Today is Cinco de Mayo, but you already knew that. Not because you're some kind of expert in Mexican history, but because you really, really like to drink. In this fair city, we celebrate this joyous occasion in the most American way possible, by ignoring Mexico's history and tradition in favor of many tequila shots.
Fortunately there are plenty of bars who are willing to take advantage of your inability to control your alcohol consumption, and that means cheap drinks and snacks to soak them all up with. We've rounded up the five best Cinco de Mayo deals for those of you who need to trash your livers on the cheap.
Palapas Seafood Bar (above) Palapas' already strong happy hour menu will be available all day long, making Cinco de Mayo the perfect day to check out this underappreciated Lower Greenville gem. Additional appetizer and drink specials will be on offer, along with a live DJ and "plenty of Palapas vibe." We're not sure what that means exactly, but likely includes a lot of great drunken people-watching.
Chino Chinatown This Latin-Asian fusion spot is already a great place to drink on a patio, but it's even better with cheap-ass cocktails and food. The restaurant's Chinoritas will be just $5 from 4-7 p.m., and will be served alongside the best Cinco de Mayo gift of all -- $3 tacos, including the grilled tilapia taco Chef Uno Immanivong teased on the restaurant's Facebook page yesterday. Add a side of the grilled elotes and you've got the perfect Cinco meal.
Komali This is definitely too classy of a spot to get really smashed, but you should make a stop at Komali at some point in your night. Chef Julio Peraza will be grilling up all kinds of goodness on the restaurant's patio, most of which will appear on the restaurant's $5 food menu that will be on special from 5-8 p.m. No word on what the dishes will be, but if you've dined at Komali before, you know they're going to be awesome. Bar manager Leann Berry will be mixing up $5 tequila and mezcal cocktails all night long. You'll be so glad you skipped all that crappy queso.
Taqueria La Ventana Of course, Chef Nico Sanchez and the geniuses behind Taqueria La Ventana are throwing the best Cinco de Mayo bash in all of Dallas. It's already cheap enough to order up a few tacos and elotes from this Downtown taqueria's window, and the party is going to start bright and early here at 11 a.m. From 6 to 9 p.m., you can sample craft beers and enjoy the festive sounds of Tamboraze de Arranque. If you find yourself in need of something more substantial, you could always walk over to Meso Maya for a fully authentic Mexican dinner.
Mexican Sugar Mexican Sugar will be mixing up $5 classic margaritas and $5 "Bandoleros," made with sangria, lime juice, and reposado tequila. These drink specials are in effect all day, and no one will judge you if you post up at 2 p.m. and do a little day drinking.
