When Cinco de Mayo falls on a Saturday, there’s no limit to how much you can celebrate! From margarita specials to taco stands and food trucks, here’s where you can find the best Mexican fare for your Charlotte Cinco de Mayo celebration:
Draught Charlotte
601 S Cedar St.
Plan to party at Draught, where Chef Donnie will prepare a pig pickin’ and a $10 make-your-own taco bar. The fiesta also includes $2 Coronas, $3 Lunazul tequila shots, $5 Lunazul margaritas and musicc from DJ Matt Corleone. 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. 704.375.7566.
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, tortas, salads, rice bowls and one of their playfully named margaritas and house-infused tequilas. Scoop tip: Ask about their wicked flavor of the weekend. Open 11 a.m.- 12 a.m. 704.332.7933.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
4310 Sharon Rd.
Whether you opt for a sushi roll or signature burger, add Cinco de Mayo flair with a half priced Skinny Gonzales Margarita, a twist on the traditional with Espolòn Tequila Blanco, Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach, freshly squeezed lime and POM juice.
Maria Bonita’s Cantina & Grill
7741 Colony Rd.
Choose from the “family favorites” menu, opt for seafood or embrace the sizzle with fajitas at Maria Bonita’s Cantina & Grill. Plus, enjoy music and surprises all day long. Open 11:00 a.m. – 10 p.m. 704.542.6165.
Cantina 1511
4271 Park Rd., 7708 Rea Rd., 205 N College St.
In addition to Cantina’s fan favorites (think fiesta for two menu, tableside guacamole and endless taco options), all three locations will be celebrating with live music and drink specials. Park Road and Rea Road locations open 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Uptown location open 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Chuy’s
7314 Waverly Walk Avenue
One day of celebrating isn’t enough at Chuy’s. From May 4 – 6, enjoy drink specials and the Macho Burrito on special every Saturday. Open Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 704.849.0017.
Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina
2917 Central Ave.
This neighborhood go-to is sure to draw a crowd for Cinco de Mayo. Drink specials include $3 Modelo Especial & Negra Modelos and $4 Cuba Libres. Open 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 704.536.1851.
Bakersfield
1301 East Blvd.
In Dilworth, the garage doors will be up and margaritas will be flowing at Bakersfield. Try the queso with chorizo to share, Johnny salad for something light and fish and al pastor tacos. For a twist on the classic, try the spicy pineapple margarita. Open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 980.938.8565 or reserve online.
37Sol Southwest Kitchen & Tequila Bar
8724 Outlets Blvd.
Kick off the day’s festivities with $5 margaritas all day beginning at noon and selections from SOL’s enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas. The fun continues with a complimentary tequila tasting from 5:30 – 7 p.m. 704.588.4305.
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 or another one of their Insta-worthy dinner options and don’t miss the chance to indulge in one of their more than 100 tequila variates. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Call 704.716.8226 or reserve your table online.
Comida
2820 Selwyn Ave, Suite 180
Experience the reinvented Comida with small and large plates honoring Mexican and Latin American flavors, seasonal cocktails and robust tequila and wine offerings. 5 – 10 p.m. Call 704.496.9908 for reservations.
The Improper Pig
110 S Sharon Amity Rd.
On Saturday and Sunday, The Improper Pig will offer smoked pork and chicken tamales made in-house. Pair them with a classic, peach, mango or strawberry Mary’s Margarita for $5.704.714.7878. Open 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Vida Cantina
210 E Trade St.
Make Vida Cantina your hub for all-day food, fun and margaritas. Drink specials include $2 Corona Premier cans, $5 Cincoritas, $6 Coronaritas and more. When it’s time to eat, $1 from each “Cinco Taco” sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Que Onda Tacos Uptown
333 W. Trade St #101
The party at Que Onda features a DJ spinning Latin and Top 40 hits, giveaways and specials on margaritas, tequila and beer. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Southbound
2433 South Blvd.
The Cinco de Mayo event at The Music Yard (between Mac’s Speed Shop and SouthBound) offers everything you need for a full-blown fiesta. Live music from Bencoolen and Swift Techniquewith, giveaways and food and drink from SouthBound’s Taco Stand. 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Q & Brew Cinco De Mayo Edition
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | 3000 South Tryon St.
Lenny Boy’s monthly Q & Brew event falls on Cinco de Mayo, and is celebrating accordingly. Expect releases of a Mexican lager and tequila-aged Belgian triple, as well as a small batch margarita kombucha on tap. The Hunter’s Wife food truck will be serving smoked brisket tacos, fire-roasted slaw and creamy charro beans.
Cinco de Mayo – Tacos & Cervezas
Divine Barrel Brewing | 3701 N. Davidson St.
At Divine Barrel Brewing, enjoy a custom Mexican-inspired menu from Mel’s BLT Kitchen and grab a pint of their newest release, Zest Intentions, made from over 160 lbs of oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes. Beginning at 5 p.m.
