In its origin place of Puebla, Mexico, Cinco de Mayo concerns the remarkable victory of a ragtag Mexican militia over imperial French forces on May 5, 1862.
Wherever else it’s celebrated, the holiday mostly concerns letting loose over chips and margaritas, even when Cinco falls on a Monday.
Here are some places you can do that this coming Monday Cinco, in New Haven and—very selectively—beyond:
Te Amo Tequila | 182 Temple St, New Haven
The party starts at 4 p.m. with a DJ, margarita fish bowls, beeritas “and so much more!”
Camacho Garage | 36 Fountain St, New Haven
Food and drink specials begin with the opening bell at noon, as live mariachi music and an appearance by Cuco the Donkey (who I’m sure would rather be in a quiet field somewhere) kick things up from 5 to 7 p.m.
Geronimo | 271 Crown St, New Haven
Similarly, “drink and food specials all day” at Camacho’s older sister restaurant start at noon, while live mariachi music picks up from 7 to 9.
Mezcal | 14 Mechanic St, New Haven
At Mezcal, it’s an extended happy hour from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with $8 margaritas and Juana Gallos—basically smokier margaritas, with mezcal subbed in for tequila—plus $4.50 bottled cervezas.
VivaZ | 161 Park St, New Haven
Expect “margarita specials… all day long”—or at least, I’m guessing, from 4 p.m. on, which is when VivaZ, usually closed on Mondays, opens the rest of the week.
Stella Blues | 204 Crown St, New Haven
Starting at 8 p.m., DJ Mart!ian hits the decks in front, with drink specials at the bar and free-play pool in back.
Housatonic House | 337 Roosevelt Dr, Seymour
Also promising food and drink specials (including $5 margaritas, $25 Corona buckets and $5 “Mexican watermelon candy shots”) as well as live mariachi music (from 5:30 to 7:30), this Seymour bar offers something extra: significant river frontage replete with vistas.
Written by Dan Mims.
