Toloache
photo: Ryan Charles
Looking for someplace to go loco on Cinco de Mayo? No problemo, we've got options for you:
Cabrito: This West Village Mexican gets into the Cinco spirit with happy hour specials like $3 Coronas, $5 margaritas and pints ($3) and pitchers of Dos Equis ($12), as well as a special street-food menu. Starting at 9 PM, there will be Mexican hip hop, piñatas and business card raffles for free tequila shots (212-929-5050).
Elizabeth: Il Laboratorio del Gelato has created custom flavors like Tanteo chocolate tequila sorbet and Tanteo jalapeño tequila gelato, available for $.50 a scoop at this NoLita spot. There will also be $.50 tacos, $.50 shots of tequila and special $5 cocktails (212-334-2426).
Maya: In addition to a live mariachi band on May 5, Richard Sandoval’s Upper East Side Mex will offer a three-course tasting menu from May 1–10 for $50 per person (212-585-1818).
Mercadito: This taqueria chain is celebrating at all three locations with mariachi bands, while the original East Village location is offering a special tasting menu for $30 per person as well as $6 shots of Herradura tequila (the drink deal is also available at Mercadito Grove). Meanwhile, Mercadito Cantina will offer $5 shots of its “tric-quila” throughout the night.
Obivia: In Little Italy, fuel up for festivities with a special menu including dishes like spicy shrimp ceviche, tampiquena for $18, as well as drink deals like a bucket of Corona or Dixie Blackened Voodoo for $15, margarita pitchers for $18 ($8 per glass) and Inocente tequila shots for $9 (212-226-4904).
Rosa Mexicano: All three locations of this Mex favorite are hosting a “Mexican Masquerade” with live music and prizes given out for costumes. In addition, there will be special menu additions and the first 200 costumed guests to show up (after 5 PM) get a free shot of 1800 tequila in a “collectible shot glass.”
Toloache: In Midtown, celebrate the day with a special à la carte menu, including a botana platter and family-style entrees, plus drink specials and live mariachi music (212-581-1818).
Virgil’s: This Times Square barbecue hub will offer an à la carte menu in honor of the day, with choices like shrimp relleno and a margarita “trifle” combining strawberry, watermelon and mango margs (212-921-9494).