Top Cinco de Mayo Happenings in San Diego


May 1, 2014

The countdown to Cinco de Mayo has begun and San Diego is getting into the fiesta by offering fun specials surrounding the holiday. Whether it’s a refreshing margarita, .55 street tacos or the first annual Guacamole festival, there is something for everyone to celebrate the festive holiday.

Below, you'll find some of San Diego’s top Cinco de Mayo specials and events!

Don Chido | Gaslamp Quarter
Set to open mid-May, downtown San Diego’s newest Mexican eatery, Don Chido, will celebrate Cinco de Mayo by opening up their patio and serving .55 cent tacos for the 5/5 holiday! From 11am - 4pm on May 5, stop by Don Chido’s patio to enjoy freshly grilled .55 cent carne asada street tacos, chips, guacamole and homemade agua fresca drinks while learning more about the anticipated opening from Chef Antonio Friscia himself! Set to open later in May, Don Chido will showcase a menu of regionally influenced, handcrafted Mexican cooking that will feature locally sourced and quality fresh ingredients from a kitchen led by Chef Antonio Friscia.  

Venga Venga Cantina and Tequila Bar | Chula Vista
Recently opened by world-renowned restauranteur and celebrity chef Richard Sandoval in Otay Ranch Town Center, Venga Venga Cantina and Tequila Bar delivers authentic and top-notch Mexican cuisine in a beautifully designed space. Venga Venga is pulling out all of the stops for its first Cinco de Mayo in San Diego with cinco days of celebrations:

Thursday, May 1 - Launch of Venga Venga's 1st Annual Guacamole Festival: Explore the different regions of Mexico with Venga Venga's guacamole festival, featuring 5 unique combinations of guacamole, and special bebibas, including the Kiwi Margarita and Tamarind Agua Fresca.
Friday, May 2 - Noches de Venga: Gather, dance and raise a glass in Venga Venga's spacious bar and lounge area from 10pm - 2am, with live Latin beats and top 40 music paired with a late night menu, with eats starting at $6.

Saturday, May 3: Live international beats and dance music from 10pm to 2am and $1 margaritas from 10-11 pm.

Sunday, May 4 - Bottomless Brunch: Ramp up for Cinco de Mayo with an endless selection of Venga Venga's authentic brunch menu, including table side guacamole, tacos, molletes, and much more. Wash it all down with bottomless Mimosas, Micheladas, Bloody Marias and House Margaritas, all for only $35 per person.

Monday, May 5- Cinco de Mayo: Experience the traditions of Mexico with Venga Venga, as the restaurant celebrates with live mariachis and pop-up tequila tasting. Sip on some of the finest selections from the restaurant's over 100 tequilas and mescals.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | Rancho Santa Fe
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa celebrates Cinco de Mayo at The Pony Room with half off margaritas, Mexican beers, tacos, tortilla chips and enchiladas all day. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the luxury resort's casual and comfortable atmosphere at the equestrian-style bar serves rustic American cuisine with simple, farm-fresh dishes including Skirt Steak Carne Asada Tacos, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos and Shelton's Farm Red Chicken Enchiladas. In addition to 150 variations of tequilas, festive Cinco de Mayo libations include the resort's 25th anniversary cocktail, The Silver Pony, made with Tres Agaves Blanco, Cointreau lemonade, Serrano-infused syrup and garnished with a lemon twist. With an Old World design aesthetic, enlarged windows, al fresco dining among fireplaces, guests can enjoy breathtaking views at The Pony Room.

Chandler's | Carlsbad
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at one of Carlsbad's most sought after restaurants, Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge. The perfect place for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, enjoy stunning ocean views and signature sunsets while sipping a sweet Margarita Ice Cream Float or indulging in a spoonful of Chocolate Flan. Bringing innovation and style to the local restaurant scene, Chandler's offers eclectic, seasonal menus and the coastal regional cuisine of international chef Pascal Vignau inspired by locally-grown fresh products. Three outdoor seating areas, two sharing a fire lounge area, allow guests to enjoy the best of California weather.  (Images available upon request.)


The Commons Bar | Gaslamp Quarter
Take the fiesta to Downtown's Gaslamp Quarter, with The Commons Bar Cinco de Mayo Celebration. This all day celebration will feature an array of specials including their signature Skinny Scorpion margaritas, $4 Dos XX, and $1 street tacos. 


Puesto at The Headquarters
With their signature crispy, melted cheese tacos and top notch margaritas, being festive is easy.  On Cinco de Mayo from 3-6pm Puesto's Perfect Margaritas will be $6 and from 6pm - close there will be a Casa Noble Tequila tasting.Taco lovers should bring their appetite because a Puesto Taco Icon Tattoo will be awarded to the guest who eats the most tacos between 6-7pm. The winner will receive a free taco every Tuesday for life if they show their awarded Puesto Taco Tattoo.

The 31st Annual Fiesta Old Town Cinco De Mayo Celebration
This FREE two-day fiesta will be taking place on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 but will be kicked off on Friday, May 2 with an incredible happy hour promotion running from 5pm–10pm in Old Town San Diego. Come on out and enjoy the beautiful weather with the whole family. We will be featuring the fabulous Equestrian show, the Low Riders Lane, 4 live music stages, 2 Cantina beer gardens that will have thirst quenching cervezas flowing, a wonderful play area for los ninos, and finish your day by becoming a tequila connoisseur in the sampling area!