Many folks get Cinco de Mayo confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is actually celebrated in September. Cinco de Mayo, rather, commemorates Mexico’s underdog-style victory over France in the Battle of Puebla, which occurred on May 5, 1862.

Now that we’ve gotten that history out of the way, we all know Philadelphians love their Margarita Mondays and their Taco Tuesdays, so it comes as no surprise we also love to an excuse to party on Cinco de Mayo, especially since it’s occurring on a Friday this year.  Here’s where you can get your tequila and taco fix on May 5th in La Ciudad del Amor Fraternal, or the City of Brotherly Love! 

 

 

$8 watermelon mint and charred pineapple plus Thai chili margs await on South Street. Other specials include $9 ranchero chicken tacos, $6 poblano tostadas, and $8 queso fundido. (1508 South St.)

 

Visit El Rey for their 3rd Annual Cinco de Mayo block party! Mexican street fare such as tacos, guacamole, and nachos to pair with beer and margaritas. The event is running all day from 1-11 PM with a special family friendly portion of the afternoon until 4 PM, and don’t miss the mariachi band, which will perform live for half the day until a DJ takes over for the evening session. (2000 Ranstead St.)

Jose Pistola’s is throwing their annual Cinco de Mayo block party once again this year in Center City. Sip on the Happy Honkey (white IPA), which is their special collaboration brew with Yards debuting at the festival. They’ll also have classic margs for $6 and flavored options for $7. The party goes from 2-10 PM. (263 S 15th St.)

 

Grab a margarita for only $6 all day. Flavors include classic, watermelon, strawberry and blueberry. They’ll also be serving a special stuffed chorizo burger with a side of chips and salsa for $10. (243 Chestnut St.)

This delicious Midtown Mexican restaurant will be celebrating Cinco with an extended happy hour and specials all day. Visit from 3 – 4:30 PM for $6 blood orange margaritas, $10 nachos, and 3 for $10 tacos. Then head back from 11 PM - 1 AM for a “Mexico City Wide” special featuring a can of Tecate, a shot of tequila, and a carnitas taco for only $8. (106 S 13th St.)

 

Join this Old City spot for an entire weekend of Cinco fun! The fiesta begins on May 5 with a special $5 food menu and a happy hour from 5-7 PM featuring $5 house margaritas and sangria, $5 Tecate plus a shot of tequila, and half priced drafts. On Saturday the fun continues with a late night happy hour 10 PM-12 AM with the same specials! (207 Chestnut St.)

Visit this Mexican food hotspot any time on May 5 — they’ll be opening at 9am serving up Breakfast Burritos and “Eggchiladas.” All-day drink specials will be offered, including $6 22oz Dos Equis pours and $1 off all Mexican beer bottles and cans. Also, stop by for a chance to win free food for a year! (3401 Walnut St.)

 

This classic Center City spot will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo Irish-style. Stop by all day for a slew of frozen drinks, including the McGillin’s Margarita (tequila, triple sec, sour mix and fresh lime), a blue margarita (with blue Curacao), daiquiris, rum runners and Malibu bay breezes. . Pair your slushie cocktails with one of their Cinco inspired food creations, including burger con queso, Corona-battered fish and chips, tortilla soups, the mysterious “Irish Chimachanga” and more! (1310 Drury St)

It’s an all day Mexican tap take over at this Center City cantina. Full pints of Corona, Oskar Blues Beerito, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, and Sierra Nevada Otra Vez will all cost just $5 all day. (1516 Sansom St., 2nd Fl.)

 

Celebrate Cinco in Old City with $5 Pacifico draft, $12 Modelo buckets, $5 margaritas, $4 Corona and Corona Light, $2 tacos, $4 chips and salsa, and $8 fajita chicken empanadas. (16 S 2nd St.)

 

Enjoy a huge outdoor fiesta in Northern Liberties from 5-10 PM on Cinco de Mayo. In honor of the party, El Camino Real will be serving $5 margaritas, $3 Tecate, and a variety of other Cinco inspired cocktails. Gunner’s Run will serve $4 Flying Dog Numero Uno, $4 Painkiller (inside fresh coconuts, and $25 margarita and mojito pitchers. Revolution Taco is also debuting their new food truck at the party, so expect traditional tacos, burritos and chips/salsa. Other festival fun includes live bands, dancing, salsa lessons, sombrero races and piñatas! (1001 N 2nd St.)

Taproom on 19th is welcoming South Philly Barbacoa again this year to serve up some authentic Mexican cuisine. The delicious offerings for the night will be $7 tortas, a $15 chorizo burger, and $8 salsa verde nachos. All margaritas will be $5, including their “Tequila for Mi Amanita” which features tequila infused in-house with strawberries. (2400 S 19th St.)

 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo twice at this spot! Starting at 4 PM on Friday and 1 PM on Saturday they’ll be serving up $5-$8 bar bites, $6 margaritas, $3 Tecates, and $3 draft beers. (408 S 2nd St.; 215-238-7280)