Ah, Cinco de Mayo – the day to celebrate the history of Mexico’s defeat of the French army by arming yourself with a burrito in one hand and a margarita in the other. With the Swine Flu looming ominously over Mexico’s shores, you’re better off rocking festivities on the home front this year.
We’ve dug up cities that boast the most noted Mexican cuisine, and figured out fun ways to spend the night in each.
San Diego: Surf’s up in this SoCal city, so head to the beach and celebrate in the sun. While not quite south of the border, San Diego’s shoreline attitude takes the cake for chilling out with a bit of spice. Part of the Brigante Family Restaurant group, Miguel’s calls itself “a fiesta in a box,” and offers award-winning recipes and a never-ending party atmosphere. A patio on the marina is perfect for sunset drinks, and Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour lasts out there from 3-6 p.m. Food and drink specials, mariachis, and corralejo girls make this place a must-see.
San Antonio: With its Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultural fusion, San Antonio is a seasoned favorite for Mexican food, and no stranger to celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Head to the beautiful Riverwalk where Mexican ancestry is fêted most. Nearby, El Jarro Mexicano has been serving serious foodies for the past 30 years, and has received nation-wide praise for its specialties, like zesty black bean soup and spicy chicken mole. Raise a glass and toast to Mexico, but don’t leave this restaurant without sampling the incredible menu.
Las Vegas: This town really doesn’t need an excuse to party, but Cinco de Mayo is another wonderful reason to roam the glamorous and scandalous establishments of The Strip. For a wild night and tequila-infused celebrations, some of the biggest watering holes on the main drag have pulled out all the stops, and tipped their sombreros to Mexican freedom. Pink Taco’s at the Hard Rock will be offering a 2-for-1 drinks all night, and girls will walk around and offer free shots for prizes. The MGM Grand’s Diego Restaurant will have drink specials, buckets of beer, and sliders from 2p.m. to 10 p.m., and the Hilton will offer $1 margaritas inside the Tempo Lounge from 4 p.m. – midnight.
Albuquerque: New Mexico takes a hint from its namesake and takes Cinco de Mayo very, very seriously. The largest city in the state, and peppered with classic views of mountains and plains, the adobe-filled town of Albuquerque is perfect for a little authentic fiesta. Although there are plenty of hole-in-the-wall taquerias around every corner, you’ll want to head straight to Sadie’s for truly award-winning experience. Its renowned salsa (packaged and available for shipping and purchase) is robust with green chilies and fresh jalapenos that makes this place a sensation. Try their Sloppy Jose and Midori Margarita to top it all off.
Phoenix: The stunning desert, blooming cacti, and elegant nature here fuse a certain kind of rush that will make you feel like you’ve actually crossed the border. This southwestern city beams in the sunlight as a Mexican food favorite. In Old Town, the most popular restaurant in the city, Carolina’s Mexican Food, is steeped in the aroma of Mexican favorites like guacamole and spicy chorizo. Founded in 1968, and decked with the genuineness of concrete flooring and worn seating that tells you Carolina’s cares mostly for the food quality than anything else, this gem has that bold characteristics that make it a Cinco de Mayo hot spot.
© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney
