Photo courtesy of Mas Veggies Vegan Taqueria.
Cinco de Mayo is back. Though the holiday is far more celebrated in the U.S. than in Mexico, we’re here, so let’s raise a glass to Mexican-American culture.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Echo Park’s own Danny Trejo at his restaurant, Trejo’s Tacos. See the “Machete” star in person at the Original Farmers Market location from 4 to 5 pm and at the Hollywood location from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. On Cinco de Mayo, make any taco a Machete-style taco with burnt cheese-crusted tortillas and avocado slices ($2). The Hollywood location is also offering a special drink, a Strawberry Fantasy Jalapeno Margarita (tequila blanco, strawberry Fanta, jalapeno, and lime) for $13. (Though Trejo usually prefers fresh fruit in his drinks, he likes the nostalgia factor of strawberry soda). More info here.
Known for elevated vegan Mexican food and an “all agave, all the time” bar program, Gracias Madre in West Hollywood is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a daylong extravaganza! You’ll encounter a mariachi band, a sidewalk lounge, a satellite bar, a special Time Machine Margarita, and hourly raffles. A percentage of the proceeds from select cocktails sold at Gracias Madre‘s event will go to the No Us Without You charity.
A vibrant modern Mexican eatery at the Original Farmers Market, El Granjero Cantina promises a lively celebration on Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy live mariachis from 5 to 7 p.m., along with drink specials like a Shot & Beer (Cazadores tquila and Modelo cerveza) for $12. You’ll even be able to savor samples from Cazadores and Patron from 4 to 8 p.m. Other Cinco de Mayo happenings at the Original Farmers Market include strolling nortena trio Carlos y Charlos from 4 to 7 p.m. and a special appearance from Danny Trejo at Trejo’s Tacos from 4 to 5 p.m. El Granjero Cantina will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What’s better than a burrito? Two burritos, of course. On Cinco de Mayo, buy one burrito and get a second one free at Mas Veggies, Veggie Grill’s ghost kitchen concept. Mas Veggies offers plant-based alternatives to classic Mexican dishes. Vegan protein choices available here include Chickin’ Tinga, Chipotle Carnitas, Tejano Beef, Smokey Mushroom Asada, and Cripsy Baja Fish. To get the Cinco de Mayo deal, use the code “CINCO” (note that this offer isn’t valid through third-party delivery services). Más Veggies burritos are available for pick-up or delivery at all Veggie Grill locations.
Image courtesy of Trejo’s Tacos.
Solita Tacos is offering live music at their Huntington Beach and Valencia locations from 3 p.m. to close on Cinco de Mayo. Standouts on the limited dine-in-only menu include Ceviche Tropicale, spicy shrimp tacos, and watermelon margaritas. More info here.
Dine at Tocaya Modern Mexican on Cinco de Mayo and enjoy a curated music playlist and some great drink specials: $5 margaritas and $3 bottled beers. Food standouts include the Taco Salad with poblano dressing and the Fajita Del Rey Bowl with vegan chipotle crema. More info on Tocaya here. Tocaya has locations in DTLA, Hollywood, Studio City, Toluca Lake, the Westside, and more.
Celebrated taqueria and tequila bar El Carmen celebrates its 25th anniversary this week. That means their annual Cinco de Mayo party on Thursday, featuring cocktail specials, $10 House Margaritas, and $11 Cerveza/Shot Combos all night, from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Then, on Friday, May 6, raise a glass to El Carmen’s continuing legacy with Mariachi Amigos de Los Angeles from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and DJs from the Chulita Vinyl Club’s LA Chapter from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Odyssey restaurant offers stunning views of the San Fernando Valley. An LA favorite for decades, Odyssey is offering three prime rib tacos for $8 on Cinco de Mayo.
Image courtesy of Gracias Madre.
Whiskey Red’s in Marina del Rey offers a waterfront location with views of the bay. On Cinco de Mayo, you’ll find specials including $2 tacos, $6 cocktails such as margaritas, palomas, and “Mexican Lollipop Shots” (tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice, tabasco, and a tajin rim), and $36 beer buckets. You’ll also enjoy games, raffles and a DJ from 3 p.m. to close at Whiskey Red’s new Boardwalk Bar.
Savor free churros and horchata and enjoy live Mexican entertainment at the Beverly Center this Cinco de Mayo. A five-person mariachi band and Ballet Folklórico dance troupe will perform at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., while the mariachi band will play throughout levels 6-8 of the center between 5 and 8 p.m. Horchata and churros will be passed out in the Grand Court while supplies last. In the same area, find a green screen photo booth and commemorate your Cinco de Mayo Insta moment from 5 to 8 p.m. More info.
Venice Beach’s self-pour taproom Beach + Brew is offering $10 tacos and nachos, along with 20% off Mexican beer, from 3 to 10 p.m. on Cinco de Mayo. More info
Located in Studio City and Atwater Village, Hugo’s Tacos is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all day long with $3 tacos, $5 mini nachos, and $8 burritos. More info here.
