Cinco De Mayo is one of LA’s favorite day to celebrate all things Mexican culture. Although it isn’t an official holiday in Mexico, here in the states, we observe it as a time to appreciate and recognize the beautiful culture that dominates over 11% of the U.S. There are so many fun and festive events taking place this year which happens to fall on a “Sunday Funday.” Of course, the best way to celebrate Mexican culture is to eat some of their amazing and delicious cuisine. What’s great about living in LA, is that we have the best restaurants delivering one of a kind menus and will fill your cup with some of the best tequila cocktails. I mean, how can you not celebrate Cinco De Mayo without a margarita?? So get ready to make a reservation because here’s a list of the 8 best restaurants celebrating Cinco De Mayo.
1. KA’TEEN
Location: 6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
This year for Cinco de Mayo, KA’TEEN will be hosting a weekend-long celebration from Saturday, May 4th through Sunday, May 5th. They’ll have specialty dishes and entertainment for both brunch and dinner services. Guests can expect DJ sets for brunch throughout the weekend and special guest DJ set Sunday night. This is one of the top restaurants celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Featured dishes will include Duck Mole (a roasted duck with traditional Mexican mole sauce) and Wild Boar Carnitas ( a citrus confit boar shoulder with salsa verde and roja). Delicious drink specials will be available all weekend with twists on tequila favorites like the Jefe Wes Colada and La Poblana, or for something more smoky, the Mezcal Tamalito provides the perfect blend of flavors with tamarindo, lemon, and fresh corn. They will be open for brunch from 11:30am-2:30pm and dinner from 6pm-11pm. Book a table through Resy.
2. Gracias Madre
Location: 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
It’s time to fiesta VEGAN style! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at Gracias Madre in WEHO. The restaurant will be having a Pop-Up Margarita Garden with a vibrant outdoor experience featuring refreshing margaritas from Herradura, La Tierra De Acre, and Mezcal Mal Bien, plant-based bites, and live music entertainment. The pop-up will be open from 3pm-9pm and it’s only $30 to get in. Here’s what you get: two drink tickets redeemable for any cocktails, exciting raffle prizes including Gracias Madre gift cards. phot booth, live Mariachi band performances, plus there will also have “Spirit-Free” cocktails. Of course, while you’re there you’ll have to eat some of their delicious food too! Find more details here.
3. La Lo LA Rooftop
Location: 1260 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo “in the clouds” at La Lo La Rooftop, located on the 34th floor of the AC Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The Spanish-inspired cocktail bar will be offering three new tacos, each priced at $12, or opt for a tasting experience featuring all three for $29. The menu features a Mahi Mahi Baja Taco and Grilled Steak Tacos. For those seeking a vegetarian option, the Tacos de Nopales offer a delectable combination of grilled corn, queso Oaxaca, grilled cactus, jalapenos, and a roasted red salsa. To wash it all down, get a Pacifico beer paired with a shot of tequila for $18, or opt for a Modelo and a shot of Mezcal for $19. Handcrafted cocktails, including classic or spicy Margaritas, Palomas, or the unique Oaxacan Old Fashioned, are available for $18 each. They are open for brunch from 11am-3pm and dinner at 5pm to closing time. make a reservation on OpenTable here.
4. LA Cha Cha Chá
Location: 812 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Get ready for the ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration on Sunday. LA Cha Cha Chá is celebrating from dawn ’til dusk with incredible things to do like riding a mechanical bull, hosting a nighttime bar crawl destination stop, plus they’ll have Mariachi’s playing during the day and a DJ at night. Everything begins at 12pm with Happy Hour Margaritas starting at $10, plus Jell-o shots, and piñatas!
5. Mercado
Location: 7910 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Mercado is one of our fave restaurants celebrating Cinco de Mayo ALL DAY at all of their locations (Pasadena, Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica and LA). They will have food and drink specials and will be open regular hours. Featured items include Carnitas nachos, Tacos de Papa, and their house margaritas. Be sure to make a reservation.
6. Level 8
Location: 1254 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early on May 4th at Level 8’s Sinners Y Santos and The Brown Sheep. Featured cocktails include: Ilegal Mezcal Prickly Pear Paloma with Jamaica Agua Fresca and Patron Blanco Margarita with purple basil, cucumber and jalapeño. Guests are also invited to enjoy exclusive cocktails available at Sinners y Santos such as Batanga, made with Patron and Pepsi, Ranch Water with Patron and club soda and lime – all to sounds by DJ Diablo. Party hard from 10pm to 2am well into Cinco De Mayo morning.
7. 1212 Santa Monica
Location: 1212 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cinco de Drinko is what 1212 Santa Monica does best. This is another primo restaurant celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Sunday, they’ll be open for their regularly scheduled brunch programming and entertainment. BUT, the real fun begins from 3:30-10:00 PM with Happy Hour Tacos and Specialty Cocktails all night long! Some standout cocktails for the night include the Pina Picante, Firecracker, and the Mango Impossible.
8. Sprinkles Cupcakes
Ok this isn’t exactly a restaurant celebrating Cinco de Mayo but this is one way to celebrate the festivities in the sweetest way! Just as good as a margarita, say hello to the tequila cupcake! This year, Casamigos® is partnering with Sprinkles Cupcakes for a limited edition Casamigos® Margarita cupcake that will feature a key lime cake with a Casamigos® Blanco infused margarita frosting, finished with a sea salt rim. In addition to the traditional Margarita cupcake, Sprinkles will be launching an additional weekend flash flavor on Thursday 5/2 – Sunday 5/5 called Casamigos® Strawberry Margarita. This cupcake description is a strawberry cake with Casamigos® Blanco Tequila infused margarita frosting, finished with a sea salt rim. Both cupcakes will run in celebration of the Cinco De Mayo holiday weekend and will be sold at all stores for 2 weeks from 4/22 – 5/5. YUM!
To keep the party going – check out our favorite tequilas to make some epic Cinco de Mayo drink recipes.
Feature images courtesy of Ka’Teen instagram
