One Margarita, Two Margarita, Three Margarita…
Everything from SoCal’s culinary scene to its architecture has been heavily influenced by Mexican culture. When it comes to Cinco de Mayo, Los Angeles pulls out all of the stops and throws some of the best celebrations in the entire Golden State. The meaning behind this beloved holiday commemorates the 1862 Mexican victory against French forces, marking a day of rejoicing and celebration. Of course, many choose to celebrate with margaritas and mariachi! Here are some of our favorite places to spend Cinco de Mayo in LA.
Celebrate
Cinco de Mayo at Olvera Street
There is perhaps no street in Los Angeles that is more historic than Olvera Street. Located in Downtown LA and part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, Olvera Street goes above and beyond on Cinco de Mayo to bring a lively party to one of the oldest areas of the city. Enjoy traditional mariachi and live music, a variety of food vendors, carnival rides and a charming beer garden at this beloved Cinco de Mayo festival. Whether you’re coming with the kids or attending with friends, everyone is sure to have a blast.
Location: DLTA
Dine
Thunderbird Bar
Looking to celebrate at your local sports bar? Thunderbird Bar in West LA is a neighborhood hotspot that specializes in Tex-Mex. The rustic interior has a modern twist and features everything from cozy booths to Skee-Ball machines. The classic margarita with Milagro Silver Tequila offers consistency, but the Tormenta craft cocktail with the same spirit is a spicy yet fruity drink that is perfect for celebrating. For food, opt for a taco spread ranging from carnitas to shrimp al pastor or go all out with some Texas-sized carnitas nachos.
Location: West LA
5/18
Resident
Enjoy live music and stellar vibes at Resident in DTLA’s vibrant Art’s District this Cinco de Mayo. The Paloma Faith is a fresh and bright drink made with Milagro Silver Tequila, grapefruit and lime juices, agave nectar and Campari. Sip on this cocktail as you sway to the tunes and celebrate with your closest group of gal pals. The classic margarita is another fool-proof option that can be made with Scrappy’s Firewater bitters for a spicy kick. KTCHN DTLA is the on-site gourmet food truck that serves tacos, hot dogs and more on the weekends.
Location: Art’s District
Bolita
If fruity and dainty cocktails are more your thing, Bolita is the ultimate spot for festive drinks. This Cuban craft cocktail bar specializes in elegant drinks that catch the eye, but you can’t go wrong with the Infante. Ask for Milagro Tequila and use all of your senses to appreciate this innovative libation that is crafted with lime, orgeat, nutmeg and orange blossom water. These stunning drinks are definitely Instagram-worthy, making Bolita a great spot to pregame with the girls before hitting a Cinco de Mayo party in East LA.
Location: East LA
6/7
Mama Shelter
Mama Shelter has one of the best rooftops with some of the most picturesque views in all of Hollywood. Since traditional Cinco de Mayo celebrations use bright and colorful decor, the vibrant and colorful furniture on Mama Shelter’s rooftop offers the ideal backdrop. Sit at one of the rainbow-inspired tables or hang on one of the daybeds as you sip on a refreshing Mamacita cocktail. If you get hungry, you can snack on some shrimp or Baja fish tacos while taking in the sweeping city views at sunset.
Location: Hollywood
5/15
El Zarape Vine
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El Zarape Vine is a charming and cozy mezcal and tequila bar that is rooted in traditional Mexican culture. From classic mezcal margaritas to heartwarming micheladas, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your favorite cocktail or cerveza as you mix and mingle at the bar. For something extra refreshing, order the La Niña, which is made with fresh lime juice, cucumber, strawberry, and Milagro Tequila. When it comes to food, El Zarape Vine serves customizable tacos, burritos and quesadillas along with light apps like ceviche and aguachile.
Location: Hollywood
Mother Tongue
Mother Tongue, by Chef Michael Mina, offers a more upscale and trendy spot to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The food is driven by healthy and light ingredients and many of the dishes, such as the hand-cut steak tartare and grilled oyster mushrooms, are shareable. If you’re looking to get a solid buzz on during the holiday, be sure to order the passion fruit-forward Satellite of Love cocktail. Mezcal acts as the foundation for this drink, but it also has a Brazilian cachaça, giving it an extra punch.
Location: West Hollywood
Strada
Strada Eateria & Bar serves up a mean spicy margarita in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. This tapas-focused eatery is the perfect place to go with a group of friends for bites and drinks before hitting the town for some Cinco de Mayo dancing. The guacamole is served with ciabatta bread rather than tortilla chips, and the tomahawk for two is a great dish for sharing. The spicy margarita is made with smooth Milagro Tequila and also throws some cucumber in the mix for a refreshing touch that balances out the heat.
Location: DTLA
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
