A major holiday is upon us. No, we’re not talking about Thanksgiving – although food will most certainly be involved. We’re not talking about New Year’s Eve either, but you can expect plenty of parties. We’re talking about May 5, better known as Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo’s origins trace back to the year 1862, when the Mexican army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. Nowadays, the holiday is celebrated all across North America with parades, music, festive dress, fiestas, and, of course, Mexican cuisine. Here’s a roundup of spots around Chattanooga to enjoy tacos, tequila, and more.
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
Hamilton Place
You’ll definitely want to add Abuelo’s to your Cinco de Mayo itinerary. This restaurant has drink specials all day long. Order a $5 Grande Mexican draft beer, an $8.95 flag margarita, or buy an El Jefe and keep the shaker – while supplies last.
Bar Watson
Hamilton Place
There’s always something fun happening at Bar Watson, and May 5 is no exception. From 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., patrons can celebrate Cinco de Mayo with $5 tequila shots, $10 domestic buckets, $15 import buckets, and half-price nachos and wings – and there’s no cover charge! Live music lasts from 6 until 9 p.m., and Throwback Thursday with DJ “O” starts at 10 p.m.
Common House Chattanooga
Southside
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Common House-style with a Margarita Happy Hour. The venue is serving up house margaritas, Modelos, and Cantaritos (a refreshing concoction made with tequila, a splash of OJ, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and grapefruit soda) from 5 until 7 p.m.
Drake’s
Hamilton Place
Drake’s invites patrons to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at its fun-loving fiesta featuring drink specials and new chips and dip available all day. Come for the $5 Tequila Sunsets, $6 Drake’s Margaritas, and $12 Corona Buckets, and stay for the Sriracha chips with beer cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
El Agave Mexican Restaurant
Signal Mountain Village
Head to El Agave Mexican Restaurant for Cinco de Mayo specials galore. On May 5, you can order the Pollo Loco for $8.99, Pollo Picoso for $9.99, 2 for 1 margaritas for $7.99, pitcher of margaritas for $19.99, house tequila shots for $2.99, and a 12 oz. fruity sangria for $6. Plus, if you spend over $35, you can take home a free t-shirt (while supplies last).
El Fogon Mexican Restaurant
Hixson
El Fogon is celebrating 5/5 with lots of specials showcasing the best flavors of Mexico, including margarita specials. If that’s not enough to intrigue you, there will also be live music from Eric and Eric starting at 6 p.m.
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant
Hixson
Great for parties of all sizes, El Maguey in Hixson will be offering food and drink specials for Cinco de Mayo. Live music from Tim Lewis adds to the celebrations.
Gate 11 Distillery
Southside
Gate 11 Distillery is hosting an Agave Spirit Release Party to celebrate the launch of Once, the distillery’s own agave spirit – and the party coincides with Cinco de Mayo! (Note: This is not a coincidence.) Get in on the action from 7 until 10 p.m. at Gate 11 of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo.
HiFi Clyde’s
Southside
HiFi Clyde’s Cinco de Mayo party features Jamie Saylor, a rising artist in Americana and country music. Saylor’s soulful voice with a vibrato straight from the Appalachian hills comes directly from his roots in Kentucky and Georgia. All ages are welcome to attend the performance at no cover charge.
Lil Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagy
Downtown
Lil Mama’s is bringing Cinco de Mayo to The Windy City with three for $10 tacos and a margarita special. That’s right – your favorite hoagy spot is taking on tacos, and they’re sure to be full of flavor and spunk. Pay them a visit from 6 until 9 p.m.
Mayan Kitchen
Downtown
It’s Cinco de Mayan at Mayan Kitchen, and it’s nacho average party. The outdoor party starts at 5 p.m., with an after-party to follow at 11 p.m. (and lasting until 2:30 a.m.). There will be live local music by Que Jazz at 6 p.m., as well as all-day $6 Espolòn shots and margs. The restaurant assures patrons that plenty of Teremana and Tequila Mi Campo are in stock!
Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina
Cinco is coming to Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina, a local hot spot for Mexican cuisine and cocktails. On May 5, you can take advantage of drink specials and swag giveaways all day long, and DJ Johny Mezcla will be spinning hits all night long.
Moxy Chattanooga
Southside
Cinco at the Moxy means drink specials, shotskis, general celebration, and hoopla. We have no additional details, but we’re sure it’s going to be fun.
Southside Social
Southside
Eat, drink, and bowl this Cinco de Mayo at Southside Social, where a $10 cover charge after 9 p.m. gets you access to specials like $6 jello shots, $5 margaritas, and $4 Modelos and Coronas. DJ Kevin Bell provides the entertainment until closing time.
Taco Mamacita
Northshore
Fresh-Mex favorite Taco Mamacita has a stellar drink lineup planned for the big day, including $3 Torado shots, $5 Elvez and El Camino margaritas, and $3 Tecate. Paired with one of the restaurant’s unique tacos (we’re partial to the General Homeboy), you have a Cinco de Mayo match made in heaven. Enjoy your libations at either the indoor or outdoor bar.
The 107 Chattanooga
Hamilton Place
The 107 Chattanooga Bar is partnering with G2G Salsa Studio to bring you Latin Night – Cinco de Mayo Edition. Playing a mix of salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaeton, and pop, DJ Amil kicks things off at 6 p.m. followed by DJ Vive at 10 p.m. When you need a break from the dance floor, fuel up on $3 tequila shots, $5 margaritas, $2 street tacos, and $3 chips and salsa. This event is 21+ only and charges a $10 cover at the door.
The Woodshop
St. Elmo
If you haven’t had a chance to check out The Woodshop yet, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect opportunity. This intimate music venue + neighborhood bar will be offering street tacos and tecate, and it’s Vinyl Night!
WanderLinger Brewing Co.
Southside
Spend your Cinco de Mayo at WanderLinger jamming out to the tunes of Jerry Garcia, courtesy of St. Owsley. The brewery will also be serving up taco specials and micheladas all night. The show starts at 8 p.m., and it’s $10 to get in the door.
Whiskey Thief
Downtown
It’s time to party at Whiskey Thief, Chattanooga’s own rooftop bar. Thursday’s Cinco de Mayo festivities will include food and drink specials all night, plus a mariachi band from 8:30 until 10 p.m.
WXYZ Bar
Hamilton Place
WXYZ Bar has upped the 5/5 ante with a free nacho bar in addition to jello shots, $5 margaritas, and live music. You can find this Cinco de Mayo Fiesta just off I-75 at Aloft Chattanooga Hamilton Place.
