May 04, 2026
Provided image/Sor Ynez
The Cinco de Mayo specials at Sor Ynez include a blood orange margarita mixed with chamoy, a condiment made from pickled fruit.
Cinco de Mayo is held each year on the anniversary of the Mexican army's 1862 victory over French troops in the city of Puebla, a military triumph that's long been a source of national pride and symbol of resistance. The cultural holiday has been celebrated in America about as long as it has in Mexico, thanks to centuries of immigration across the southern border.
While some of those celebrations can skew a bit less, ahem, authentic, Cinco de Mayo gives restaurants specializing in Mexican cuisine a chance to show off their stuff. Here are a few in Philadelphia offering special menu items, discounts or parties for the occasion. If you're wondering about the date, please refer back to the holiday's name:
The Rittenhouse rooftop bar is hosting an adults-only Cinco de Mayo party from 3-11 p.m. Tuesday. Guests can watch dancers twirl, groove to music spun by three DJs and order off a menu of apps, tacos and paletas (Mexican ice pops) between sets. There's a $15 cover charge, which can be paid in advance on Resy.
1800 N. American St.
The usual Sor Ynez happy hour is still on from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday. But the Norris Square restaurant, named for a 17th century nun/writer/philosopher, is also offering a menu of food and drink specials. Two of them involve chamoy, a condiment made from pickled fruits. It's mixed into a blood orange margarita and served with a fruit and veggie plate of mango, cucumber, carrot and jícama. Other items include coconut breaded shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa, a mezcal margarita and a Mexican sundae with fried plantain, vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche and mint.
1134 S. 9th St.
James Beard Award-winning chef Cristina Martinez's restaurant, which also houses South Philly Barbacoa, is joining a 9th Street block party. Cinco de Mayo revelers can enjoy food and live music between Federal Street and Washington Avenue from 4-9 p.m. Mole Poblano, Adelita Taqueria and Picositos are also participating.
2013 Chestnut St.
In honor of the holiday, El Rey will open its doors four hours early. From noon-10 p.m., the Stephen Starr restaurant will serve up its usual fare plus specials like pork belly nachos, mole poblano enchiladas, tropical guacamole, tamales and a Mexican chocolate brownie for dessert.
1150-1170 Ludlow St.
The D.C.-based Mexican chain Mi Vida just opened its first Philadelphia location in March. But it's already gearing up to host a Cinco de Mayo bash, with a little help from its neighbor the Wayward. The restaurants, both part of the mixed-use East Market development project, will spearhead a celebration from 3-7 p.m. Entertainment includes DJ Nico Oso and performers from Ballet Folklorico Yaretzi, a Norristown studio specializing in Mexican dance.
931 N. 2nd St.
This Northern Liberties spot is going all in on birria, a stewed and marinated meat often traced back to the Jalisco region. Cantina Dos Segundos will serve a special "Birria de Mayo" menu Tuesday featuring birria tacos and burritos served with consomme. Customers can choose braised beef, garlic shrimp, pulled chicken or jackfruit for their protein.
121 S. 13th St.
Customers who dine at Starr's other Mexican restaurant on Tuesday might leave with portraits of themselves tucking into an enchilada. A caricaturist will be on the scene from 3-7 p.m. capturing every bite and dribble of salsa. El Vez is also offering food and drink specials from May 2-8 for the occasion.
1109 Walnut St.
Stop by this Center City taqueria for a $40 pitcher of silver or strawberry margaritas or a classic frozen marg for $10. Five of the tacos — crispy shrimp, pineapple pork, hot cauli, BBQ chicken and beef supreme — will be discounted to $5, the same price as a can of Tecate. The deals will be available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and 20% gratuity will be automatically added to each check.
1650 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale; 198 N. Bucks Town Dr., Langhorne
This East Coast chain, which has locations in Lansdale and Langhorne, actually started its Cinco de Mayo festivities on Friday. They continue Monday night with a 5-11 p.m. party featuring a DJ and giveaways, leading up to the official bash Tuesday. The DJ sets up for that one at 11 a.m., and the raffle promises "our best prizes yet."
1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Cosplay as Charlie Bucket at this Comcast Center vendor's golden ticket giveaway. Revolution Taco Express will hide the tickets — offering discounts, freebies and gift cards — in their chip bags on Tuesday. Tacos are also two for $5.
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