Being in the southwest means that Las Vegas doesn’t just know how to throw a great party, it knows how to throw an even better fiesta during Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas! While Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexican Independence Day as many believe, we still think it’s a great reason to celebrate.
A quick history lesson: Mexico defeated the French during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 to defend Mexican culture and come together as a unified country. Now, many years later, we still celebrate Mexican culture while unifying with friends and family. And what better place to do that than Vegas? From the original margarita and scorpion shots to authentic meals, we have it all.
See our favorite Las Vegas Mexican restaurants, bars, and cantinas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Vegas!
This restaurant may not seem like one of your typical Las Vegas Mexican restaurants, and that’s because it isn’t! China Poblano’s menu matches its name, a mix of Chinese and Mexican influence. The interior is festively decorated, inviting you into both a homey and fun environment. Noodles and tacos are certainly not your typical Cinco de Mayo pairings, but why not try something new this year?
If you go to Vegas for Cinco de Mayo and don’t get the original margarita, did you truly even celebrate at all? Make your way to Hussong’s Cantina for their Cinco de Mayo party filled with Rock N’ Roll Mariachis, a Pee-Wee Herman impersonator doing the Tequila Dance, authentic Baja and Mexican cuisine, and the original margarita recipe all the way from Ensenada.
Credit: Hussong’s Cantina Las Vegas
Looking for more of a Cinco de Mayo date night? Javier’s is one of the higher-end Mexican restaurants in Las Vegas, offering fresh ceviche, high-quality steak, innovative entrees, top-shelf tequila, and a breathtaking interior. While you may not be taking shots in a sombrero at this restaurant, ordering a glass of tequila off of the extensive menu at Javier’s will be just as exciting.
If you’re wasting away again in Margaritaville on Cinco de Mayo, we think you’re doing something right! Margaritaville truly puts on a show for your fiesta festivities, including the Volcano Bar that erupts and creates a flow of margarita mix lava that fills 300-gallon blenders. Jimmy Buffet and margarita fans alike will find this to be a memorable Las Vegas memory – just as long as you don’t drink too many of those volcano margaritas!
You’ll find some of the tastiest and juiciest margaritas in town at La Comida. With drink options ranging from prickly pear margaritas to their famous Siempre Caliente margarita made with jalapeno-infused tequila and their special house hot sauce, there is a drink for everyone to enjoy this Cinco de Mayo in Vegas. Pair your drinks with excellent appetizers and tacos, and you’ll have enough fuel to keep the party going!
Lindo Michoacan may be a bit of a drive, but it’s one of the oldest Las Vegas Mexican restaurants and is well worth the trip. For 16 years in a row, this restaurant has received the Best Mexican Food and Cocktails in Las Vegas by Best of Las Vegas. This Cinco de Mayo option is great if you’re ready for a great, family-style meal and a margarita that will put all other margaritas to shame.
What kind of cheese isn’t yours? Na-cho cheese! Luckily, at Nacho Daddy, that joke doesn’t hold true. This Cinco do Mayo, feast on gourmet nachos expertly loaded and with no chip left dry. Feeling brave this holiday? Play with fire with their flaming fajitas, or kick it up a notch by taking their famous scorpion shot – served with Nacho Daddy Patron Anejo, scorpion, salt, and a lime wedge.
Ending the list of Las Vegas Mexican restaurants and bars with one of the most iconic locations. Señor Frog’s is notorious for its party scene and contagious good vibes. It may not be as authentic as other Cinco de Mayo options, as you’ll find burgers and pasta dishes on the menu, but you are sure to have a great time with a margarita in hand and your feet on the dance floor.
When celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas, be sure to celebrate responsibly, whether you’re doing a fancy night out, a taco feast, or busting some moves on the dance floor. Book a room at the Golden Gate Hotel to be right in the action of Downtown Las Vegas fiestas, where you can explore the number of bars and restaurants that are sure to participating all weekend long. Happy Cinco do Mayo!