That maraca ringtone reminder that just went off on our iPhone means it’s time for
our favorite holiday celebrating bartenders who can pour a tasty lime-and-tequila
beverage. Okay, yes, Cinco de Mayo has more of a backstory—but let’s skip the history
lecture and map out the route for the this weekend’s Tour de Margarita. Here’s where
the fiesta is going full force throughout the District.
Bandolero
Happy hour lasts Friday through Sunday with specials such as $4 Tecates, PBRs, and
Espolon shots and $6 margaritas. No need to rush through lunch or dinner—all weekend
long, “crazy corn,” pork, or chicken tacos and Mexican Pizza are just $5.
The Brixton
It’s a circus over on U Street Sunday from noon to 8 as the Brixton debuts its Circus
de Mayo with $4 Coronas, $6 Hornitos sno-cones, $7 frozen Sauza margaritas, and cotton
candy. We hear there’s going to be a dunk tank on the patio, too.
Casa Oaxaca & Guajillo
Celebrations started on Wednesday and continue through Sunday with $7 margaritas—find
a passionfruit-jalapeño flavor on Thursday and a tropical guanabana flavor on Friday.
Don’t worry, the restaurant will still offer its signature drinks, such as the MargaChela—a
baby Corona inside a house margarita—and the Orangita Picate, a fresh orange juice
margarita with chile piquin. During happy hour (3 to 6 PM), house margaritas are $5
and Coronas are $4. Saturday and Sunday brunch is offered from 11 to 3; reserve a
spot through OpenTable.
Ceiba
This Latin-inspired venue offers an assortment of Mexican street food, including chicken
tamales,
mole-glazed pork ribs, Mexican hot dogs, and warm cinnamon-dusted churros, for $5 each.
As you sample your way through the menu, sip one of the $5 margaritas to cleanse your
palate. Stop by from 3 PM until close Friday through Sunday to celebrate.
Commissary
This Logan Circle spot celebrates throughout May with two special margaritas. The
Speedy, which features house-infused jalapeño tequila, is $7.50, and the Sparkling
Fiesta, topped off with sparkling wine, is $9.
El Centro D.F.
Both Friday and Saturday you can celebrate with El Centro’s Pants-Off Dance Off party,
featuring deejays who start spinning at 10 PM. Then on Sunday, whether you roll out
of bed or come straight from the dance floor, head to the rooftop (or any of the bars)
for $5 strawberry, spicy mango, and vanilla margaritas. Also on Sunday: the $35 bottomless
brunch, offering unlimited food and drinks from 10:30 to 3.
Nellie’s Sports Bar
Die-hard Nationals fans can catch the game at Nellie’s while enjoying $7 frozen margaritas
on the roof deck. At dinner, the Maria’s Empanadas special (beef, chicken or queso
blanco) gets you three for $10.
The Park at Fourteenth
Sunday’s Drinko De Mayo is $30 (use the promo code DrinkResponsibly for a 50 percent
discount). It includes two drink tickets and a Mexican-themed brunch buffet. If you
are brunched out, still stop by for a live mariachi band and specials from 11 AM to
2 PM: $3 Coronas, $3 punch, and $5 margaritas. All-day specials include $5 Coronas,
$5 punch, and $20 Corona buckets.
Rosa Mexicano
Choose from a selection of margaritas including frozen pomegranate ($9.75), Skinny
Rosalita ($13), La Suprema ($17), La Única ($17), or La Clásica ($11). Once you’ve
exhausted your marg tolerance, try a Bloody Maria ($11), a Mexican twist on the classic
brunch drink. This Sunday-only special features a deejay at lunch and a live band
serenading the venue for dinner.
Sixth Engine
This modern American spot on Mass. Ave. offers Cinco specials Friday through Sunday.
Slake your thirst with a Coronita and a shot of Milagro Silver garnished with lime
juice, chili, and a salt-infused watermelon cube, or a watermelon-cilantro margarita
with Milagro Reposado, agave, lime, and orange curaçao. Sticking to beer? Cans of
Tecate with lime and salt are $4. When you get hungry, try the house-made tortilla
chips with three dips: tomatillo and fresh tomato salsas and grilled-avocado guac.
Tortilla Coast
The Logan Circle
and Capitol Hill
locations started the celebration on Wednesday, and the
specials continue through
Sunday. Deals include $3 Dos Equis Thursday, $10 Coronaritas
Friday, and $5 Sauza
Hornitos lime shots Saturday. Sunday brunch goes until 3 PM
with mimosas, Bloody Marys,
and Bloody Marias for $4 each.
