Cinco de Mayo is almost here!
Cinco de Mayo or May 5 is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, but did you know it actually commemorates Mexico’s military victory over Napoleon III’s French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862? Nowadays, this national feast is meant to celebrate Mexican culture, heritage, and cuisine.
This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Wednesday, but there’s still plenty of events and promotions going on around Philly in honor of this fun feast. Not to mention, it also gives us the perfect excuse to down a couple of margaritas in the middle of the week — and who doesn’t like mid-week margs?!
1. Bar Bombón
This plant-based restaurant in Center City is offering a special Cinco de Mayo menu starting on May 1 all the way through May 5 with specials like Pozole Verde, Mexican street corn and featured cocktails including classic margaritas served by the glass or pitcher! You can see the full menu here.
2. Buena Onda
Jose Garces’ Buena Onda Tacos is spicing things up for Cinco de Mayo with both food and drink specials including $2 chicken tacos and $25 margarita pitchers! If you rather celebrate at home this awesome spot is also offering special make-at-home margarita and taco kits all day long!
3. Juno
This awesome Mexican-American patio is celebrating with plenty of offerings. There will be Cinco de Mayo menu specials like $14 barbacoa tacos and consume, $12 Piña de Fuego cocktails (tequila, ancho bitters, pineapple, lime juice and jalapeño juice), Beer Barrow specials featuring 12 Tecate Cans and a 16 oz. bottle of house-infused tequila for $60 for groups of 4 or more only. There will also be Espolon swag giveaways from 4 to 7 p.m.!
4. Rosy’s Taco Bar
Sounds like Rosy’s Taco Bar is where the true aficionados go to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, with 50+ selections of tequila and mezcal. This year, tequila lovers will be able to enjoy selections from Los Altos “The Highlands” for bright, floral, and fruity profiles, or El Valle “The Lowlands” for classic, herbal, spicy profiles. For foodies out there some menu highlights include plenty of tacos (Chorizo, Al Pastor, Vegetables, Carnitas, Pollo Tinga, Coreanos, Camarones and Bistec), plus nachos, esquites, entrees and churros!
5. Lolita
For Cinco de Mayo Lolita will be offering their own spin on a three-course tasting menu ($33). Some highlights include veggie nachos, pork carnitas nachos, crispy fish tacos, roasted chicken enchiladas rojas, Mexican espresso tiramisu, Tijuana style queso short rib birria tacos, Cholula fried chicken tacos and more!
See also: Dine Latino Restaurant Week Is Returning to Philly Next Week
[Featured image: Twitter / Buena Onda Tacos]