Funny thing about Cinco de Mayo: It really isn’t that big of a deal in Mexico proper.
The holiday recognizes a victory over the French in 1862 but mostly is celebrated regionally. Even the Mexican Cultural Institute in D.C. — part of the Mexican Embassy — has no events planned for the fifth of May.
But in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has grown in significance, becoming like a mini-St. Patrick’s that marks an early beginning to summer. Locally, there are a number of bars and restaurants getting in the spirit. Here’s five places to go to listen to music, throw back a few cervezas and margaritas, and have some fun. On a Wednesday night, no less.
Cinco de Mayo with Nayas at DC9
The thing about local band Nayas is that, while definitely multicultural, none of its members is actually from Mexico (Uruguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, El Salvador and the U.S. mainland, to be exact). That doesn’t mean their body-moving, Latin beats aren’t a perfect fit for this night. Quite the contrary. With definite rock and reggae influences as well, Nayas promises to get Cinco de Mayo rolling along just right. With Machetres and DJ Rockactivo. $10. Doors at 8:30, show at 9 p.m.
DC9: 1940 Ninth St. NW; 202-483-5000; dcnine.com
Cinco de Mayo at Lauriol Plaza
This is one of the best Mexican restaurants around and a D.C. institution, but sorry, no reservations will be taken for Cinco de Mayo. It’s strictly a first come, first served basis. Expect live music all day, including mariachis, as well as drink promotions from some of the big companies. The menu is Tex-Mex and features the usual suspects. If this Dupont-area restaurant isn’t convenient, try its sister restaurant, Cactus Cantina, near the National Cathedral.
Lauriol Plaza: 1835 18th St. NW; 202-387-0035; lauriolplaza.com
Cactus Cantina: 3300 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-686-7222; cactuscantina.com
Cinco de Mayo at the H Street Country Club
One of the newer establishments in the area is this Atlas District bar and restaurant that features an indoor mini-golf course. On Cinco de Mayo, HSCC partners with Dos Equis for an opportunity to win 1 million pesos — or about $80,000. There also will be food and drink specials, games, and a chance to win a trip to Playa del Carmen. Enjoy upscale Mexican food like lamb enchiladas, and pass the time with pool or shuffleboard.
H Street Country Club: 1335 H St. NW; 202-399-4722; hstreetcountryclub.com
Mexican Fiesta at Rosa Mexicano
Lucky for us, two of this restaurant’s nine locations are in the D.C. metro area — in Penn Quarter and out at National Harbor. This Cinco de Mayo, check out either location for live music, a special menu and giveaways. The standard menu is upscale Mexican food, and the guacamole freshly made at the table is recommended. If you can’t make it out Wednesday, the Penn Quarter location recently has started a happy hour in its bar area only, featuring half-price cocktails and appetizers.
Rosa Mexicano, Penn Quarter: 575 Seventh St. NW; 202-783-5522; rosamexicano.com
Rosa Mexicano, National Harbor: 153 Waterfront St., National Harbor; rosamexicano.com
Five Days of Cinco at Austin Grill
This local Tex-Mex chain wraps up five days of celebrating with tons of happenings at its seven regional locations. In addition to food and drink specials, the Old Town location features a DJ, Rockville has two live bands performing and Springfield promises hat dancing. Food is Tex-Mex. For the location nearest you, visit austingrill.com.
