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Best Ways To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo In Philadelphia

By Christina Dagnelli

Cinco De Mayo, is a commemoration of the Mexican army's defeat of French forces in the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. But for most people it's just a day to enjoy bottomless margaritas, tacos, and Mexican food. However, it is an important day in history for Mexico and the U.S. This battle re-energized Mexico in the war. If it had turned out differently the French would have taken over Mexico and likely joined the confederacy in the US Civil War. So now in the U.S, Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of the merging of Mexican and American cultures and freedom. Here are the top places to enjoy your Cinco De Mayo.

Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl
The Gaslight
120 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.eventbrite.com

Date: May 5, 2017 from 12 to 8 p.m.

Ten or more bars will be participating on the Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl. Your fun day begins at the Gaslight and continues to other bars including Monkey Bar, JJ Bootleggers, and Lucha Cartel. There is never an additional cover charge at the bars for this event, For the price of your ticket you get to enjoy a sweet T-Shirt and food and drink specials at all the bars participating. Some examples are $2.50 Tecate cans of beer and $5 Cuervo shots. To keep the merriment going you will also enjoy plenty of Cinco Swag such as Sombreros, beads, glasses and the like. Some locations will have DJ's. The event is from 12-8 on Friday May 5, 2017. Tickets are between $5-$8.

Jose Pistola Block Party
263 S.15th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 545-4101
www.josepistolas.com

Date: May 5, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Jose Pistolas is open on Cinco De Mayo until 2 a.m. and they also host an annual Block party every year. Last year they featured the local Yards Brewery. The party typically kicks off in the afternoon, with a DJ, piñata, games and of course food and drinks. Jose Pistola's features Asian-Mexican fusion and one of their most popular menu items is the Korean  pork ribs tacos. The tacos come with a spicy pear dip and Pico de Gallo, avocado and cilantro. Another big favorite according to customers is the tuna guacamole.

Tequilas Restaurant
1602 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-0181
www.tequilasphilly.com

Of course you may wish to visit a place with the word tequila in the title for Cinco De Mayo. Tequilas are an award winning restaurant with many options for eat and drinking. They also have colorful decorations which are Mexican inspired with more elegance than is kitschy. So Tequilas may also be an option for date night. Some of their top items is their Chicken Mole, almond guacamole and their desserts. People also come for the margaritas and great happy hour.

Related: Top Bars to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Philadelphia

Los Gallos Mexican Taqueria
951 Wolf St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 571-5719
www.losgallosmexicantaqueria.com

For an authentic Mexican meal you may want to head over to Los Gallos. This restaurant was opened by Chef Luz Jimenez in 2010 and is family run. People love their variety of tacos for something quick. However their most popular dishes involve their Mole Sauce. Mole sauce is made from a combination of spices, peanut butter and chocolate and simmers for several hours to add depth of flavor and tenderize the meat and veggies. According to Chef Jimenez one person's mole recipe will vary from another and they evolve over time. Los Gallos is also BYOB and is open until 10:30 p.m. But if you don't want to venture out, they provide delivery in the local area.

Lolita
106 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-7100
www.lolitaphilly.com

Lolita is a trendy spot with its fun atmosphere and swanky food with a Mexican flare. They always run specials for Cinco de Mayo like Blood Orange Margaritas, half priced nachos and $3 tacos specials.They are open all day so you may want to come here for lunch or happy hour if you want to try somewhere else for dinner.

Related: Cinco De Mayo Events Near Philadelphia

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