Cinco de Mayo should be spent in a vibrant atmosphere full of life and Mexican pride—it is also the perfect excuse to sit curbside with a cold margarita in hand. Here are five ideas as to how you can spend May 5th in Philadelphia.
For a hip Mexican-inspired destination and striking scenery, venture a few blocks outside of Center City to El Vez. Sit amidst lavish, red booths and order the Broad Street Margarita special—a cocktail made from mango nectar and finished with a salt rim. 121 S. 13th St., 215.928.9800, elvezrestaurant.com
El Poquito is a modernized cantina with a vast outdoor patio where you can choose a classic, spicy, pomegranate, or elderflower margarita from the drink specials menu. Each flavor pairs uniquely with the tangy smoked wings and housemade buffalo and barbecue sauce. 8201 Germantown Ave., 267.766.5372, elpoquito.com
Local artist Ryan Evans designed Cinco de Mayo T-shirts—the party favor better than tasty leftovers—that will be printed in Mission Taqueria’s courtyard starting at noon. Watch the creation of your custom shirt while sipping on a Love City collaboration beer called Greatest of All Lime, the Mexican-style lager flavored with lime juice and zest. 1516 Sansom St., 215.383.1200, missiontaqueria.com
For the fifth consecutive year, El Rey will host an all-day block party with a mariachi band and menu consisting of nachos and corn tortilla tacos. Enjoy the festivities surrounded by authentic Mexican street food and a lively crowd. 2000 Block of Ranstead Street Alley, 215.563.3330, elreyrestaurant.com
Celebrate the reopening of the Moshulu’s outdoor deck by dancing the night away with a Mexican band and Latin Dance DJ. Plus, you will have access to bottomless cocktails and Coronas and a DIY taco stand throughout the day. 401 S. Columbus Blvd., 215.923.2500, moshulu.com
For the duration of Saturday and Sunday, Distrito chef Jose Garces will serve food and drink specials including flautas with queso and Patron margarita towers for big groups. 3945 Chestnut St., 215.222.1657, philadelphia.distritorestaurant.com
Photography by: El Vez photo courtesy of Dan Helsel; El Poquito photo courtesy of Dee Ajike; Mission Taqueria photo courtesy of Daniel McLaughlin; El Rey photo courtesy of STARR Restaurants; Moshulu photo courtesy of Allison Guzy; Distrito photo courtesy of Distrito
