Local communities, restaurants, distilleries and breweries are pulling out the stops for Cinco de Mayo celebrations this weekend. There is no shortage of places rolling out feasts and specials to celebrate Mexico’s 1862 military victory over Napoleon’s French forces, but if you need ideas, here are 10 to get you started.
City House
It’s Cinco de Mayo all weekend long at this eatery along the Mississippi River. Highlights include beer specials and ceviche and housemade chicken al pastor. Oh, and that view. Open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 258 Mill St., St. Paul, cityhousemn.com
Hewing Hotel
Grab a margarita and listen to live music from the Twin Cities Latin Band in the hotel’s back alleyway on May 5 from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $20 and includes a margarita. 300 Washington Av. N., Mpls., hewinghotel.com
Kendall’s
On Cinco de Mayo, this Coon Rapids eatery will feature a Champagne margarita, with lime juice, Campo Bravo blanco tequila, Cointreau and Wycliff brut, as well as spicy mango, strawberry and pineapple margaritas ($9). Food specials include nachos ($11) and chips and salsa ($5). 12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW., Coon Rapids, kendallstc.com
La Doña Cerveceria
Attention night owls: this Latino brewery’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Weekend is from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. on May 3 and 4, featuring a Salsa Night Extravaganza (the dancing, not the condiment) with music from the Tropical Zone Orchestra and Expresion Tropical. There will be tropical beer cocktails to complement the menu. 241 Fremont Av. N., Mpls., dameladona.com
Masa & Agave Cantina
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 5, the speakeasy-style restaurant at Hotel Ivy will have $10 margaritas, $5 tacos and bottomless guacamole. Specials will include breakfast tacos, and there’s live music from 3-7 p.m. 1115 2nd Av. S., Mpls., masaandagave.com
Midtown Global Market
Ahead of Cinco de Mayo, the food hall will celebrate its newest restaurant, El Taco Torro, on May 4 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be live music and performances. Jose Francisco Haro is following his successful food truck with his first brick and mortar space. The menu includes tacos, gorditas, tortas, burritos, quesadillas and more. 920 E. Lake Street, Mpls., eltacotorromn.com
Pajarito
For the sixth year, the St. Paul location is holding its annual family friendly block party — now over two days. The free celebration is May 4 from 1-9 p.m. and May 5 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There’s love music, kid-friendly fun as well as margaritas, Mexican beer and street-food specials (think tacos, elote-style corn, housemade tortilla chips, salsa, guac and more. Note: Food is cash only. 605 W. 7th St., St. Paul, pajaritorestaurant.com.
