This year, for stateside cadgers looking to reap the benefits of yet another country's most cherished holiday, there's something for all celebratory tastes—from civilized repasts to loco, booze-filled fiestas.
Stay civilized...
Toloache
This splashy, bi-level, modern Mexican bistro is best known for its epic menu that reads like a phone book and includes a parade of ceviches and guacamoles, as well as small plates, tacos and about 13 entrees. On May 5, chef-owner Julian Medina rolls out a special, highly limited celebratory menu to feature a smattering of small plates like spicy lobster tacos and shrimp quesadillas and only two entrees (whole boneless snapper with cactus sticky rice or roasted baby goat). Apart from the 70-plus tequila selections on hand, the place is also mixing up a special drink for the occasion: the Margarita Batalla de Puebla, made with Hornitos Conmemorativo tequila, fresh lime, Chambord and jalapeno. (251 W. 50th St.between Broadway and Eighth Ave., 212-581-1818)
El Parador
A Midtown mainstay which has held to traditions that—if all restaurants followed—they might have a shot of standing the test of time in fickle Gotham. Between authentic and top-notch Mexican cuisine, congenial service (regulars get hugged!) and charming, old-world ambience, it isn't a surprise that it's stuck around since 1959 (and it's still getting called out by Michelin as one of the city's top Mexican stops). On Cinco de Mayo, try a kicky tamarind margarita and the restaurant's famed Mole Poblano simmered in a “top secret" sauce that requires at least 30 minutes for cooking. (325 E. 34th St. between First and Second Aves., 212-679-6812)
O’Neill’s
Yes, it's an East Side Irish pub more suited to Saint Pat's Day, but if a full-on fiesta isn’t really your thing, check out the bar's annual Cinco de Mayo burger packed with pepper jack, guacamole and salsa and served with a pint of Dos Equis lager. This May burger is part of O’Neill’s “Burger of the Month” program, which pairs a monthly-themed burger with a pint of relevant beer for $10. (729 Third Ave. between 45th and 46th Sts., 212-661-3530)
Mercadito
It’s an all-day ‘Mayo meal, with a tasting menu that runs for $40 (add an additional $25 for margarita pairings). Start with a guacamole tasting, which includes Mercadito flavors like mango and orange. Next up, a set of three ceviches, with shrimp, snapper and scallops in the mix. Follow that with a botanas (appetizers) selection that ranges from quesadillas to flautas, then dig into the main event: signature mole, pork, cactus leaf or mahi-mahi tacos. And finally, close things out with dessert (churros and coconut flan). To drink? Try the zesty house sangrita made with tomato juice, citrus juices, honey, cucumber and chile piquin or sample an inventive margarita like Tres Cítricos (citrus flavors mixed with spicy habanero chile). (179 Ave. B between 11th and 12th Sts., 212-529-6490)
Dos Caminos
Arguably, it's the New York restaurant responsible for making regional Mexican fare chic, so if any joint is expected to have a Cinco de Mayo blowout, it's Dos Caminos. Apart from the long list of specialty margaritas, expect a special Fiesta de la Calle—a Mexican street fair—menu, whose choices include Brown butter and Ancho macadamia brittle, which add a fancy twist to Mexican standby mango-on-a-stick, and beer-battered cod tacos accompanied by chili aioli and spicy cabbage relish. Round out your haute-pedestrian culinary celebration with boldly flavored sorbetes like sweet corn, rose petal citrus and margarita. (393 Park Ave. S. between 26th and 27th Sts., 475 West Broadway at Houston St., 825 Third Avenue at 50th St.)
Buzina Pop
Don't let the fact that this festive UES spot is Brazilian and not Mexican deter you, as they've puit their own spin on a Cinco classic in honor of the holiday. Concocted with Cabana Cachaça, tequila, fresh limes, triple sec and Rose's lime juice, the Brasilian margarita is a refreshing addition to the creative menu whose dishes include Bacalhau Brandade (salt cod puree, black bean broth, crispy collard greens, bone marrow) and whole grilled branzini shrimp-stuffed peppers and banana farofa, and sweet treats like avocado mousse served with cocoa nibs and cachaca-mascavo reduction. (1022 Lexington Ave. at 73rd St., 212-879-6190)
GO LOCO! —>
Photo: Toloache's team hard at work/Jori Klein
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