While Cinco de Mayo is often associated with refreshing margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine, its historical significance dates to the 19th century. It commemorates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on, you guessed it, May 5, in 1862.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day or a federal holiday in Mexico. Instead, it’s a vibrant celebration in the U.S., filled with music, street festivals and delicious food that highlight Mexican culture. Join in the celebration with our top picks and have a taste of South Florida’s Mexican flair!
Cantina Beach at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
Capturing the essence of Mexico’s alluring beaches, this oceanfront eatery boasts one of the largest tequila collections in the area. On May 5, the alfresco restaurant is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Buffet Fiesta featuring traditional dishes like Verde Salad, Chipotle Coleslaw, Guajillo Honey-Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Mexican Street Corn and Fajitas Norteñas. Complementing the evening’s ambiance are unlimited margaritas, Mexican beer and live music performed by a Mariachi band.
Where: 455 Grand Bay Drive, Miami
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com.
Corvina
This indoor-outdoor Boca Raton restaurant and bar is celebrating the Mexican-themed holiday offering margaritas with a delightful twist. Options include a zesty Watermelon Basil Margarita, Pomegranate Margarita and a tropical Reposado Mango Margarita. Pair these refreshing libations with decadent bites such as Chicken Tinga Tostadas, Ceiba Shrimp Nachos and Blackened Fish Taco.
Where: 110 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton
For more information, visit corvinabocaraton.com.
Fox’s Lounge
Fox’s Lounge is serving up the hype with a Taco Special accompanied with house-made guacamole and served with your choice of beef, chicken or shrimp. Can’t decide? Go for the Combination Plate and sample all three! Make this Cinco de Mayo your best one yet and choose tempting beverage options like Tommy’s Margarita, Spicy Margarita, Madre Mezcal Paloma or Modelo Mexican Lager.
Where: 6030 S. Dixie Highway, Miami
For more information, visit foxslounge.com.
Photo by Ruben Cabrera
Tommy’s Margarita
La Condesa
Experience the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine at this Boca Raton gem featuring appetizers like Table Side Guacamole or Condesa Tamales (homemade corn tamales served with chicken and pork and topped with salsa verde and salsa roja), steak options like Carne Asada, Lomo Saltado or Steak and Scallops and, of course, Nachos like the Fajita Nachos (corn tortilla chips with grilled onions, peppers, shredded cheese, queso sauce, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo). It truly is a feast for the senses!
Where: 3320 Airport Road, Boca Raton
For more information, visit lacondesamexican.com.
Fajita Nachos
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Known for its vast tequila selection and breathtaking ocean views, this Mexican hotspot in Fort Lauderdale Beach is gearing up for an all-day Cinco de Mayo celebration. Kicking off with brunch, diners can enjoy the Mexican Chopped Salad Bar or Salmon Mole paired with the Espolon Margarita Pitcher. As the sun sets, the fiesta continues with an all-you-can-eat tacos station, tequila activations and DJ entertainment. Don’t miss out on Lona’s mouthwatering desserts such as Chocolate Lava Cake, Churros or Ice Cream & Sorbet.
Where: 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit lonarestaurant.com.
Photo courtesy of Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Lona Tacos
Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar
This Tulum-inspired hotspot with locations in Lauderdale-By-The Sea, Fort Lauderdale and Plantation, is hosting an all-day Cinco de Mayo Fiesta offering flavorful margaritas and delectable bites like Chips + Salsa, Elote “Street Corn” and stuffed tacos like Crispy Shrimp, Chicken Al Pastor, Baja Fish, Truffle Mushroom and Pork Belly. Lively Mariachi promise to enhance the spirited atmosphere of the celebration.
Where: 4400 N. Ocean Drive, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
For more information, visit tacocraft.com.
Toro Toro
For Cinco de Mayo, Award-winning Chef Richard Sandoval is inviting taco and tequila enthusiasts to rejoice at his pan-Latin steakhouse with three specialty tacos: Al Pastor Taco (grilled pineapple, queso cotija y yuzu-avocado puree), Fish Taco (fried cobia, aji Amarillo aioli, pickled peppers, carrot and cabbage slaw) and Carne Adobo Taco (poblano corn pico de gallo, Tajín chicharron and smoke crema Mexicana). Reservations are recommended.
Where: 100 Chopin Plaza, InterContinental Miami
For more information, visit torotoromiami.com.
