This weekend, Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby both fall on Saturday, lending to a day of fascinators and sombreros. Here’s where we’re heading for the fun, including spots that are celebrating both festivities—Cinco de Derby, perhaps?
32 East
Combining the going-away party for this longtime venue with Cinco de Mayo, on May 5, there’s an open bar from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and food from Chef John Thomas. All of this costs $150 per person, and also includes a rock band from 8-11 p.m., a Kentucky Derby showing with mint juleps and a chance to say Adios to these folks. 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/276-7868
Blue Moon Mexican Café
Starting at noon, party with live music, special drinks and food and giveaways. 6897 SW 18th, Boca Raton; 561/571-7000
Burt & Max’s
From 5 to 7 p.m., the Kentucky Derby will be celebrated with Kentucky-inspired food (Kentucky Chicken Burgoo, sliders, pickled shrimp and more) plus specials on Woodford Reserve drinks all night. Try the mint julep, Kentucky mule or the Off to the Races martini. A costume award will be given to Most Dapper Dressed male and Best Hat on a woman. 9089 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/638-6380
Calaveras Cantina
Courtesy Calaveras
On May 5, the taco tent will be up and running, as well as the Chihuahuas! There will be three Chihuahua races with all monies going to Jupiter Dog Rescue (participants need to register online for $5 and choose the time of the race they want at events@calaverascantinas.com). A mariachi band starts at 1 p.m., a DJ takes over at 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Drink specials will abound. 125 Dockside Drive, Harbourside Place, Jupiter, 561/320-9661
The Cooper
It’s all about the Kentucky Derby here from 3 to 7 p.m., and guests are encouraged to wear Derby hats and fascinators. At the bar, sip on cocktails like the Kentucky Oaks Lily, Run for the Roses and of course, mint juleps. On the menu, try a Kentucky Hot Brown, Derby Devil Eggs and Cornmeal Fried Green Tomatoes. PGA Commons, 4610 PGA Blvd. #100, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/622-0032
Coyo Taco
Starting at noon on May 5, try the $6 taco specials, live music and $6 margarita specials at this new venue. 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach; 561/318-8616
Duffy’s Sports Grill
Courtesy Duffy’s
Starting today (May 4) through May 6, keep Cinco de Mayo fun going with three beef tacos (pictured) for $7.99 and $3 Sauza and $7 Patron margaritas. 21212 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, 561/ 869-0552
El Camino
On May 5, enjoy $7 coffee tequila shots, a live DJ and giveaways. 15 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach, 561/865-5350
Galley
Courtesy Galley
Cinco de Mayo specials include the Huckleberry Finn margarita (pictured; $12) or spicy avocado margarita ($12) and the special menu that includes tortilla soup, carne asada pizza, spicy street corn, molote and more. Hilton West Palm Beach, 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561/231-6100
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
Special food, drinks (including $3 Coronas), entertainment and giveaways, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. All locations, limefreshmexicangrill.com
Max’s Grille
Starting at 5 p.m. on May 5, you’ll find tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes from Chef Hector, as this is re-named Max’s Cantina for the day. There will be $10 mango margaritas, Mexican Mai Tai, $5 Modelo and Coronas, as well as $10 shots of Herradura tequila. 404 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 561/368-0080
CityPlace
Join MOJITO Latin Cuisine and Bar for music, dancers and cigars, along with a full bar and strawberry daiquiris, plus $4 tacos on the CityPlace Square.” 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
Ouzo Bay
From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 5, celebrate both Cindo de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby with a prix-fixe event. Tickets are $35 (advance) and $45 (at the door/cash) for food, specialty cocktails and fun with Derby hat attendees. 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 561/757-0082
Rocco’s Tacos
Courtesy Rocco’s Tacos
All day on May 5, there will be drink specials and free tequila pourings by Rocco and Team Cinco, live entertainment, DJs, and prize giveaways. Don’t forget to inhale some food while you’re there, such as the Tacos Molcajete (pictured). All locations, roccostacos.com
(Margarita photo by Jakub Kapusnak; mint julep by Robin Basile for The Cooper)
Lynn Kalber was raised in Boca Raton and has always worked in Palm Beach and Broward counties. She is a career journalist, with 26 years at The Palm Beach Post alone, where she wrote feature and food articles, edited the food section and wrote about wine as part of the Swirl Girls. She lives in West Palm Beach with her husband, writer and author Scott Eyman.
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