The stars have finally aligned and given us Cinco de Mayo on a Friday. With no school or work the next day, there’s no excuse not to celebrate. Plan ahead with our picks for places to raise a taco (and a margarita) this Cinco de Mayo (or concoct your own fabulous at home celebration with our 10 Tequila Drink recipes here. Warning: gorgeous & tempting photos!)
RuRu’s Tacos and Tequila
715 Providence Rd.
From the sunny patio at RuRu’s, you and your crew can feast on your choice of 12 different “super duper” tacos, torts, salads and jasmine red rice bowls. Ease into the weekend with one of their playfully named margaritas and house-infused tequilas. Open 11 a.m.- 12 a.m. 704.332.7933.
Cantina 1511
4271 Park Rd and 7708 Rea Rd.
If you don’t want to wait ’til Friday, toast to Cinco de Mayo week at Cantina 1511. Daily specials include $5 house margaritas, $10 Los 1511 cocktails, $3 Dos Equis drafts and $5 nachos. Portion of proceeds benefit Ace & TJ’s Grin Kids. 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Bakersfield
1301 East Blvd.
Gather round a picnic table for Bakersfield’s a la carte tacos and queso slowly building a cult following. The garage doors will surely be open to let in the sunshine, and that calls for a margarita pitcher. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 980.938.8565.
Comida
1205 Thomas Ave.
The whole table will flock towards Comida’s signature chewy chips, followed by authentic small plates and entrees accompanied by warm corn tortillas. Open 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. 980.498.6576.
Maria Bonita’s Cantina & Grill
7741 Colony Rd.
Pick from the “family favorites” menu, opt for seafood or embrace the sizzle with fajitas at Maria Bonita’s Cantina & Grill. Open 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. 704.542.6165.
Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina
2917 Central Ave.
This neighborhood favorite is sure to be packed on Cinco de Mayo. Three Amigos services authentic Mexican fare in the heart of Plaza Midwood. Toast to Cinco de Mayo with a $5 large house margarita on special. Open 10 a.m.–11 p.m. 704.536.1851.
Paco’s Tacos and Tequila
6401 Morrison Blvd.
Over in South Park, the dishes at Paco’s Tacos are sure to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings. Order a combination of their specialty tacos and don’t miss the chance to indulge in one of their more than 100 tequila variates. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 704.716.8226.
Vida Cantina
210 E Trade St.
After work, head on over to Vida Cantina for the fiesta atmosphere. Dine on refined Mexican fare and their drink specials, $3.50 select drafts and $5 Cincoritas. Keep the celebration going with live music all day. Open 11 a.m.–12 a.m. 704.971.8432.
Tijuana Flats
8926 J M Keynes Dr.
All Tijuana Flats locations (including University) will offer specials throughout the Cinco de Mayo weekend. Here’s the line-up:
- $2 Mexican Drafts (May 5-7)
- $2 Tacos (May 6-7)
- $2 Churros (May 6-7)
- $2 Chips and Salsa (May 6-7)
Open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 704.626.5799.
Cinco de Mayo Party
South End Station
Don’t miss your chance to party like you mean it as South End Station’s Cinco de Mayo bash stretches from Hot Taco down to Slate Charlotte. Expect inside and outside drink specials, satellite bars, food stations, endless margaritas and more.
Mac’s 12th Anniversary & Cinco De Mayo Bash
Mac’s Speed Shop
7 p.m.
It’s double the fun at Mac’s Speed Shop as they celebrate their 12th anniversary and Cinco de Mayo. Join in on the fun with $3 beer specials, $5 margaritas and live music from Woody and the String Pullers.
Cinco de Drink-O
Friday, May 5- Â Saturday, May 6
Hickory Tavern Ballantyne
Ballantyne’s Cinco de Mayo destination will draw crowds in for raffles and prizes, cornhole, margaritas, live music and even a mustache and sombrero contest. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.
