Dust off the maracas, whip out that sombrero, it’s time to celebrate Cinco De Mayo.
This Saturday 5th May marks Cinco De Mayo, a day long festival of culture, cuisine, cocktails, and music. Although many celebrate by dosing up on tequila and tacos, it holds special historical significance, commemorating the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on 5th May 1862. Like any good party, this one travels beyond its nation’s borders, with celebrations taking place all across the globe. Lucky for us, Sydney-siders are treated to a good dose of the action without ever leaving the city.
Here are the best local spots to celebrate.
El Loco, Slip Inn and Excelsior
Whether you’re in the CBD or Surry Hills, El Loco at Slip Inn and Excelsior invite you one of their buzziest and most festive days of the calendar year. There will be tequila, there will be tacos and rest assured there will be DJs. Excelsior will be open from 12pm, with Slip Inn opening its doors from 2pm. Time to get planning!
El Loco, Slip Inn, 111 Sussex Street, Sydney, 9114 7327, Open Mon – Fri 11:00am till late, Sat 2:00pm till late. Sunday Closed.
El Loco, Excelsior Hotel, 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills, 9254 8088, Open Mon – Thurs 10:00am till late, Fri & Sat 10:00am – 3:00am, Sun 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Barrio Cellar, CBD
This late night tequileria and eatery is by no means missing out on the Cinco de Mayo action, with a full blown two-day fiesta. Come Friday 4th May, they’ll be shaking and stirring $10 margaritas from 4-6pm, with a Lost Altos Tequila station also set up on the day. To soak up the flowing tequila, you can also get yours hands on $3 tacos. Come Saturday 5th May, head down for FREE margaritas from 6pm-7pm.
The Basement 58 Elizabeth St Martin Place Sydney 2000, (02) 9232 7380
Tequila Mockingbird, Paddington
Paddington’s Tequila Mockingbird invites you to celebrate Cinco De Mayo in a most delicious fashion this Saturday 5th May. Patrons can expect not only $5 tacos but also $10 margaritas (normally priced at $14 and $19 respectively). Festivities will continue until 5pm, so be sure to get in early to make the most of the special deal.
Tequila Mockingbird, 6 Heeley st, Paddington, (02) 9331 6749
Chula, Potts Point
This Saturday 5th May, Chula are taking the Cinco de Mayo celebrations up a notch with a bottomless brunch! For just $69pp, you’ll feast on an array of authentic Mexican delights, including charcoal corn, quesadillas, chorizo tlayuda, baja fish tacos and cochinita pibil tacos. As for the bottomless beverages, expect everything from Paloma cocktails to Micheladas, Tecate beer, mimosas and rosé. If that wasn’t enough, they’ll also be hosting a tequila tasting from 3-5pm, with $10 margaritas also available.
Bookings are essential! To secure your spot email hola@chula.com.au
El Camino Cantina, The Rocks
Head down to El Camino Cantina and you’ll find $7.50 margaritas not just on Saturday, but all week! The countdown begins on Tuesday 1st May, with a selection of $2 tacos available all day. On Wednesday, Dos de Mayo, chicas and chicos can delight in 10 cent wings with any purchase of a 24 oz Margarita or chalice of house beer. On Thursday, Tres de Mayo, $5 guacamole is on offer all day, meaning you can put the restaurant’s refillable baskets of chips to deliciously good use. On Friday, Quatro de Mayo, bring the working week to a close with an all-you-can-eat taco menu that includes a choice of appetisers, unlimited tacos, and churros with salted caramel dip for dessert ($52 pp).
Come the big day on Saturday 5th May, you can expect brightly filled piñatas, vibrant decorations and a photo booth. During the sunlit hours you’ll find RnB and Latin musos taking to the stage, followed by a live mariachi band from 5-6pm. The fun goes late into the night with DJ Jay Mac stepping up to the decks from 7pm to 11pm and the music continuing until 1am.
El Camino Cantina- 18 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000, 9259 5668, Open Monday-Thursday 12:00pm-12am, Friday and Saturday 12:00pm -1 am and Sunday 11:00am – 10pm.
Bar Patron, Circular Quay
The newly opened Bar Patron by Rockpool is offering not one, but two luxe Cinco de Mayo lunch celebration packages in honour of Mexico’s annual celebration. Come Saturday 5th May, the first Cinco de Mayo lunch package includes a welcome margarita on arrival, followed by a five-course lunch set menu and three tequila tastings ($120). Those looking to up the ante can otherwise opt for the premium package ($150) which includes two additional tequila tastings to be paired with each mouth-watering course. Here, a Bar Patron representative will explain each tasting and the processes in which it has been made.
Bar Patron, 2 Phillip St, Circular Quay, Cinco de Mayo lunch special available 12pm to 2pm on Saturday, 5 May. For bookings call 02 9259 5600.
Guzman y Gomez, various locations
Who doesn’t love at good ol’ GyG burrito and Corona? They’ll taste that much more delicious this Saturday, as Guzman y Gomez celebrates the best of Latin culture during Cinco de Mayo with $5 burritos and $5 Coronas, all day – nationwide! To capitalise on this awesome deal, find a Guzman y Gomez near you here!
SoCal, Neutral Bay
Did someone say taco and tequila fiesta? Neutral Bay’s SoCal believe in extending the party vibes, with a week long Taco and Tequila fiesta. Kicking off the week-long celebration is a Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday 5th May, with Mexican inspired entertainment on offer all day, including free Mexican flower crowns and music. With cacti, sombreros and wrestling masks adorning the venue, you can expect a Masterchef-esque ‘My Taco Rules!’ championship, live acoustic music, a street-art battle for charity, a taco and tequila degustation menu, an all-you-can eat-tacos night plus more.
For the sweet tooths, Applejack Group Executive Chef, Jason Roberson, has also teamed up with renowned pastry chef Andy Bowdy to create a bespoke dessert – the Helado Domingo. It consists of sweet corn ice cream, Cajeta, buttermilk and pastel de elote. The Instagrammable dish is best described as a Mexican twist on a classic Sundae, and will be available exclusively at SoCal during May.
SoCal, 1 Young Street, Neutral Bay, Sydney, Open Monday & Tuesday 5pm – late, Wednesday & Thursday 12pm – late, Friday and Saturday 12pm – 2am, Sunday 12pm – 12am
Mad Mex, various locations
Did someone say free burritos?! You read correctly. This Saturday, each Mad Mex restaurant nationwide is celebrating Cinco de Mayo by giving away FREE burritos and naked burritos to the first 50 customers at every restaurant. To get your free burrito, simply say the following line before placing your order: “Can I order a Burrito for General Ignacio Zaragoza”
