Cinco de Mayo is that rare holiday that boasts a few different paths to partying, depending on what your mood is and how you want to celebrate the 5th of May, which, of course, marks Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla.
There are the large-scale fiestas around Southern California, the ones that include dance performances and art activities, that happen at shopping centers and historical destinations.
There are the nighttime spectacles, like Lucha VaVOOM, for those who prefer a little masked wrestling with their Battle of Puebla-remembering celebration.
And there's the at-home route, which may include blender margaritas or hastily put-together cookie sheet nachos, which, of course, are best eaten straight from the cookie sheet.
But several Southern California restaurants and bars will raise the rimmed-with-salt glasses on May 5, with a host of eat and drink specials and other happenings, including...
The Morrison Pub: Amble to this Atwater Village spot for a full line-up of Cinco snackery, from Boracho nachos to los churros to a plethora of margaritas. In the house? Mariachis, of course.
Border Grill: You're downtown, you want to feel in the spirit, and you don't have a ton of cash in your pocket. Here's a feel-good fiesta with $3.50 tacos and $7 margaritas, plus a DJ providing tunes. Start time? 4 o'clock the afternoon.
The Scene
Want to find new things to do in Los Angeles? The Scene's lifestyle stories have you covered. Here's your go-to source on where the fun is across SoCal and for the weekend.
La Cita Bar: You only need to head to Hill Street to visit, at least in spirit, Jalisco, through a host of tequila Cazadores libations, including a margarita, a spicy margarita, and the paloma.
Loteria Hollywood: Mariachi from 8 to 11? You got it, plus a line-up of craftily crafted margaritas, some with a very piquant take. An equally creative line-up of small tacos is one of Loteria's flavorful hallmarks.
Mercado Los Angeles: Traditional Mexican eats that are both a tad traditional but with some haute takes on ingredients and presentations? That's Mercado, and the eatery will be rocking the Cinco vibe from 4 to midnight.
Fuego at Hotel Maya: Should you be in Long Beach on May 5, or at other points during the weekend, check out the restaurant's Cinco de Mayathon, which ends with a Latin brunch on Sunday, May 7. On May 5, though? Many feasty revelries.
Las Brisas: This Laguna Beach stalwart faces the ocean, so, of course, the Cinco de Mayo bash will become a "Party on the Patio"! Several new items just made the menu, with seafood as an emphasis, so consider trying something fresh.
