¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! In case you didn’t know, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in which Mexico fought off an invasion of Napoleon III’s French forces. This was only one battle during the Second Franco-Mexican War, which then didn’t end for another five years, but the holiday serves as a remembrance of Mexican resistance.
You might be more familiar with the early May celebration of Mexican culture, which takes place on Sunday, May 5. Check out these 10 local spots celebrating and serving up specials this week. So pour the tequila, squeeze the lime, salt the rim + celebrate responsibly.
A Texans’ favorite sign | Photo via @taco.heads
🪅 Get the party started
Cinco in the District
| Cultural District
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Mexican American art and culture with a festival from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring three art exhibitions, performances from local ballet folkloricos and mariachis, vendors and food trucks.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
| La Gran Plaza
Join the cultural festival with regional Mexican bands, ballet folklorico dance performances, local Hispanic vendors, and themed photo spots.
Tacos and Margs Crawl
| West 7th
Kick off the weekend with a Saturday, May 4 bar crawl including featured margarita and street taco pairings, giveaways, and prizes.
Pacos | The Magnolia Avenue restaurant is holding a family-friendly Cinco de Mayo Pop-Up with 14 local vendors, mariachis, a bounce house + food and drink specials from 12 to 7 p.m.
Blue Goose Cantina | Celebrate with piñata smashing, paleta carts with boozy frozen treats, margaritas blended with the power of a bicycle, and $5 drink specials.
What’s more festive than a strawberry-lime swirl margarita.
Photo courtesy of Chuy’s Tex-Mex
🍹 Fuel up with local specials
Chuy’s Tex-Mex | Start your Cinco de Mayo off with $6 margaritas and $1 tequila floaters while you munch on $5 chips and dips.
Toro Toro | Savor the holiday with flavor and culture at this downtown eatery, featuring a five-fruit margarita special + dishes like pulpo al pastor tacos with grilled pineapple.
Birdie’s Social Club | Party all weekend long with live music by local artists and mariachi bands + $6 margaritas, queso, tacos and quesadilla specials.
Bearded Lady | Enjoy margarita and queso specials with a Cinco menu takeover including crunch wraps, Mexican pizza, tajin fried pickles, churro bites, and mangonadas.
Paloma Suerte | Sip all weekend long with $20 frozen margarita flights and $40 Código Tequila tasting flights.