Cinco de Mayo may — pun intended — be the commemoration of the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces in 1862, but for those of us in Northern Virginia, it’s an excellent excuse to eat, drink, and be merry.
Of course, that raises the question of where to celebrate.
Never fear. Below are a few local spots to hit up Friday. ¡Vamos a celebrar!
Assembly
Assembly is hosting an entire week of fun for Cinco de Mayo. For the marquee event itself, there will be taco and margarita specials all day. 1700 N. Moore St., Rosslyn
Banditos Tacos & Tequila, National Landing
Banditos Tacos & Tequila is hosting live entertainment, food and drink specials, a new margarita, kid-friendly activities, games, and, of course, tacos and tequila. Doors open at 11 a.m. The outdoor turf area will feature Maria and the Sacred Hearts from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by Los Novios De Martita from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pentagon Row Plaza: 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Bueno Vida Gastrolounge
Buena Vida Gastrolounge is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with its signature housemade margaritas at discounted prices from Friday to Sunday. Guests can indulge in classic margaritas, house wines, or select beers for $7 each. And don’t forget the rooftop with its views of DC. 2900 Wilson Blvd., Clarendon
epiQ Food Hall
Woodbridge’s epiQ Food Hall is hosting its second annual Cinco de Mayo bash Friday. Hermanos Galvan & Orquesta return for the celebration. Learn some spicy salsa moves with Eric the Muse and Genesis Carranza at 9 p.m., followed by the live band at 10 p.m. Ladies can enter for free until 10 p.m., but please note that you must be at least 18 to enter. 14067 Noblewood Plz., Woodbridge
Inca Social
Inca Social will have $5 classic margaritas from noon to 9 p.m. and $5 tacos all day. Other specials include $8 1800 Inca margaritas (you can add flavor for an extra $1), $9 Mexican mules, and $8 coconut tequila shots. 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Los Toltecos of Broadlands
Los Toltecos is throwing a Cinco de Mayo bash starting at 11 a.m. There will be food and drink specials, with Corona for $3.99 and house margaritas for $4.99. 43150 Broadlands Center Plz., Ste. 194, Ashburn
Matchbox
Matchbox has locations throughout the DC area, including five in Northern Virginia: Merrifield, One Loudoun, Pentagon City, Reston, and McLean. Multiple locations are having a special night of music for Cinco de Mayo with different performers. Here’s the list.
- Matchbox One Loudoun — DJ Pocho and Angel Ortiz from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.;
- Matchbox Merrifield acoustic performance — Lucas Mason from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.;
- Matchbox Reston acoustic performance — Dan Barry from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.;
- Matchbox Pentagon City — DJ Rafiky from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Old Ox Brewery
The Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a dueling pianos event from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be a little bit music and a little bit comedy. 44652 Guilford Dr., Unit 114, Ashburn
Rosa Mexicano
Rosa Mexicano is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all week with half-priced tacos after 8 p.m. to lead up to Cinco. For Friday, it will have a special margarita pitcher, Fiesta Fuel, for $65. It’s a blend of its signature frozen pomegranate and lime margaritas with a splash of Grand Marnier. 1100 S. Hayes St., Pentagon City
Shipgarten
The first 50 people through the gate at Shipgarten’s 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cinco de Mayo celebration Friday will receive a bundle of free swag. Four live music performances are planned, starting at 2 p.m. Shipgarten said it has a special Cinco de Mayo menu in store, too. 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean
Urbano Mosaic
Get ready to celebrate at Urbano’s Mosaic location Friday with a block party from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Urbano said it will have live mariachi music and bands, plus an extensive margarita menu, from the classics to spicy jalapeno-infused ones to sweet fruit-infused options. 2985 District Ave., Fairfax
Whino
Whino is spinning up a grande Cinco de Mayo party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with DJ Mike Rodriguez on the turntables. 4238 Wilson Blvd., 2nd floor, Arlington
Featured photo courtesy Tigran Markaryan of Calypso Digital
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