Photo of Danny Trejo courtesy of Trejo’s Tacos.
Cinco de Mayo is back, so let’s raise a glass. Whether you’d like to listen to live mariachi, celebrate with expansive views from a Hollywood rooftop, meet the iconic Danny Trejo, or simply eat some excellent Mexican cuisine, see below for some ideas on how to enjoy this celebration of Mexican-American culture. ¡Salud!
Meet the legendary Danny Trejo on Cinco de Mayo when he visits two of his Trejo’s Tacos locations. He’ll be at the La Brea location from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and at Trejo’s Tacos Hollywood Cantina from 6 to 7:30 p.m. While you’re there, you can purchase Agua Frescas, Margaritas, Beef Barbacoa Tacos, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Fried Chicken Burritos, Stacked Nachos, and more. If you’d like to start Cinco de Mayo early, Trejo’s Tacos is now offering Happy Hour at their La Brea, Santa Monica, and Hollywood Cantina locations. Happy Hour goes from 3 to 5 p.m. daily and includes $5 Taco Plates, $8 House Margaritas, $2 off all Beer, and $10 Nachos. More about Trejo’s Tacos
As beloved for its superior vegan Mexican food as its excellent, agave-intensive cocktails, West Hollywood’s Gracias Madre is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a Pop-Up Margarita Garden from 3 to 9 p.m.! The festivities will include $7 plant-based bites, including Jackfruit and Asada Tacos, Nachos, and Esquites. You’ll also find margaritas, live mariachi band performances, beats by DJ Vick Jagger, raffle prizes, photo ops, and more. Savor cocktails at Gracias Madre’s pop-up Margarita and Mezcal bars hosted by Herradura, La Tierra De Acre, and Mezcal Mal Bien. You can also enjoy spirit-free cocktails from CUT ABOVE. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
Modern Mexican eatery Que Padre in Palisades Village in Pacific Palisades is partnering with The Smoke Label artisanal tequila for an epic, nine-hour Cinco de Mayo celebration. You’ll find specials like $20 Coronita Buckets and $5 Cervezas. You’ll also get to sample The Smoke Label’s Blanco and Reposado Tequilas, smoked with mesquite wood. Also available: tequila flights, signature margaritas, and Chef Isaias Peña’s signature tacos filled with options like birria, mushrooms, al pastor, and more. More info
L.A. TACO’s Taco Madness returns on Saturday, May 6. Now in its 14th year, Taco Madness will feature ten of L.A.’s most beloved taco chefs creating their signature tacos at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. This lively celebration will also feature dozens of vendors, tastings, live artwork, tattoo booths, celebrity judges, and live music. More info.
We’re big fans of the food, drink, and people-watching at El Granjero Cantina, located on the plaza at The Original Farmers Market. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with live mariachi, a DJ, assorted games, a photo booth, and cocktail and taco specials! More info
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on one of Hollywood’s largest rooftops. I|O Rooftop, the 12,000 square feet lounge atop The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, is a lively space to enjoy stunning city views, tasty street tacos, specialty cocktails, and a live DJ on May 5 from 5 pm until close. For more information and to reserve a spot, click here.
Image courtesy of Tocaya Modern Mexican
Want to extend the Cinco de Mayo festivities? On May 17, visit SALT Restaurant & Bar, the waterfront eatery at the Marina del Rey Hotel. At SALT’s El Tesoro Private Tequila Barrel Tasting, you’ll savor three unique cocktails from the Pacifica El Tesoro tequila barrel, along with delicious passed appetizers. Tickets can be purchased here.
You can also try El Tesoro Tequila at a Meet the Makers event at Wayfarer DTLA on May 18. Guests will enjoy passed appetizers and three specialty cocktails made from Wayfarer DTLA’s private El Tesoro tequila barrel. You’ll also receive a souvenir to take home. Tickets can be purchased here.
Solita Tacos & Margaritas in Anaheim is throwing a day-long Cinco de Mayo celebration that’s especially geared to fans of the Anaheim Angels. Located directly across from Parking Lot 9A of Angel Stadium, Solita’s game day party, hosted by ESPN radio, also celebrates the Angels’ game against the Texas Rangers on Friday, May 5. In addition to free Angel ticket giveaways, Solita will also feature a beer garden, a DJ, and lawn games. The party goes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. More info
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo daily through May 5 at Tocaya Modern Mexican. Tocaya is offering Taco Tuesday pricing over five days this week in honor of the holiday. You’ll find tacos starting at just $2.
Enjoy a free, family-oriented Cinco de May celebration at 2nd & PCH in Long Beach. Taking place on the grand staircase stage, the May 5 festivities go from 5 to 7 p.m. and include fiesta character performances, ballet folklorico, rope tricks, and live mariachi music. More about 2nd & PCH
Bar Louie, a gastrobar with locations in Northridge, Downey, and Tustin, is offering $7 Dos Sauza Margaritas during happy hour on Cinco de Mayo. They’ll also offer 50% off bar bites such as the Trio Dips and Chips and Chicken Quesadillas (participation and pricing may vary). More info
