Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Philadelphia

The parties and food and drink specials you need to know about for the Mexican holiday

Be bold and try something beyond the classic margarita.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice

Cinco de Mayo is quickly approaching. This year, the holiday falls on a Sunday.

Philly is celebrating with parties, as well as food and drink specials. You can enjoy margaritas on a ship, dance to a mariachi band at a block party, fill up on tacos for breakfast and much more.

Check out our Cinco de Mayo roundup below.


RELATED: Eat, drink on State Street during Media's popular Dining Under the Stars | Independence Beer Garden returns for fifth season | South Street Spring Festival is a giant, all-day block party


El Rey Block Party

For the fifth year, Mexican restaurant El Rey will throw a Cinco de Mayo block party with music, food and drink.

A mariachi band will perform at noon, followed by a set from DJ Craig Dash that will end at 7 p.m.

To eat, there will be nachos, guacamole and tacos with chicken, beef or pork. As for drinks, attendees can sip on classic and mango margaritas, Tecate, Corona Light and Modelo.

All ages are welcome at the block party, which will have crafts for kids during the day.

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Free entry
2000 Ranstead St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-3330 


Moshulu

If you're ready to dance, check out the Moshulu's waterfront Cinco de Mayo party. All three decks of the ship will have music.

Tickets to attend are $45, or $55 for VIP with early access. The party includes unlimited cocktails  – great for anyone who loves margaritas – as well as Corona, from 4 to 6 p.m. After, there will be a cash bar.

The party will include a build-your-own taco station, too.

4-8 p.m. | $45-$55 tickets
401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106


La Peg

La Peg will re-open the restaurant's beer garden for the season on Cinco de Mayo. To celebrate, there will be margaritas and a beer-and-shot special.

All of the Cinco de Mayo food and drink will be $5 each, and will include:

• The Tijuana Special – shot of Juarez tequila and can of Tecate
• Margaritas – classic, blackberry, blood orange, passion fruit and mint, strawberry
• Tacos al Pastor – served two to an order, with marinated pork shoulder, pineapple, red onion and cilantro
• Mexican corn on the cob – with mayo, lime, chili and cheese
• Chicken Taquitos – served three to an order, with slow-roasted chicken, cheese and spicy crema
• Churros – served two to an order, with cinnamon, sugar and chipotle-chocolate sauce

Beginning at noon
140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 375-7744


El Vez

Start Cinco de Mayo with brunch at El Vez. The restaurant will serve one-day-only specials, like Mexican waffles and build-your-own breakfast tacos, for the occasion. Then starting at noon, there will be drink specials and a DJ.

And anyone coming from The Blue Cross Broad Street Run can show their bib for a free #RunningForMargs T-shirt from El Vez.

Beginning at 10 a.m.
121 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 928-9800


Distrito

On both Saturday, May 4, and Cinco de Mayo, Distrito in University City will offer food and drink specials.

There will be live music from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 5.

3945 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1657


Pistola's Del Sur

Join Pisolta's Del Sur for an outdoor street festival from noon to 8 p.m. There will be a DJ, pig roast, $5 traditional margaritas and $5 pomegranate-mango sangria.

1934 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 519-2329


McGillin’s Olde Ale House

The Irish bar is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with margaritas, daiquiris, Modelo beer and special holiday cocktails. Order the "Anthony Quinn" for a shot of Patron Tequila with a chaser of O'Reilly's Stout.

1310 Drury St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562


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