Though it isn’t actually Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is still widely seen throughout the country (maybe even world?) as a tribute to Mexican culture, a celebration of victory and pride… oh, and an excuse to get wasted.
Let’s be fair—the day itself definitely marks an important victory against the French army back in 1862. Still, for better or worse, most people flock to their local Mexican restaurant for burritos and margaritas in honor of the day—and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Tequila, of course, has an interesting stigma behind it. Perhaps it’s due to a bad experience during college years—too much of any alcohol can scare you for a while. But time and time again, people swear tequila makes them angry or violent or just plain “different†when they drink. Truth is, it’s pretty much all in their heads—low-quality tequilas may be rough to stomach and balanced out with cheap sugars, but alcohol is alcohol in the end; only an allergy to the blue agave plant would really cause a strange reaction.
Now that the air is clear on that subject, it’s time to figure out where to go on Cinco de Mayo—don’t let the tequila scare you.
Let’s skip San Loco this time around, unless you’re up for quick take-away or are in transit between bars (although the Brooklyn location is still good for partying long-term). While any place with a slurpee machine full of margarita mix is going to be delicious (El Nuevo Amamecer at Stanton and Essex Sts. also has some great, simple margaritas when on the Lower East Side), you definitely want a sit-down location with room for a handful of friends.
El Cantinero at 86 University Place is our default option thanks to our staff’s history in the area (some of us are NYU alums). Atmospherically, the place is perfectly festive. Their prices have gone up recently, but sharing a margarita pitcher or two among friends is still affordable at around $30 a pop—and the drink is strong. They’re also cool with groups hanging out for drinks, though the food is definitely worth a try as well.
Throughout Manhattan, there are also a few Blockheads locations with great food and interesting drinks—try the Mexican Bulldog, which is a margarita and an upside-down Coronita (that’s a mini-Corona) in it, as well as a float of booze on top. Their margaritas are cheap at just $3 for the small size, though they’re also pretty basic. The downfall is that last call comes early at around 11 p.m.
Blockheads closes early, but it seems that Rodeo Bar and Grill at 375 3rd Ave. parties late. Their Tex-Mex food and Texas-sized margaritas are perfect for the occasion—I spent last Cinco de Mayo there. Their margaritas run for $6 during happy hour and not much more regularly, and they’re definitely strong (some customers claimed that two will do you in, but it’s probably due to the quantity in the glass). Their website also promises specials.
If you’re Brooklyn-bound, great high-quality margaritas with interesting flavors can be found at Mesa Coyoacán at 327 Graham Ave. While $9 seems high for the hood, the quality is worth it. My last visit introduced me to the Toronja Habanero margarita, a blend of habanero-infused tequila, fresh grapefruit, lime and orange liqueur, as well as the Piña con Chiles Secos, a dried chili-infused tequila with pineapple juice that has a bit less of a bite than the habanero. Hot peppers are my weakness, and Mexicans do them right, even in drinks.
Cinco de Mayo parties will be pretty much everywhere, not just at Mexican spots. Lady Jay’s at 633 Grand St. in Williamsburg will feature tacos and tequila specials from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. While they’re decidedly not Mexican, the guys still know how to party. They make margaritas, but the preferred deal in this end of town is the beer-and-shot special. Grab a few good quality margaritas early before heading over.
Obviously, you’re bound to find a party. Places will get packed early, so plan accordingly—last year, it took my friend and I three tries to find a spot without an hour wait for dinner (drinks at the bar would have been simpler). If you’re not planning on sitting down, you’ll have better luck, but if you’re insisting on a complete Mexican experience, you’ll definitely be facing crowds. At any rate, have a happy Cinco de Mayo, and don’t let fear of tequila get the best of you.
This article was originally published on AllMediaNY.com
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