With over one million fully vaccinated people in San Diego county, we actually have something to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo!
So pick one or two of your favorite local establishments and get out there and enjoy yourself! Here are some specials to help you plot your course!
Cinco de Mayo Old Town is BACK!
Grab your familia and head over to historic Old Town to spice up your weekend for the FREE Fiesta Old Town Mercado – a Cinco de Mayo artisan market and dining extravaganza! After 37 years of fiery fun plus 1 dynamic virtual party in 2020, Fiesta Old Town will bring back the FUEGO as it transforms the historic Old Town San Diego, CA area into a Cinco de Mayo retail and cuisine experience taking place Saturday, May 1st from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, May 2nd from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Enjoy enriched vibrations and the musings of tradition as you peruse the history and modern culture of one of San Diego’s most iconic districts. Feed your curiosity and love for Old Town by exploring the museums, specialty shops and the lively streets of the Mercado where you can purchase an array of merchandise from over 100 vendors that include handmade leather pieces, beautiful jewelry, and many more treasures.
Dine and drink at San Diego’s top eateries in expanded curbside seating centered in the heart of the bustle and energy. From world-famous margaritas and iced cold cervezas to handmade tortillas and specialty enchiladas, your palate will burst with the flavors of Fiesta as you sway to the vibrant melodies played in the restaurants lining the streets.
‘Amigo Hour’ pricing at The Blind Burro
The Blind Burro, East Village’s favorite Mexican eatery and bar, is a perfect place to celebrate this upcoming Cinco De Mayo. Open for dine-in, take-out, and curbside pickup, the whole menu will be offered for Cinco De Mayo, helping guests satisfy their cravings for tacos, margaritas, and more. Get there early to score “Amigo Hour” pricing, offered from 3PM-6PM, with a selection of house margaritas, beer, wine, and some delicious apps.
A new cocktail menu and all-day deals at La Puerta
La Puerta, Gaslamp’s 13-year old Cantina known for its quality Sinaloan-inspired food, is the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Just in time for the holiday, La Puerta is launching a brand new cocktail menu, a rarity for the edgy neighborhood spot. On the new cocktail menu are drinks like the Late Last Night made with Green Chartreuse, Mezcal, Luxardo and Lime and the Dance Yourself Clean with Lemon, Grapefruit and Cinnamon Syrup, Dry Vermouth, Mezcal, Soda and Mint. La Puerta will be offering drink deals all day as well as happy hour from 3-5PM on Cinco de Mayo.
Tacos, beer, and live musice at El Cruce + 241
El Cruce + 241 will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with all-day taco and beer specials alongside live entertainment. The Baja-inspired tap room, wine bar, and kitchen will offer a $7 taco and beer combo; savory taco selections such as the Taco de Pescado Frito and the Taco de Birria. Guests can also enjoy $5 18-ounce Imperial pints and get their fix with Baja beer favorites. Don’t miss out on live music courtesy of Mariachi Diamante de San Diego from 7:30PM – 9:30PM.
Save on tacos and beer at City Tacos
Beloved taqueria, City Tacos, will extend its stellar Taco Tuesday pricing to Taco Wednesday in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy 10% off all menu items such as favorites like the Mexicali Taco, Carnitas Taco, or the Pollo City, which features grilled chicken breast topped with arugula, diced tomato, golden raisins, toasted almonds, and a tamarindo aioli. Plus, enjoy any Mexican beer for $2.50. Make sure to visit their newest downtown location near Petco Park!
Award-winning tacos at Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar
Cinco de Mayo provides the perfect excuse to indulge in Puesto’s lineup of award-winning tacos, margaritas, and guacamole. Stop by any of Puesto’s San Diego outposts, located in La Jolla, Mission Valley, and Seaport Village respectively, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Puesto’s signature Mexico-city style cuisine. Puesto’s recently revamped menu, crafted by Executive Research & Development Chef, Ian Tenzer, (formerly of Eleven Madison Park) includes new spring and summer offerings, such as Citrus Cured Rockfish Ceviche, a Chicken Asado Taco, and Vegetable Enchiladas.
To complete the new menu, Bar & Spirits Creative Director, Beau du Bois, added several new cocktail offerings, including Watermelon and Cucumber margaritas, and five additional signature cocktails. Each location is now offering indoor and outdoor dining, and reservations can be made via Puesto’s website here.
The Rock wants to pay for your guac!
Seriously! The Rock and his Teremana Tequila brand are covering up to $1 Million in guac between May 1st and 5th to encourage you to support your local Teremana-serving establishments!
Celebrate Cinco all week long at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all week long with Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, attending special events and enjoying discounted rates at Mustangs & Burros, the Secret Garden, and Blend from May 1 to May 8.
In honor of the holiday, the hotel will have complimentary Tequila Tastings on May 1 with DOBEL TEQUILA and Loteria from 4-5PM. On May 2, Estancia La Jolla will offer Mini Taco Flights and a local draft beer for a $15 special. On May 3, there will be a “Spicy Salsa Challenge” from 4-5PM. On May 4, a Margarita Cocktail Demo will be held at the Secret Garden all evening long along with take home margarita cocktail kits for just $15. On May 5, Cinco De Mayo, be sure to join for the 5 DE MAYO Mexican Party at Mustangs & Burros where guests can enjoy live music and specials on Ceviche Flights, Micheladas and Agave Flights. On May 6 there will be a Mexican Paletas Station from 12-4PM with Paletas from Holy Paleta along with a complimentary game of Loteria from 4-5PM. On May 7, Mustangs & Burros is offering complimentary chips and salsa to diners all night long! And lastly, on May 8, there will be a complimentary beer tasting with Stone Brewing Co. from 4-6PPM!
Reservations can be made by calling the concierge (858) 550-1000 to book some of the amazing food and activities Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is offering for Cinco de Mayo.
New Sublime Micheladas at AleSmith Brewing Company
San Diego’s award-winning brewery is raising a pint to the occasion at their Miramar Tasting Room with the debut of their new Sublime Micheladas, plus plenty of tacos, burritos and crave-worthy Mexican seafood bites from Zoe’s Place Food Truck, which will be posted up at the location all day to celebrate!
Bub’s @ the Beach
Pacific Beach’s beloved bar and restaurant, Bub’s @ the Beach, will offer $6 pints and $22 pitchers of Kona Big Wave, $7 High West Bourbon & Captain Morgan, and $5 Bud Light Seltzers. Plus, if you buy one order of five wings, you get another order (same size) free! Enjoy patio dining or limited-capacity indoor seating upon request at this location, plus carryout and delivery options for those celebrating at home.
Fish Tacos and Beer at The Original 40 Brewing Company
Raise a glass to Cinco de Mayo at North Park’s Original 40 Brewing Company, where you can get $5 drafts of Corn Hub light Mexican lager and Oscuridad dark Mexican lager, plus $3 Beer-Battered Fish Tacos all day! Be sure to place an order for their popular Short Rib Street Tacos loaded with poblano crema, serrano peppers and cotija cheese. Patio seating and limited-capacity indoor dining are available at this location, as well as carryout and delivery options.
Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas
Head to Union Kitchen & Tap in Downtown Encinitas this Cinco de Mayo for live music from Zach Churchill from 6PM to 9PM, plus tequila specials available all night to pair with everyone’s favorite Union Dry-Rubbed Wings! The location has plenty of heated outdoor seating as well as limited capacity indoor seating upon request, plus the option to order carryout and delivery.
Boozy Tequila Sunrise Cupcakes at the Gluten Free Baking Co.
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, The Gluten Free Baking Co. in North Park is offering limited time menu items to celebrate. To help get you in the spirit, The Gluten Free Baking Co. will be serving up special Boozy Cupcakes with flavors including Tequila Sunrise, Strawberry Margarita, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Rum-chata. The cupcakes will be available in the bakery on May 5, along with specially decorated cupcakes and donuts, and the bakery’s full menu of treats and baked goods.
Made-to-order tortas at Grant’s Coffee Room
Join Grant’s Coffee Room on Cinco de Mayo for Grant’s Street Food. The South Park coffee spot will host Tijuana’s famous Torta Wash Mobile with made-to-order tortas and combo specials. Grab a seat, order a torta, and pair it with a medley of libations from Grant’s Coffee Room such as kombucha, beer, wine, and their signature Maria Sangrienta.
barleymash
For Cinco de Mayo this year, barleymash is partnering with Espolón Tequila to feature some delicious margaritas, only available on May 5th! Stop in to try the refreshing Watermelon Margarita, made with Espolón Blanco, fresh watermelon, lime, and a Tajin Rim. You can also enjoy their Strawberry Margarita, comprised of Espolón Reposado, strawberry, and lime, or the Millionaire Margarita, made with a combination of Espolón Anejo, lime, agave, and Grand Marnier.
The Smoking Gun
The Smoking Gun will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 5th, as well as the following weekend on May 7th and 8th, with tasty food and drink specials available throughout the day. Guests can look forward to $5 Modelo and Pacifico drafts, $7 margaritas and Patron Palomas, $7 A Salt With A Deadly Weapon, a signature cocktail made with Espolón Tequila, ancho verde, lime, grapefruit, peychaud’s, and Himalayan pink salt. The Smoking Gun will also offer $10 award-winning Smoking Micheladas and Wagyu tacos!
619 Spirits
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, 619 Spirits, located in North Park will be offering a taco and margarita special, allowing guests to snag two tacos and a margarita for $13. Taco offerings include Carnitas, Pollo Asado, and Fish, while Margarita options include Blueberry, Honey, Pineapple, Rhubarb, and Blackberry Lavender flavors. 619 Spirits is open from 4 PM to 11 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Happy Cinco, San Diego!
