The Nine Best Cinco de Mayo Events in South Florida

It's fiesta time. Cinco de Mayo, which falls on a Sunday this year, commemorates an important moment in Mexico's history, when its army defeated France in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla, a turning point in the war between the two countries. The victory was short-lived and France occupied Mexico for years after that, but the date continues to be commemorated in Puebla and by Mexican-Americans north of the border.

It's celebrated in a decidedly less-serious way by many other Americans, who use the day as an excuse to down tequila shots and party to the sounds of mariachi bands. To that end, many South Florida bars and restaurants are joining in on the fun with special menus, drink specials and raucous parties.

Here are the best places to party in South Florida on Cinco de Mayo.

Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach

801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

954-764-2233
double3.hilton.com

Head to this Florida resort and yachting complex nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a bevy of drink specials. Its Breezes tavern, Waves eatery, and new rooftop pool, High Tide Lounge, will offer 5 for $25 Corona buckets, $6 micheladas, and $8 tequila shots alongside a menu of chipotle shrimp and mojo chicken tacos, queso fresco, pico de gallo, black bean, corn salsa, and flour tortillas. There will also be complimentary instructional food demos poolside beginning at noon.

Bar Rita

401 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale

954-990-6658
barritafl.com

Bar Rita, Fort Lauderdale's vibrant Mexican restaurant from the owners of Tap 42, will host a Cinco de Mayo block party on Sunday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Highlights include margarita and Mexican beer specials, specialty foods, live music, and tequila shots. On the discounted menu are chicken, steak, shrimp, and cauliflower tacos ($2), Rita's original guacamole ($4), truffle street corn guacamole ($6), cheese and chicken quesadillas ($4 to $6), and nachos ($4). Original, spicy watermelon, and Don't Be a Prick margaritas will be sold for $6.

Beach House Pompano

270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach
954-607-6530
beachhousepompano.com

Located directly on the beach near the Pompano pier, this two-story restaurant's panoramic second-floor bar will serve up a special, made-from-scratch Cinco de Mayo egg burrito during brunch from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ($12). Guests can also enjoy unlimited bubbly with a rooftop view followed by half-priced margaritas from 4 to 7 p.m.

Brimstone Pines

14575 SW Fifth St., Pembroke Pines
954-430-2333
brimstonewoodfiregrill.com

Brimstone Woodfire Grill in the Shops at Pembroke Pines will be serving a special Cinco de Mayo brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu items include chicken chilaquiles ($15), huevos rancheros ($18), and an egg burrito ($16). Guests are welcome to stay late and drink half price House Margaritas from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($7).

Doc B's

452 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
754-900-2401
docbsrestaurant.com

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Doc B's Restaurant + Bar is slashing the prices of its tequila drinks in half. The Avión Silver will be priced at $6, Don Julio Blanco and Casamigos Reposado at $7, and its special tequila drink, the salted and on the rocks Internal Affair made with tequila, jalapeño, pineapple, and basil will be a steal at just $7.

El Camino

15 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach
561-865-5350
817 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-530-1188
elcaminoftlauderdale.com

El Camino Mezcal & Tequila Bar offers an authentic Mexican dining experience, from its decor to food and cocktails. For Cinco De Mayo, its Las Olas location will host the Los Viajeros mariachi band from noon to 4 p.m., followed by a set by DJ Angelo, who will hit the decks from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Delray Beach location will host DJ Savage Beattz. For a unique experience, try the special drink of the day: Coffee tequila with dark roast coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon ($7).

El Vez

401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-414-8336
elvezfortlaudendale.com

Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr’s El Vez restaurant is celebrating its first anniversary just in time for Cinco de Mayo. A vintage Don Julio pickup truck will be handing out samples of the signature tequila at the corner of Bayshore Drive. At the beachfront restaurant, guests will find specials including $13 hibiscus margaritas, tacos al carbón for $4 each, and five for $5 Mexican chicken wings cooked on the outdoor grill. Guests can also jam out to beats from local DJ Spiff and catch an appearance by a Mexican Elvis impersonator.

Lona Cocina y Tequileria

321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-245-3069
lonarestaurant.com

Gather your friends for a lively fiesta at Mexican chef Pablo Salas' Lona Cocina y Tequileria, where you'll find an unlimited guacamole bar for $10 per person, tacos al pastor, and barbacoa tacos made to order at two for $12 from 3 to 11 p.m. The eatery will also have beer and tequila specials.

Rocco’s Tacos

1313 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-524-9550
roccostacos.com

Tequila expert and bar-top-dancing restaurateur Rocco Mangel will be throwing a fun party at Rocco’s Tacos this Sunday. The festivities will kick off at 11 a.m. and guests can enjoy drink specials including a variety of margaritas starting at $8, Mexican beers for $5, and signature bites for $4. There will also be DJs, live entertainment by Suenalo, and plenty of free tequila pourings by Rocco himself.