Get ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the Upper West Side! Cinco de Mayo is a great opportunity to drink and dine at some of the best Mexican restaurants in NYC. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French in the historic Battle of Puebla. There are many ways in which one can partake in the festivities, but nothing screams Cinco de Mayo more than chips and guac and a margarita. Here’s a list of Mexican joints in the neighborhood that will be serving up a bunch of specials for the occasion. Andale!
Gabriela’s
Gabriela’s Restaurant is the place to go on the Upper West Side for those who are looking for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta like no other.
Once upon entering this modern Mexican joint, you’ll be taken over by a limey aroma in the air emanating from one of the largest tequila bars found anywhere in Manhattan.
With some of the best frozen margaritas in NYC, Gabriela’s has more than 150 bottles of 100% agave Tequila and over 30 varieties of infused and premium tequila. For Cinco, they will be serving shot specials and specialty drinks accompanied to the melodies of a mariachi band. Order the queso fundido, Al Pastor tacos, or carnitas uruapan to keep the party going!
North/South Consonance
Another way of celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year is by attending the holiday concert featuring North/South Consonance. The concert will take place at Christ & St. Stephen’s Church and the music played by the orchestra will be featuring recent works of three generations of Mexican composers. Admission to the concert is free and the venue’s intimate auditorium counts with great sound acoustics which makes the music flow freely through the room. The North/South Chamber Orchestra is Grammy nominated and has performed more than 1,000 works by various composers. The Consonance is funded by NY State Council on the Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
Cafe Frida
Cafe Frida’s authentic cuisine and warm decor will make you feel like you are leaving NYC behind for the tropics south of the border. The cafe is named after Frida Kahlo and is famous for its spicy guacamole and agave cocktails. They’ll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo by offering hibiscus margaritas and a bunch of specials. There’s another Mexican joint nearby called El Mitote which has some of the best margaritas and micheladas in town. They cook up homemade Mexican dishes using high quality ingredients and they are very savory. We hear the sabina sorta (mushroom, rosemary roasted garlic, arugula, and cheese) is to die for! Who’s ready for some Cinco de Mayo bar-hopping without having to leave the West Side?
Casa Mexicana
Casa Mexicana recently saw its grand opening and has already received stellar reviews from happy customers. The menu here is traditional and offers what one comes to expect from standard Mexican cuisine. Some of the tastiest dishes served up are the chimichangas mexicanas filled with shredded chicken, tomato, onions, and peppers, skirt steak, and mole poblano. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s an exceptional tres leches cake that comes in big and hearty portions. Don’t forget to order a margarita to commemorate the Battle of Puebla!
The Great Burrito
Founded by a Mexican family hailing from the Guerrero and Oaxaca region, this Mexican place masters the art of mixing traditional flavors with a new and modern approach. They make sure to add the right level of spiciness to the food so that it doesn’t lose its mouthwatering taste. You’ll find the best burritos and tacos in the neighborhood along with spectacular homemade salsas. The burritos are massive and come in plenty of varieties including one that’s exclusively for vegetarians. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
