Cinco de Mayo: Dónde Comer y Beber (y ¿Por qué?)

From Laura Herman. Follow her on Twitter @lmhhabs.

Cinco de Mayo alert! If you’ve looked at a calendar recently, you are probably aware that May 5th is also known as Cinco de Mayo, day of magical tequila and tortilla chip glory. If not, now you know.

Before laying out some local establishments where you can celebrate, let’s take a moment to review why we’re celebrating tomorrow…

FYI, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day.  In 1861, the French invaded Mexico to force repayment of debts. The 5th of May, 1862, commemorates the Mexican army’s (unlikely) victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. However, even with the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla, the French were able to gain control of the country and install a Frenchman as emperor of Mexico, which lasted until 1867 when the French Army was finally driven from the country.

Now, to help plan your evening and marg-hopping and eating, here’s a roundup of local spots with special Cinco parties and deals:

Alero, 1301 U Street NW. Drink specials, such as $3.50 Mexican beers and $5.50 margaritas, plus food, outdoor seating, and a DJ. What could be better?

Café Citron, 1343 Connecticut Avenue NW. Food and drink specials (pitchers, too) plus a DJ all night long. Dancing on the bar is encouraged here…

La Frontera, 1633 17th Street NW. Specials on Mexican beers and margaritas, with a view of 17th Street, outdoor seating, and prime party-hopping potential.

Lauriol Plaza, 1835 18th Street NW. Expect crowds, drink specials, and mariachi bands at this always-packed Tex-Mex hot spot.

Lupe Cantina, 2114 18th Street NW. $5 at the door gets you a sombrero and a shot of Milagro tequila so your night is already off to a good start. Stick around for other specials all night long, including $3 beers, $4 Modelo specials, $5 margaritas and $10 chicken mole and carnitas.

Policy, 1904 14th Street NW. Party time, complete with a piñata contest and prizes. Drink specials run from 5 pm to 1 am, including $3 Coronas, $5 Milagro Margaritas, $5 Negra Modelo, and $5 Horchata There will also be free soft tacos (while supplies last) beginning at 8 pm. Score.

Public Bar, 1214 18th Street NW. Party plans include live music from White Ford Bronco (awesome local 90s cover band, anyone?!), and drink specials including $2 PBR, $3 Corona, Corona Light, and Negro Modelo; $4 Margaritas; and $5 rails. They’ll also have a special piñata surprise every hour and the kitchen is staying open until 11 pm. $5 cover charge at the door.

The Front Page, 1333 New Hampshire Ave NW. Relive frat party days with specials including $2 Corona, Corona Lite and Miller Lite, $5 Margaritas, $5 Cuervo Gold Shots, $6 Don Julio shots.  Jose Cuervo reps will also be around from 6 to 8 pm with samples and giveaways.

Touchdown, 1334 U Street NW. Sports bars can have fun on Cinco too! Drink specials for the holiday include 25% off all Tequila, $1 Fish Tacos, $3 Corona Extra, $3 Corona Light, and $3 Modelo Especial.

BONUS! Walk into any California Tortilla franchise at some point today and say “Cinco de Mayo” — maybe add in a wink too, for good measure. You’ll get a free taco coupon valid on your next visit!

 

Please enjoy responsibly, folks, and here’s to a not–too–painful Seis de Mayo…