The unofficial May 5 holiday signals party time for many Mexican Americans, and others who love Mexican and Latino cuisine, music and culture. The commemoration of Mexico’s victory over the French in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla, little more than a regional festivity within the nation of Mexico, has evolved into the largest celebration of Mexican culture in the United States. And since no city on Earth parties harder than Las Vegas, it’s no surprise we have plenty of delicious places to mark the occasion.
Here are a few great options for honoring Mexican culture and cuisine this year, with something for just about everyone.
Start The Party Early
Letty's De Leticia's Cocina
Located in a building that once housed Las Vegas’ oldest Mexican restaurant (El Sombrero), Letty’s is now home to Chef Leticia Mitchell, who has been wowing locals with her Mexican cuisine since 2009 at Leticia’s Cocina & Cantina. She and partner Sue Kiple have used it to bring her signature tacos, award-winning “quesataco” (seared cheese, chipotle crema and choice of protein), and tortas to the Downtown Las Vegas scene. And while most local restaurants will celebrate Cinco De Mayo on Sunday the 5th, Letty’s is celebrating a day early, with a party on Saturday the 4th.
Cinco de Mayo Special: Live bands and other music, with street tacos, tequila, margaritas and cervezas on Saturday, May 4, from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: 807 S. Main St. (Arts District)
Get Your Goat
Birria El Compa
While birria has become a staple dish in many Mexican restaurants over the past few years, many opt to use beef, lamb, or other meats instead of the traditional goat. At Birria El Compa, located on East Charleston Boulevard in the shadow of the beltway, the goat version is the star, available in several dishes. They also offer a beef variety for the less adventurous.
Location: 3700 E. Charleson Blvd.
Plant-Based
Tacotarian
With four locations in Las Vegas, including their Arts District flagship, Tacotarian is Las Vegas’ only 100% plant-based Mexican restaurant. And their 15 varieties of vegan-friendly tacos have proven so popular, they’ve expanded the brand into Southern California.
Cinco de Mayo Special: $5 margaritas all day Sunday, at all locations.
On The Go
BBQ Mexicana Drive-Thru
After years serving local sports fans at T-Mobile, Allegiant and the Las Vegas Ballpark, Border Grill’s casual Mexican barbecue concept BBQ Mexicana recently expanded to the ‘burbs, with a Sunset Road location near the Durango Drive Ikea. And their drive-through window allows you to stock up on tacos or their beloved brisket burritos without getting out of your car.
Location: 8480 W. Sunset Road
Al Mancini has been reporting on the Las Vegas food scene for over 20 years, for over a dozen local and national publications. In 2022, he launched the Neon Feast mobile app and website, where more than 50 of Las Vegas’ top chefs, restaurant owners, critics, journalists and influencers share their restaurant recommendations in over 100 different categories. Download the Neon Feast app for free or visit NeonFeast.com.