Cinco de Mayo in NYC
Cinco de Mayo is one of the most vibrant celebrations in New York City, bringing a mix of culture, music, and, of course, amazing food and drinks. Whether you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience, a lively party scene, or just an excuse to enjoy incredible Mexican cuisine, NYC has plenty of options. Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the city that never sleeps!
1. Visit an Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to indulge in authentic Mexican food. Some of the best spots in NYC include:
- Casa Enrique (Long Island City) – A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exceptional Mexican cuisine.
- La Contenta (Lower East Side & Greenwich Village) – A cozy spot with killer margaritas and a fantastic selection of tacos.
- Toloache (Midtown & Upper East Side) – A great choice for upscale Mexican dining with delicious guacamole and mezcal cocktails.
- Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market & Times Square) – If you’re craving quick but mouthwatering tacos, this is the place to be.
2. Join a Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl
For those looking to celebrate with tequila, mezcal, and margaritas, a bar crawl is the ultimate way to experience NYC’s nightlife. Many neighborhoods host special Cinco de Mayo bar crawls featuring drink specials, live music, and DJs. Areas like the East Village, Midtown, and the Lower East Side will have bars packed with festive energy. Keep an eye out for Pub Crawl New York’s Cinco de Mayo event for an unforgettable night of bar-hopping and fun!
3. Experience Live Mariachi Music
Nothing sets the mood like live mariachi music. Check out:
- Casa Mezcal (Lower East Side) – Offers live mariachi performances in a rustic, artsy setting.
- Cantina Rooftop (Hell’s Kitchen) – A rooftop bar with stunning views, live music, and festive cocktails.
- El Paso Taqueria (Harlem) – A hidden gem with delicious food and live mariachi performances.
4. Enjoy a Rooftop Fiesta
New York City has no shortage of rooftop bars that host Cinco de Mayo fiestas. Some top choices include:
- Somewhere Nowhere (Chelsea) – A high-energy rooftop lounge with DJs and special cocktails.
- 230 Fifth Rooftop (Flatiron) – A massive rooftop space with incredible views and margarita specials.
- Cantina Rooftop (Hell’s Kitchen) – A colorful and lively spot with a retractable roof, making it perfect rain or shine.
5. Attend a Cultural Event or Parade
For those looking to celebrate the historical and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo, check out:
- Cinco de Mayo at the American Museum of Natural History – Featuring educational exhibits on Mexican history and traditions.
- The Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in Sunset Park, Brooklyn – A celebration of Mexican heritage with music, dancing, and traditional performances.
6. Take a Tequila or Mezcal Tasting
If you’re a fan of tequila and mezcal, many bars and restaurants offer special tastings for Cinco de Mayo. Some great spots include:
- Agave (West Village) – A tequila bar with an extensive selection of agave-based spirits.
- Leyenda (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn) – A Latin cocktail bar with expertly crafted mezcal and tequila drinks.
- The Cabinet (East Village) – A hidden gem with some of the best mezcal in the city.
7. Host Your Own Cinco de Mayo Party
Want to celebrate at home? Throw your own Cinco de Mayo fiesta with:
- Homemade tacos, guacamole, and elote (Mexican street corn).
- DIY margarita and mezcal cocktails.
- A playlist featuring mariachi, cumbia, and reggaeton hits.
- Mexican-inspired decorations and colorful papel picado banners.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Cinco de Mayo in New York City is always a lively and festive occasion. Whether you’re bar-hopping, enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine, or immersing yourself in cultural events, NYC has something for everyone. So grab your sombrero, sip on a margarita, and enjoy the fiesta!
