Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory against France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla.
Throughout history, Cinco de Mayo’s importance has dwindled in Mexico but substantially grown in the US, as a way for Mexican-Americans to celebrate their cultural heritage and show off their pride.
Though the day has since been commercialized, it’s important to acknowledge and understand the origin of the celebration.
Here are the best ways to spend Cinco de Mayo in NYC:
1. Tacos and cocktails at North America’s 2nd best bar
East Village’s Superbueno was just recently ranked North America’s second best bar, and deserves your visit this Cinco de Mayo! Their playful cocktail menu full of eye-opening flavors (Roasted Corn Sour, Mole Negroni, Mushroom Margarita) and assortment of tacos are sure to hit the spot. Don’t forget to try out their novelty item Dorilocos w/ Ceviche del Dia (Doritos topped with ceviche del dia, cucumber, jicama, tomato, pickled red onion & hot sauce).
Where: 13 1st Avenue
2. Hop aboard NYC’s only floating Mexican restaurant
Be among the first of the season to cruise on NYC’s only floating Mexican restaurant! La Barca Cantina is officially open for the season, offering Mexican-inspired street food and of course, lots of tequila. Trips on the Hudson River take off multiple times throughout the day. See more here.
Where: Pier 81 (W 41 Street & 12th Avenue)
3. Cinco de Mayo at Pier 17
The Seaport will transport into Cinco de Mayo heaven on May 5, complete with tons of margaritas, mariachi music, and a whole lot more! Activities will include a Cinco de Mayo inspired brunch with live mariachi at Malibu Farm New York, an all-day dance party at Koko by Pearl Alley, and live music and food demos at the Tin Building. Learn more about The Seaport’s festivities here.
Where: The Seaport
4. Stone Street’s Cinco de Mayo Street Festival
Meander on down to Stone Street this Cinco de Mayo to check out this full day, free-to-attend outdoor (and indoor) street festival on Stone Street in the Financial District! You can expect delicious Mexican street food, complimentary tequila and beer tastings, live music by a Mexican artist, raffles, a mariachi band, dance performers, and so much more! The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, making it one of NYC’s biggest Cinco celebrations by far! It’s happening May 3 – 5 from noon to midnight, and you can learn more here.
Where: Stone Street, FiDi
5. Eat $1 tacos at The Ready Rooftop
Take advantage of one of the best happy hour deals in the city with $9 margaritas and $1 tacos at The Ready Rooftop. This backyard-themed rooftop bar is the perfect spot to have a fiesta, thanks to their vibrant atmosphere and gorgeous views of Manhattan.
Where: 112 E 11th St
6. Try an ice cream “Tequila Lovers Flight” from Tipsy Scoop
Celebrate Cinco de Drinko with Tipsy Scoop and their brand new boozy ice cream flights! Happening all May long, the ice cream shop will be giving serving a “Tequila Lovers Flight” which includes a boozy scoop of four festive flavors: Spicy Mango Margarita, Strawberry White Sangria sorbet, Tequila Mexican “Hot” Chocolate, and Spiked Hazelnut Coffee. Learn more here.
Where:
Manhattan – 217 E 26th St
Brooklyn – 270 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn
Long Beach – 891 West Beech St, Long Beach, NY
7. Set sail on a Cinco de Mayo party cruise
Enjoy the warm Cinco de Mayo weather on NYC waters as you cruise and booze around the city! Hop onto one of these cruises and dance the night away, while you of course eat and drink some of the best Mexican cuisine you can find. Check out some of our favorite Cinco de Mayo party cruises happening below and buy your tickets now!
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Cinco De Mayo Yacht Party Cruise – May 3 & 4
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Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Cruise – May 5
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Cinco de Mayo Party Cruise 2024 – May 3 – 5
8. Cinco de Mayo at Virgin Hotels NYC
Virgin Hotels NYC is hosting a weekend long celebration at both their Conservatory (3rd-floor terrace) and rooftop bar Everdene! From May 3 – 5 (11 am – 8 pm), visitors can stop by to enjoy cocktails featuring Lobos 1707 Tequila and tacos from Sweet Chick. Plus, there will be giveaways from Sweet Chick, Lobos 1707, and Swingers Crazy Golf (t-shirts, hats, sunglasses, gift certificates) all weekend long!
Where: 1227 Broadway
9. Stop by brand new agave and sugarcane-focused cocktail bar Lolita
There’s a brand new Mexican cocktail bar and cocina in Midtown, and there ready to bring the heat this Cinco de Mayo! Lolita is bringing cocktails that are focused on distilled agave and sugarcane to the scene, and they’re offering lots of deals for the holiday. From May 3 – 5, the new hotspot will serve $5 tacos and an all day happy hour, which includes $12 cocktails [house Margarita, Paloma, Daiquiri], $7 cerveza and $9 for select wines.
Where: 45 W 45th St
10. Feast at one of NYC’s Mexican restaurants
From tacos to tequila, it’s no secret that NYC is full of tasty Mexican restaurants that range from Michelin-starred to “hidden gems.” If you’re looking for somewhere to chow down a tasty empanada, or maybe want to sip on a new mezcal cocktail you’ve never heard of…there’s a place to do it! Get your tastebuds ready and head to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants for some Cinco de Mayo grub! Full list here.