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Kentucky Derby hats or sombreros? For this first weekend of May, some spots are offering a hybrid Derby De Mayo celebration, since the 141st annual Kentucky Derby is tomorrow. But once the horses are back in the born, Cinco de Mayo celebrations will still be going strong. There will be parties all over town – including the massive Cinco de Mayo festival in Civic Center Park. But if you want to take it indoors, here are ten restaurants and bars (listed in alphabetical order) where you’ll want to continue the Cinco celebrations through May 5.
10) Adelitas Cocina y Cantina
1294 South Broadway
Taco lovers, although we may not have gotten our new emoji, we did get this in 2015:Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday! Adelita’s Cocina serves $1 tacos that are a bargain, but that’s not the only reason you’ll want to stop by this spot. We love the kitschy decor complete with La Adelita mural, two bangin’ happy hours and the high-energy vibe, especially on Tuesday nights.
9) Benny’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar
301 East Seventh Avenue
Benny’s doesn’t stray far from Colorado classics, like an ooey, gooey, cheesy burrito served on a piping hot plate and a pitcher of strong margaritas. But you can also try the “Sangrita” – a sinfully sweet, red-wine take on a classic marg – and soak up some Colorado sun on one of two patios. ?i
8) El Camino
3628 West 32nd Avenue
This community tavern in the Highlands is so much more than a pink storefront and a clever sign. El Camino has some of the best margaritas in Denver, a wildly popular bar and good food at brunch, and dinner. It’s also hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration and tequila tasting on Sunday, May 3, with margarita specials and several tequila companies offering free tastings. You can also try El Camino’s delicious new tequila infusions (try Ginger, a favorite of GM James).
7) El Noa Noa
722 Santa Fe Drive
El Noa Noa has held down this spot on Santa Fe Drive for three decades, and boasts one of our favorite outdoor patios. On top of killer margarita pitchers, El Noa Noa offers a mariachi band on the weekends. It’s in the heart of the Arts District on Santa Fe so you might want to try for reservations; First Friday is always packed.
6) La Biblioteca
1610 Little Raven Street #200
Richard Sandoval’s tequila library will be hopping on the weekend leading up to Cinco de Mayo, since the specials start today. Deals include $5 Margaritas in serrano, strawberry, mango, tamarind or traditional, $10 shot of Richard Sandoval’s Patron Select Barrel Anejo, or a $10 Richard Sandoval’s Patron Select Barrel Anejo Margarita.
5) La Loma
2527 West 26th Avenue
Possibly the most classic Mexican restaurant in the Mile High City, La Loma makes you feel like you’re part of the family. Maybe it’s the abuela portrait on the wall, maybe its the freshly-made flour tortillas being cooked in an open kitchen window, or maybe it’s all of the above. On Cinco de Mayo, La Loma is offering margarita specials as well as a deal on barrel-aged tequila. Come for the cocktails, stay for the steak fajitas.
4) Lola
1575 Boulder Street
Lola Mexican Fish House is a party every weekend, but it will have you in hog heaven at the seventh annual Picnic of the Pig on May 5. This dinner will include creative dishes from Denver’s best chefs, who’ll be coming over from Vesta Dipping Grill, Lena, Acorn, Jax, The Post, Steubens and Ace. Happy Hour starts at 4 p.m., and the swine-centric feast and live music at 5.
3) Pinche Taqueria
1514 York Street
3300 West 32nd Avenue
The two outposts of Pinche Taqueria specialize in innovative food and drinks – from bizarrely delicious tacos like the pork belly or lengua to enormous tequila and whiskey lists. Try the Paloma, only $4 during happy hour from 3-6 p.m., for a drink truly worthy of Cinco de Mayo.
2) Rio Grande
1525 Blake Street
1101 Walnut Street, Boulder
9535 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree
This Colorado-born chain will turn thirty next year, and remains a favorite because its margaritas are the strongest in town, by a long shot – no pun intended. All seven locations around the state are celebrating a month of specials with Rio de Mayo, which starts today.
1) Tamayo
1400 Larimer Street
Tamayo, Richard Sandoval’s Larimer Square mainstay, has opened its great rooftop deck for the season; it’s the perfect setting for enjoying deals from today through May 5, including $5 margaritas. And don’t miss the bottomless Margarita brunch on Saturday and Sunday for $35. Salud!
