If you like Mexican food, margaritas, and any reason to celebrate with them, this list is for you! We’ve curated some great Latin-inspired restaurants and food trucks throughout Portland, so you can celebrate everyday like it’s Cinco de Mayo – because why save all the fun for just one day? That being said, we do love any reason for a party, so we’ve thrown in some specific Cinco de Mayo events as well, for good measure.
The 5th of May is a commemorative date honoring the Battle of Puebla, Mexico’s victory over the French in 1862. Interestingly enough, this holiday is more widely celebrated in the United States than Mexico, as a date of commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage.
Wanna weigh in on your favorite spots to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Head to our Facebook and Instagram pages to comment and share! Did we miss your favorite spot? Email info@portlandoldport.com and let us know!
Photo: El Rayo Portland
Events:
El Rayo: Going all out for their Cinco de Mayo fiesta, El Rayo on Free Street celebrations include live music from 1pm – 4pm on the patio with Party Time Excellent; drink specials, beer buckets, food specials, giveaways, Jell-O Shots and more. Rain or shine!
Toad& Co.: Indulge in the spirit of spring with The Roaming Speakeasy and Toad& Co. for a Cinco de Mayo-inspired cocktail making class and learn to craft the perfect margaritas. You’ll be guided by a skilled bartender to make a classic and a spicy pineapple jalapeno margarita. Your ticket includes all tools, ingredients, and garnishes, plus light snacks to complement the margs. The class will be an hour and additional drinks will be available for purchase to keep the celebration going. Class is open to adults 21 years of age or older. Proper ID is required. Tickets.
Special Menus:
Alto Terrace Bar & Kitchen: Spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebrations! From 9am – 2pm, Alto Terrace Bar & Kitchen will be offering up irresistible brunch specials featuring Huevos Rancheros, Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, and Churro French Toast. Wash it all down with their special drink items: Bloody Maria, Michelada, and Ranch Water. Make your reservation today online.
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room: Bring out the tequila! Seafood restaurant, Boone’s, is celebrating Cinco De Mayo with fish tacos, margarita specials, Modelo and more available for the ocassion. Reserve your table today by calling (207)-774-5725.
Dock Fore: This iconic sports bar and pub in the Old Port is offering drink specials all day! Cinco de Mayo drink specials include $2.95 El Smutty pints, $3.95 mimosas and $4.95 margaritas starting at noon and running until 7pm.
Mexican + Latin Inspired Restaurants:
Amigos Mexican Restaurant – 9 Dana St
Amigos has long been king of the Old Port party scene of Wharf Street. It’s no surprise that this no frills bar and restaurant is a local favorite, offering a jukebox, darts, pool table and outdoor patio that often has a band playing. But what many forget is that Amigos is also a bon a fide Mexican restaurant offering classic fare like chimichangas, burritos, and tacos. Top off your meal with a house margarita or draft beer.
Bird & Co.
Bird & Co – 539 Deering Ave
Bird & Co. is a great neighborhood taco bar just outside of downtown. Their menu features a diverse selection of tasty tacos, ranging from vegan options like crispy tofu to more traditional options like their house taco with carnitas. No taco is complete without a margarita – and don’t worry, the Bird has some of the best in town! Bird and Co is open for lunch, dinner, and delivery, as well as brunch on the weekends. Pop in, or hang outside on their patio this spring and summer!
Cantina Calafia – 46 Pine St
The flavors of Baja California right here in Portland! This cozy new spot on Pine Street in the West End beautifully blends the essence of a traditional cantina with the warmth of a neighborhood fonda. Owners Dominique Gonzalez and Justin Grey, along with chefs Quinn Williams and Melody Medina, have curated a menu that celebrates Gonzalez’s Mexican heritage and cultural roots. Refreshing cocktails and mouthwatering dishes, every bite and sip is a homage to the rich culinary traditions of both sides of the border.
El Rayo – 26 Free St
A Portland staple since its days located on the corner of York Street, El Rayo never fails when you’re craving Mexican food. Their menu offers yummy appetizers like golden jet pineapple skewers dusted with chili powder, as well as classic tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and salad. Their drink menu is no joke either, presenting a wide array of tequilas for tasting (including flights), mixed drinks, and of course margaritas. Try the Snake Bite if you’re looking to add some spice this Cinco de Mayo.
Photo: El Rayo
Jefe Juans – 47 Wharf St
We love a family affair at Portland Old Port, especially sister restaurants! Jefe Juan’s features a delicious menu inspired by Boss Juan’s favorite recipes, the head chef of sister restaurant Mash Tun. Their menu features traditional Mexican fare, as well as some classic Maine food like lobster rolls. Jefe Juans offer late night eats – which may mean it’s a great last stop for your celebrations. Please be advised that Jefe Juans is only open Fridays & Saturdays, if you want to get your Cinco de Mayo on early.
La Bodega Latina Grocery Store: 863 Congress St
If you’re looking to enhance your cooking with some added spice, or seeking out specialty products you won’t find elsewhere, look no further than La Bodega Latina. Open daily for in-person shopping, or pop online to CarHop and get everything on your list, including cerveza, delivered to your door!
Lenora – 2 Portland Sq
Lenora serves a Mexican street food-inspired menu with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your day with a delicious bodega sandwich, or eat a late dinner featuring several taco options, tostadas or tortas. Don’t skip out on their drink menu, either. They’ve got a great cocktail menu including margaritas, specialty cocktails, as well as refreshing and creative mocktails for those trying to avoid alcohol.
Maiz – 621 Forest Ave
Maiz is a fun and family-friendly eatery that specializes in Colombian arepas, empanadas, and other tasty treats. Maiz offers a variety of fillings to suit all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, you’re sure to find something delicious on the menu. So head on over to Maiz and enjoy some authentic Colombian cuisine in a lively and upbeat atmosphere.
Photo: Nosh Taco
Nosh Taco – 5 Canal Plaza
Newer to the round-up, but not the least bit lesser, Nosh Taco in the Old Port is the newest restaurant undertaken by owners of the popular Portland restaurants Nosh, CBG, and The Continental – which gaurantees that it’s gotta be good. Quickly becoming a go-to spot for various tacos, tortas, and other tasty specials, Nosh Taco is a fast-casual, California surfer-inspired taco restaurant. We can personally vouch for both the cheeseburger and buffalo chicken tacos.
Quiero Cafe – 3 Deering Ave
Quiero Cafe is most known for their incredible empanadas that feature a range of Latin flavors like sweet plantains and chorizo. In addition to their hand pies, Quiero Cafe offers appetizers, hearty sandwiches, dessert, and a full drink menu featuring margaritas (of course), daiquiris, smoothies, limeade, and soda. Whether indulging in tequila, or keeping it non alcoholic, Quiero Cafe is definitely a restaurant that should be added to your “must visit” list.
Restaurante El Corazon – 190 State St
If you love tacos, but want to add a bit more variety to your plate, El Corazon has a large menu of traditional Mexican fare. Go hard with your Cinco crew with appetizers like Cocteles de Marisco (Seafood Cocktails), queso fundido, and grilled Mexican corn, or indulge in larger portions like a smothered burrito, specialty plates, or enchiladas. In addition to clinking cervezas and margaritas, treat the table to something sweet like their churros. Please be advised that Restaurante El Corazon is closed Sundays.
Photo: Taco Escobarr
Taco Escobarr – 548 Congress St
It’s debatable whether Taco Escobarr is most known for their puffy taco, or their funky atmosphere complete with bright colored chili lights and luchadores mural. If you’re in the mood to get festive, Taco Escobarr is a great place for casual, affordable, and authentic Mexican food and beverage. Unique to Taco Escobarr is their diversity of tacos, offering your favorite treat three ways – soft, crispy, or puffy. Why try one, when you can have all three!?
Photo: Terlingua
Terlingua – 40 Washington Ave
Terlingua combines flavors of the Southwest to have a barbecue/Tex-Mex vibe at their restaurant located on Washington Ave. Featuring one of the biggest deck/patios in Portland, Terlingua is a great spot for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or any day the sun is out (including winter). What you can come to expect are top notch margaritas with a chili rim, smoked-meat stuffed tacos, BBQ boards, and more. Even better, Terlingua offers a marketplace where you can take home their delicious meats and pretend you’re a top chef.
Tic Taco – 1 City Center
Looking for lunch on the run? Look no further than Tic Taco – a to-the-point Mexican restaurant located in City Center. If you can’t make it out for a rowdy Cinco de Mayo, Tic Taco can still fulfill your need to indulge in Mexican food. Please be advised that Tic Taco is closed Sundays.
Sal de la Tierra – 581 Congress St
Sal de la Tierra serves an exquisite mixture of Latin cuisine, featuring flavors of Mexico, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Colombia and more! This restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for dine in or take out; if you’re grabbing take out, go down the block and bask in the sun in Congress Square Park. Some favorites on the menu include pupusa, tacos, and burritos.
Food Trucks
Ironclad Eats
Their tag line tells you everything you need to know, “a food truck serving metal-ass tacos all over Maine”. The team behind Ironclad Eats doesn’t have plans to be out this Cinco de Mayo, but you can get your fix year-round as they frequent Belleflower Brewing Co., Après, Definitive Brewing Co., and more. Check out their social media for weekly schedule drops.
Tacos Del Seoul
Looking to try something different? Tacos del Seoul fuses Mexican and Korean for a taste-splosion of yumminess. Check them out on social media to see where you can find them.
Tacos la Poblanita
For authentic Mexican food be sure to check out Tacos la Poblanita for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more this Cinco de Mayo. Usually out on the Eastern Promenade during the season but you can stay up to date on their location via social media.
