Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Historically speaking, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican militia’s victory over the French army during The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It’s retained its significance in the city of Puebla to this day, but has also evolved to become more of a celebration of Mexican pride and culture throughout the U.S. Which means that, yes, Cinco de Mayo is indeed an excellent excuse to overindulge on tacos, guacamole, tequila shots and margaritas — and from Los Americanos in Tribeca to Mission Cantina on the Lower East Side and Habana Outpost in Brooklyn, here are a few terrific places to do just that!
Mission Cantina
While Danny Bowien’s perpetually mobbed LES eatery may not be one of New York’s most traditional Mexican restaurants, it’s undoubtedly one of the most popular. So provided you can snag a table, prepare to indulge in an unconventional Cinco de Mayo feast of Guacamole and Shrimp Chips, Creamed Masa with Braised Collard Greens, Rabbit Tacos with Hibiscus Mole, and a “Dirty Horchata,” made with Stumptown Cold Brew, Soju and Cinnamon.
Read MoreEmpellon Taqueria
Before Alex Stupak opened the ambitiously modern Empellon Cocina, he launched this comparatively casual taqueria, and on both May 4th and 5th, he’ll be offering a unique prix fixe menu for only $55. Try Chilaquiles Verdes, Steak and Eggs with Chipotle Catsup and Churro French Toast during brunch on Sunday, or a family-style meal on Monday, featuring Salsas and Guacamole for the table, Quesos Fundidos, Beets with Brown Butter Crèma Salad, and a choice of creative Tacos, like Mixed Mushroom, Pork Tongue, or Brussels Sprouts with Malted Hummus.
Read MoreEl Toro Blanco
Josh Capon and John McDonald are readying to celebrate their second Cinco de Mayo at this lively West Village cantina. They’ll be opening at 10 am, and serving food and drink specials throughout the day —we hope this translates to reduced prices on the fab Elote Verde Tamales, gooey Green Chile Queso Fundido, Slow Roasted Short Rib Empanadas, and intriguing “La Chinesca” Margarita, made with Del Maguey Vida, Tangerine, Lime, Agave, and a Canton Ginger Float! Their al fresco seating is just icing on the cake.
Read MoreLos Americanos
Notorious bad boy chef, Ryan Skeen, is still serving as a consultant at the pan-Latin Los Americanos in Tribeca, which means that he’ll be personally manning the drum smoker and barbecue during their Cinco de Mayo celebration. Look for Mole Cabrito Tacos and both Grilled Mayan Prawn and Chorizo Gorditas, served alongside specialty cocktails like the “Juanarita,” a variant on the Pisco Sour made with Lime, Absinthe, and Egg White.
Read MorePampano
If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday in style, pay a visit to Richard Sandoval’s elegant eatery, Pampano, co-owned by famous opera tenor, Placido Domingo. Choose from a number of seafood-centric creations, like Lobster Tacos with black bean puree, Whole Baby Red Snapper with cactus tomato salad, and Chipotle-Miso marinated Black Cod, along with fruity, hand-crafted Margaritas (we love the tamarind and chile) and over 100 kinds of tequila, perfect for sipping on the breezy, outdoor terrace.
Read MoreThis new project from the Ofrenda team is opening just in time for Cinco de Mayo, and they’re not peddling your standard Chicken, Porkm or Beef-stuffed Tacos. Order tortillas filled with Cod Cheeks, Veal Tongue, free-range Goat Barbacoa or even Shrimp coated in a Ground Grasshopper Crust, alongside potent cocktails, like the “Yum Kaax” — a fiery, Mezcal-based concoction made with Corn Juice, Citrus, Agave and Wild Mexican Herbs, and rimmed with (you better believe it) pulverized Ant Salt.The Black Ant
Habana Outpost
You know the spring and summer season has really begun when Habana Outpost in Fort Greene opens their colorful, eco-conscious outdoor courtyard, complete with recycled lumber benches, solar panels, and a bicycle-powered blender churning out slushy Margaritas, Mojitos and Pina Coladas. Order a Cinco de Mayo spread from the bright red truck parked outside, like Mayo and Cotija Cheese-slathered Corn, Catfish Burritos, and an excellent Cuban Sandwich thick with Pickles and Roast Pork.
Read MoreTaco Santo
Palo Santo owner, Jacques Gautier, recently transformed his barbecue outpost, Fort Reno, into this intimate taqueria. In addition to serving delectable Tacos on made-to-order tortillas during Cinco de Mayo (try the Lobster, Fried Avocado, or Beef braised in Beer), a variety of traditional holiday dishes will also be on offer, like hearty Pozole and tender Puerco (pork) in Mole Poblano, along with fresh lime margaritas for only $5.
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