Gran Electrica will serve you tacos in their spacious backyard garden.
Let’s face it: Most New Yorkers use Cinco de Mayo as a (wonderful) excuse to drink margaritas. With the Mexican holiday around the corner, and the best spots to imbibe on the minds of many, let us not forget about tradition, culture and pride — as there are plenty of locals to remind us. “Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Puebla, which is one of my favorite areas in Mexico,” says Sue Torres, chef and owner of Sueños in Chelsea. “And, of course, the food of Puebla is key to the celebrations — reflected in dishes like mole poblano, tamales and quesadillas. It’s a great opportunity to revel in the cultural heritage of the great country of Mexico.” From molé to margs, read on for our picks on where to celebrate this weekend.
Sueños
In celebration of the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, Chef Torres and her team are unveiling, among other items, their first brunch menu and expanded mezcal and tequila selection. Beginning this Saturday, Torres will offer options that include coconut-habanero shrimp tacos (served with grilled corn on the cob, $17) and huevos rancheros (with refried beans, $12). Brunch menu served Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., full dinner menu from 5 p.m.
311 W. 17th St.
212-243-1333
www.suenosnyc.com
Gran Electrica
With a newly opened 50-seat garden overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, a mariachi band and a DJ spinning Latin tunes, the setting is picture perfect for an all-day fiesta. Just add this Dumbo spot’s signature margarita de Remolacha(made with fresh beet juice, Pueblo Viejo blanco tequila, Combier, fresh lime juice and simple syrup) and the full menu, including favorites like chorizo and potato quesadilla ($9).
Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
5 Front St.
DUMBO, Brooklyn
718-852 2700
www.granelectrica.com
Empellon
At the West Village Taqueria, the folks at Empellon are offering a Cinco de Mayo menu featuring multiple courses of Alex Stupak’s cuisine and unlimited margaritas, beer and wine. Find it Saturday (dinner only) and Sunday (brunch and dinner), and at the east side Cocina on Sunday for dinner only. Multiple seatings, reservations required.
230 W. Fourth St.,
212-367-0999
105 First Ave.
212-780-0999
www.empellon.com
Rosa Mexicano is hosting a boozy Mexican brunch featuring cocktails like the smoky Mezcal Bloody Mariaandthe Pasion Picante(1800 silver tequila, passion fruit, fresh lime, ginger and habanero, served in a pitcher). Along with dishes like cinnamon-cascabel chili stuffed French toast and fried eggs and carnitas hash, there will also be a DJ, mariachis, sombreros and, yes, cervezas. Sunday, beginning at noon.
Multiple locations, see www.rosamexicano.com for info.
More Cinco Specials!
Cascabel Taqueria
Both of these uptown taquerias will feature a mariachi band (beginning at 1 p.m. with brunch service), along with handcrafted frozen margaritas ($6), and a special Fiesta Time menu (5 p.m. to midnight). Sunday only.
Cascabel East, 1538 Second Ave., 212-717-8226
Cascabel West, 2799 Broadway, 212-665-1500
www.nyctacos.com
El Café at El Museo del Barrio
Uptown museumgoers can start celebrating early: On Friday and Saturday, guests can sip Micheladas ($6) in the outdoor courtyard at the museum café alongside pan-Latin menu items including Mexican tamales and tostadas.
El Museo del Barrio
1230 Fifth Ave.
212-831-7272
www.elmuseo.org
At Luna Sur Latin Bistro in Hell’s Kitchen, happy hour will last all Sunday night in honor of the holiday. Specials include Tecate ($6), Corona ($4), margaritas and sangritas ($6), along with menu specials from ChefIsaias Ortiz.
802 Ninth Ave.
212-262-1299
www.lunasurnyc.com
Salvation Taco will open its rooftop at noon on Sunday with the start of their $5 Salvation Margarita special (which ends at 4 p.m.) Also on the menu: three al pastor tacos and a can of Modelo Especial for $10, (from 5:30 p.m. until they run out.)
145 E. 39thSt.
212-865-5800
www.salvationtaco.com
In addition to their crispy fish tacos, Tacombi’s new brunch items include chilquiles verdes and huevos rancheros. Top it off with a spiked horchata and it’s a fiesta!
267 Elizabeth St.
917-727-0179
www.tacombi.com
Tequila Park Taqueria
At the brand new park space in the Hudson Hotel, this Cinco de Mayo, from 2 p.m. til sunset, the party is on. On tap: a live performance by City of the Sun and music by Elle Dee. Special menu items include street-style tacos (two for $8), fresh fruit margaritas and a 40+ tequila section.
Hudson Hotel
356 W. 58th St.
212-554-6000
www.tequilaparknyc.com
The Tippler
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the old-timey cocktail den in the subterranean space below Chelsea Market will be transformed into a fiesta – complete with sombreros, luchador masks, capes and a build-your-own margarita bar. Festivities begin Sunday at 4 p.m.
425 W. 15th St. (under OPEN sign)
212- 206-0000
www.thetippler.com
Willow Road chefs Todd MacDonaldand Grayson Schmitzare teaming up withLa Esquina’s and Gran Electrica’s former chefs to bring a one-night-only Mexican menu to the downtown restaurant. Among the deals: all-you-can-eat fare ($20), all-you-can-drink Labatt Blue ($10), and specialty margaritas ($5). Sunday from 11 p.m.-2 a.m.; no reservations required.
85 10thAve.
646-484-6566
www.willowroadnyc.com
PLUS: a special offer for Metro readers:
Sprinkles Cupcakes is rolling out a margarita-flavored cupcake – available for a limited time in May. This “adult cupcake” is made with key lime tequila cake, topped with key lime frosting and dusted with salt. This Cinco de Mayo, Sprinkles is offering abuy one get a second cupcake free deal to Metro readers. Mention Metro to the salesperson at Sprinkles and the second cupcake is gratis.
Offer good all day Sunday for the margarita cupcake only.
780 Lexington Ave.
212-207-8375
www.sprinkles.com
