Don’t miss out on local fiestas with tasty tacos, margaritas and live music
It might come as a surprise to some people that Cinco de Mayo is not actually Mexico’s Independence Day. The day commemorates Mexico’s victory over France, which is known as the Battle of Puebla. It is believed that the Mexican tradition became popular in the U.S. because of Chicano activists showing pride for their Mexican culture and heritage.
The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Latin culture. In Las Vegas, festivities include feasting on tacos, tequila shots and margaritas with friends. Some local parties go all out for the occasion and book a mariachi band.
Whether it’s for the mouth watering Sweet Corn Tamales or spicy margaritas, Cinco De Mayo 2022 in Vegas just hits different. It’s the party city capital, which means there’s no shortage of good times here.
Front Yard at Ellis Island
4250 Koval Lane
The Front Yard at Ellis Island is celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year with specials on Mexican inspired bites and sips. The venue features indoor and outdoor seating plus a beer garden. Aside from the holiday menu, they also will be featuring a live mariachi band from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. To secure your spot, reservations are a must.
Cinco de Mayo Deals
Al Pastor Tacos – $8
Chicken Quesadillas – $8
Spicy Margarita – $6
LIFTOFF at Area 15
3215 S. Rancho Dr.
Looking for a unique take on the Mexican holiday? LIFTOFF Lounge at Area 15 offers a rare view of the Las Vegas skyline with its “imbibe-and-ride” experience. Sponsored by Casamigos, the lounge will be serving margarita and tequila flights. Sip on a margarita while sitting 130 feet above ground with a 360 degree view of the city. Along with the libations, their outdoor lounge will also feature live entertainment. It is free to enter the lounge area. The fiesta will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Baja Miguel’s at South Point
9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Many locals may be stuck working on Cinco de Mayo. If that includes you, Baja Miguel’s at The South Point has got you covered. The Mexican restaurant is serving a three course special available May 4 through May 7 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cinco De Mayo Dinner
First course:
Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes served with black beans, Pico de Gallo, roasted corn and avocado cream or Spicy Shrimp and Watermelon Cocktail. Plus a balanced spicy margarita cocktail sauce with a hint of sweetness.
Second course options:
Miguel’s Grilled Tequila Skirt Steak Quesadilla made with grilled poblano peppers and cheddar cheese, served with a side of cilantro salsa and queso fresco.
Crispy Fish Tacos with crispy fried fish on soft tortillas with marinated cabbage slaw.
Carnitas El Pastor Tacos prepared with seasoned pulled pork, grilled pineapple, red onion salsa and chipotle cream on soft tortillas.
All entrees are served with Baja Rice and Cinco de Mayo Beans.
Third course options:
Fresh Fruit Salad consisting of seasonal diced fruit topped with passion fruit sorbet and chopped pistachios.
Chocolate Flan, a traditional Mexican flan on rich chocolate cake with Kahlua cream, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.
Drink options:
Guest’s choice of margarita or a glass of wine for guests 21 and over.
FYI: Baja Miguel’s regular menu will also be available. However, Margarita Meal Deals will not be available.
El Luchador Mexican kitchen and Cantina
7825 Blue Diamond Rd Ste 102 and 375 N. Stephanie St. #111 (Henderson)
At the Mountain’s Edge location, El Luchador is throwing a festive Cinco de Mayo Party on the Patio. The festivities will include a specialty menu, taco cart, ice cold cervezas (beers), the Patron Girls and a live mariachi band. Throughout the celebration, the Patron Girls will serve shots and host giveaways.
The restaurant’s second location in Henderson will also feature a live mariachi band and a visit from the Patron ladies. Although no reservations are required for the outdoor seating, they encourage reservations for indoor dining.
La Neta Cocina y Lounge
1770 Festival Plaza Dr. #200
La Neta describes itself as “unapologetically unique.” The Downtown Summerlin restaurant is serving Cinco de Mayo deals to commemorate the special occasion. Moreover, La Neta will also feature live entertainment from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. plus a DJ.
This locale is packed with Instagrammable opportunities. The dining room decor mirrors a “Mexican Jungle” with its verdant vines and 14-foot sugar tree. The stained glass windows add another dimension to the layered design. From the food to the ambiance, La Neta Cocina y Lounge is the perfect blend of casual and nightlife vibes.
Cinco de Mayo Deals
Tacos – $9
Taco options are chicken, barbacoa, birria or soyrizo served with brussel sprouts slaw and crema
Margaritas – $9
Shot and Beer Specials – $13
Sharable Margaritas – $100
Casamigos bottles – $100
Peyote
1028 E. Fremont St.
Las Vegas’ first live fire restaurant, Peyote, hosts a Divina, a Latin festival, this Cinco de Mayo. Locals looking for somewhere to dance and dine, this Downtown Las Vegas is offering a special menu, providing a rotating lineup of mariachi bands as well as the sounds of DJ Lee. For $25, guests may partake in both the festive music and food. The ticket includes a complimentary shot of Calirosa tequila. The festival will be held from 5 p.m. until midnight.
Lucky Day Tequila and Mezcal House
516 E. Fremont St.
For Las Vegans that prefer going straight to libations, a cozy neighborhood bar downtown like Lucky Day will be slinging a selection of drink specials. While listening to Latin beats, sip on hand-crafted cocktails mixed with rare mezcals and small-batch tequilas. Guests may also participate in a boozy bingo. The 3,000 square-foot space also will feature Latin house music by resident DJs from 10 p.m. until close.
We All Scream
517 Fremont St.
Leave it to Vegas to create the most unique experiences on the west coast like a nightclub serving ice cream. We All Scream combines the exciting elements of nightlife with a sweet ice creamery. For Cinco de Mayo, the artsy hangout will play Latin beats from 10 p.m. until early morning. Altura, a local entertainment group, takes over the rooftop with the sounds of several DJs.
Casa Calavera at Virgin Hotels
4455 Paradise Rd.
Inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Casa Calavera, is hosting a fun filled fiesta. This is a Dia Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) themed restaurant and bar filled with Instagram-worthy opportunities. Take in a variety of colorful murals, altars and sugar skull decorations. For Cinco de Mayo, they are also serving food specials and will feature a live mariachi band. Listen to the band play from 8 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The party starts at 10 a.m. when the doors open.
Cinco de Mayo Deals
Taco poblano is served with Oaxaca cheese rajas, roasted potatoes, salsa morita and queso fresco – $25
Casa Calavera rojo posole is a traditional Mexican soup – $18
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
