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. No city on Earth parties harder than Las Vegas, so here are a few great options for honoring Mexican culture and cuisine this year.

We’ve made note of any special Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with something for just about everyone.

Arts District 

Letty's de Leticia's Cocina

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.

Cinco de Mayo Special: Cocktail specials, beer specials, live entertainment, and an impromptu bar on the front patio, from 3 p.m. until at least 8 p.m. on Monday the 5th.

Location: 807 S. Main St. (Arts District) 

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Plant-Based

Tacotarian

Tacotarian

With five 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 as they prepare for nationwide franchising.

Location: Multiple Locations

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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.

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On The Go

BBQ Mexicana Drive-Thru

After years serving local sports fans at T-Mobile, Allegiant, Las Vegas Ballpark and Mandalay Bay. Border Grill’s casual Mexican barbecue concept BBQ Mexicana recently expanded to the ‘burbs, with a Sunset Road location near the Durango Drive Ikea. Their drive-through window allows you to stock up on tacos or their beloved brisket burritos without getting out of your car, all year ‘round. For the holiday, they’re offering a pop-up by sister concept Border Grill Taqueria, so you can order a feast to bring to your party.

Cinco de Mayo specials: On May 5, you can get a pair of Chicken Tinga, Carne Asada or Carnitas tacos with rice and beans for $11 or $12.

Location: 8480 W. Sunset Road

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Grown Up Fun

El Dorado Cantina

Known for using organic, non-GMO ingredients at all their locations, the original El Dorado appeals to many Las Vegas locals and visitors for another reason: it’s located just off the Strip and is right across the street from Resorts World Las Vegas.

Cinco de Mayo Specials: Mariachi Band and a DJ from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Sunday. Saturday through Monday food and drink specials, including: $25 buckets of Modelo, Pacifico, and Corona; $12 Flecha and Casamigos Margaritas; $12 Casa Loy Reposado Shots or Margaritas; $8 Weber Ranch Palomas and $5 street tacos.

Location: 3025 S. Sammy Davis Jr. Drive

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