Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2017 in Philadelphia

by Jessie Donofrio on May 2, 2017 in Roundups
 
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! 
 
Head to this BYOB for $10 cochinita (pork) tacos with homemade tortillas, and bring some tequila with you because they’ll have a special $10 blood orange mixer for drinks. (2025 Washington Ave.; 215-278-7579)
 
$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.)
 
This University City spot is throwing a Mexican fiesta all day long on the 5th. Stop by for $2 Tecates, 2 for $5 tacos (pollo or carnitas), $2.50 sweet plantains, $5 nachos, $5 frozen or on the rocks margs, and $7 Patron margs. A DJ will play from 5 PM to close. (3945 Chestnut St.; 215-222-1657)
 
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)
 
Photo via Flickr user SGPhotography77
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close