Americans will find any excuse to celebrate…because we’re good like that. It’s about time we can celebrate in the middle of the week! Tip your sombrero in celebration of Mexico’s heritage, our good neighbors, and… tequila! Here's our city-wide Cinco de Mayo round up!
PINK TACO
Pink Taco boasts 28 hours of happiness, to be exact. Seven days a week from 3-7pm, this lively restaurant and tequila bar and offers signature margaritas buy-one-get-one free for $10. South-of-the-border cervesas are also 2-for-1 at $7 (domestics are $6). Cinco de mayo specialties include bottled beer for $5 (Tecate, Dos Equis), House Margaritas for $6 (featuring Hornitos and Cazadores) and festive shots all night long.
ORTEGA
This happy hour is called “hora de la fiesta” and with specials Monday-Friday from 4-6, it’s easy to see why it’s a party. Partida Margaritas (Partida Blanco Tequila, fresh lime, agave nectar) are $6.50, House Margarita pitchers are $5 off (normally $30) and all beer and wine is $1 off. Appetizer tacos run $4-5 or snag a Kobe Burger at $14. Cinco de Mayo comes early for Ortega. Saturday May 2nd from 2-5pm, stop in for their Sister City Fundraiser—all proceeds will benefit the citizens of each Beach City’s Sister City and their student cultural exchange programs. For $25 a ticket ($30 at the door) enjoy the Mexican heritage with Mariachi bands, music, raffles, traditional foods and a very special Tequila tasting featuring flights of Partida Tequila. More info here.
EL CARMEN
Guests mingle in this dark and sexy Tequila wonderland Monday-Friday from 5-7pm for the 4,3,2 party: House margaritas are $4 each, Tecate beer is $3 and chips and guacamole are only $2. Popular drinks include the “Mexito”—a classic margarita with a splash of cranberry juice, or “El Perfecto” made with Herradura Silver Tequila and Cointreau. There is nothing special planned for Cinco de Mayo, but there doesn’t need to be because the regulars know how to celebrate—it’s their busiest night of the year!
CASA VEGA
The valley is a little farther from Mexico, but the trip north is worth it. Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 2:30-5:30 and includes House Margaritas for $5.95, and domestic beers for $3.95. The Cinco de Mayo party is kept “hush-hush,” but word on the street is that specials events are to include select tequila vendors stopping by to taste guests on their favorite spirit—just like a piñata, you won’t know what surprises are in store unless you go in to check it out, rest assured it will be far from your average Tuesday night!
MALO
Monday-Friday from 5-7pm the booze and food are a-flowin’ with specials like “El Valiente” (it involves a can of Tecate and a shot of Pueblo Viejo), or the “La Sirena” margarita (Correlejo Silver, Cointreau and fresh squeezed oj) are a steal at $6, and well drinks are only $3. “Tacos Dorado” are an easy bite at $2 each. May 5th they’re opening an hour early just for you. Starting at 4pm, get your drink on with one of 4 drink specials like the “Kick You’re A$$!” Margarita (1800 100 proof, fresh lime, Cointreau) for $7 or clean shot of 1800 Anejo for $8. Chips and Salsa are free all night and from 5-6 the Happy Hour Tacos (Beef & Pickle, Potato & Cheddar, Eggplant & Potato, or Braised Chicken) are free if you use the code: With Proximo (Bar only).
So grab your best sombrero, a set of maracas, your drinking buddy and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the best of ‘em…just be sure you can take of the 6th, it may be necessary.
* The Liquid Muse credits the following sources for photos:
Pink Taco photo
El Carmen photo
Malo photo
