Like many of our national holidays, Cinco de Mayo’s significance is usually lost on the majority of those who actually “celebrate.” No, it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day and yes, it’s pretty much only a thing here in the States. Still, it’s a great time to pause and celebrate our unique Mexican-American culture, and let’s face it: if we did need any excuse to hunt down a mean tacos deal and consume all the tequila, this would be the one. Good thing for us, seemingly every restaurant and bar in the city, Mexican or not, is offering specials on food and drink for the occasion. Here’s what’s on tap so far, and be sure to check back for updates on the onslaught of deals to come. All fiestas go down Sunday, May 5, unless otherwise noted.
1. Taquiza
Heralded as one of Miami’s go-to destinations for authentic Mexican tacos and street fare, Taquiza is pulling out all the stops for its Cinco de Mayo fiestas across its three locations. On the beach, enjoy a shot of tequila paired with a crisp Tecate for $8, or treat yourself to a festive craft cocktail for $10. At their Citadel outpost on the mainland, unlock a Taquiza-sanctioned Tequila Avión specialty drink at bar, served in a keepsake prayer candle vessel. Live mariachis will make the rounds at all three locations throughout the day.
2. Coyo Taco
Marking five years of Cinco de Mayo at its flagship Wynwood location, the no-siesta, all-fiesta Coyo Taco will be serving up $5 draft margaritas and Modelo beers all day long. Starting at 2pm, Coyo Wynwood’s bumping “secret” back bar will set up the Sunday funday vibes with music by DJ A-Train, with the new Brickell location following suit with DJs from 3 to 8pm. Since no Cinco fiesta is complete without tacos, both spots will offer $6 tacos, plus live a mariachi band from 3 to 5pm.
3. Tacology
Everyone’s favorite tablet-to-table Mexican joint celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a photo booth, live mariachi performers and a DJ to get you dancing once the warm-fuzzies set in, plus (duh) tacos, tequila and a "very tasty surprise" upon arrival. (Your guess is as good as ours, but we’re hedging our bets on this one).
Leave it to the imposing Icon Brickell to serve up Cinco de Mayo with a healthy side of class at its upscale Mexican restaurant, Cantina la Veinte. Over its two-day celebration, guests can take advantage of $5 margaritas (these puppies will set you back at least $16 on any other occasion), live mariachi performances, a photo booth and a serious selection of top-shelf tequila. Saturday, May 4 from 1:30–7pm and Sun, May 5 with brunch from 8am–2pm and $5 margaritas until 7pm
Brickell’s long-running staple for a solid late-night party has partnered up with Tequila Cazadores for a "cinco"-themed evening that includes $5 food and drink specials, a gameshow-like sampling experience that involves naming five Mexican people, places or things on the spot, plus "kariachi," which is exactly the Mexican-Japanese mashup it sounds like. We’re not sure what mariachi karaoke entails, but after a few tequilas, we’re sure it’ll make a lot more sense. 6–9pm
Cinco de Mayo is on a Sunday this year, so why not make it a beach day? Swing by Lolo’s on your way to or from the sand for $6 margaritas and sangrias, $4 Mexican beers and an assortment of delicious, Baja-inspired eats like grilled corn topped with chili powder and cotija cheese, plus a super-intriguing "Mexican flan." The event kicks off at 2pm with beats by DJ Andres Amadeus.
7. Los Altos
In a sea of Cuban food, Calle Ocho’s beloved Taquerias el Mexicano stands apart. Beginning at 10:30am, the low-key, family-friendly taqueria will be open all day until late. Upstairs, the elevated, adults-only Los Altos lounge will kick things off at 2pm, with drink specials all day long at both spots. The simple and delicious tacos will draw you in, but the live music, dancers and giveaways will keep you out past your Sunday bedtime.
8. The Wharf
For its second-annual Sombreros on the River party, The Wharf is bringing in literally hundreds of piñatas. If that image alone isn’t enough to tickle your fancy, how about a free Corona every time you buy a shot of tequila? Or a free sombrero for anyone who RSVPs to the party here? Yes, there will be tacos. But if for some reason that’s not your vibe this Cinco, The Wharf has brought on favorites like Lung Yai Thai Tapas, MOJO Donuts and OG Ceviche & Seafood Shack to satiate the drunk and hungry masses. noon–2am
9. Bodega
Touting over-the-top Mexican street food, “authentic” beverages, and a tricked-out taco truck interior, Bodega is definitely the SoBe answer to a Mexican experience, especially when it comes to Cinco de Mayo. For the first half of the day, expect family-friendly activities like taco specials, face painting, live mariachis and the fourth-annual taco eating contest, the grand prize of which is a whopping $1,000 cash. The winner can wash it all down with tequila and cervezas for everyone and still have money left over for the Uber ride home. Stay late for drink specials and a live DJ.
10. Veza Sur
Guests can still partake in cold cervezas and live music on tap at Veza Sur’s Wynwood brewery, but the real pachanga will be at the craft brewer’s VIP section at the weekend-long Cinco de Mayo Brickell Fiesta. Taking over a stretch of waterfront, Veza Sur’s VIP space will match its tropical, Latin-inspired Wynwood taproom and treat guests to fun activations plus their signature stubby bottles, offered exclusively to VIPs. Apart from the obligatory live mariachis, the Brickell Fiesta also offers a rare chance to try your hand riding a mechanical chili. Brickell Waterfront Lot, 609 Brickell Ave. Sat, May 4 and Sun, May 5, 2 to 10pm.
11. Diez y Seis
In partnership with its super-exclusive Skybar lounge, Shore Club’s Cinco de Mayo celebration doubles as a first birthday party for its breezy poolside Mexican concept, Diez y Seis. Seize on this opportunity to take in the stellar rooftop views while nibbling on a selection of Diez y Seis’ signature tacos, cheese quesadillas and red velvet churros, all of which will be available for a mind-boggling $3 a piece, considering Skybar’s typically sky-high prices. With $4 guac, $5 pilsners and $10 margs and frozitas, plus a live mariachi band, it’s a rare SoBe deal you’d be straight loco to pass up. 11:30am–4pm
What’s a pretty reliable judge when it comes to sniffing out an authentic Mexican joint? Go for the mole, a complex, dark chili sauce native to Mexico's Puebla and Oaxaca regions. Talavera’s moles are made from scratch daily using over 36 fresh ingredients. This Cinco, wash down their organic chicken breast mole poblano or tender beef chuck steak mole coloradito with a perfectly balanced grilled pineapple and jalapeño marg. Sounds like a pretty caliente combo to us.
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