LA's Best Cantinas For Cinco De Mayo
Fill your shot glass, sprinkle a little salt and hold your limes steady because it is Cinco de Mayo, which means tequila for everyone! On May 5, all across America we embrace the pride, people and heritage of Mexico. This recognition of Mexican independence brings out the best in our two diverse cultures and we are collectively excited about it. If you are looking for a place to embrace this very festive day take a look at some of LA's top cantinas to help get you in the mood. Not that you have a choice – Angelenos take this celebration very seriously. Viva Mexico!
Rosa Mexicano
8570 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 657-4991
www.rosamexicano.com
Rosa Mexicano is located on Sunset Blvd. right in the middle of all the west side action, where diners enjoy food from award-winning chefs and signature drinks such as the Pomegranate Margarita. Rosa Mexicano has awesome deejays, which you will enjoy later in the evening when things get going and you are two or more Margaritas in -- you will not be able to stop yourself from showing off your best dance moves. Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated with brunch additions, live music and special giveaways. Rosa Mexicano has second location at LA Live.
Cabo Cantina
6669 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 366-2565
www.cabocantina.com
Cabo Cantina is an old favorite, a special somewhere you can count on. The crowd is young and fun and ready to tear it up. The food and drinks are a great bang for your buck. Casual, laid back,
cozy and pretty much busy all the time. This is not some new hot club that lasts a couple of years and then changes its name. Cabo Cantina is an institution with specials all week, like all-you-can-eat tacos for $5 on Taco Tuesdays, 2-for-1 Happy Hour from 4 to 8 p.m., seven days a week and a Late Night Happy Hour. Cabo Cantina will go party crazy on Cinco de Mayo so be prepared for chaos mi amigos.
El Coyote
7321 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-2255
www.elcoyotecafe.com
Black leather booths, red table tops, colored glass windows, red hot chili peppers that light up, traditional iron work and an old fashioned bar with stools to support it are some of the more obvious sights you observe when you first walk into El Coyote. Framed photos of celebrities past and present line the walls along with family pictures that started this Mexican food favorite in 1931. Margarita Mondays and Tequila Tuesdays help you ease into your work week as the agave juices increase your blood flow and get your heart a thumping. Each month, El Coyote offers an evening of Tequila Tasting with their resident Tres Sietes expert. This will really inspire you to take a trip to Mexico so that you can show off some real tequila tasting skills. One of my favorite things about El Coyote it that they give back to their community – with events like the annual Hot and Spicy Firefighters' Salsa Competition. All proceeds benefit the widows, orphans and disabled Firemen's Fund. It's not only the salsa that will be hot at this event. Cinco de Mayo at El Coyote will look like this: mixed crowed, world-class margaritas, especiales de la casa, affordable for all, full to capacity and a mariachi band to make it extra special.
Tortilla Republic
616 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-9888
www.tortillarepublic.com
Lobster Enchiladas and a Cucumber Lavender Margarita to start por favor! The menu is unique as is the margarita list offering traditional favorites with a modern twist. Tortilla Republic stands out above the rest. This is defiantly not for those interested in wearing jeans, T-shirt, flip-flops and grabbing a taco -- this is fine dining. This West Hollywood newcomer is elegant, classy and sophisticated. Be ready to spoil yourself and make sure you look good doing it. If a Cinco de Mayo block party interests you, Tortilla Republic will be hosting its first-ever celebration. Join in the fun and be part of West Hollywood history. Food, drinks and entertainment will be featured for the whole community to enjoy. Make sure you RSVP as this event will be sold out for sure.
Baja Cantina
311 Washington Blvd.
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 821-2252
(310) 821-7672
www.bajacantina.com
If you like being near the beach, Baja Cantina is the perfect destination for your Cinco de Mayo party antics. Just a couple blocks from Venice Beach in the city of Marina Del Rey, this restaurant has been part of the neighborhood for 30 years. Baja Cantina is known for its tropical salsas and sauces, classic surfboards and memorabilia, BBQ ribs and lobster nights, live bands on the patio and DJ spin time every Friday night. Cinco de Mayo will be crazy. This is when Baja Cantina goes big -- they block off their parking lot, turn it into more party space, bands play all day long, drink specials flow and loyalists live for the moment. There is a $10 cover at the door and I would recommend a designated driver, taxi or bicycle to get you home safe.
Sharla can be found out on the town livin' it up LA Style! Her party all the time website is clubbinproductions.com and she can also be found on Facebook.
