Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Chicago
Big Star Chicago
Chicago loves any reason to celebrate, so if you give us a reason to down margaritas and spend time on a patio in the middle of the week, you can BET we will be taking advantage of it. That’s why Cinco de Mayo is such a fun holiday! It’s an excuse to get out and about on a work night, right as the weather is warming and the nights are getting longer. It’s an excuse to have one too many margaritas or go in on chips and queso. It’s an excuse to have fun with your favorite people, in the city you love. Need any more excuses to head out on the town on Wednesday? Just read on…
Big Star {multiple locations}: You could sit on their Wicker Park patio. You could cozy up to their Wrigleyville bars (yes - plural). You could even pick-up all their Cinco de Mayo essentials in Rover Forest if you’re based in the suburbs. There are so many ways, and so many neighborhoods, where Big Star will be hosting all of us for Cinco de Mayo this year! Just choose the way that works best for you and get ready for a good time!
Tatas Tacos {multiple locations}: With a new Lakeview location on top of their long-loved Six Corners spot, Tatas Tacos is the perfect low key but welcoming spot to spend Cinco de Mayo. Load up on their El Chapo nachos (served in a giant shovel!) and craft tacos for a fun evening with friends!
Tanta Chicago
Tanta {118 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.222.9700}: The Tanta rooftop is a true oasis in the middle of Chicago, and they’ll be a must-visit destination for Cinco de Mayo thanks to $10 tequila cocktails and $6 taquitos on Wednesday. If you’d rather celebrate at home, you can pre-order their Margarita & Empanada Kit on Tock (deadline Tuesday).
La Josie {740 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.929.2900}: Randolph Street is always a happening spot for a celebration, so you can pretty much guarantee that La Josie will be a fun time on Cinco de Mayo! Their cocktails are all insane, but definitely try out the classic Paloma as well as the more creative Mezcal Old Fashioned to start your meal on the right note.
Bar Sótano {in the alley behind Frontera Grill, 443 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.391.5857}: Rick Bayless is the unofficial godfather of Mexican cuisine in Chicago, so any of his spots are a great choice for this holiday. Bar Sótano has an extra exclusive and fun vibe though, thanks to limited seating and an off-the-beaten path entrance that are perfect for foodies looking for something a little different.
Talboy Taco {676 North Saint Clair Street, Chicago; 312.584.3192}: If a great pic for your social media is part of your Cinco de Mayo goals, Tallboy Taco should be on your list. Gorgeous interiors combined with an inventive menu will give you plenty of opportunities for both the perfect shot and the perfect bite. To celebrate at home, they’re also offering Taco Bars for Two or Four via carryout and delivery on Tock. They include Carne Asada & Chimichurri Chicken Taco fixings, Cilantro & Onion Red Salsa Guacamole, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats and more. If you’re just here for the cocktails, they have a Casamigos Margarita Kit on Tock too! All the ways to celebrate ;)
Tzuco {720 North State Street, Chicago; 312.374.8995}: Have a truly unique meal with the “5 de Mayo: Where Mexico Meets France” menu at Tzuco, bringing together two very distinct culinary traditions in one delicious night! Guests can look forward to Sopes, a Duo of Lamb and other delicacies from Chef Carlos Gaytan, as well as cocktails like the Mole Old Fashioned and Tzuco’s signature Margarita.
Tuco & Blondie {3358 North Southport Avenue, Chicago; 773.327.8226}: It’s looking like lovely patio weather for the holiday this year, so take advantage of that at Tuco & Blondie on the Southport Corridor! They have menu specials from now through Wednesday, including a Don Julio Truck and $1 Tecates on Cinco de Mayo itself.
Recess {838 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.801.1181}: If you’re wanting to gather a group to celebrate this year, Recess has plenty of room for that, both inside and out on their multi-level patio. Their expansive food and drink menu means everyone will find something they love, but we highly recommend the Loaded Tater Tots and the Prime Rib French Dip.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor