Cinco de Mayo: Where to celebrate in Orlando

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel
·4 min read

Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration on May 5 involving tacos, margaritas and merriment for many across the United States and Mexico.

What the holiday actually commemorates is the victory of Mexican troops over French forces in an 1862 battle. Modern-day revelers can celebrate in Orlando-area venues hosting food and drink specials, plus celebrations of Mexican culture. Here are a few ideas for Cinco de Mayo.

  • Duffy’s Sports Grill is kicking off May with a fiesta featuring $5 el Jimador margaritas and $3.50 Modelo Especial drafts plus deals on tacos, nachos and quesadillas. The Cinco de Mayo menu runs through May 5 at all participating Duffy’s locations, of which Central Florida has four: Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Waterford Lakes and The Mall at Millennia. More information: duffysmvp.com

  • Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream has special offerings for Cinco de Mayo — red velvet waf-a-tacos with vanilla chip ice cream and vanilla waf-a-tacos with key lime pie ice cream. The limited release items are available beginning at 3 p.m. May 5 at all Kelly’s locations. More information: kellyshomemadeicecream.com

  • Tin Roof Orlando kicks off festivities with live music starting at noon on May 5, plus tacos and queso on the menu. Drink specials include $15 Corona buckets, $4 el Jimador shots, $6 el Jimador margaritas and $4 Modelo drafts. Take advantage of specials until the bar closes on May 5 at 8371 International Drive in Orlando. More information: tinrooforlando.com

  • Chronic Tacos offers $5 two-taco plates with the purchase of a drink all day on May 5. Al pastor, pollo asado, carnitas or fajita veggies are all options for taco lovers on Cinco de Mayo. The offer is available in-store and through online ordering. The Orlando location is at 7541 W. Sand Lake Road in Orlando. More information: chronictacos.com

  • Bahama Breeze, which has multiple Central Florida locations, will offer 7-ounce margaritas with Jose Cuervo tequila in a to-go pouch for $5 in addition to $5 classic margaritas for dine-in customers. The to-go offer is available at all locations where permissible on May 5. More information: bahamabreeze.com

  • Margaritaville Resort Orlando hosts Cinco de Mayo festivities on the Promenade at Sunset Walk featuring live music, street performers, $5 margaritas at multiple venues and food specials. The free admission event begins at 5 p.m. May 5 at 8000 Fins Up Circle in Kissimmee. More information: margaritavilleresorts.com

  • Rockpit Brewing features an array of Cinco de Mayo eats including tamales, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and cholo dogs. Beer fans who want a little kick can taste the “More Tingly Than Hot” jalapeño cream ale. Festivities take place 5-10 p.m. at 10 W. Illiana St. in Orlando. More information: rockpitbrewing.com

  • Mount Dora’s Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl brings specials to revelers with at least nine participating venues offering drinks and food at discounted prices. Find everything from $4 Modelo drafts to $4 beer slushies to $3 Corona and $5 Nutella crepes at various establishments in Mout Dora. These deals are offered 5-9 p.m. May 5. More information and venues: facebook.com

  • Mr. Margarita Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar encourages revelers to “fiesta like there’s no mañana” with $4 1800 Tequila shots throughout the day and a DJ spinning tunes in the evening. Find the festivities 11 a.m.-10 p.m. May 5 at 995 N. State Rd. 434, Suite 303, in Altamonte Springs. More information: facebook.com

  • Don Julio Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar is celebrating Cinco de Mayo at its four Central Florida locations with live music, DJs, drinks and food. Festivities can be found at the Waterford Lakes, Lake Mary, Chickasaw and Eagle Creek locations all day on May 5. More information: donjuliomexicankitchen.com

  • Boxi Park Lake Nona provides a Cinco de Boxi party with live music, dancing, margaritas and more. A $20 ticket includes a welcome cocktail at this 21 and older event. Festivities take place 6-10 p.m. May 5 at 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. in Orlando. More information: boxiparklakenona.com

Know of other Cinco de Mayo happenings? Find me on Twitter @PConnPie, Instagram @PConnPie or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.