Break out your sombreros and call in the Mariachi bands because Cinco de Mayo is coming! What better way to get in on the fun than to savor some Mexican cuisine. After all, what can beat a nice meal and maybe a margarita or two (if you’re over 21)?

If you’re jonesing for a fiesta check out these hot restaurants suggested by Brooklyn Public Library staffers:

Mezcals: “The food is awesome, especially their Super Nachos.”

Alma on Columbia Street:  “Great food, great atmosphere, all at an amazing price.”

Barrio Foods on Seventh Avenue: “Delicious, authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices and perfect portions.”

La Taqueria: “The burritos are huge and full of the freshest ingredients.”

California Taqueria on Court Street: “They serve burritos that are the size of your head, amazingly seasoned rice, and shredded chicken to die for.”

Tacos 2004: “This daytime restaurant turns into a dance club at night, so check it out before sunset when you can get some of the freshest, most authentic and cheapest Mexican eats made while you wait.”

Summer is a great time to read. What else will you do on endless beach days or plane rides? Our library staff can tell you what to read (and we’ve done that plenty of times), but let's turn it over to someone else today. Our friend Maggie Gyllenhaal (star of last summer’s The Dark Knight) recently told us about some of her favorites:

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Another Country by James Baldwin

Where I'm Calling From by Raymond Carver

And when reading with her daughter Ramona, she chooses:

Charlotte and the White Horse by Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems

Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak

Tell Me a Mitzi by Lore Groszmann Segal

Stay tuned to our blog for book recommendations, and other fun things to do during the summer, all season long!