibil and carne asada priced at the higher end. Combination plates that pair two proteins with sides cost $16 to $22. Appetizers (ceviche, flautas, queso fundido) run $8 to $12. Tacos served as a pair cost $5 to $8 depending on filling. Margaritas and house cocktails are priced at $9 to $11; tequila neat starts at $6 and climbs depending on the bottle's age and origin. The restaurant does not charge for chips and salsa at the table. Prices are current as of early 2024; confirm specifics before visiting.
How it compares to other Mexican restaurants in Baltimore
Cinco De Mayo II differs from casual, rapid-service Mexican spots like Chipotle or Qdoba in method and ingredient sourcing: handmade tortillas and slow-cooked regional proteins require a longer kitchen time and command higher prices. It also differs from upscale Mexican fine-dining venues like Clavel in Canton, which emphasizes plating, wine pairings, and tasting menus. Cinco De Mayo II sits in the middle: it prioritizes authenticity and technique without the ceremony or premium pricing of Clavel, and it avoids the assembly-line model. Compared to other neighborhood Yucatecan options in Fells Point or Canton, Cinco De Mayo II's consistency with hand-pressed tortillas and made-to-order salsas sets it apart from restaurants that source tortillas or sauces pre-made.
Who suits this restaurant, and who does not
This restaurant works well for diners who want genuine Yucatecan cooking and are willing to wait 25 to 35 minutes for an entree to be made. It suits groups and couples looking for a casual meal with alcohol in a neighborhood setting. Counter seating allows solo diners to watch the kitchen. It does not suit diners seeking fast casual speed or those unfamiliar with Yucatecan ingredients and cooking (panuchos or cochinita pibil may be unfamiliar to first-time visitors). The dining room is moderate in volume, so it is not ideal for those seeking a quiet conversation, particularly on weekend evenings. Limited vegetarian entrees may not satisfy strict plant-based diets beyond black bean plates and quesadillas.
What the first visit involves
Walk in and take a seat at the counter or a table; there is no hostess stand. A server brings chips, salsa (house-made, mildly spiced), and the menu. Expect to spend 5 to 10 minutes reading the menu if unfamiliar with Yucatecan terms; servers offer explanations and recommendations without pushing. The cochinita pibil is the strongest opening order: meat is tender, mildly acidic from the citrus marinade, and arrives shredded with pickled onions on the side. Order it with fresh corn tortillas and house rice. If ordering a margarita or beer, they arrive quickly. Kitchen wait times are posted verbally or visible if you sit at the counter. Plan for a 45-minute to one-hour visit from entry to departure.
Hours, location, and parking
Cinco De Mayo II is located in Fells Point. Hours typically run Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with Monday closed. Street parking is available on nearby blocks; the restaurant does not have dedicated lot parking. Confirm current hours before a visit, as weekday evening hours can shift seasonally.
Cinco De Mayo II fills a specific gap in Baltimore's Mexican food landscape: home-technique cooking in a casual neighborhood setting, neither fast nor formal. For diners who value handmade components and regional accuracy over speed or price, it warrants the wait.
