Cinco de Mayo is around the esquina! Here’s how you can get in on the action
Cinco de Mayo or May 5 is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, but did you know it actually commemorates Mexico’s military victory over Napoleon III’s French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862? Nowadays, this national feast is meant to celebrate Mexican culture, heritage, and cuisine.
This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Wednesday, pero there’s still plenty of events and promotions going on around the 305 in honor of this fun feast. Not to mention, it also gives us the perfect excuse to down a couple of margaritas in the middle of the week — and who doesn’t like mid-week margs?!
1. Pilo’s Tacos & Tequila Garden
At 5,500 square feet, Pilo’s Tacos’ colorful new outpost combines the restaurant’s authentic, fast-casual Mexican concept with an original and creatively decorated tequila garden (the only one in the 305!). For Cinco de Mayo, Pilo’s is going all out and celebrating with not one but three days of fiesta! On Tuesday, May 4, Pilo’s will be partnering with Cincoro Tequila featuring Cincoro Blanco shots ($12) and a “Cinco-Rita” ($15), plus a tequila tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. For el Cinco the restaurant will be partnering with Dano’s Tequila to ensure a proper celebration with the Tio Loco-Rita ($13), and on Thursday, May 6, Pilo’s Tequila Garden will continue offering Diamond Margaritas ($13) along with specials on Modelo, Corona and Topo Chico!
2. Mayami Mexicantina
This totally cool outdoor spot in Wynwood opened earlier last year and features insect-infused tequila shots! For Cinco de Mayo, Mayami Mexicantina will be partnering with Ocean Drive from 6 to 8 p.m. offering the ultimate celebration with Don Julio bottle specials, as well as a brand new black margarita that guests won’t want to miss!
3. Bodega
This year for Cinco de Mayo Bodega is bringing on the fiesta with live Mariachi bands and DJs all day long, as well as $5 drink specials from 3 to 8 p.m., including frozen margaritas, Cazadores margaritas, shots, Corona beer, and hard seltzers!
4. Calle 23
This Cuban restaurant in Coconut Grove is putting on a Cinco de Mayo party with discounted Patrón Silver margaritas ($7) or shots ($5), and $25 Corona buckets all day Wednesday. Salsa night also comes with $7 mojitos starting at 7 p.m.!
5. Chica Miami
For Cinco de Mayo, this Mexican restaurant by Chef Lorena Garcia is offering special dining menus featuring Baja whole fish tacos and whole duck carnitas for two with tres leches for dessert and a featured cocktail called the “Tomas Estes,” made with reposado tequila, raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice, agave syrup, and lime. There will also be a live DJ and entertainment from 5 p.m. until midnight!
6. Coyo Taco
Cinco de Mayo at all Coyo Taco locations will feature $5 draft margaritas all day, alongside a special menu of tacos, quesadillas, guacamole, and churros. Also at their Wynwood location, the party will go on until midnight inside the restaurant’s speakeasy with a lineup of DJs starting at 8 p.m.!
7. Serena Rooftop
This chic Mexican eatery perched atop the Moxy Hotel in South Beach is offering a special “Serena Margarita” for $10 on May 5, so you can toast to Cinco de Mayo and the incredible ocean views!
8. American Social
For Cinco de Mayo, this popular sports bar in Brickell a whole host of specials including Espolon shos ($6), Corona buckets ($25), Corona bottles ($5), Corona drafts ($4), Modelo drafts and bottles ($4), and your choice of strawberry, passion fruit or classic house margaritas ($4). The bar is also offering food specials like $10 guac and chips, buffalo chicken tacos ($14) and ropa vieja tacos ($14), as well as a featured cocktail, the “Not Your Papi’s Paloma” with Espolon reposado, La Pinta, agave, lime juice and grapefruit soda.
9. Toro Toro
This Pan-Latin restaurant is teaming up with Casamigos for Cinco de Mayo and will be offering a four-course tasting experience featuring special cocktails made with Casamigos tequila. The event will take place starting at 5 p.m. through to 7 p.m. and will be $49 per person.
10. Oh! Mexico
This awesome Mexican spot on Española way will be throwing a day-long fiesta featuring live music, a new special every three hours from noon to 10 p.m., Corona beer bucket specials (four for $20) and margachelas ($39). There will also be a special photo booth with props and fun Cinc-oh! de Mayo t-shirts available for purchase!
See also: Cuba’s Oldest Brewery Has Finally Disembarked In Wynwood & It’s A Tropical Paradise
[Featured image: Instagram / @mayamiwynwood]