Cinco de Mayo celebrations are rolling in, and you wouldn’t want to miss anything happening this May in NYC.
From block parties and restaurant pitstops, to shopping small businesses and hitting up NYC’s beloved Tulum-inspired oasis, our list of ways to celebrate Mexican culture will keep you busy.
Cinco de Mayo intends to commemorate Mexico’s victory against France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla and celebrate the culture’s rich heritage. Here’s what you need to mark on your calendars:
Stop by Gitano’s new permanent location
The Tulum transplant has found a permanent location in NYC’s Seaport District. The upscale lounge and eatery will give New Yorkers a taste of sunshine year-round with its lush, jungle-like environment, mezcal-forward cocktails, and dishes like carne asada and chorizo con queso.
“We will blend the energy and creativity of New York with the laid-back luxury of the Yucatán, to transport our guests out of the city to our bohemian, tropical paradise that is delicious, glamorous and fun,” says James Gardner, founder and CEO of Grupo Gitano.
📍 89 South Street, Manhattan
Attend Stone Street’s Cinco De Mayo Block Party
Ready for a fiesta? On Saturday, May 3rd and Monday, May 5th, Stone Street will transform into a giant block party in honor of Cinco de Mayo from noon to 10pm. Enjoy food from local vendors, music from mariachi bands and DJs, tequila tastings, and but of course, a tasty margarita (or two).
📍Stone Street Historic District: 30 Stone Street
Grab a bite at one of NYC’s best Mexican restaurants
From authentic bites like birria and al pastor at Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos to Michelin-star offerings at Oxomoco — the honeynut squash tacos! — NYC’s Mexican cuisine is unmatched. Dare we say, it’s some of the best you can get sans passport.
Sip on a tasty margarita
What Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without a margarita? Whether it’s the Rosalita hibiscus margarita from Fonda or the Piña Rita from Cantina Rooftop — a combination of Mezcal Burrito Fiestero, pineapple, lemon, and ginger syrup — you cannot go wrong with any of these delicious selections.
Head to Spin NYC for a Cinco de Mayo celebration
Bring some friendly competition (and your appetite) to Spin NYC’s May 5th happenings. Not only will you be able to enjoy a ping pong tourney amongst friends, but you’ll be able to munch on tasty bites like Mexican-inspired Southwestern Pizza and mezcal-infused cocktails in between matches.
📍 48 E 23rd St, Manhattan & 1626 Broadway, Manhattan
Stop by the Mexican speakeasy, The Cactus Shop
A plant shop by day and speakeasy by night, a visit to The Cactus Shop in Williamsburg is one of the most eclectic ways to ring in Cinco de Mayo, if you ask us. A succulent and a cocktail make for a delightful pairing.
📍 231 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
Shop local (with Mexican roots)
Celebrate Mexican culture during your next shopping trip with a pitstop to businesses like Mexico in My Pocket (415 Court Street, Brooklyn), which offers home goods and accessories, or La Sirena NYC (27 E 3rd Street, Manhattan), which sells Mexican folk art.
Have some tacos (of course)
Need we say more? Our guide to the best tacos in NYC will ensure that you’re ringing in May 5th with a hearty meal.
See also: The Best Restaurants For Mother’s Day Brunch This Year