by Maya Gold

Spring is here, which means Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner!

You might have thought Cinco de Mayo was Mexico’s independence day — but that’s on September 16th. May 5th is the commemoration of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army triumphed over the French. It’s actually more popular in the United States than in Mexico, and has been linked to Mexican American civil rights protests. Check out this Vox explainer for more of the holiday’s history.

Nevertheless, it goes without saying that a great way to celebrate Mexican-American culture is to check out some of Petworth area’s amazing Mexican restaurants. Here are a few that have specials for the holiday:

*El Chucho tacos. Options include asada, pescado, camarones, portobello, and more. (Photo courtesy of El Chucho.)*

El Chucho
3313 11th St NW
elchuchodc.com

El Chico is celebrating onsite with a number of drink specials. Choose from $7 margaritas, $24 Tecate buckets, $5 Tecate tallboys, or $5.5 shots of El Búho Mezcal and Espolón Silver. Front patio seating will be open from 12-4, and roof dining will start at 4 pm. They're accepting reservations online only via Resy.

If you'd like to take your Cinco de Mayo celebrations back home, they will also be offering a $50 heat-and-serve taco party with al pastor and vegetarian tacos, as well as salsa, rice, and beans. An assorted to-go beverage menu will accompany the taco party menu. The to-go options will be available for pre-order on their website starting Monday, May 2nd.

DC Corazon
3903 14th St NW
dccorazon.com

DC Corazon's Cinco de Mayo drink special is best enjoyed with a friend or two: the restaurant is offering five margaritas for $35. They will also be offering two tacos for $5 — the fonda has a varied taco selection, including the traditional carne asada and carnitas, as well as pollo con mole, beef tinga, and several vegetarian options.

*Tacos from Mezcalero. Options include carne asada, campechano, carnitas, chorizo, lengua, salmon, wild mushroom, and more. (Photo courtesy of Mezcalero.)*

Mezcalero
3714 14th St NW
mezcalerodc.com

Mezcalero will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with “Taco Stand,” an exclusive one-day pop-up where the entire street taco menu will be available for grab-and-go via a sidewalk taco stand. During Taco Stand, the al pastor spit will spin outside and traditional margaritas will be just $7. Taco Stand will stage at both Mezcalero's DC location (3714 14th Street NW) from 3pm-11pm and its Alexandria, VA location (8368 Richmond Highway) from 3pm-9pm.

*A tres leches cake. (Photo courtesy of J&J Mex-Taqueria.)*

J&J Mex-Taqueria
6231 Georgia Ave NW
jandjmextaqueria.com

This Brightwood taqueria will be serving a Cinco de Mayo dinner special. For $35, two people will receive:

4 flautas (fried taquitos)
1 fajita ( chicken, beef or shrimp)
3 tacos
1 tres leches cake

They also have a Birria taco special: 4 tacos and chips and salsa for $14 dollars. Taco types include carnitas, steak, chicken, pastor, or barbacoa. Outside of the meal specials, any $15 purchase will come with a free agua fresca, so you can stay hydrated during the festivities.

Don’t see your favorite place? Reach out to them and see if they’re doing anything for Cinco de Mayo and tell them to reach out to us!