Where to Party This Cinco de Mayo in South Florida

Quick history lesson: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That day — the our southern neighbor's most important holiday — falls on September 16. This year, let's skip the out on some of the more questionable styles of Mexican cultural appropriation and join in celebrating the day in...

By Falyn Freyman

May 3, 2016

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Quick history lesson: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That day — our southern neighbor's most important holiday — falls on September 16.

This year, let's skip some of the more questionable styles of Mexican cultural appropriation and join in celebrating the day in 1862 when the Mexican army beat the French forces at the Battle of Puebla with a proper toast (or three). It wasn't a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, but it did represent a significant morale boost for the Mexican people and its army.

Here are ten South Florida establishments where flowing margaritas, tacos, and festive music will help set the party mood this Cinco de Mayo.

Agave Taco Bar
This new outpost off of Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live body art, mariachi, a DJ, and special photo opps starting at 6 p.m. Food specials include a $5 Monterrey sampler plate and happy hour features 2-for-1 margaritas.

America's Backyard
The spring-breaker paradise that is America's Backyard has teamed up with Corona Extra USA for a massive outdoor Cinco De Mayo party in Fort Lauderdale. Kicking off at 8 p.m., specials include $4 Corona, $5 Cuervo, tacos, a Corona "chugging contest," and a live mariachi band. $500 goes to the most festive sombrero.

American Social
Kicking off at 5 p.m., $7 Herruda Tequila drinks and margaritas and $5 Dos Equis — plus a bustling happy hour crowd of stylish young pros — make American Social on Las Olas a solid option for celebrating this Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo Street Festival
The annual Himmarshee Street Downtown Fiesta starts at 4 p.m., when Tarpon Bend, Tacocraft, and ROK:BRGR join forces to serve up taco and drink specials, live music, and giveaways.

Funky Buddha Brewery
South Florida's granddaddy of craft beer brewing invites you to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a taco and cerveza special from Craft Food Counter and Kitchen for just $10. From 5 to 10 p.m., choose your tacos from their in-house Craft Food Counter & Kitchen and get a special token for a glass of one of Funky Buddha's flagship beers. Eligible drafts include On Top Blonde, Fuhgeddaboudit Red, Floridian, Hop Gun, OP Porter, and Crusher.

Original Fat Cat's
The Downtown Fort Lauderdale alt-staple will host its 7th Annual Cinco De Mustache: A Mustachio Bashio. The sartorial celebration begins at 5 p.m.

Rhythm & Vine
The popular FAT Village beer garden wants you to celebrate this Cinco with a special extended happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring $4 margaritas and $4 Tecates. It's also ladies' night beginning at 7 p.m. with free, homemade MustachioTequila Punch! Local band the Grey 8s plays live at 10 p.m.

Rocco's Tacos
Beginning at noon, Rocco's Tacos Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live music, giveaways, and drink specials from Dos Equis, Herradura, Dobel, and Corona Extra. Fort Lauderdale's festivities will feature music by Suenalo.

Tap 42 Boca
Join Tap 42 Boca for the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration north of the border. Complete with sombreros, mustaches, craft burgers, premium margaritas, Mexican beer, and more. Tap 42 will take over the street with tents, grills, and outdoor bars for the ultimate Mexican fiesta.

Tap 42 Fort Lauderdale
In anticipation of its new Mexican restaurant opening next door, the original Tap 42 in Fort Lauderdale will be featuring a selection of menu items from Bar Rita. It's a mini menu of margaritas, guacamoles, tacos, and more. Party starts at 5 p.m.

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Falyn Freyman is a freelance multimedia journalist based in Miami. She previously produced videos for Univision and edited music content for New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Her work has been featured in Vice, Bustle, Broadly, Time Out, and other publications. She has a master's degree from the Columbia School of Journalism.

Contact: Falyn Freyman

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Twitter: @falynrose