The Mexican holiday (not its Independence Day, Sept. 16) has evolved in the States into a massive celebration of Mexican culture and food. Cinco de Mayo is a holiday south of the border commemorating the army’s victory over France in the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. These days, Mexico’s kaleidoscope of colors and flavors inspire festivities around town. So, what are the hottest parties? Check out this list!
Avocado Cantina
This annual fiesta will feature two bars, an outdoor taco stand, vendors, and a dance floor where guests can show off their moves alongside the tunes of a DJ (5 p.m.), the Mojito Latin Band (8 p.m.), and a second DJ until 1 a.m.
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens; 561/766-2430; avocadocantina.com
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Its Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach locations are partnering up with Cazadores and Patron for great drink specials, including a $10 Patron margarita and Cazadores draft $5 margarita.
Fort Lauderdale: 21 W. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954/945-5545
West Palm Beach: 118 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 561/559-3119
Coyo Taco
The Las Olas outpost of this famed Miami taco shop is welcoming in guests with $5 margaritas, a live DJ and mariachis.
401 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954/766-1292; coyo-taco.com
Deck 84
Take your Cinco de Mayo party to the water at Deck 84 with Mexican specials like the street corn flatbread, mojo pulled pork tostada, and drinks like the 1800 Paloma and Jalisco spritz.
840 E. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach; 561/665-8484; deck84.com
El Camino
Its West Palm Beach outpost, the newest addition to the El Camino family, is hosting a street festival for the community. Look forward to several outdoor bars, tequila tastings, mariachi band, photo booth, dance lessons, face painting, art classes, piñata decorating, and of course, its house-made tacos. Its Delray and Fort Lauderdale locations will also celebrate on a smaller scale with their own bands, tacos, and tequilas. Its Boca Raton outpost is slated to open this fall, so look out for that soon!
700 Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach; 561/668-2929; elcaminowestpalmbeach.com
La Condesa
The family-owned Mexican restaurant is hosting a bash complete with mariachis, drink specials, and all of its delicious house-made fare.
3320 Airport Road, Boca Raton; 561/931-4008; lacondesamexican.com
La Mexicana Taco Bar
Nestled within Wilton Manors, this quaint restaurant will be hosting a variety of activities for the holiday. Guests can look forward to tequila tastings, piñata smashings, salsa dance lessons, and a photo booth. Live entertainment will also include stilt walkers, acrobatic dancers, and live music.
2430 N.E. 13th Ave., Wilton Manors; 754/701-5977; lamexicana.online
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar
Get ready for a block party only Rocco’s knows how to throw. Its Boca and Fort Lauderdale locations will host separate parties with live entertainment, plenty of tacos, and an expansive selection of tequilas.
5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton; 561/416-2131; roccostacos.com
Tropical Smokehouse
Chef Rick Mace is celebrating by cooking brisket and mahi tacos; both served on a house made soft tortilla. Make sure to pair them with his $8 margaritas and Palomas.
3815 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561/323-2573; eattropical.com
