Pittsburgh’s getting spicy this Cinco de Mayo! Forget bland burritos and watered-down margaritas. This year, we’re talking about the most authentic taquerias and beyond, serving up flavors that’ll have you saying “¡Vamos!” for another glass. Get ready for juicy tacos, fresh salsas, and margaritas so good, you’ll swear you hear mariachi music (and you just might!). Don’t miss out on exclusive food and drink specials, live music that’ll get you moving, and giveaways that’ll keep the party going all weekend long at these Pittsburgh restaurants. ¡Olé al Cinco de Mayo!
Cinco de Mayo Specials at Pittsburgh Restaurants
Tocayo
Shadyside, Bethel Park
Friday through Sunday, you’ll find drink specials at this beloved Shadyside and Bethel Park eatery. Grab a House Margarita or a Modelo Especial bottle on special before you dive into their extensive menu. Tacos, burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, enchiladas, and the finest desserts fill their menu. Needless to say there’s something to please everyone in your party.
El Campesino
Homestead
Family-run in the Pittsburgh area for 20 years, El Campesino is family-friendly and ready to serve you. Join their Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Homestead location for a free glass when you purchase Modelo, Corona Premier, or Pacifico Draft, plenty of extra Corona giveaways, and a DJ in the courtyard from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Their menu is also easy to understand with each dish having a detailed explanation of what to expect.
La Palapa
South Side
Party from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Cinco de Mayo at La Palapa’s Mezcal Bar. Try their latest cocktail specials Corazón de Oaxaca, Hot Cucumber Margarita, and La Abuela VIP (VIP Grandma). Each is made with authentic Mexican liquors to match their dishes such as Montelobos Espadín Mezcal and Espolòn Blanco Tequila. You’ll feel like you’re enjoying a drink on the beaches of Mexico in no time.
El Burro Dos
Regent Square
If your Sunday is busy or you have work early Monday morning, El Burro Dos will be holding their Cinco de Mayo specials Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so you can get your fill. On Friday, May 3, they’ll kick things off with a tequila tasting on the patio with DJ Kev Reason. But, all weekend, you can enjoy Ceviche de Camaron, Elote, and drink specials alongside dessert by Panaderia Jazmin. You won’t want to miss the giveaways and exclusive food offering.
Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar
McCandless, Cranberry, Gibsonia, South Side, Bethel Park
All five locations of Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar will be getting you into the Cinco de Mayo spirit with live DJs and plenty to eat and drink. Just a few of their specials include House Margaritas, Dos Equis Amber bottles, Catina Fries, Nachos Supreme, and so much more. They’ll also be introducing their new Tableside Salsa made with only the freshest produce which you can try all of May.
Tepache Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Cranberry, Fox Chapel
Whether it’s Latin or Salsa music, there’s nothing better than a live performance to set the atmosphere for Cinco de Mayo. Both Tepache Mexican Kitchen locations will feature a line up of musicians to keep you dancing while sipping on Margarita Flights and munching down tacos. But besides the delicious bites, you’ll also participate in giveaways and play games like cornhole to win free drinks and other prizes.
Duo’s Taqueria
East Liberty
Did you know Duolingo, the famous language-learning service, has their own taqueria? The restaurant strives to immerse you into Mexican traditions through fusion of food, language and culture. For instance, they’ll be introducing their Margarita a la Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, an homage to travels through Puerta Vallarta’s bars. They’re also not normally open on Sundays so it’s your chance to get a sneak peak at exclusive menu items on a special day.
Esquina Cantina
Lawrenceville
You may better know Esquina Cantina under their old name, Round Corner Cantina. Despite the rebrand, they’re still serving up traditional dishes from Oaxaca to Todos Santos. Kick things off with their Don Julio Happy Hour on Friday, May 3 before getting the real party going with Alex Rivera and DJ Yamez on Sunday, May 5. You can look forward to gift cards, branded giveaways, specialty Patron and Hornitos cocktails, plus a range of vegan, vegetarian, and traditional food options to please all.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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