Our Favorite Cinco de Mayo Celebrations (for Friday, May 5)
From the margaritas and Coronas, to the salsas and the chimichangas, what’s not to love about Cinco de Mayo? Several Beijing restaurants and bars will be serving up such flavorful fare, and a few are even hosting parties to ring in the joyous Mexican imbued occasion. See our roundup below.
Cantina Agave
This Taikoo Li favorite continues its annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta tradition of opening its rooftop for the summer season. The occasion will be coordinated by none other than top party planner Pop Up Disco (marking the latter’s first celebration of the year). They’ll be slinging Margaritas and sangrias for RMB 30, Coronas for RMB 20, and tunes will be spun by DJ Chozie (founder of BANG) and DJ El Mar (founder of NB Noise).
Cantina marketing head Marlon Ma says the music will be “funky house to driving beats and breaks,” and adds that complimentary Mexican grub like quesadillas, chimichangas, taquitos, and tacos will also be served. Ma loves Cinco de Mayo because “It’s one of the biggest festivals in Mexico. And it’s a perfect excuse to get drunk and enjoy the Margaritas!” 7pm onward. Free entry. Cantina Agave
Q Mex
Nearly any Mexican dish or drink that you can imagine will be on hand at this beloved Courtyard 4 venue’s Cinco de Mayo bash. Tequila shots will be on for RMB 10, all burritos will be served for RMB 55 (except for those in size XXL), and – best of all – there will be two special Cinco de Mayo themed cocktails: Cinco’ritas (RMB 55) and Bandera Shots (RMB 35). All that tempting food and booze will be topped off by a DJ cranking out Latin inflected party tunes. Reservations are recommended. 7pm-late. Free entry (though table reservations are recommended, call 6585 3828). Q Mex
The Local Bar and Grill
This popular Sanlitun haunt will offer free queso dips for every pitcher of Paloma or Frozen Margarita (RMB 150 each) that you order. Offer is on from 5pm-9pm. Free entry. The Local Bar and Grill
Avocado Tree (Liangmaqiao location only)
Patrons that spend over RMB 40 will be treated with a free Margarita, and those who’d rather buy a Margarita will get free chips and queso as a snack to balance out that icy, intoxicating booze. All day. Free entry. Avocado Tree Liangmaqiao
Luga's Villa
Happy hour Coronas and Margaritas, half-price nachos, and tequila shots at a dangerously low RMB discount will all be on offer at this Sanlitun Tex-Mex joint. Offer on all day. Free entry. Luga's Villa
Janes and Hooch
Proprietor and star bartender Warren Pang will mix up special cocktails featuring Single Estate Tequila Ocho from the Jalisco highlands and Mina Real Mezcal from Oaxaca, along with plenty of Mexican décor for a fitting backdrop. Offer on all evening. Free entry. Janes and Hooch
Ron Mexico
This recently relocated and expanded Jiaodaokou hutong bar will mark Cinco de Mayo with one liter Margarita pitchers for RMB 100 and shots of Jose Cuervo tequila for just RMB 10. Discount is on from 7pm to midnight. Free entry. Ron Mexico
La Social
A Cinco de Mayo party, featuring Mexican decor and music, will be held at this South American style, Mosto-affiliated bar and restaurant. 5.30pm-Late. Free entry. La Social
Photos: Eddie's V, The venues
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