Where to Find Margaritas, Food Discounts, and Good Times
Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday this year, but there still will be partying at restaurants throughout Southern California.
Some full-service chains will be celebrating all weekend with buffets, live music and food deals.
And most places that serve cocktails will be offering discounts on margaritas.
Here are some specials and deals announced by chain restaurants online, in social media or in news releases.
Full-Service Restaurants
Special Offers
Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina: There will be all-day happy hours May 3-5. In addition, there will be a mariachi brunch on Sunday, May 4. May 5 specials include $2 tacos as well as live music and giveaways. Sister chain El Torito has announced the same plan. acapulcorestaurants.com
Black Angus Steakhouse: Specials will include $4 margaritas and a special Carne Asada potato skin for $11.99. blackangus.com
El Torito: There will be all-day happy hours May 3-5. In addition, there will be a mariachi brunch on Sunday, May 4. May 5 specials include $2 tacos as well as live music and giveaways. eltorito.com
Kalaveras: Mexican candy shot flights will be available through May 5 at some locations. kalaveras.com
Smoked Show is on the menu at Porta Via restaurants. (Photo by George Duchannes, courtesy of Porta Via)
Porta Via: This chain, which describes itself as a California bistro and bar, has locations in Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Palm Desert. It will be serving its first Cinco de Mayo menu. Items include shrimp enchiladas, $32, and street tacos with choice of protein, $23. Specialty cocktails will include El Rey, a clarified spicy margarita, and Smoke Show, made with Mezcal 33, grapefruit, lime, agave, and smoked rosemary. portaviarestaurants.com
Red Lobster: Customers can order Cinco Ritas for $5 at participating locations, dine-in only. redlobster.com
Rock & Brews: Rockin’ House Margaritas will be $5 on May 5 at participating locations. rockandbrews.com
Sol Mexican Cocina: All-day happy hour with $6 mimosas will be offered May 3-4. On May 5, there will be $4 tacos and drink specials such as $8 El Jimador Blanco, $10 Herradura Blanco, $10 Lalo Blanco, and $13 Don Julio Blanco. solcocina.com
Solita Tacos & Margaritas: The celebration will start May 3 with weekend brunch and all-day happy hour. On May 5, there will be music, giveaways, and deals such as $4 tacos. solitatacos.com
Fast Casual and Quick Service
Special Offers
Chipotle Mexican Grill: Customers can get free Chips & Queso with the purchase of a regular-priced entrée item at participating restaurants May 3-5. Use the promo code CINCO25. chipotle.com
Chronic Tacos: Loyalty members can get $5 off $20 orders on the chain’s app. chronictacos.com
Del Taco: Several discounts are available to Del Yeah! Rewards members on May 5. They include free fries with a $5 purchase; a free Del Taco or Grilled Chicken Taco with $5 purchase; any burrito for free with a $10 purchase; free Mini Cinnamon Churros with the purchase of any El Big Box; and $5 off any $25 purchase. Each offer is limited to one per member. deltaco.com
Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Fiesta Taco Pizza, Jalapeño Not-Knots, and Chocolate Mini Churrs will be available through June 30. mountainmikespizza.com
Randy’s Donuts: The Mango Tajin Doughnut has made its annual return. randysdonuts.com
Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Rewards members can get $20 off $100 catering orders or $40 off $200 orders through May 12. rubios.com
Tocaya: Specials include $2 off all margaritas, $3 beers, $6 wines. There’s a new Watermelon Margarita, a fresh addition to the menu launching May 1, featuring Espolón Blanco. tocaya.com
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo is a time for celebration, and many restaurants are joining in on the fun with special deals, discounts, and menu items. From full-service restaurants to fast-casual and quick-service chains, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for margaritas, tacos, or other Mexican-inspired dishes, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
FAQs
Q: What is Cinco de Mayo?
A: Cinco de Mayo, which translates to "Fifth of May" in Spanish, is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Q: What kind of deals can I expect to find on Cinco de Mayo?
A: Many restaurants will be offering discounts on margaritas, as well as special menu items, such as tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Q: Are the deals only available on May 5?
A: No, many restaurants will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend, with some deals available from May 3-5.
Q: Do I need to be a loyalty member to take advantage of the deals?
A: Some deals may require loyalty membership, but others are available to all customers. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each restaurant.
Originally Published: May 2, 2025 at 10:55 AM PDT
