Places to Go for Cinco de Mayo in NYC 2015 Bleecker April 6, 2015 Drink Spots, Essential Guides, Events, Featured, Festivals, Hot Spots, Mexican Cinco de Mayo in NYC is just around the corner, so you know what that means: party time! But if you’re just drinking without understanding the celebration, it’s time to dig a little deeper into this holiday. Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of Mexico winning the Battle of Puebla, a battle that took place in 1862 as part of the Franco-Mexican War. Today, the holiday has gone beyond this specific battle and turned into a celebration of Mexican culture and history as a whole. In case you need a translation of the holiday’s name, the parties happen on May 5th. When that date rolls around, be sure you’re at one of these hot spots for Cinco De Mayo in NYC 2015! On-the-Go Events Don’t stay in one place on Cinco de Mayo! Many NYC events allow you to hit the streets! Take part in the CAMNY’s Cinco de Mayo 5K run…ha! We’re just kidding — we know you’d rather break a shot glass than a sweat! Instead, run to the Cinco de Mayo festival in East Harlem, which has been a community staple for almost two decades. It returned last year after a cancellation the year before, and organizers expect it to get bigger by the year to reach its former glory. Expect cultural music, craft stands, and the best part, food stands! You can also find a major annual festival in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, which includes performances by mariachi bands and high-profile Mexican singers and bands. However, these festivals usually aren’t held on the holiday itself — look for them on one of the surrounding weekends. If you don’t like to stay in one place too long, take part in the Derby de Mayo Pub Crawl. This event takes place on two different days, so you can join in on the weekend on May 2, on the actual holiday or both — you’ll be there both days, right? Right? A $3 pass gets you access to the participating bars on Saturday or $5.05 gives you a two-day pass for both days. You can buy tickets in advance. You and the rest of the crawlers will start at Bar None and then go from bar to bar in the East Village. Places to Go for Cinco de Mayo in NYC 2015 Now we’ll share some bar and restaurant options, where you can stay put and drink to your heart’s content all night. Just don’t forget to have some traditional or not-so-traditional Mexican dishes along with your tequila! These are some of the local spots hosting Cinco de Mayo in NYC celebrations: Agave This restaurant in the West Village is perfect for the occasion with its mix of authentic Mexican food and modern Southwestern creations. For the holiday, Agave is having a party with award-winning margaritas and Mexican fare to munch on. You can find fancy tacos and quesadillas, as well as a variety of entrees. For your drinks, Agave serves tequila, mezcal, margaritas, sangria and much more. Check out Agave’s website for more information on their Cinco de Mayo in NYC. Crema Restaurante Come to this restaurant in Chelsea for a five-hour extended happy hour from 4 to 9 pm. (Five hours for the fifth of May!) This Mexican restaurant with French techniques from the chef will be serving specialty cocktails and dishes that are odes to the holiday. Check out Crema’s website for more information on their Cinco de Mayo in NYC festivities. Besito If you don’t mind traveling to Roslyn, Besito is the place to be on this day! You’ll find giveaways, specials and a Patron Tequila Tasting event that goes on from 3 to 6 pm. The restaurant serves dishes inspired by Mexico’s authentic cuisine. Plus, your bill will contribute to Mexico through Besito’s program of providing meals to children in the country. If you are going to be on Long Island and want to check out Besito’s Cinco de Mayo check out their website Maya Get a lively experience at this restaurant in the Upper East Side. Eat your three-course prix-fixe menu along to the music of live mariachis. Choose from more than 100 tequila choices. The menu price is $50 per guest. Check out Maya’s website for more information on their Cinco de Mayo in NYC event. We hope you enjoy a taste of Mexico through the food and festivities that happen during the fiestas on Cinco de Mayo. Planning to hit up one of these spots or events for Cinco de Mayo in NYC? Recommend one over the others for this important celebration of culture? Let us know in the comments!
