Patrons gearing up for Cinco de Mayo at the Painted Burro
Spring fever is in the air, perfect for Cinco de Mayo, that curious Mexican-American holiday—more of an excuse to explore a little “crazy juice” and eat tasty Am-Mex food than a holiday, really. Sombrero dusted off, Metro sups south of the border, spiritually speaking, seeking out Boston’s Cinco de Mayo fun.
In the Back Bay, the folks at Tico —a suave take on Mexican dining and drinking that focuses on tapas and small plates — will let their hair down with a Cinco de Mayo patio party, complete with a pig roast. To wash down said el puerco con “fixings,” they’re tapping a keg of Dos Equis (included in the cover). Once that’s run dry, normal bar prices resume — so drink your money’s worth!
Cover: $20 per person. 2 p.m.-6 p.m. 222 Berkeley St. 617-351-0400. ticoboston.com
In Davis Square, the Painted Burro and its recently expanded adjacent Burro Bar is the place for margaritas on tap. Yes, on tap (steady there banditos). For Cinco de Mayo, they’re serving up a special cocktail: the Mexican 75, a riff on the classic French 75. Instead of gin and champagne, it includes mescal shaken with triple sec, lime juice, and Somerville-made St. Elder liqueur. That little brain bomb is finished with sparkling white wine. Pair that with empanadas filled with in-house made chorizo or zucchini and collard green stuffed tacos.
No cover. 219 Elm St. Somerville. 617-776-0005. thepaintedburro.com
But where’s the mariachi band? On the Waterfront, Rosa Mexicano has DJs spinning tejano and a live band playing intermittently, noon through closing. Their brand new patio Cantina Bar launches that same day and a special Cinco de Mayo menu will be available indoors and out. The brunch-to-supper menu will include huevos fritos y carnitas — pork and ancho chile hash, fried eggs, habanero mustard jam — and torrejas de miel rellenas — cinnamon and castabel chile crusted brioche with a mascarpone stuffing. Sip mezcal infused Bloody Maria and pitchers of Pasión Picante, a sweet and spicy margarita made with 1800 silver tequila, passion fruit, fresh lime, ginger, and habañero. Ole!, indeed.
No cover. 155 Seaport Blvd. 617-476-6122. rosamexicano.com
Just can’t wait to get the party started? Head over to the Fireplace in Brookline for Cuatro de Mayo, when they’ll beputting a tequila twist on their bi-weekly “Fireside Chat,” a casual seminar and tasting series. For this edition, they’re pairing four top-shelf Don Roberto tequilas with tasty small plates while a tequila aficionado imparts knowledge — and no doubt amuses tequila-tickled attendees.
$25-$30. 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m. 617-975-1900, fireplacerest.com
