A festive Cinco de Mayo celebration is never far away in Greater Fort Lauderdale. The holiday, commemorating the Mexican army's victory against the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, falls on Sunday, May 5, so you can expect a weekend full of fun. Whether you’re ready to sip your way to the best margarita or nosh on traditional Mexican cuisine with friends, consider this your complete guide to where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
In Fort Lauderdale
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar
Come and join the festivities at Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar, a popular Mexican eatery on Las Olas Boulevard, where you can guarantee the party will last well into the night. Enjoy some of Rocco’s best bites paired with tasty margaritas, and be sure to try the Rocco Rita, made with Teremana Blanco, orange liqueur, and house-made sour mix.
El Camino
Farther west on Las Olas Boulevard, you’ll find another Mexican haven, El Camino,. This Cinco de Mayo, El Camino will host a fiesta full of fun for everyone under the sun. Imbibe on some of the tastiest margaritas in Fort Lauderdale, including the spicy avocado, which is made with super fresh and ripe avocado.
Canyon
If you're looking for a more refined Cinco de Mayo experience (think eclectic dishes and a tequila speakeasy dubbed Rio's Tequila Bar), be sure to check out the Canyon. This locals’ favorite dining institution has become revered for its smoked salmon tostadas, cornmeal-crusted poblano peppers, and its crown jewel: the Prickly Pear Margarita. This margarita is so beloved it’s even won awards! Sip this smooth concoction while toasting with friends and loved ones.
Bar Rita
Get your margarita vibes on at downtown’s Bar Rita. A colorful backdrop of funky murals plus upbeat music sets the scene at this Mexican hotspot. Whether sitting on the rooftop or chilling on the patio, this is a tequila lover's paradise. Bring your friends and family to enjoy premium tequilas and mezcal. This Cinco de Mayo, be adventurous and order the Pineapple Express (caramelized pineapple, Hornitos reposado, Desolas Blanco, and CBD ginger soda).
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Another downtown favorite, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with drink specials from Cazadores and Patron, plus performances by Zhantra Entertainment beginning at 11 p.m.
Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar, Multiple locations
With locations in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Plantation, Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar is the ultimate destination for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. The Mexican hotspot will host a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta across its three locations, where you can enjoy Mariachi entertainment along with food and drink specials, including discounts on select margaritas.
Coyo Taco
Get ready to fiesta this Cinco de Mayo at Coyo Taco’s trendy and laid-back taqueria, serving
authentic Mexican fare with a modern twist. Guests can kick off the festivities at 11 a.m. with $5 margaritas and enjoy food/drink specials throughout the day. Fan-favorite dishes will be served at the street-food experience, like homemade guacamole, smashed to order, tacos prepared with hand-pressed tortillas, cheesy quesadillas, and more! Mariachis will stop by to play a few traditional Mexican songs throughout the day.
Carlos & Pepes
Local’s favorite Mexican cantina on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale will host a “Big Fiesta” the entire weekend of Cinco de Mayo leading up to Sunday’s event featuring live music, a mariachi band, DJ, and good eats. This year marks Carlos & Pepe’s 44th Cinco de Mayo celebration in South Florida, so you don’t want to miss it.
Velvet Taco
One of Fort Lauderdale’s new favorite taco destinations, Velvet Taco, is the place to be this Cinco de Mayo. The restaurant will offer a special “El Jefe” taco served all week: grilled steak, tempura lobster, crispy potatoes, sun-dried tomato aioli, arugula salad, and chimichurri. If you place any orders after 9 p.m., you will receive a special late-night koozie, perfect for a Kick Ass Margarita.
Quarterdeck
And don’t forget Quarterdeck on 17th Street for an all-day party hosted by Tres Generaciones Tequila, which features drink specials, live music, giveaways and a special food menu. With a $75 ticket, you’ll also receive a signature cocktail and a personalized hand-painted bottle of Tres Generaciones Reposado.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale on the Riverwalk has become a South Florida staple for exciting happenings. Known for its weekly themed events, its Cinco de Mayo “Sombreros on the River” fiesta returns again this year and promises to be the “biggest piñata party in town.” The May 4-5 events will include energetic musical performances from Mariachi bands, free sombreros for the first 100 guests, and an appearance by luchadores (Mexican wrestlers)! Enjoy all-day drink specials and tasty bites by Knotty Burgers, The Piefather, Crème de la Crêpe, and Los Altos Taqueria.
Margaritas & Music Fest at YOLO
Tequila enthusiasts are in for a treat with the return of the Margarita & Music Fest at YOLO’s courtyard. Beginning at 1 p.m., attendees can savor endless margaritas from 10 tequila brands, indulge in tacos, groove to live DJ tunes, and be serenaded by a Mariachi band. Like previous years, you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite margarita in the “The People's Choice Margarita” contest.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale event is expected to sell out, so purchase your tickets now. General admission presale tickets are $35. VIP pre-sale tickets cost $75 and include early entry at 12:30 pm and exclusive access to the VIP area featuring delectable food and top-notch tequila samples.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
On Fort Lauderdale beach, visitors can choose from popular beachfront haunts: Lona Cocina Tequileria at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Señor Frog’s, and El Vez, located inside the W Fort Lauderdale.
This year, join Lona for a Cinco de Mayo brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and indulge in chef-attended brunch stations, bottomless brunch cocktails, margarita specials, and more. You’ll be serenaded by a live Mariachi band followed by a DJ. Reservations are encouraged and can be made here.
At El Vez, you can’t go wrong with the Frida margarita (Corazón Blanco, lime, agave, orange, and cranberry), available by the glass or as a pitcher if you’re traveling with a group.
For something even more over the top, head to LuLu’s Bait Shack and order a fishbowl-size margarita that’s ideal for sharing with larger groups.
Around Greater Fort Lauderdale
Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar–Wilton Manors
If you plan on celebrating in Wilton Manors, make a reservation at Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar. We love this neighborhood for its vibrant and inclusive party scene that’ll be even more of a vibe on Cinco de Mayo. Aside from delish Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails, Tulio’s will serve $10 house margaritas all day.
Baresco–Pompano Beach
Stop by Baresco in Pompano Beach to enjoy signature menu items and handcrafted cocktails. A favorite of this Mexican-inspired taqueria is the Trader Village, a unique twist on the traditional margarita featuring Blanco tequila, egg yolk gel, avocado pit orgeat, ancho reyes, and lime.
Casa Maya Grill–Deerfield Beach
This Yucatán-focused Mexican eatery was recently voted the Best Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Florida—and for good reason. Chef Emilio travels to Yucatán, Mexico, every three weeks to bring over spices to cook the delicious food. Stop by on May 5 to enjoy a taste of this authentic cuisine and all the favorites, from burritos to tostadas to tacos, and more.
Baoshi Food Hall + Bar–Pembroke Pines
Head to Baoshi Food Hall + Bar in Pembroke Pines for a not-so-typical Cinco de Mayo. This new hotspot will be offering a Chino Mexicano celebration featuring live music courtesy of a mariachi band and fusion food specials, including Korean tacos from Gangnam Chicken, Tuna tacos from Poke OG, al pastor bao buns from Gold Marquess, and more. Tequila and Corona Bucket specials will also be available all day long.