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Cinco de Mayo NYC

Margaritas, guacamole, tacos, and tequila will be plentiful on Cinco de Mayo weekend in NYC, with restaurant and bar specials running May 4th through 7th. Revelers are eager to get out and celebrate, but before joining the celebrations, they should be well versed on the holiday’s history. The “Fifth of May” is celebrated in Mexico and the U.S., marking the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. It’s observed in honor of an 1862 Mexican military victory over the French forces of Napoleon III. Read on for where you can join in on the festivities in NYC.

Cinco de Mayo NYC: CitizenM Bowery Rooftop Bar

CitizenM CloudM

For this year’s celebration and rooftop season kick off, citizenM NY Bowery is putting the spotlight on its cloudM rooftop bar, where New Yorkers and travelers can indulge in margaritas, Tecates, specialty cocktails, and Mexican fare - all of which will be paired with incredible city views from the 21st floor, and DJ music-dancing encouraged! Festivities will be running from 3pm-11pm. Tickets required and available through Resy, which outlines tiered ticketed options ranging from general admission to larger parties of 6+. 189 Bowery, 212-372-7274 cloudmnewyorkbowery

Cinco de Mayo NYC: The Ready Rooftop Bar

The Ready

Get set for a day of tacos, margs, and fun at The Ready Rooftop Bar, located atop the Moxy East Village. The bar will open early at noon to kick off the festivities, with $1 tacos and $5 margaritas available until 3pm. And for those looking to really indulge, the rooftop is also offering brand new margarita towers that serve 20 margaritas for just $90 during the same time period! There's more: the event will also feature a live mariachi band playing from 4:30-5:30pm, providing an authentic and lively atmosphere to celebrate the holiday. Seating is limited, so be sure to make your reservation through OpenTable early. 112 E. 11th St., 646-908-2125, moxyeastvillage.com/thereadyrooftopbar

Cinco de Mayo NYC: Tacombi (Gives Back)

Tacombi wants to give back this Cinco de Mayo, with a fundraiser for its Tacombi Foundation, a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance Mexican communities through education and food accessibility.  That day, 100% of the proceeds from all orders (in-store at 15 locations in NYC, DC and Miami and on the Tacombi app and website) will go to The Tacombi Foundation, feeding people in the local community who are facing food insecurity. To date, they have raised $320,000 and through ongoing initiatives over the past three years, they have been able to donate more than 600,000 meals to neighbors in need. This year, the goal is to raise enough funds for 140,000 meals. (Multiple locations)

Cinco de Mayo NYC: Grayson Hotel's Rooftop Bar Cima

Bar Cima

Perched on the 28th floor of Grayson Hotel near Bryant Park, Bar Cima is a sophisticated rooftop tequileria from award-winning local group Apicii, with support from consulting master mezcalier Courtenay Greenleaf. The vibrant space boasts breathtaking views of the Empire State Building and both the East and Hudson Rivers, and there will plenty of festive craft margaritas to sip on Cinco de Mayo, including frozen seasonal options. 30 W. 39th Street, 646-685-8274 barcimanyc.com

Cinco de Mayo NYC: Fonda Restaurant

Fonda breakfast nachos

For your Cinco de Mayo recovery, on May 6th & 7th, Fonda will have a 'Ultimate Cinco Hangover Brunch' and will be putting breakfast nachos-Crispy tortilla chips layered with chorizo, black bean, Chihuahua cheese, scrambled eggs, cilantro, cream, pickled jalapeños, salsa verde, and pasilla de Oaxaca salsa, and bloody Marias-José Cuervo tequila, lime juice, homemade bloody maria mix (tomato juice, salsa Valentina, Worcestershire, black pepper, salt, orange juice), tajin, with cucumbers and olives to garnish on the menu. Make your reservations now! 189 9th Ave, 917-525-5252, fondarestaurant.com (Fonda also has locations in Tribeca and Park Slope.)

Cinco de Mayo NYC: Tiny's Cantina

Tiny's Cantina

Tiny’s Cantina in Prospect Heights will be offering $1 chicken molé poblano tacos with toasted ajonjoli from 3pm to 10pm.  “We all like an excuse to have a margarita but, for us, Cinco De Mayo is a little less about drinking,” says Tiny’s Cantina Chef Cenobio Canalizo, who hails from Puebla. “At home, we commemorate the Battle of Puebla through historical reenactments as well as with meals. So before you drink, eat molé poblano!” 229 Flatbush Ave., 718-970-7007, tinyscantina.com

Cinco de Mayo NYC: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt

At SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, NYC's only destination that offers three interactive floors of experiences and breathtaking views of Manhattan 93 stories high, enjoy margaritas and mariachi music (9:00 PM – 10:30 PM) in honor of this ceremonial holiday. The mariachi band will be performing on the 93rd floor so come early to experience the 91st and 92nd floors before making your way up. Get tickets here.  45 E. 42nd Street, summitov.com

Cinco de Mayo NYC: Vida Verde

Vida Verde

To kick off Cinco de Mayo in NYC the right way, check out the vivacious Midtown West bar and restaurant Vida Verde.  Festivities will include live music, DJs and dancers, giveaways, food and drink specials, a bottomless brunch, and more!  They have an excellent tequila and mezcal selection. Don’t miss Vida Verde’s Margarita Rooftop, an oasis of vibrant, hand-painted murals with a tempting selection of 10 margarita flavors. 248 W. 55th St., 646-657-0565, vidaverdeny.com

Cinco de Mayo NYC: Añejo

Anejo

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Añejo, an authentic Mexican restaurant and tequileria, with locations in Tribeca and Hell’s Kitchen. Añejo is an ideal locale for celebrating with a group. A dj will be on hand to keep the party going well into the evening. Take your pick: both Añejo destinations offer a vast selection of agaves to choose from. For reservations, visit anejotribeca.com, 301 Church St., 212-920-6270, or anejonyc.com; 668 10thAve., 212-920-4770

About the Author

Linda Sheridan is the Managing Editor for City Guide. She is a lifelong New Yorker, has written for the New York Daily News, and loves travel, writing, music, and space.

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