Cinco de Mayo: It’s the day the Mexican army defeated France in the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. It’s also
known as Battle of Puebla Day. And while it’s celebrated in Mexico, in the United States it has evolved into an almost fabled level of fiesta. Overall, Cinco de Mayo is our commemoration of all things Mexican, a celebration of the country’s culture and heritage. It’s also a perfect chance to enjoy outstanding Mexican food and drink.
Here are five of our favorite Cinco de Mayo celebrations around DC this Sunday (and throughout the weekend):
Mission takes Cinco de Mayo seriously. Both locations (Navy Yard and Dupont) will host a two day celebration (May 4th & 5th) of parties that begin in the morning and last until late at night. Guests will enjoy bottomless brunch with unlimited guacamole and margaritas as well as live music, later-in-day food and drink specials and giveaways.
As if opening the rooftop at the Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel for the summer season wasn’t exciting enough, the Radiator team is taking it over — starting Friday, May 3 — pairing the official 2019 rooftop launch with tequila and tacos for a Cinco de Mayo Opening Fiesta! You’ll get a complimentary order of nachos when you arrive; and other Mexican-inspired bites also pair perfectly with Radiator’s menu of margarita riffs and other “cinco drinkos” throughout the weekend celebration.
Pour the mezcal! Dirty Habit offers food and drink specials Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5. (Trythe short rib tacos…. amazing!) But guests looking to taste a special selection of Mexican mezcals can also try two “Flights to Oaxaca” flight options of the spirit, all while learning more about mezcal from Dirty Habit’s bar expert.
Head to Poca Madre for a patio party! On Saturday, Chef Victor Albisu is throwing a “Mexican tiki party” (9 to 11 PM) with unlimited upscale Mexican fare. It’s all you can eat for $35, drinks purchased individually. Poca’s casual next door Taco Bamba (Penn Quarter location) is having a taco-and-guac smorgasbord from 1 to 4 PM on Sunday. It’s also $35 a person online, plus the option of $35 open bar wristbands available at the door.
Or if you’re the type who prefers Mi Casa celebrations, head to your nearby package store for some tequila or mezcal, set your Mariachi mix on repeat, and make up a pitcher of margaritas! The Silencio Mezcal Margarita has only three ingredients and will keep the fiesta flowing all afternoon with 2 oz of El Silencio Espadin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1 oz agave syrup. Shake, pour over ice, and enjoy responsibly!
