Cinco De Mayo is on a Monday this year, so how about a little margarita Monday? Below are all the Mexican restaurants in the neighborhood, but keep scrolling for events and specials that are specific to Cinco De Mayo!

Barcocina: Barcocina fuses traditional Mexican cuisine and various multicultural cooking techniques into modern Mexican fare. They also have a HUGE fabulous patio, large enough to fit you and your entire Cinco De Mayo crew! They are offering bottomless brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. It’s only $60 per person, and includes two hours of bottomless drinks, and an entrée/taco of your choice, and access to the brunch buffet. There will also be a live DJ! Brunch is available from 11 am to 3 pm. Start your celebrations early on Friday night, and get $10 off margarita pitchers! Make reservations here

Big Star: Located in Hotel Zachary, Big Star is a huge hub for tacos and Mexican street fare. They offer margaritas the way they should be served, by the pitcher! This two-story taco haven is a great place to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. Pro tip: You can never go wrong with the queso fundido. Make reservations here

Buena Vista: Buena Vista Restaurant is the premier carry out Mexican cuisine in Lakeview. Family owned and operated since 2004, the Ramirez family personally oversees all activities in the restaurant, from serving to cooking! You will be thrilled with the quality of the food and excellent service you receive. The Ramirez family prides themselves on having a family member in Buena Vista at all times to serve the neighborhood family. Feel like dining in? They have tables for dining, and are BYOB!

Cesars Killer Margaritas: You won’t find store-bought, frozen, or pre-made food at Cesars Killer Margaritas! They make over 50 menu items by hand and to order, even the chips are handmade. The recipes we use have been passed down through the owners family for generations, originating from Mexico City. The margaritas at Cesars, are, well, killer! They have 18 different flavors, and they can all be bought by the pitcher. Explore the menu here!

Chilam Balam: Chilam Balam is a sustainably minded BYOB restaurant serving Mexican shared plates with a farm fresh twist. They strive to provide the tastiest and freshest ingredients while preparing all the dishes and other aliments without unnatural additives and ingredients (corn syrup, msg, etc). All of the dishes are designed to share at the table; you can either take a little piece, make a taco out of our fresh tortillas, or top one of our handmade tostadas. Most of the dishes on the menu also happen to be gluten-free! Reservations are HIGHLY recommended and can be made here.

El Jardin: El Jardin has been serving the Lakeview East community for DECADES! With delicious (and strong) margaritas, a massive patio, and authentic cuisine, why not spend Cinco De Mayo here?! For reservations and carry-out, call 773- 528- 6775.

El Nuevo Mexicano: Located right on bustling Clark Street, El Nuevo invites you to come party with them in celebration of Cinco De Mayo! Celebrate the classic way, with mariachi bands, sombreros, and some of the best Mexican food you will ever have. Their patio is an oasis of lights, plants, paintings done by the owner herself, and art that has been brought straight from Mexico. If you’re looking to celebrate authentically, don’t miss out on this fiesta!

El Mariachi Tequila Bar: Established in 1996, a father and his 2 sons opened a small 10-table restaurant in the Boystown/East Lakeview community. El Mariachi has gradually grown over the years by following a strict policy of only serving top-quality, authentic dishes and margaritas. Join them on Saturday morning and Cinco De Mayo for bottomless brunch! On Friday, they are hosting a Fizzy Friday Lunch, which includes bottomless mimosas and an entire entree from the lunch menu. From 7 to 9 pm, there will be a complimentary tasting from Codigo Tequila!vailable Saturday and Sunday 10 am-3 pm, includes bottomless mimosas and an entrée for just $31.99. Brunch is from 10 am to 3 pm, and dinner is served until 9 pm. Reserve your table now

El Taco Cart: If you’re looking for a casual place to dine or to get some carry-out, stop by El Taco Cart! Open until 3 am on Saturday, and until 11 pm on Sunday, you can celebrate Cinco De Mayo at any time. With affordable, amazing cuisine and delicious homemade horchata, check out this late-night Northalsted restaurant.

La Biznaga: José G. and Chayo are not only business owners, they are a happily married couple of more than 20 years. They started La Biznaga #1 in 2016 with one goal in mind: creating dishes that are fresh, hearty, and affordable. “Our passion to expand the narrative of Mexican cuisine has materialized in the creation of a menu that offers 16 protein varieties. At the heart of our menu exist eight Signature Tacos and eight Classic Tacos; each with a unique taste profile. From our Mexican breakfast plates to our Epic Biz dinner plates, we got you covered as you feed the body in your quest to change the world for good.”

Mixteco: Mixteco is a healthy fast-casual Mexican restaurant, located right on the corner of Belmont and Clark! They have all the Cinco De Mayo necessities, from fajitas and enchiladas to Chimichangas. Finish your meal strong with their homemade Dulce De Leche. Choose delivery, carry out, or dine in! Check out the menu and order here

Moe’s Cantina: If you’ve been out in Wrigleyville at night on the weekend, we know you’re familiar with Moe’s Cantina. Moe’s offers a menu of shareable small plates, traditional full-sized entrees, signature tacos and a cocktail list featuring house-made sangria, handmade margaritas, premium tequilas, and more. The cantina features exposed brick walls, concrete-topped bars, an open kitchen with wood-burning grills, retractable glass garage doors, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a plethora of HDTVs showing the day’s top sporting events! Pro Tip: Do yourself a favor and order the pitcher. Make reservations here

Savanna: Discover a breakfast and brunch haven like no other at Savanna, situated right in the heart of Northalsted! Savanna offers a unique twist on breakfast, founded in 2016 by the Calderón brothers who are from Ecuador. Their establishment seamlessly blends Latin flavors with traditional American breakfast fare. Boasting an extensive menu, Savanna caters to all tastes, whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or light and nutritious. On Cinco De Mayo, they will be playing Mariachi music all day. They are open from 8 am to 3 pm both Saturday & Sunday!

El Nuevo Mexicano: El Nuevo Mexicano is notorious for their Cinco De Mayo party! With live mariachi bands, dozens of tequilas, and some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city, celebrate the day the proper way, no reservations on Cinco De Mayo, first come, first served. The celebration doesn’t stop there—drink specials will be available from Thursday, May 1 through Monday, May 5. Enjoy $10 margaritas (lime, mango, or strawberry), $5 Jimador shots, $5 personal guacamole, and $5 imported beers.

And don’t miss their special brunch the weekend before Cinco de Mayo! For just $33, you’ll get a brunch entrée plus bottomless mimosas or one house margarita. Now that’s how you kick off the festivities!

Barcocina: Barcocina is celebrating Cinco until Cinco de Mayo! They’re offering five days of specials. Here’s what Barcocina has going on:
Thursday, May 1: Neighborhood Party Night from 4 to 6 pm! Enjoy a complimentary drink on the patio.
Friday, May 2: Extended happy hour! From 4 to 7 pm, get half off margs, $5 bites, and $5 beers.
Saturday, May 3: Derby De Mayo! Watch the derby and enjoy specialty derby cocktails, starting at 6 pm
Sunday, May 4: Cinco De Mayo pregame, enjoy bottomless mimosas and margaritas
Monday, May 5: Cinco De Mayo! Celebrate on one of Lakeview’s largest patios.

Cesars Killer Margaritas: Cesar’s will be celebrating “Cesar’s de Mayo” all weekend long, from Friday, May 2nd through Monday, May 5th. In addition to authentic Mexican dishes made with recipes passed down through generations of the Sanchez family, and killer margaritas (of course!), Cesar’s will be featuring a Cinco de Mayo Margarita Flight; the three margaritas – strawberry, lime, and sour apple – are a tribute to the Mexican flag!

El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill: Kick off your celebration with a bottomless mimosa brunch at El Mariachi for just $19.99! If you come for dinner, try the delicious Bandera Margarita Flight. It’s cucumber, jalapeno, coconut paloma, and a raspberry elderflower margarita. Specials for the holiday are $7 house margaritas and $9 flavored margaritas! Make a reservation here

Lark: Come join the party at Lark’s Cinco De Mayo Brunch Weekend! On Saturday, May 3rd, and Sunday, May 4th, enjoy Latin drag performances by Venus Carangi & Gaby Badu. Including hits by Selena, Shakira, Jlo, Thalia, Paulina Rubio, and more! From 11 am to 3 pm both days