On Cinco de Mayo -- May 5 -- people across the U.S., Mexico and the world will indulge in Mexican food and drinks in celebration of Mexico's history. The holiday remembers the historic Battle of Puebla, when Mexican military forces led by Ignacio Zaragoza turned back a French army in 1862.
We've found 10 awesome events that are serving up unique food, creative drinks and great music:
A.G. Kitchen (931 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland)
A.G. Kitchen will host free salsa lessons beginning at 9 p.m. Food specials include $5 guacamole and $5 shrimp tacos. You can also grab a margarita for $5 and some cervezas (beers) will be two for $5.
Alero (1724 Connecticut Ave. NW and 1301 U St. NW)
Alero is promising non-stop music, plus drink and food specials 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. for Cinco de Mayo. The U Street location will feature DJ Dregonzales and DJ Silenzio.
BLT Steak (1625 I St. NW)
The Scene
The most fun things to do and places to be in D.C., Maryland and Virginia
This modern steakhouse plans to feature several special drinks and a $30 flight with three special tequilas and paired sangritas. The whole BLT Steak Cinco de Mayo party will be a celebration of sangrita, a Guadalajaran drink made with fruit, juice and chili power, is chased with shot of tequila.
El Centro D.F. (1819 14th St. NW and 1218 Wisconsin Ave. NW)
Of course one of D.C.'s favorite taco stops is celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Specials include $20 for "endless" Mexican food, $6 margaritas and $5 cervezas. Dress your best -- El Centro D.F. is known to enforce a dress code on busy nights.
Hugo at WK Hearth (130 Purcellville Gateway Drive, Purcellville, Virginia)
The Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Hugo kick off at 6 p.m. with food and drink. The main attraction is a favorite drink with a Latin twist: the tequila Old-Fashioned. Bar bites including oysters, hummus and steak will be available for between $5 and $7.
Morton's Georgetown (3251 Prospect St. NW)
Morton's Georgetown is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with an event where you can make your own margaritas, learn about tequila marking and sample different tequilas. Tickets are $60 on Eventbrite and include drinks and hors d'oeuvres like tacos, steak quesadillas and more.
The Prospect (1214 U St. NW)
Slow-braised goat, crispy cod and a pineapple and citrus-braised pollo asado topped with a fresh slaw make up the unique taco fillings that the Prospect plans to show off. Two tacos are $6; drink specials include $4 Coronas and Tecates, $5 tequila shows and $6 margaritas. The deals last from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Tico (1926 14th St. NW)
Latin tacos with an American twist? Sounds delicious. Tico's tacos will cost you just $5 on Cinco de Mayo, including their specials like shrimp salad with Old Bay, crunchy edamame with tomatillo salsa, duck with mango salsa and crunchy fried chicken tacos. Pair those bites with some unique margaritas for $10.
Running of the Chihuahuas (600 Water St. SW)
This is probably one of the few (only?) places you can watch 96 chihuahuas race for the finish line while sipping a beer. The event was rescheduled due to the weather, but the beer, food trucks and dog competitions will take over the Wharf (600 Water St. SW) on Saturday, May 7 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Bonus: All proceeds from the race will go to Rural Dog Rescue, a group that saves dogs from high-kill shelters.
The Wine Kitchen on the Creek (50 Carroll Creek Way #160, Frederick, Maryland)
You can munch on tacos with a twist in Fredericksburg -- the chef at the Wine Kitchen will serve up mini tuna tartare tacos for only $14. You can get them for lunch or dinner. Yum.
NOTE: The Washington Regional Alcohol Program is offering free cab rides home (up to a $30 fare) from 4 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday. Call SoberRide at 1–800–200–TAXI.
