Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and Pride, but mostly it’s a great reason to party!
Much like St. Patrick’s Day and Oktoberfest, Cinco de Mayo’s roots have been lost in the desire to reveal ethnic food and alcoholic beverages. Whatever your reason, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate not only on the holiday itself, but well beyond, with parades, festivals, and of course margaritas.
Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila will be open early on Cinco de Mayo day for lunch starting at 11 a.m. and will party all the way through until closing with $9 house margaritas, an outside bar, and a mariachi band.
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers located on the waterfront south of Himarshee, parties with $1 off regular and boozy shakes, and $2 off beer, wine and craft cocktails from 3- 6 p.m. Margarita lovers can enjoy the 16 oz. fan favorite, Beltway Bandito Margarita, on the rocks or as a kit (no ice) with salt and lime.
From 3-7 p.m. Lona Cocina & Tequileria is celebrating its Mexican roots with $5 tacos and $5 Lona Margaritas served in a special keepsake glass, plus margarita pitchers for $11. While guests indulge in tacos, margaritas and stunning views, they will also enjoy upbeat tunes from a live Mariachi band.
Victoria Park’s Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar will host its Second Annual Block Party. From 3-11 p.m. it will showcase Mariachi and DJs, along with a variety of handcrafted margaritas including jalapeño cucumber, passionfruit, watermelon, prickly pear and strawberry basil. The full menu of guacamoles, tacos, snacks, entrees, and sweets will also be available.
La Mexicana Taco Bar in Wilton Manors is turning Eucalyptus Gardens into a street fair with several performances and a live DJ. It’s sure to be a fun time for all, so don’t miss out!
Honor The Hispanic Unity of South Florida with a Cinco de Mayo party featuring unlimited tacos and draft beer on May 5 at Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer. Tickets are $65, with 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the charity. There will be two sessions: 5-7:30 and 7:30-10 p.m.
American Social will feature food and drink specials — and lots of tequila. Knockback $6 Espolon shots, sip on margaritas, palomas, or enjoy a $25 Corona bucket with mix and match favorites such as mahi tacos, buffalo chicken, ropa vieja, and guac and chips ($10).
Carlos & Pepe’s will be hosting its 42nd annual Cinco de Mayo Four-Day Fiesta, a fun-filled event taking place from May 2 through May 5. The party starts daily at 11:30 a.m. with delicious Mexican fare, free giveaways, a Mariachi band, tequila specials and samples.
The Wharf’s Piñata Party will feature live mariachi bands, luchadores, free sombreros, and drink specials.
Yellow Green Farmers Market, South Florida’s one-of-a-kind destination for fresh fruit, vegetables, delicious food and drinks, leisure, and retail, consisting of over 325 local, small businesses, is celebrating on May 7 from 1-8:30 p.m. Enjoy the entertainment and learn how to salsa with professional dancers along with a live band. Watch vendors compete in a taco competition from 12-2 p.m. and enjoy the traditional beats of a Mariachi band throughout the market.
On May 7 from 3-6 p.m. Craft Beer Cellar’s Cinco de Mayo day after-party will feature goodies from food truck kitchens, Master Feathers DJ, Antidote hot sauce, and giveaways all day.
Oakland Park’s Tatts & Tacos doesn’t have anything listed for Cinco de Mayo on its website, but since it’s Thursday that means $2 house margaritas with entree purchase, $15 Camarena tequila margarita pitchers, $5 Camarena Margaritas, $5 Camarena shots, and $5 house tequila shots from 4 p.m. to closing, which sounds like a party to me.
Matchbox, the new riverfront dining destination, offers festive and unique pizza creations, available throughout the month of May. Guests can indulge in the Taco Pizza, the Nacho Pizza, and the Hangover Burrito Pizza. Margarita lovers can pair these pizzas with delicious craft cocktails including the strawberry rosé Margarita and the chili-spiced Margarita.
If you’d rather stay home, check out the online Cinco de Mayo party at allevents.in/fort lauderdale/cinco-de-mayo-virtual-mixology-night. Join Chef Jorge Montes and live music from DJ Rio for a free class where they’ll be leading viewers through a Mezcal pairing and tasting to kick off the party. Follow that up with learning how to mix a Paloma with smoky Mezcal and torched fresh grapefruit and a Miami-Rita. A link to join the class, as well as the ingredient list, will be emailed after your registration is complete.
M is also for Mom
Making plans for Mother’s Day? Some local eateries are offering special events in honor of mothers.
Burlock Coast hosts a Mother’s Day brunch with an a la carte brunch and a fresh raw bar. For $39 per person guests can add on a bottomless beverage package, and if your mom is like my mother-in-law, you’re going to need it!
Moréa’s Mediterranean oceanfront dining features a special brunch with dishes such as avocado toast, Florentine eggs, and waffles with berry compote. Compliment the meal with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar with all the accouterments of your choosing.
Pizza Craft dishes up a decadent Mother’s Day brunch with lemon ricotta pancakes; brunch pizza panettone French toast and burrata toast. Toast Mom with a one-of-a-kind Spritz Bar, served bottomless for $18, or individually for $12.
Mediterranean taverna Ya Mas! invites guests to celebrate mom with an indulgent Santorini Sunday brunch Enjoy a la carte brunch items including short rib hash; prosciutto benedict; French toast; falafel chicken & waffle; and a signature breakfast gyro.
Corvina Seafood Grill in Boca Raton will feature fresh jumbo lump crab cakes as a special for Mother’s Day dinner. Mothers will receive a complimentary departure gift: a bag of dark chocolate sea salt popcorn.
If you’d rather indulge Mom at home, try one of Wild Fork’s curated bundles that include the best breakfast and brunch essentials.
Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
