Cinco de Mayo is less than two weeks away (not that we’re counting down) and Miami is gearing up for one of the biggest celebrations it’s seen in a while. Seemingly every restaurant and bar in the city, Mexican or not, is offering specials on food and drink (read: lots of cheap tequila is coming your way) as early as May 4. Here’s what’s on tap so far and be sure to check back for an update on the onslaught of deals to come.
The Doral restaurant extends its happy hour specials (normally available Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm) all day Saturday. House margaritas are $5.95 ($8.95 for the grande), house Texas martinis are $9.75 and domestic beers are $4.
Brunch at the Aventura spot on Saturday or Sunday, May 5 and 6, respectively, and enjoy Micheladas instead of boring ol’ bloody Marys.
This Argentinean restaurant foregoes the malbecs for margaritas, priced at just $6 all day Saturday. Diners also receive complimentary Viola Italian craft beer.
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina
If you find yourself at the Fontainebleau on Cinco de Mayo, make your way to this lower-level restaurant for a $45 prix-fixe dinner, featuring an assortment of Mexican dishes (tacos, tamales, nachos) and a 1-ounce pour of Revolución tequila.
The Brickell spot turns up at noon (and stays open late) with a full day of celebrations that includes mariachis, a DJ, free sombreros for all diners and a $10 special on a shot of Revolución Silver tequila and a Coronita.
Enjoy a very Cuban Cinco at this Little Havana bar, offering a two-for-one deal on Sauza Hornitos margaritas plus live music from noon to 10pm on its famous pineapple stage.
Downtown Dadeland Cinco de Mayo
Make your Mexican fiesta a family affair at this outdoor event presented by Lime Fresh Mexican Grill. The party starts at 5pm and you do not want to be late: DJ Volkmusik and a mariachis band are set to perform and there’s going to be live face-painting and balloon animals for the kiddos. Guests can enjoy $2 Corona and Corona Light all day at Lime. 7250 N Kendall Dr
Cinco de Mayo is on a Saturday this year, so why not make it a beach day? Swing by Lolo’s on your way to or from the sand for various $8 tequila-based cocktails, $4 Mexican beers and an assortment of delicious eats like grilled fajitas for two (or one if you’re feeling extra hungry).
Once you’ve had your fill of day drinking, make your way to the Downtown club for $3 Coronas and $3 Avión tequila shots, available from 10pm to midnight.
Stop in at any of the sports bar’s three locations between Friday, May 4, and Sunday, May 6, for a trio of tacos ($7.99), $3 Sauza margs and $7 Patrón margaritas.
Portico at the Diplomat Beach Resort
This kid-friendly restaurant serves $8 Hornitos ’ritas and $5 Corona Light draft beers. Hungry? Tacos are just $5 on Cinco De Mayo.
While still new to Wynwood, this San Diego import isn’t squandering an opportunity to make an impression this Cinco de Mayo, namely by saving you cash. Make it a cheap lunch or dinner with $2.50 tacos (chicken, pastor and veggie) and $3 cervezas.
Don’t lug your own cocktails to the sand for your day at the beach (it’s annoying and illegal). Instead, stop at this waterfront restaurant for lunch and sip on $5 Coronas and $12 Casa Noble tequila shot with a beer pairing.
The entire outdoor shopping complex is in on the Cinco de Mayo festivities, as stores swing their doors open with deals and photo ops and the center courtyard turns into a big fiesta with street performers, mariachis and DJ Extreme spinning.
Mexico meets Spain on this cobbled South Beach strip, which doles out free margarita shots beginning at 7pm. The usual Cinco revelry follows, including a mariachi performance, food specials and more.
Tacology
The Brickell City Centre restaurant targets the brunch crowd with a midday special from 1 to 2pm, featuring free beer, margaritas and mescal and tequila shots. Stopping by later? Dos Equis brews are $5 all day, plus there’s live DJ music and mariachis in the evening.
The Pan Asian restaurant isn’t skipping the Mexican holiday, offering $7 tacos and $5 margaritas or straight tequila shots.
The party happens from open to close and it includes music from local DJs Corey Chase and Sire and loads of food specials. Select tacos, mini guacamole with chips and assorted paletas are $2.22. For $5, score carne asada fries, Nacho Friends and various margaritas.
Your favorite boozy brunch spot serves $5 frozen margaritas in key lime and blood orange flavors, plus $4 Corona beers all day. The best part: the special is available at all Tap 42 locations.
Head to the courtyard for the hotel’s Fiesta en el Jardín, a Mexican-themed bash that featuring food, Casamigos cocktails and music all afternoon. Once you’ve had your fill of tequila, take swings at the naughty piñata filled with adult toys and goodies. Tickets are $50 and free for members with RSVP.
It’s sort of a pay-what-you-wish situation at this outdoor fiesta: pay $16 for general admission, a beer and green beads; $40 for VIP, which includes a liter of beer, a sombrero and other favors; or nothing to all to enjoy the music and Cinco decorations, if you arrive before 6pm. Tickets are available online.
Cinco de Wynwood
One of the city’s largest Cinco parties takes place in Wynwood, featuring an appearance by the biggest piñata in Florida. More supersize fun awaits in the form of 44-ounce margaritas. Vaya con dios and make sure to RSVP to receive a free beer.
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