Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Toronto
Cinco De Mayo (“Five of May") is a celebration in North America commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
This year’s festivities offer everything from day drinking on the patio to late night eats at the bar - tequila, tacos, and cervezas included.
Take a look:
Assembly Chef's Hall
111 Richmond St. W.
The downtown dining hall featuring an array of cuisines under one roof is celebrating with a Weekend Fiesta.
Tickets are $20, equaling a $20 food voucher. Enjoy food + drink specials, a lineup of DJs, games, and more.
Barrio Cerveceria
884 Queen St. E.
Drinks, food, and mariachi bands are what’s on tap for Leslieville’s colourful eatery adjacent to Jimmy Simpson Park.
Early Mercy
540 King St. W.
Why wait until Sunday to celebrate? Festivities jump off on Friday at 10pm at the 3,500 sq. ft. space and sprawling patio at King and Brant.
On the agenda: Sol and tequila specials, sombreros, and a live DJ.
El Catrin Destilleria
18 Tank House Lane
Saturday and Sunday, the Distillery’s popular rendezvous is featuring drink specials, a DJ (outdoors, weather permitting), and a mariachi band.
El Rey
2A Kensington Ave.
What better place to be this Sunday than a mezcal bar? With a mariachi band on at 2pm and $10 Margaritas, you can’t go wrong.
Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery
42 Liberty St.
Not all city dwellers are blessed with deck, so head to Liberty Village this weekend for sunshine and LC’s Patio Party.
The festivities begin on Saturday at noon with tequila, tacos, brews, and smoked ‘cue by Cherry Street Bar-B-Que.
Maiz Latin Food
Multiple locations
Wherever you are in the city, get in on the celebrations at Maiz this Sunday with music, and food and drink specials happening all day.
Bonus: Everyone who visits any of their three locations – Dundas West, Roncesvalles, or Lawrence Park – will receive a $10 coupon.
Montauk
765 Dundas St. W.
Forgo your usual Sunday brew or cocktail for the Margarita special at this popular west end haunt.
Muddy York Brewing Co.
22 Cranfield Rd.
Head to the award-winning small batch brewery in East York on Saturday for one of the coolest fêtes in town.
Cinco de Tháng năm, a Mexican/Vietnamese mashup happening from noon to 5pm, features tacos by Los Vietnamita Taqueria and suds from MYBC’s 12 taps, all accompanied by mariachi music, a chili pepper piñata for the kids, and much more
People's Pint Brewing Company
90 Cawthra Ave., Unit 101
From noon to 6pm this Sunday, Taqueria Gus will be onsite serving up tacos and other Mexican fare all day. Paired with a tasty local brew or Michelada cocktail, your weekend’s made.
Petty Cash Social House
487 Adelaide St. W.
The expansive bar at Portland and Adelaide is getting into the CDM spirit on Sunday with a feature menu by Nate Tasty and music by Kris Toma. Doors open at noon.
Pinkerton’s Snack Bar
1026 Gerrard St. E.
One of the city’s best bars just happens to be in the east end at Gerrones – Gerrard & Jones.
The Plateau ($12), created by Orion Berge, is “elegantly simple and tasty,” says co-owner Marc Baglio. The highball, featuring Tromba Blanco, market strawberry, lime, soda, and cardamom - which adds a peppery warmth that is perfect given the recent weather – is available Tuesday to Sunday this week.
Sunday also marks their new “I Got 5$ On It” Sunday night specials. In keeping with the CDM theme, the lads will be offering Taco Baos, Tromba shots, and a select number of Tall Boys – all for $5 all night.
Pollyanna
1054 Gerrard St. E.
Keep the party going this weekend with Huevos Rancheros for brunch on Sunday, from the folks behind Eastside Social and recently shuttered The Thirsty Duck.
Psst. Rumour has it, there might be some margaritas to go with it...
Poor Romeo
1029 Gerrard St. E.
From the Pinkerton’s gang comes another fab bar – luckily, just across the street (and up a few doors from their rockin’ third outpost The Vatican Gift Shop).
Teaming up with agave expert Jonny Gray, this weekend’s feature Cinco Sour ($12) boasts Aguamiel Blanco made with 100% blue agave, Lillet Blanc, agave nectar, lemon juice, egg white, and Angustura Bitters . Grab it while you can Thursday to Saturday.
Remix Resto Lounge
1305 Dundas St. W.
Did you know this unique spot in the west end offers an Art Fam Jam every Sunday,
This week, it includes Make Your Own Piñata Workshop by Casa Cultural Mexicana, brunch with vegan options, drinks, market and karaoke from 1pm-7pm.
Swan Dive
1631 Dundas St. W.
Not into paying a whack of dough for your drinks? This kitschy spot in the west end is the place for you – enjoy $5 tequila shots on Sunday.
Viajero Cantina
1661 Bloor St. W.
Viajero at the edge of High Park isn’t your typical Mexican eatery. With globally-inspired tacos and tapas and exclusive tequilas and mezcals, it offers something a little different.
Saturday and Sunday, join the revelry with pitchers of margaritas, tequila and mezcal, food specials and a mariachi band starting at 7:45pm.
Xola Restaurant
2222 Queen St. E.
Chef/owner Mali Fernández is preparing three exciting specials this weekend:
Pozole Rojo ($14.25) A prehispanic dish made with cacahuacintle (Native corn), pork broth made with locally-sourced pork, and chile guajillo, garnished with lettuce, radish, spicy chile de árbol salsa, lime, oregano, and tortillas.
Trío Tostadas ($19.95) This triple threat includes pulpo (octopus), pollo (chicken) and carne (beef) on deep-fried tortillas.
Grasshopper Taco (1/$8.25) These crunchy critters - packed with more protein than beef - are sautéed with tomato, jalapeno, and onion, then topped with tomatillo avocado salsa.
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Note: Menu items and prices subject to change.