At San Diego Magazine, we love our birdbath margaritas and chips and salsa! And Cinco de Mayo is great way to get out and enjoy this city’s bevy of Mexican offerings.
The Fifth of May, commonly mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, actually commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867).
Translation: Margs, mariachi music, and tacos for all!
Here are some ways you can partake in the fun this weekend:
Cinco de Mayo
2013 Old Town Fiesta Cinco de May:
This three day-fiesta May 3 through May 5 is the biggest celebration north of the border. Be surrounded by the history and culture of Mexico, and enjoy flamenco beats and traditional mariachi music. With 20 delicious Old Town restaurants, the options abound. And don’t forget the drinks! Visit the tequila connoisseur in the high-end sampling area, or make a trip to the beer garden. With museums, shopping and festivities galore, there is endless entertainment for the whole weekend. San Diego Avenue, Old Town
Casa Guadalajara:
Listen to live entertainment from noon to 9:30 p.m., and have a festive “Cincorita” margarita, in layers of green, white and red, complemented by a pair of cheesy Enchiladas Banderas. Mariachis and folkloric dancers add to the authentic cultural fiesta. 4105 Taylor Street, Old Town, casaguadalajara.com
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa:
The resort is hosting a Tequila Cocktail Event in The Pony Room on May 4 from 4 – 7 p.m. Choose from more than 100 different types of tequila. This cocktail fiesta includes unique Forteleza Tequila Cocktails, a live mariachi band, delicious Mexican small plate stations prepared by Executive Chef Eric Bauer, and cocktail pairings. $65 per person; 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, ranchovalencia.com
La Colonia Park:
Head to Solana Beach, and celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with a live mariachi band, ballet folklorico dancers, and much more! Enjoy Mexican food favorites, and delicious beverages. Bring the whole family out for a relaxing afternoon. With game booths, piñatas, and crafts, there is fun for the kids, too. solanabeachchamber.com
House margarita from The Blind Burrow
Erin Jackson
The Blind Burro:
With $5 margs and tequila specials all day, this is one celebration you won’t want to miss. Start the fun early, and sip on bottomless sangria, and or have brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With taco specials and $4 TJ dogs, there are festive flavors for everyone! 639 J Street, East Village, theblindburro.com
Casa de Pico:
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at this much-loved restaurant with its famed birdbath margaritas and delicious cantina specials. Mariachis, Troubadours, and Ballet Folklorico will make this day fun and super-festive. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, casadepico.com
Barrio Star
Barrio Star:
Specials featured all week from May 1 through May 5. Enjoy delectable food, fun contests, and more! All Isabel restaurants will partake in the Cinco de Mayo week of celebration and specials! 2706 5th Avenue, Bankers Hill, isabelscantina.com
Sprinkles New Margarita Cupcake (May 3-23):
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Sprinkles is launching a new margarita cupcake—made with tequila key-lime cake, key lime frosting, and finished with a rim of fleur de sel. Tip: Anyone who whispers “Happy Hour” on May 3 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. will receive a free cupcake (one per person) and be among the first to try out the new flavor! 8855 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla, sprinkles.com
The Commons Bar:
This all-day celebration will feature an array of festivities and drink specials including $3 Dos XX, $4 Espolón tequila shots, and $5 frozen margaritas. 901 4th Avenue, Gaslamp, thecommonssd.com
