Cinco de Mayo is almost here, which means it is officially time to gather your friends, order way too many tacos, sip margaritas and celebrate the bold flavors, music and energy that make Mexican cuisine and culture so beloved. Around Annapolis, local restaurants are going all out with drink specials, sizzling plates of fajitas and enough chips and salsa to make you forget whatever diet you started this spring.
If you are trying to figure out where to celebrate, here are a few spots we would absolutely recommend checking out this Cinco de Mayo.
Mi Pueblo II
If you are looking for festive vibes and enough margaritas to make you start texting everyone “we should do this more often,” Mi Pueblo II should absolutely be on your list.
They are celebrating from May 1 through May 5 with food, drink and tequila specials all week long. Guests can get 20 percent off favorites like Enchiladas Verdes, Burritos Verdes, Taco Salad, Enchiladas Supreme and Burrito Deluxe. Drink specials include 15 percent off Jumbo Lime Margaritas, Jumbo Blue Margaritas, Jumbo Green Iguanas, Mexican draft beers and bottled beers. Tequila lovers can also enjoy 25 percent off select shots, including silver tequila, Casamigos, Jose Cuervo Gold and 1800 Reposado.
Now for the personal recommendation: get the Chori Pollo. Trust me. The grilled chicken and Mexican chorizo covered in melted cheese is what I get every time I go. Their quesadillas are also ridiculously good.
If you are ordering online, use the code “CINCO” for food specials. Drink specials are dine in only (which honestly just gives you another excuse to stay for one more margarita).
Vida Taco Bar
Vida Taco Bar is stretching the celebration across two days this year. The restaurant will be open Monday, May 4 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, May 5 from noon to 10 p.m. Diners can kick things off Monday with 20 percent off dine in checks before diving into another full day of Cinco de Mayo celebrations Tuesday.
Editorial recommendation: The spicy margarita alone is worth the trip. The scallop tacos are unreal and practically melt in your mouth. The garlic chipotle aioli should honestly be sold by the gallon. Also highly recommended: the pork belly tacos, sweet potato tacos, carne asada tacos and even the soft shell crab tacos (trust me, they are great).
Picante
West Street and tacos are a beautiful combo, and Picante is always a solid move for Cinco de Mayo.
They have not announced specials yet, but definitely keep an eye on their social media because this is definitely a fun place to celebrate downtown.
No matter what, do yourself a favor and order the birria tacos and carne asada french fries. Add an ice cold Corona and suddenly your day is a whole lot better.
El Cabrito Mexican Grill
Not every Cinco de Mayo celebration has to be loud. Sometimes the move is grabbing incredible food, bringing it home and living your best couch life.
That is where El Cabrito comes in.
This is a great takeout option or a more relaxed dine in experience, and the El Ranchero plate is a favorite with steak, chicken, eggs, cactus, fresh Mexican cheese, rice, beans, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole.
Señor Chile Cantina
Señor Chile Cantina is slowly taking over the Annapolis area, and honestly, we get it.
This is the place to go if you want the full Cinco de Mayo experience. Giant margaritas. Fresh guac. Street corn that will make your mouth water. Let’s not forget those sizzling fajitas that turns heads as they pass through the dining room. Let’s be honest: when those fajitas come out, everyone in the restaurant notices. For about 30 seconds, you are the star of the restaurant.
For Cinco de Mayo only, they are offering $8 Patrón shots, $8 spicy margaritas, $8 Patrón margaritas and $8 house margaritas.
Mi Lindo Cancun Grill
Mi Lindo Cancun Grill is the definition of comfort food portions. This is the spot if you want dinner tonight and leftovers that somehow taste even better tomorrow.
Their enchiladas and chimichangas are absolutely worth the trip, and for Cinco de Mayo they are also offering $8 Patrón shots, $8 spicy margaritas, $8 Patrón margaritas and $8 house margaritas.
If you’re looking for margarita spots with friends, diving into a mountain of tacos, or just finding the perfect plate of enchiladas, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo around Annapolis this year.
Just remember: extra guac is always worth it.
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