Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Diego

Barrrio Star Tacos

Cinco de Mayo is a few weeks away, and if you’re looking for San Diego’s best food and drinks to celebrate, here are some great spots offering specials, live music, and more!

On the eve of Cinco de Mayo, and with Mother’s Day on the horizon, Bottlecraft is aptly hosting a spirits sipping session with Madre Mezcal at its Little Italy location from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Join Madre Mezcal representative Nathan Pilgrim and the Bottlecraft staff for complimentary sipping samples of the brand’s Espadin mezcal and ready-to-drink Desert Water cocktails (mezcal and sparkling water). 2252 India Street

Introducing the ultimate Cinco De Mayo celebration at Urbana Mexican Gastronomy & Mixology located in Del Mar! From 4pm - 12am, join the restaurant for an unforgettable fiesta filled with live mariachi music, irresistible food and drink specials, and a vibrant atmosphere that will transport you straight to Mexico. Urbana's talented mixologists have crafted a special offer just for this occasion - $5 house margaritas and $5 tequila shots. Sip on their signature margaritas, made with fresh ingredients and premium tequila, or take a shot of top-quality tequila to get the party started. To satisfy your taste buds, the culinary team has prepared mouthwatering taco specials for just $5 each. Indulge in a variety of authentic Mexican tacos, filled with flavorsome meats, fresh vegetables, and homemade salsas. But the highlight of the evening will be the live mariachi band that will be serenading you throughout the night. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Mexico as the captivating sounds of traditional mariachi music fill the air. It's the perfect soundtrack for a festive Cinco De Mayo celebration!

Carlsbad’s newest and hottest Mexican restaurant Alejandra’s Fine Mexican Food And Cantina is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with four days of festivities on its outdoor patio, hosting reps from tequila brands CaliFino on Tuesday (May 2), Real del Valle on Wednesday (May 3), Codigo 1530 on Thursday (May 4), and Patron on Friday (May 5). Tastings and merchandise giveaways will highlight their appearances, along with live music each day.

NOVO Brazil Brewing Company’s Lane Avenue taproom in Chula Vista is hosting a Cinco de Mayo fiesta that features music from Tijuana rock-reggae fusion band Nosis, performances from Ballet Folklorico El Tapatio and Mariachi Sonidos De Mexico San Diego, and food from Barra Cruda Cevicheria and Temakeria San Diego. For the occasion, NOVO has brewed a limited-release Cinco de Mayo Mexican Lager as well. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. 901 Lane Avenue

Barrio Star, in Banker’s Hill, is the ideal eatery for celebrating Cinco de Mayo! The modern Mexican restaurant, woven with bold Latin flavors and clever Asian touches throughout the menu, features an excellent Happy Hour, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Enjoy drink specials and deals on food, including Tacos a la Carte, Barrio Cucumbers, and more. Be sure to try Barrio’s new Tres Leches Cake, sponge cake soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk, and topped with fresh strawberries. Fridays also mean Live Music, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., so you won’t want to miss out. 

Hillcrest’s Tacaliente, which recently took over the space previously occupied by Lalos Tacos, is celebrating its first Cinco de Mayo with all-day specials that include two $5 Hard-Shell Tacos (2), $5 Mulitas, $5 Elote, $5 beers, and $5 Micheladas.

City Tacos is celebrating the 9-year anniversary of its first location in North Park. Jam out with DJs at the La Mesa, Encinitas, and North Park locations while enjoying your favorite tacos in town. City Tacos fan-favorites include the Ahuevo Breakfast Taco with sunny-side egg over refried chorizo beans, pico de gallo, avocado, and house salsa, and the Mexicali with grilled-angus steak, onions and poblano peppers, melted asadero cheese, mashed potatoes, crema fresca, and cotija cheese. Nearly all City Tacos tacos are under $5.

Keep the party going for Cinco de Mayo, at Mavericks Beach Club, as the beach bar will host their annual Live Pro Wrestling event, on Saturday, May 6th. Sip on classics like the Mavericks Margarita, or the Spicy Margarita made with Olmeca Altos Plata, sliced jalapeno and pineapple, agave, lime juice, and a Tajin rim. The event includes Lucha Libre wrestlers, and takes place from 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., so arrive early for a front row seat for all the action. 

PB’s neighborhood bar, Duck Dive, is kicking things off on May 2nd with Taco & Tequila Tuesday. Stop in for $4 taco specials, $8 house margaritas, and 2-4-1 margarita bowls, as well as $5 tequila shots and Pacifico Beer. Available from 6:00 p.m. to close, there is plenty of time to stop by after work or a day spent lounging at the beach!   

Cococabana, the slice of paradise located atop The Brick Hotel, will celebrate Cinco de Mayo from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. with $5 Strawberry Margarita, Rum Mojito, and Vodka Mule Cutwater Cans and taco specials usually exclusive at Cococabana on Tuesdays! Devour steak, shrimp, or chicken street tacos or indulge in full-size plates with Cauliflower Tacos, Jerk Chicken Tacos, and Jerk Octopus Tacos with rice and beans. Stop in from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. to sip on $8 cocktails and $5 drafts during happy hour.  

Also known for bringing island vibes to San Diego, Miss B’s Coconut Club will celebrate Cinco de Mayo all day with $7 Altos, $5 Cocovezas, and $3 chicken and pork street tacos. Whether dining indoors at their bar or around a massive fireplace, you’ll be transported straight to the Caribbean.  

Celebrate Cinco de “Maya” at Coco Maya this 5/5. With a reputation for bringing the hottest rooftop parties to India Street, they’ll have you covered from brunch to late night. Enjoy $6 Tequila snacks with Real de Valle, Altos, and Corralejo, $7 margaritas, and $8 Spicy Cadillac Margaritas, Pistolero Palomas, and Frozen Coconut Margaritas.  

Pair your Cinco de Mayo plans with a southern flair and you get Louisiana Purchase! Conveniently located on Louisiana Street in North Park, Chef Q is serving up plenty of food and drink specials this May 5th. Crawfish Birria Tacos will keep your mouth watering all night long; don’t forget to grab $5 Altos Tequila shots, $6 Mexican lagers, and $10 beer/shot combos and mango margaritas.  

Looking to spend your Cinco in North County? Park 101 is the 15,000 square foot pup and family friendly outdoor barbecue of your dreams. Sip on $3 Shoreveza Mexican Lagers and $8 margaritas. Stay tuned for the evening Padres game and enjoy additional food and drink specials while watching the game on their Jumbotron LED-screen and many TV screens throughout the venue.  

NOVO Brazil Brewing Company’s Lane Avenue taproom in Chula Vista is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Friday, May 5 that features music from Tijuana’s rock-reggae fusion band Nosis, a mariachi band, performances from Ballet Folklorico El Tapatio, and food from Casanova Fish Tacos. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m.

The Smoking Gun, the Gaslamp’s neighborhood bar and arcade, will serve a specialty taco plate available only on Cinco de Mayo. Choose from lemon pepper chicken, smoked wagyu brisket, or smoked pulled pork topped with salsa fresca, avocado crème, and lime.

Cruise just a block over to dine at everyone’s favorite Gaslamp staple: barleymash. The eatery was founded on two simple ideas: life is meant to be sipped and savored, and good times should always be shared. Cinco de Mayo is no exception! Devour Birria Quesadilla Tacos with three house-made corn tortillas, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and birria. Choose from three drink specials including El Serpiente with Espolon, cucumber, jalapeño, lime, agave, tajin, La Calavera with Espolon, coconut, lime, toasted coconut, or El Gallo with Espolon, grenadine, lime, angostura, and ginger beer.  

La Jolla Shores’ Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters is offering happy hour pricing on select menu items during lunch and dinner hours from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The specials include $4 Baja Fish Tacos, $10 Ceviche Tostadas, $10 Perfect Margaritas, and $5 Calidad Mexican-Style Lagers on extra-cold draft.

Saturday, May 6

Keep the Cinco de Mayo party going at Mavericks Beach Club, as the beach bar will host its annual Live Pro Wrestling event with Lucha Libre wrestlers from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Sip on classics like the Mavericks Margarita, or the Spicy Margarita made with Olmeca Altos Plata, sliced jalapeno and pineapple, agave, lime juice, and a Tajin rim. Arrive early for a front row seat for all the action. 860 Garnet Ave

Race to Mission Beach for a day of drinks, Caribbean bites, and outrageous hats at Miss B's Coconut Club to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. The 149th Kentucky Derby’s Run for the Roses calls for drink specials and a hat contest – winner gets a $100 Miss B’s Gift Card. Sip on a Traditional Mint Julep with bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and bitters. Or, sip Miss B’s way with a Miss B’s Mint Julep, mixing up bourbon, mint, pineapple simple syrup, and bitters. 3704 Mission Blvd

Louisiana Purchase is hosting a Big Hat Brunch in honor of this year’s Kentucky Derby. Chef Quinnton Austin relocated from NOLA to San Diego in 2018 and he brings an exciting wealth of knowledge that defines southern cuisine. From 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m. enjoy the Instagrammable Mint Julep, a bourbon-based cocktail featuring fresh mint leaves, savory sugar, crushed ice, and a history like no other. Looking for something a little bubblier? Enjoy $15 bottles of traditional Cava as you cheer on your favorite horse at the North Park eatery. 2305 University Avenue

The Kentucky Derby is racing through barleymash, and guests can look forward to food and drink specials, raffle prizes, and its annual ‘Best Dressed’ contest. Sip on specialty cocktails like Mint Juleps with Old Forester, house mint syrup, and crushed ice as $1 of proceeds per drink will go to local dog rescue Project Save-a-Bullie. Pair your cocktails and champagne with barleymash’s finger-licking food specials. Grab a Hot Brown: Woodford Reserve brined Roasted Turkey on Avocado Toast with poached eggs and a roasted pepper hollandaise served with side salad, or Burgoo Stew and Grits with Woodford stewed pork, short rib, and chicken with vegetables over creamy grits. Pick the winning horse in their raffle to win big prizes including golf bags, cooler backpacks, Woodford Reserve gift baskets, and much more. 600 Fifth Avenue

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