Cinco de Mayo is almost upon us and we're here to help you find the best way to celebrate Mexican cuisine and culture on the holiday. Not that a specific holiday is really even needed because, let's face it, loving fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, mole, elotes, quesadillas, nachos, churros, sopapillas and margaritas is pretty easy.
Maybe the fact that it is so universally loved is even more reason to celebrate. But in case you were wondering, that's not really how the holiday first began. Cinco de Mayo first celebrated the Mexican Army's victory over the French during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Today it's a celebration of culture, so have a margarita, Corona, Modelo or Pacifico! Listen to Mariachi music and celebrate. Here are 12 places around Palm Beach County that are ready and waiting with food and drink specials, music and more.
Calaveras Cantina
Both the Jupiter and Boca Raton locations will be celebrating in style this year with fiestas that include live DJs, Mariachi bands and, of course, chihuahua races. That's right at 3 p.m. in Jupiter and 6 p.m. in Boca Raton, the feisty little pups will give it their all for a shot a glory and, for the loving owners, $100 for first prize. The DJs will be spinning from noon to 1 a.m. at both locations with the Mariachi bands performing at 4 p.m. in Jupiter and 7 p.m. in Boca Raton.
Information: 125 Dockside Circle, Jupiter. 409 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. calaverascantina.com/cinco-de-mayo-calaverascantina
Legends Tavern & Grille
Stay hydrated and celebrate the holiday with some liquid love with Legends' "Beat the Clock Specials" running from noon to 4 p.m. These will include their Legendary Margaritas for $3 from noon to 1 p.m.; Corona bottles for $3 from 1 to 2 p.m.; Camarena Blanco shots for $4 from 2 to 3 p.m.; and, finally, from 3 to 4 p.m. enjoy their Cadillac Margaritas (made with Camarena silver, Gran Marnier, tres agave margarita mix, salted rim) for $5.
Information: 4550 Donald Ross Road, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-766-2994; legendstavernandgrille.com
Downtown Palm Beach Gardens, Avocado Cantina
This all-day fiesta will run from 1 to 10 p.m. and will feature food and drink specials throughout the day. There will be live music by multiple groups including the Mojito Latin Band. Free and open to the public.
Information: 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. downtownpbg.com
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Patrons can celebrate at this Clematis Street establishment with $5 draft margaritas from noon to 2 p.m.. Presented by Tres Generaciones tequila and El Tequileño, there will also be beverage specials on frozen margaritas all weekend along with sets by local DJ's, entertainment, giveaways, special decor, and more.
Information: 118 S. Clematis St, West Palm Beach. bodegataqueria.getbento.com
El Camino
Both the West Palm Beach and Delray Beach locations of El Camino will be hosting block parties Sunday, May 5, for the holiday. The West Palm Beach event will be held just downstairs from the restaurant, in the courtyard at The Square, and feature Mariachi bands, Calavera (Mexican-style face painting), salsa dancing, art classes, piñata decorating, street games and activities. The Delray Beach event, taking place at Old School Square (51 N. Swinton Ave.), will be similar to West Palm Beach with the addition of multiple bars, lounge seating areas, a photo booth, a DJ, lawn games and more. Both street parties will be free, all-day affairs running from noon until 10 p.m.
Information: El Camino Delray Beach, 15 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; El Camino West Palm Beach, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. elcaminofla.com
La Playa, Hilton West Palm Beach
Hilton West Palm Beach's funky pool bar, La Playa, will be slinging high-concept drink specials from noon to 6 p.m. the entire Cinco de Mayo weekend. These include Patrón Reposado palomas and margaritas for $16 each. Nosh on specialty appetizers including homemade tacos (three for $20, includes carnitas, grouper, and carne asada), corn chips and salsa for $14 and a grilled citrus octopus tostada for $16. All this while a DJ drops some sweet, vacation-vibe beats poolside.
Information: 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. hiltonwestpalmbeach.com
Grandview Public Market
The shopping and dining district's "Tacos, Tequila & Tunes" event will feature all three. From 4 to 10 p.m. revelers can head to Grandview Public Market to enjoy Latin beats on the 'loading dock' by DJ Roberto and Latin band Adrian & Son de Calle, taste-bud tickling tacos al pastor (three for $10) will be available from Drunk Tacos. An outside pop-up bar will be serving up the drinks including specials on Herradura Tequila co*cktails ($5 margaritas and $8 palomas), michelada co*cktails for $5, and specials on both Medalla and Dos Equis lagers. Dos Equis promo girls will be giving away swag and offering free tastings, and Herradura will be giving away complimentary co*cktail shakers with every Herradura purchase.
Information: 1401 Clare Ave., West Palm Beach. grandviewpublic.com
Talkin' Tacos
This food truck-turned fast-casual eatery will be offering party platters of their scratch made tacos. The Party Platter Taco Boxes include a choice of 30 tacos (with any protein — birria, carribbean carne, chicken achiote, mahi mahi, bang bang shrimp, bean and carne asada) starting at $119.
Information: 10140 Forrest Hill Blvd., Wellington. talkintacos.net
California Pizza Kitchen
Though more well known for their Italian offerings, this eatery will celebrate the holiday with multiple Mexican drinks and dishes. There will be white corn chips and guacamole and street corn for $5; drinks including fresh agave lime margaritas and casa palomas for $7; and green chili enchilada or spicy chipotle chicken pizzas, along with a draft beer, for $7.
Information: 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. shopwellingtongreen.com
Copperpoint Brewing
Copperpoint Brewing will have multiple specialty beers tapped for the occasion and the Cholo Soy Cocina food truck will be on site providing the incredible food.
Information: 151 Commerce Road, Boynton Beach. copperpointbrewingcompany.com
More:West Palm Beach restaurant featured on Guy Fieri's Food Network series debuts food truck
Deck 84
Celebrate on the waterfront with delicious food, party favors, drinks specials and live music from Bruja. Deck 84's a la carte Mexican-inspired specials will include enchiladas de tinga served with rice & beans; loaded nachos with choice of braised pork, pulled beef short rib or grilled shrimp; and ceviche mixto with snapper, scallops and shrimp. There will be several co*cktail specials as well as Corona bottle buckets (5 for $25).
Information: 840 E. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach. 561-668-8484; Deck84.com
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar
This longtime bastion of tacos, tequila and much more will celebrate the holiday at all Rocco's Tacos outlets with the Boca Raton restaurant having a block party. Join the fiesta and experience the holiday fun with pop-up food and drink vendors and live entertainment. From day to night, Rocco’s will be offering complimentary pours of tequila, live music, authentic Mexican cuisine and handcrafted co*cktails. There will be a festive mariachi band and even stilt walkers.
Information: Boca Raton location, 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton. roccostacos.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist atThe Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network.You can reach him ateritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism.Subscribe today.
