It’s Cinco de Mayo, meaning it’s mariachi’s moment in the sun tonight. Numerous restaurants and bars are featuring mariachi bands—which traditionally consist of of violins, trumpets, an acoustic guitar, and a vihuela and guitarrón (a high-pitched, five-string guitar and a large acoustic bass, respectively)—leading one to wonder if there’s demand for these ensembles at any other point in the year. Celebrate these musicians’ employment—however short-lived—and the Mexican victory against France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862 tonight with margaritas and Coronas at the following places:
Alero—Drink specials, DJ and mariachi bands, and models in nothing but body paint.
1301 U St. NW. (202) 462-2322.
Bossa Bistro and Lounge—Drink specials including $4 house margaritas, $3 Coronas, and $3 Tecates, as well as a live salsa band.
2463 18th St. NW. (202) 667-0088.
Café Citron—$3 bottles of Dos Equis, specials on Bacardi, Red Bull, and Absolute.
1343 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 530-8844.
Ceiba—$5 house margaritas and $5 Mexican street food, bar and lounge only.
701 14th St. NW. (202) 393-3983.
DC9—Nayas perform Latin music with a dash of rock and reggae. With Machetres and DJ Rockactivo. 9 p.m. $10.
1940 9th St. NW. (202) 483-0666.
D.C. United Tailgate—Even if you don’t want to attend the game, you can still come out to parking lot 8 for Mexican food booths, Latin music, limbo competitions and piñatas before the game against the Kansas City Wizards. Inside the stadium, you’ll find Corona and margarita specials. Tailgate at 5 p.m., game at 7 p.m.
RFK Stadium, 2400 E. Capitol St. SE. (202) 587-5000. $25.
Guapo’s—Specials on margaritas, Mexican beer, and tequila.
4515 Wisconsin Ave. (202) 686-3588.
La Frontera Cantina—Specials on margaritas and Mexican beer.
1633 17th St. NW. (202) 232-0437.
Lauriol Plaza—Food and drink specials, mariachi bands, and freebies from Dos Equis and Corona.
1835 18th St. NW. (202) 387-0035.
The Park at Fourteenth—Networking happy hour featuring drink specials on Dos Equis and Ambhar Tequila cocktails, a mariachi band, and a complimentary buffet and passed appetizers from 5-7 p.m. Doors at 5.
920 14th St. NW. (202) 737-7275. Free with RSVP to RSVP@LatinVIP.com.
Porters—$5 Cuervo margaritas and $5 Cuervo Silver shots, as well as appetizer specials, games, and prizes.
1207 19th St. NW. (202) 775-3797.
Rosa Mexicano—Piñatas, live music, and drink and appetizer specials. Also a special Cinco de Mayo menu.
575 7th St. NW. (202) 567-6320.
Rumors—$5 Cuervo margaritas and $5 Cuervo Silver shots, as well as appetizer specials, games, and prizes.
1900 M St. NW. (202) 466-7378.
Town Tavern—$10 all-you-can-drink domestic bottles and mixed rails from 8-10 p.m. $3 Coronas and tequila sunrises all day and night.
2323 18th St. NW. (202) 387-8696.
Top image courtesy of southernliving.com.