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El Bebe is throwing an all-day Cinco de Mayo party.

Where To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in D.C.

Parties for the annual tequila-driven holiday run all weekend

by Tierney Plumb May 2, 2019, 11:05am EDT

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El Bebe is throwing an all-day Cinco de Mayo party.

| Rey Lopez/Eater DC

by Tierney Plumb May 2, 2019, 11:05am EDT

The annual celebration of Mexican culture, which commemorates a victory at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, is always a prime excuse for local restaurants to throw big, mind-bending parties.

In addition to discounts on guacamole, tacos, and margaritas, some bars are getting into the spirit with live Mariachi bands and elaborate decorations.

Cinco de Mayo falls on Sunday, May 5, but plenty of area bars plan to go all out all weekend.

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Roy Boys

Mezcal El Silencio is celebrating all over the country with specialty cocktails and deals at featured bars slinging its spirit. Shaw newcomer Roys Boys is in on the action, mixing mezcal cocktails all week up to the holiday (and available per request after).

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Roy Boys bloody mary — Roy Boys

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Tico

Michael Schlow’s Mexican eatery considers Cinco its biggest party day of the year. Sunday’s fiesta stretches from 2 p.m. to midnight with margaritas, cocktails, and music from DJ LexisLane. Bites include house chips with guacamole; tacos with chicken, pulled pork, or cauliflower; whole roasted pig; and warm churros. Food and drink tickets are $8 each or five for $32, with a portion of the day’s proceeds going towards My Sister’s Place.

1926 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Tico tacos

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El Techo

Owner Louie Haskins is promising “three days of chaos” at his Shaw rooftop, featuring Tulum-inspired vibes, DJs, and the christening of a new clear-topped roof and a frozen margarita machine. Other upgrades scheduled to be unveiled over the weekend include an infinity waterfall on the roof’s back tile wall.

606 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

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The Meatball Shop

The New York-based chain’s new strawberry margarita is half-off all day on Sunday. Macho Balls, made with chipotle chicken, avocado crema, escabeche, and fresh cilantro, are $5 for five. Get added heat from a “Swift Kick” sauce for $1.

Open in Google Maps

1720 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Macho Balls at The Meatball Shop

Radiator

Guests can jet up to the top of Kimpton hotel to mark the start of rooftop season. To kick off a three-night celebration (starting Friday), there’s al pastor tacos, elote (grilled corn), and quesadillas. Nachos are free upon arrival. The Saturday Night Live character Mango inspired a cocktail called You can’t-a have-a de Mango!, filled with house-made mango syrup, lime, and Chacho jalapeno aguardiente. There’s also a bloody paloma with blood orange puree.

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

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Espita Mezcaleria

The Oaxcan-style bar is unleashing a potent mezcal flight with Espadin, Tío Rey, and Cuixe for $28. A Buho mezcal shot and Victoria beer combo costs $10, and Piña Rita cocktail (El Velo Blanco tequila, fresh pineapple, lime, and triple sec) is on tap for $13. Holiday bites will be paired with new spring dishes like coconut ceviche or roasted carrot tacos.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Espita Mezcaleria [Photo: R. Lopez] — Espita Mezcaleria

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Westend Bistro

The patio at the The Ritz-Carlton will be filled with decorations and festive music to go with jalapeno and raspberry margaritas ($17) and tacos featuring steak, chicken tinga, and tempura shrimp ($24 for a trio).

Open in Google Maps

1190 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Visit Website

Westend Bistro

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Prather's On The Alley

Weekend brunch at this Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood staple calls for huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. Steak, chicken, or veggie tacos will be served for dinner on Sunday. Margaritas will also be flowing at a special price.

455 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Prather’s

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Taco Bamba

Victor Albisu’s centrally-located taco shop is offering an open taco and guacamole bar on the patio for $35 tickets (extra for drinks). Meanwhile, next-door sister spot Poca Madre is getting the party started early on May 4 with a Mexican tiki patio party. Expect smoked brisket quesadillas alongside tiki cocktails with a Mexican twist (9 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

777 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Mi Vida Restaurante

Head to the Wharf’s waterfront Mexican restaurant for a performance by a live Mariachi band throughout the day. Featured spring cocktails making use of its extensive tequila list include a Piñada (El Jimador Silver, kalani coconut, pineapple and mint) and Cielo Rojo, a spin on the margarita with Chamucos Blanco, spicy serrano-infused watermelon, lime, and chile salt.

98 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

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Mi Vida

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Punch Bowl Social Arlington

Ballston’s tri-level party pad will serve its “El Macho” cocktail for $5 — it’s normally $11. That includes El Jimador Reposado tequila, muddled cucumber, house-made cardamom syrup, and fresh lime juice.

Open in Google Maps

4238 Wilson Blvd Ste. 1180, Arlington, VA 22203

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Punch Bowl Social

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El Bebe

Navy Yard’s newest taco and tequila bar will ring in its first Cinco de Mayo with all-day specials from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., including $2 salsas, $5 esquites dip (grilled corn, lime, red onion, jalapeno) and guac, $5 margaritas, and $4 Tecate or Corona tall boys.

Open in Google Maps

99 M St SE Ste 120, Washington, DC 20003

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El Bebe

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Mission (Multiple locations)

Both outposts of the Mexican mainstay (Navy Yard and Dupont Circle) will add unlimited guacamole and margaritas to bottomless brunch menus. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday with live music, food and drink specials, and giveaways. Discounts call for $6 Corona tall boys, $8 margaritas ($28 pitchers), $8 Casamigos shots, and $8 quesadillas.

1221 Van St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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B Side

Neighborhood Restaurant Group chef Nate Anda is hosting a themed two-day pop-up on Saturday and Sunday, dubbed Anda’s Taqueria, featuring spins on street tacos and three Mexican cocktail-inspired beers (Founders’ Mas Agave, Commonwealth’s Pomelo Paloma, and the Bruery’s Or Xata). Craft lagers run for $4 all weekend.

8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax, VA 22031

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

What’s the secret to a good cocktail name? Flip your record to the B Side! Let us introduce you to our spring cocktail list, dropping Monday 4/22 including the Unchained Melody, named after the B-Side to Just Once in my Life by The Righteous Brothers. Trust us, it’s worth ordering more than just once.

A post shared by B Side (@bsidecuts) on Apr 17, 2019 at 4:47pm PDT

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Where to Eat and Drink Around Merrifield

Urbano 116

Starting at 11 a.m., the Old Town bar and restaurant will celebrate its first Cinco de Mayo with five new tacos (two for $5) packed with chorizo and ratatouille. The day before, two top bartenders from Mexico City will roll into town to host a cocktail class from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ($40 per guest, plus tax and tip).

116 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Urbano 116 tacos — Tacos at Urbano 116.

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Roy Boys

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Mezcal El Silencio is celebrating all over the country with specialty cocktails and deals at featured bars slinging its spirit. Shaw newcomer Roys Boys is in on the action, mixing mezcal cocktails all week up to the holiday (and available per request after).

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Roy Boys bloody mary — Roy Boys

Tico

1926 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Michael Schlow’s Mexican eatery considers Cinco its biggest party day of the year. Sunday’s fiesta stretches from 2 p.m. to midnight with margaritas, cocktails, and music from DJ LexisLane. Bites include house chips with guacamole; tacos with chicken, pulled pork, or cauliflower; whole roasted pig; and warm churros. Food and drink tickets are $8 each or five for $32, with a portion of the day’s proceeds going towards My Sister’s Place.

1926 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Tico tacos

El Techo

606 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Owner Louie Haskins is promising “three days of chaos” at his Shaw rooftop, featuring Tulum-inspired vibes, DJs, and the christening of a new clear-topped roof and a frozen margarita machine. Other upgrades scheduled to be unveiled over the weekend include an infinity waterfall on the roof’s back tile wall.

606 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The Meatball Shop

1720 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The New York-based chain’s new strawberry margarita is half-off all day on Sunday. Macho Balls, made with chipotle chicken, avocado crema, escabeche, and fresh cilantro, are $5 for five. Get added heat from a “Swift Kick” sauce for $1.

Open in Google Maps

1720 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Macho Balls at The Meatball Shop

Radiator

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Guests can jet up to the top of Kimpton hotel to mark the start of rooftop season. To kick off a three-night celebration (starting Friday), there’s al pastor tacos, elote (grilled corn), and quesadillas. Nachos are free upon arrival. The Saturday Night Live character Mango inspired a cocktail called You can’t-a have-a de Mango!, filled with house-made mango syrup, lime, and Chacho jalapeno aguardiente. There’s also a bloody paloma with blood orange puree.

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Espita Mezcaleria

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Oaxcan-style bar is unleashing a potent mezcal flight with Espadin, Tío Rey, and Cuixe for $28. A Buho mezcal shot and Victoria beer combo costs $10, and Piña Rita cocktail (El Velo Blanco tequila, fresh pineapple, lime, and triple sec) is on tap for $13. Holiday bites will be paired with new spring dishes like coconut ceviche or roasted carrot tacos.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Espita Mezcaleria [Photo: R. Lopez] — Espita Mezcaleria

Westend Bistro

1190 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037

The patio at the The Ritz-Carlton will be filled with decorations and festive music to go with jalapeno and raspberry margaritas ($17) and tacos featuring steak, chicken tinga, and tempura shrimp ($24 for a trio).

Open in Google Maps

1190 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Visit Website

Westend Bistro

Prather's On The Alley

455 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Weekend brunch at this Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood staple calls for huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. Steak, chicken, or veggie tacos will be served for dinner on Sunday. Margaritas will also be flowing at a special price.

455 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Prather’s

Taco Bamba

777 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Victor Albisu’s centrally-located taco shop is offering an open taco and guacamole bar on the patio for $35 tickets (extra for drinks). Meanwhile, next-door sister spot Poca Madre is getting the party started early on May 4 with a Mexican tiki patio party. Expect smoked brisket quesadillas alongside tiki cocktails with a Mexican twist (9 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

777 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Mi Vida Restaurante

98 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

Head to the Wharf’s waterfront Mexican restaurant for a performance by a live Mariachi band throughout the day. Featured spring cocktails making use of its extensive tequila list include a Piñada (El Jimador Silver, kalani coconut, pineapple and mint) and Cielo Rojo, a spin on the margarita with Chamucos Blanco, spicy serrano-infused watermelon, lime, and chile salt.

98 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

Visit Website

Mi Vida

Punch Bowl Social Arlington

4238 Wilson Blvd Ste. 1180, Arlington, VA 22203

Ballston’s tri-level party pad will serve its “El Macho” cocktail for $5 — it’s normally $11. That includes El Jimador Reposado tequila, muddled cucumber, house-made cardamom syrup, and fresh lime juice.

Open in Google Maps

4238 Wilson Blvd Ste. 1180, Arlington, VA 22203

Visit Website

Punch Bowl Social

El Bebe

99 M St SE Ste 120, Washington, DC 20003

Navy Yard’s newest taco and tequila bar will ring in its first Cinco de Mayo with all-day specials from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., including $2 salsas, $5 esquites dip (grilled corn, lime, red onion, jalapeno) and guac, $5 margaritas, and $4 Tecate or Corona tall boys.

Open in Google Maps

99 M St SE Ste 120, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

El Bebe

Mission (Multiple locations)

1221 Van St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Both outposts of the Mexican mainstay (Navy Yard and Dupont Circle) will add unlimited guacamole and margaritas to bottomless brunch menus. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday with live music, food and drink specials, and giveaways. Discounts call for $6 Corona tall boys, $8 margaritas ($28 pitchers), $8 Casamigos shots, and $8 quesadillas.

1221 Van St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

B Side

8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax, VA 22031

Neighborhood Restaurant Group chef Nate Anda is hosting a themed two-day pop-up on Saturday and Sunday, dubbed Anda’s Taqueria, featuring spins on street tacos and three Mexican cocktail-inspired beers (Founders’ Mas Agave, Commonwealth’s Pomelo Paloma, and the Bruery’s Or Xata). Craft lagers run for $4 all weekend.

8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax, VA 22031

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

What’s the secret to a good cocktail name? Flip your record to the B Side! Let us introduce you to our spring cocktail list, dropping Monday 4/22 including the Unchained Melody, named after the B-Side to Just Once in my Life by The Righteous Brothers. Trust us, it’s worth ordering more than just once.

A post shared by B Side (@bsidecuts) on Apr 17, 2019 at 4:47pm PDT

Urbano 116

116 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Starting at 11 a.m., the Old Town bar and restaurant will celebrate its first Cinco de Mayo with five new tacos (two for $5) packed with chorizo and ratatouille. The day before, two top bartenders from Mexico City will roll into town to host a cocktail class from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ($40 per guest, plus tax and tip).

116 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Urbano 116 tacos — Tacos at Urbano 116.

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