Cinco de Mayo Houston
Grab your sombreros and prepare for a fiesta like no other! Cinco de Mayo, the colorful celebration of Mexican heritage, is just around the corner, and Houston is gearing up to party in style.
Get ready to experience a whirlwind of vibrant festivities, mouthwatering cuisine, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a taco aficionado, a salsa dancing superstar, or simply ready to embrace the lively spirit of this cultural extravaganza, Houston has got you covered.
So, join us as we dive into the world of Cinco de Mayo in the heart of H-Town, where the margaritas flow, the music fills the air, and the good times never end!
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on the 5th of May each year to commemorate the Mexican army’s triumph over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it’s often misunderstood as Mexico’s Independence Day, it holds significant cultural significance in the country.
The popularity of the holiday actually originates from Columbia, a mining town in California. The holiday became a nationwide celebration in the 1980s when alcoholic companies started marketing the day as a day to drink and dance.
Now, Cinco de Mayo has become a widely embraced celebration of Mexican heritage and pride in many parts of the world aside from the United States.
From vibrant parades and traditional music to delicious Mexican cuisine and joyful gatherings, Cinco de Mayo is a time to come together, appreciate Mexican culture, and revel in the spirit of unity and resilience.
Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Houston
Armandos
Address: 2630 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Contact Information: +1 713-520-1738
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 3 pm to 9 pm
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 3 pm to 10 pm
- Thursday – 3 pm to 1 am
- Friday to Saturday – 3 pm to 11 pm
Pricing: $ – $$$$
Armandos celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a dance party starting on the eve of the holiday with both traditional Mexican music and modern pop hits from the country.
The celebrations last up until May 5 where the party is led at the helm by a certified DJ to really kick off the celebrations.
We love hitting up Armandos because their drink prices can range from as low as $10 to more luxurious cocktails at $50 a glass.
Pro Tip:
For a more affordable drink, try their classic Frozen House Margarita.
If you’re looking to spend a bit more in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, treat yourself to the upgraded version complete with high end tequila and lime slices covered in 24 karat gold.
Chuy’s
Address: 2706 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Or, find a branch near you here.
Contact Information: +1 713-524-1700
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 am to 9 pm
- Friday to Saturday – 11 am to 10 pm
Pricing: $
If you’re looking for both good food and strong drinks to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, then you should head on over to the closest Chuy’s branch near you. They have specialty drinks and Tex-Mex food on deck at a reasonable price.
On Cinco de Mayo, make sure you avail of their free upgrade to upsize any margarita drink for only $2. If you just want more of a kick, they also give you an extra pour of liquor for $1.
For Cinco de Mayo, Chuy’s has a $5 promo on all their chip bowls including our personal favorite – the Lil’ Chuy Gooey complete with cheese, beans, guacamole, beef, sour cream, and jalapenos for an extra kick.
Pro Tip:
If you’d rather celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the comfort of your own home, you can order a kit online from their website and have the goods delivered to your door.
Our personal choice is the Cinco de Mayo Meal Kit complete with a DIY margarita pack and one of their signature bar grub.
Finn Hall
Address: 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact Information: +1 713-357-5115
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 7:30 am to 8 pm
- Thursday to Friday – 7:30 am to 10 pm
- Saturday – 8 am to 10 pm
- Sunday – Closed
Pricing: $$
Finn Hall is the place to be if music and ambience is what you crave on Cinco de Mayo. This patio bar comes complete with a live mariachi band and a piñata event to celebrate the special holiday.
After 4 pm, they serve Ranch 20 ranch water which is tequila, soda water, and lime in a can. They also have Mexican beers for those who want to try what beer tastes like from down south. Make sure you try their mangonada snow cones if you have a sweet tooth.
Pro Tip:
Try to get there before the dinner rush on May 5th so you can get some drinking glasses or shirts as freebies before they run out.
Heights & Co.
Address: 1343 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Contact Information: You can make reservations on their Instagram page.
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 2 pm to 10 pm
- Friday to Saturday – 12 pm to 12 am
- Sunday – 12 pm to 10 pm
Pricing: $$$
If drinks and dancing are all that matter to you to have fun on Cinco de Mayo, then you can celebrate the holiday at the Heights & Co. in Houston. On the 5th of May, they offer margaritas for $6 all day.
From 3 pm to 6pm, you can also try out the drinks from their happy hour menu. Our personal favorite are:
- The Heights Pink Lemonade with raspberry-lychee syrup, lemon, and topo chico mixed with vodka
- The Bee’s Knee’s made with honey and lemon mixed in with some gin
- Salted Watermelon with rum, watermelon, salt, and coconut
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss out on their special Cinco de Mayo margaritas. For the more adventurous ones, try the margarita made with a fruit mix of pineapple, guava, and lime. They put in some spicy tincture for that extra kick jalapeno taste.
Hugo’s
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Address: 1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact Information: +1 713-524-7744
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 3 pm to 9 pm
- Thursday – 11:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday – 11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Saturday – 11 am to 10:30 pm
- Sunday – 10 am to 9 pm
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for a more luxurious celebration of Cinco de Mayo, you should drop by Hugo’s on May 5 from 6pm to 9:30 pm for a night of good food and even better tequila. For $95 per head, you can participate in their Cinco de Mayo walk-around party.
They set up food stations and pass some Mexican-themed bites around throughout the evening. They feature high-quality tequila from El Tesoro, Tres Generaciones, and Sauza Hornitos. All with a DJ setting the mood with some celebratory music.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you drop by these times for unique performances that are in theme with Cinco de Mayo!6 pm to 7pm – Live mariachi band 8 to 8:30 – Aztec dancers
The Heights Social
Address: 1213 W 20th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 3 pm to 12 am
- Thursday to Friday – 3 pm to 2 am
- Saturday – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sunday – 12pm to 12 am
- Special Hours on Cinco de Mayo – 1 pm to 2 am
Pricing: $$$$
The Heights Social takes Cinco de Mayo festivities to a new level with food truck MADE-N-L.A’s owner and executive chef, Herson Samayoa. You have to try his famous H Salsa and the other dishes from his 15 years of experience in Mexican cuisine.
They’ll also be serving themed drinks and tequila by the bottle. Two must try specialty drinks for the holiday are the Herradura Reposado Paloma and Watermelon Margarita. The whole event comes complete with an in-house DJ.
Pro Tip:
If you want to try different kinds of tequila instead of commiting to one bottle, you can avail of their promo for Cinco de Mayo. For $50, you’ll get to taste 4 types of tequila, each paired with orange, lime, pineapple, and dark chocolate.
Kin Dee
Address: 1533 N Shepherd Dr Suite 160, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Contact Information: +1 281-826-2655
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
- Friday – 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm
- Saturday – 11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday – 11 am to 10 pm
Pricing: $$
Although mostly known for their authentic Thai cuisine, Kin Dee at the Heights is also a spot-to-be this Cinco de Mayo. For those looking for a twist on their celebrations, you can try Thai-Mexican fusion margaritas for $18.
If you’re looking for something mild and floral-tasting, try the butterfly tea and lemongrass flavored margarita. But if your tastes are catered to spices, the Tom Kha Margarita with Thai herbs and a hint of galangal is a must try.
Pro Tip:
Drop by the restaurant from 5 pm to 6:30 pm to avail of their promo where you can buy 2 drinks and get 1 for free on the day of Cinco de Mayo. Plus if you get there before dinner rush, you don’t have to wait in line for a table.
Kirby Ice House
Address: 3333 Eastside St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Contact Information: +1 713-524-2752
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 2 pm to 2 am
- Saturday to Sunday – 11 am to 2 am
Pricing: $$
For a more casual Cinco de Mayo celebration, you can get a table at the Kirby Ice House where you can get authentic Mexican beer by the buckets here, margaritas by the glass, or tequila by the bottle.
Kirby Ice House is a backyard bar so it means you can enjoy the festivities including the music from the live mariachi bands on site outdoors under the stars.
Pro Tip:
Stay in any of their branches in Upper Kirby, Memorial, and the Woodlands from 2 pm to 7 pm to avail of their extended Happy Hour for Cinco de Mayo for around $10 off of certain bottles.
Los Tios
Address: 5161 San Felipe St Ste 100, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Contact Information: +1 713-623-6103
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 am to 9 pm
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 am to 10 pm
Pricing: $$
No celebration of Cinco de Mayo would be complete without lively music from a pro DJ, traditional tunes from a Mariachi band, and Mexican-themed giveaways. We found all of that at the flagship store of Los Tios, the well-loved Tex-Mex spot in Houston.
Other branches also have celebrations with happy hour lasting all day. You can grab their margaritas for $5 a glass and $1 off of every bottle of beer for Cinco de Mayo.
Pro Tip:
Go to the flagship store in San Felipe in Houston if you want to pet or take a selfie with an actual donkey!
Monkey’s Tail
Address: 5802 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009, United States
Contact Information: +1 713-842-7188
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 4 pm to 12 am
- Thursday to Friday – 4 pm to 1:30 am
- Saturday – 11 am to 1:30 am
- Sunday – 11 am to 12 am
Pricing: $
Monkey’s Tail in Lindale Park is the place to be for Cinco de Mayo celebrations if you want to start early and end late. They start service for the special holiday by 11 am and end at 2 am the next day.
If music is one of your main considerations, they’ve got you covered with 4 different DJs playing 2 to 3 hour sets all day and night. If drinks are your main priority, they also pulled out all the stops with additional bars and five $5 specialties.
Pro tip:
Spin the wheel at the door and win free dishes or freebies!
For the foodies, make sure you get there early to try out their crawfish at their cantina and the outdoor taco and burrito stand from 3 pm to 12 am.
Tacos A Go Go
Address: 3773 Richmond Ave. #1C, Houston, TX 77046, United States
Contact Information: +1 713-234-5123
Operating Hours:
- Everyday – 7 am to 10 pm
Pricing: $
Tacos A Go Go locations in Midtown, Oak Forest, the Heights, and Greenway are participating in this year’s celebrations for Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of the special offers they have to help you kick off the party:
- Street corn for $5
- Mexican candy shots for $2
- A bucket of 6 Ranch Waters for $25
- Margarita (for take out) for $10
In their Greenway location, the celebrations on the patio last from 5 pm to 10 pm under the vibrant beats of DJ Yung Hiram, so if you want to celebrate with some lively tunes, head on over to this branch
Pro Tip:
We suggest going to their Main Street, White Oak Drive, Richmond Avenue and Jester Boulevard locations to celebrate!
Pico’s
Address: 3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Contact Information: +1 832-831-9940
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday- 9 am to 9 pm
- Friday to Saturday – 9 am to 11 pm
Pricing: $$
From 12 pm to 11 pm in the parking lot outside of Pico’s, a huge 50-foot tent is set up for Cinco de Mayo festivities. Anyone can enter for free and listen to the 2 DJs who are playing. If you’re into something more Mexican, they also have a mariachi band!
They have a bar and food stations onsite where you can try some of our favorites including the Pico’s Perfect Margarita for $15 and the Pico’s Ballpark Nachos complete with toppings for $12.
Pro Tip:
Try to go early and talk to the tequila vendors who are there. They’re friendly and very engaging. If you ask the right questions you might even get some free tastes and freebies from them like we did.
The Union Kitchen
Address: 12538 Memorial Dr Space 10, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Contact Information: +1 713-360-2000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 am to 9 pm
- Friday – 11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday – 10 am to 10 pm
- Sunday – 10 am to 8 pm
Pricing: $$
In the Union Kitchen’s Memorial location on May 5, you can try their 3-course dinner for only $60. You’ll get a watermelon Salad, mixed with greens and strawberries, topped with feta cheese and Tajin lemon oil. They pair this with a Bacardí Pineapple Mojito.
You can choose from shrimp, beef, or chicken for the enchiladas. All of them are made with potatoes, beans, and rice along with pico de gallo and cheese. The Mijenta Tequila Margarita they serve goes so well with the main course!
You end the meal with a Tres Leches cake with a cup of their Patrón Mexican Coffee.
Pro Tip:
If you really want a refreshing meal, we suggest getting the shrimp enchiladas for the main course. It pairs so well with the sour fresh taste of the Mijenta Margarita!
Verde Garden
Address: 1011 La Rue St, Houston, TX 77019, United States
Contact Information: +1 281-974-5181
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 am to 12 am
- Friday to Saturday – 11 am to 2 am
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for something new to try on Cinco de Mayo, Verde Garden in Harlow District opened by the same team behind the Heights Bier Garden and the Bayou Heights Bier Garden can be your new go-to place.
This resto bar opened in April 2023 with all guns blazing offering 20 house cocktails, 60 classic ones, and over 250 choices of agave and Mexican liquor. So you’ll have options to choose from the whole night through!
Pro Tip:
Celebrations kick off from 7 pm to 9pm complete with a Mariachi band and Tex-Mex fan favorite dishes along with torta sandwiches (our favorite!). It goes perfectly with their Santa Rosa which has tequila and gin mixed with sour fruits and olive brine.
Warehouse 72
Address: 7620 Katy Fwy #305, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Contact Information: +1 833-365-7272
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday – 11 am to 9 pm
- FRiday to Saturday – 11 am to 10 pm
- Monday – Closed
Pricing: $$$$$
For a truly immersive way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with more than just drinks, you can head on over to Warehouse 72 for a more luxurious night. They serve you a four-course meal complete with authentic Mexican dishes.
You start off the meal with an appetizer of aguachile de atun or tuna marinated in a classic mixture of lime, pepper, salt, cucumber, and onion. Sopes de pollo ahumado or chicken soup is paired with wagyu carne asada (wagyu steak).
But the star of the night is the tres leches cake. You’ll also be served with 3 tequila drinks to keep the party going!
Pro Tip:
The Mexican Old Fashioned goes perfectly with the tuna appetizer. Try pairing the blood orange tequila mule with the tres leches cake to balance out the sweetness of the desert with a little tang and bitterness.
