Cinco de Mayo or Derby Day? Those are hard choices! Either way, we wouldn’t pass a good opportunity to drink margaritas and devour some tacos. So, we put together the best Cinco de Mayo specials in Chicago, as well as Cinco special cocktails offered by your favorite bars. So grab a few friends for a day/night out!
Kirkwood
With great food, drinks, and a spacious beer garden that can accommodate any size group, from small gatherings to large groups, bring the whole squad to hang out. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Kirkwood on Friday, May 3rd with $5 Corona Drafts, $5 Pueblo Viejo Shots, and $25 Corona Premier Buckets. Make a reservation for Kirkwood here.
Highline
A staple for lunch, happy hour, and dinner throughout the week, Highline offers upscale bar fare and a FREE arcade with classic games perfect for anyone looking for a fun place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo all day long with $7 Classic Margaritas, $7 Jalapeno Gimlets, and $40 Jumbo-ritas. Reservations are available here.
Barcocina West Town
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with a luxurious tequila-tasting event on Friday, May 5, from 2 pm to 4 pm! Join the Barcocina team for an unforgettable day of exquisite tequilas on the new 4000-square-foot patio bar. Sip and savor some of their finest tequilas, selected for their exceptional quality and unique flavor profiles. The Barcocina team will pass out complimentary samples of cristalino tequilas, a new and groundbreaking style of distilling tequila. Relax and enjoy the company of friends and fellow tequila lovers for a beautiful day on the patio. All are welcome and the event is free to attend!
Ina Mae Tavern
Ina Mae Tavern will be open Friday, May 5th at 4 PM, serving up Cinco De Mayo specials to not only help those in the city celebrate our favorite margarita-inspired holiday but also to kick off the weekend! Offerings include $7 Hornitos Palomas, $5 Hornitos Shots, and $15 Blackened Shrimp Tacos (3). Walk-ins are welcome, or make your reservation today via Tock.
Frontier
On Friday, May 5th, from 6 to 8 PM, West Town’s Frontier will host a Cinco De Mayo Taco & Tequila Throwdown! For only $49/person, guests can enjoy premium tequila & margarita samplings as well as Frontier-style tacos with adventurous options, including boar, duck, brisket, shrimp, and camel! Secure your tickets today via Tock!
Moe’s Cantina River North
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 5th at Moe’s Cantina River North. The restaurant will be festively decorated and will open for lunch at noon on Cinco de Mayo. Moe’s is offering a special 3-taco lunch platter for $15 and $10 margaritas from noon to 3 pm. The regular menu is also available. A 3-taco dinner platter special is available for $18 after lunch.
Bar Louie
Cinco de Mayo, say salud with Bar Louie! Everyone’s favorite neighborhood bar is offering $7 Dos Sauza Margaritas during happy hour, plus guests can also enjoy the brand-new Rock & Rita just in time for this special holiday! Made with Teremana Reposado, Grand Marnier, orange, agave, lime and a salted rim, the Rock & Rita is Bar Louie’s innovative twist on the beloved marg. Pair these refreshing drinks with 50% off bar bites such as the Trio Dips and Chips, Chicken Quesadillas, and other flavorful options for a true Cinco de Mayo celebration! Participation and pricing may vary, see your local Bar Louie for details.
Cinco de Mayo Cocktails
El Che Steakhouse
845 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607
El Che Steakhouse is putting a twist on traditional Southern cocktails! If you want to step away from traditional margaritas but instead try some more challenging and innovative flavors, come to El Che this month. Specialty cocktails include:
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Cinco-Cero Spritz: La Fuerza Primavera Vermouth, Yerba Mate Syrup, Campari, Lemon, Tonic
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Strawberry Mule: Strawberry Infused Vodka, Lime, Ginger Beer, Pink Peppercorn
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Spring Margarita: Tequila, Blackberries, Lime, Creme De Violetta, Demerara
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Fifty-Fifty Martini: Principe Los Apostoles Mate Gin, La Fuerza Blanco Vermouth
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Fernet Con Coca: 30% Fernet and 70% Cola served with a side of candied cashews
Gaijin
950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Chicago’s first Okonomiyaki restaurant is getting its Cinco vibes this year! Try their Spicy Yuzu Margarita, featuring Libelula Habanero Tequila, Cointreau, Yuzu Juice, honey, garnished with a togarashi rim and lime for $15. Pair the drink with their Carnitas Osaka-style okonomiyaki made with taqueria carrots and all the regular garnish favored by the crowd!
Carnivale
Come party at Carnivale the right way this Cinco de Mayo! Challenge your taste bud with spicy margarita and fruity goodness with this season’s cocktail menu:
- Milagro Spicy Margarita: Habanero infused Milagro reposado, dry curacao, fresh lime, agave syrup
- NPD (no problem drinking): Milagro Blanco, Watermelon, grapefruit, lime, Mallorca melon syrup, topo chico
- El Burro, at the Rumba lounge: Milagro Reposado, ginger, lime, simple, watermelon foam
Featured Image: Kirkwood