Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War. Although the holiday is a relatively minor one in Mexico, in America, May 5 has become a day to indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine, beverages and culture. Here’s where you can celebrate locally.
This Chadds Ford gem serves up classic Mexican and other Latin American dishes with a twist. From their octopus ceviche to pollo poblano with jumbo lump crab and Kennett Square mushrooms, this upscale BYOB is a must-try.
1620 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, (484) 770-8345.
Every day this week leading up to Cinco de Mayo, this Suburban Square spot is offering daily drink specials and tequila tastings, from Patron to Banhez Mezcal.
105 Coulter Ave., Ardmore, (484) 417-6825.
This KOP spot is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with an all-day party, featuring live music, giveaways and a dance performance from Groupo de Danza Nuevo Mexico.
690 W. Dekalb Pike Ste. 2085, King of Prussia, (610) 992-5701.
After last year’s successful celebration in Philly, the Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl has made its way to West Chester, and with a ticket ($10–$20), you’ll get to visit participating bars for drink specials like $3 select beers, $4 for well mixed drinks, and $5 for margaritas on ice. West Chester favorites, including Barnaby’s, Landmark Americana, Más Mexicali Cantina, Saloon 151, Kildare’s, Ryan’s Pub and Rams Head Bar & Grill will be participating. The crawl begins at 12 p.m. at Saloon 151.
151 W. Gay St., West Chester.
Dos Gringos restaurant and food truck will offer a special fiesta-style menu for Cinco de Mayo. Come early for brunch or stay late and enjoy outside seating.
113 S. Olive St., Media, (610) 565-7794.
With more than five locations around the Main Line, El Limon serves up tasty Mexican fare on the cheap, which pairs perfectly with complimentary margarita mix.
Multiple locations.
Kennett Square’s Festival Cinco de Mayo will take place on May 6. Hosted by Casa Guanajuato, the celebration features a full day of family-friendly activities.
100 W. State St., Kennett Square.
The ensalada de nopalitos (cactus salad) and huachinango a la Veracruzana (Veracruz-style red snapper) are must-tries at this State Street spot, which received a 2017 Best Of win for Authentic Mexican Cuisine. If you’re craving a margarita, make sure to bring your own tequila.
30 W. State St., Media, (484) 443-8945.
Looking for a Cinco de Mayo celebration that’s more kid-friendly? On May 4, from 4-7:30 p.m., Lulu’s Casita in Ardmore will host an evening of special crafts, pinatas and photo booths, with complimentary margaritas. BYOB is allowed.
6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore, (610) 642-3623.
With an indoor and outdoor bar at the ready, Lumbrada, Wayne’s latest addition, will serve drink specials from 11-2 a.m. Dance to music from a live DJ, get competitive with fun games, ride the mechanical bull and walk away with prizes. Be sure to try Lumbrada’s new menu, made with fresh ingredients and influenced by the ancient Aztec and Mayan Indians. Or opt for a drink like the Aztec Flower: Xicala Mezcal Joven, prickly pear puree, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, kombucha and chia seeds served on the rocks.
821 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (484) 580-6369.
This celebration is not for the faint of heart. Kicking off at 9 a.m. and lasting well into the night, Más Mexicali’s fiesta features a DJ on every floor, a mariachi band, and a rooftop bar.
102 E. Market St., West Chester, (610) 918-6280.
Live music, street tacos and drink specials will be on tap this Saturday, when the KOP Town Center restaurant hosts its biggest party of the year.
250 Main St., King of Prussia, (484) 965-9779.
This family-owned taqueria offers one of the largest selections of tequila on the Main Line (enough to win them a 2017 Best of the Main Line award), as well as a wide variety of tacos sure to please meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
14 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-7777.