Chicago’s ultimate Cinco de Mayo guide: Where to sip, feast and fiesta this year

Photo by: Courtesy of aliveOne

 

Whether you're chasing tequila tastings, dance-floor vibes, or just an excuse to drown in margaritas and guac—Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo scene is ready to party harder than your group chat can keep up. From rooftop beats and lakefront views to taco trucks and downtown happy hours, this is your ultimate guide to every spicy, boozy, music-filled event happening around the city and suburbs.

Downtown delights & riverfront revelry

Beatrix (Multiple Locations)

May 5 | All Day

Beatrix is going all in with $8 House Margaritas across all locations—River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Loop, and Oak Brook. Pair your sip with Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas or the Baja Chopped Salad.

Tallboy Taco (River North)

May 5 | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

$5 Margaritas and Nachitos from 3–5 p.m., free Espolòn tequila tastings from 4–6 p.m., and if you’re staying in, their Build-Your-Own Taco Kit and Casamigos Margarita Kit are party perfection on delivery.

Lirica (Navy Pier)

May 5 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Lirica’s patio celebration brings fish tacos, empanadas, and steak nachos paired with festive cocktails, live DJ beats, and complimentary roses—yes, really.

Neighborhood bar crawls and offbeat fun:

aliveOne (Lincoln Park)

May 5 | Starts at 5 p.m.

$10 El Jimador Margaritas, half-price happy hour, and free music trivia at 8 p.m. Plus, pool tables all night long—because you know you’re competitive after two drinks.

Central Park Bar (Avondale)

May 5 | All Day

From $7 cheladas to $12 frozen spicy mango margaritas and $27.50 Modelo buckets, this 3,500-square-foot backyard bar has room to vibe. Dogs are welcome until 8 p.m., so bring your four-legged drinking buddy.

Easy Bar (Wicker Park)

May 5 | All Day

$10 margaritas, $5 Espolón shots, and a sweet sidewalk patio make this the perfect pitstop between parties.

Remedy (Bucktown)

May 5 | All Night

Celebrate with a $10 Don Julio “Meowgarita” and enter the “Cinco de Meow” Instagram contest for a shot at a $100 gift card.

The Graystone Tavern (Wrigleyville)

May 5 | All Day

$6 Nacho Fries, $8 Mexican Pizza, and $6 Boozy Baja Blasts. Plus, $5 Dobel shots and $5 Modelo drafts. Wrigley is always ready to party.

The Owl (Logan Square)

May 5 | 5 p.m. – 4 a.m.

Half-price happy hour, $10 margs, and legendary late-night dancing until the lights come up.

Suburban fiesta fuel

L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge (Lincolnwood)

May 5 | 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Classic supper club vibes meet a $9 signature Paloma. Bring your flannel, bring your appetite.

Dog Haus (Multiple Suburban Locations)

May 5 | All Day

Double loyalty points on burritos and spicy dogs like the T-Mex. Haus Rewards members, now’s your moment.

Cody’s Public House (West Lakeview)

Celebration Day: Sunday, May 4

Taco truck? Check. Tequila fest? Check. Salsa cook-off? You bet—with a $150 prize on the line. Drink specials start at $5 and roll deep with brands like Casamigos, Patron, and Clasa Azul.

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