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Cinco De Mayo 2021: Margarita & Michelada specials, free giveaways & fiestas

(Photo courtesy of Borderlands Brewing Co.)

Cinco De Mayo 2021: Margarita & Michelada specials, free giveaways & fiestas

May 4, 20216 min read

Cinco De Mayo has squeezed itself smack dab in the middle of the week this year.

The holiday is sometimes considered a minor holiday in Mexico, but it’s becoming widely celebrated here in the U.S., which makes for a fun time at bars and restaurants around Tucson. If you’re not sure how to celebrate, there’s plenty of food, beer, Bloody Mary’s, and good old-fashioned family fun happening on Wednesday, May 5.

There are a few options out there — safe and socially distanced — so take a peek if you need help making a decision.

Batch

118 E. Congress St.
Whiskey selection at Batch in Tucson
Whiskey selection at Batch in Tucson (Photo courtesy of Batch)

From 6 – 10 p.m., the downtown whiskey bar is havings specials on tacos during their pop-up event. More details about the event are supposed to be revealed soon.

For more information, follow Batch on Facebook

BlackRock Brewers

1664 S. Research Loop
Flight of beers at BlackRock Brewers (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Flight of beers at BlackRock Brewers (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The local brewery is offering $1 off Micheladas, sandwiches by Sonoran Brunch Company, and plenty of chicharrones will be on deck. The fun is happening from 2:30 – 9 p.m.

For more information, visit BlackRock Brewers on Facebook

Borderlands Brewing Company

119 E. Toole Ave.
Borderlands Brewing Company
Photo courtesy of Borderlands Brewing Company on Facebook

Borderlands Brewing is going all out with $3 Margaritas and $2 Micheladas from noon – 1 p.m. — one hour only. The rest of the day will be consumed with beer, good times, and live Mariachi from 7 – 10:30 p.m.

For more information, follow Borderlands Brewing Company on Facebook

Casa Marana

8225 N. Courtney Page Way

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner! And we’re bringing you 3 brand new margaritas!
Mango-Tajin Marg?
Cucumber…

Posted by Casa Marana Craft Beer · Wine · Spirits on Monday, May 3, 2021

Mi Casa su Casa. The craft beer, cocktail bar, and pizza joint is bringing three brand new margaritas to the menu for the holiday, including the Mango-Tajin Margarita, Cucumber Cilantro Margarita, and the Jalapeño Prickly-Pear Margarita.

They’ll also be having live music from 7 – 9 p.m.

For more information, follow Casa Marana on Facebook

Charro Steak & Del Rey

188 E. Broadway Blvd.
Asparagustos! at Charro del Rey
Asparagustos! at Charro del Rey (Credit: Dana Sullivan)

Some call it Cinco De Drinko and that’s what’s goin’ on at Charro Steak & Del Rey.  Their full menu will be available with $1 Margaritas, two-for-one Modelos, and a Happy Hour from 3 – 6 p.m.

For more information, follow Charro Steak & Del Rey on Facebook

Cobra Arcade Tucson

63. E Congress St.
Bartop at Cobra Arcade Bar (Credit: Melissa Stihl)
Bartop at Cobra Arcade Bar (Credit: Melissa Stihl)

What’s better than drinks and video games on Cinco De Mayo? It’s tough to imagine but if this sounds like your kind of night, Cobra Arcade is the place for you. Plus, they’re having a DJ bust out the jams beginning at 9 p.m.

For more information, follow Cobra Arcade Tucson on Facebook

The Downtown Clifton

485 S. Stone Ave.
Cocktails at The Red Light Lounge at The Downtown Clifton Hotel
Cocktails at The Red Light Lounge at The Downtown Clifton Hotel (Credit: Jackie Tran)

As part of the hotel’s celebration, they’re hosting a special tasting of red and white varietals from Mexican wine country and distinctive spirits including Uruapan Charanda Blanco single blended rum from estate-grown cane juice — distilled on a copper pot still in Michoacán.

In addition, the celebration will also feature a housemade white Sangria.

For more information, follow Downtown Clifton on Facebook

Hotel Congress

311 E. Congress St.

Here’s a great opportunity to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a guided mezcal tasting, great food, and live music.

“In the pre-covid days, late April and early May was one of our favorite times of the year as our Agave Heritage Festival would take over Tucson, celebrating the region’s cultural and gastronomical identity with great food, music, talks, walks, and distilled spirits.”

Since the two-week festival isn’t a thing this year, Hotel Congress is bringing a one-night event that taps into the cultural depth of Agave Heritage Festival and the fun of Cinco de Mayo. There’s going to be mezcals, food, and music for a limited number of folks on the still covid-aware plaza.

Advanced tickets are $25 and include a complimentary, guided tasting of three artisanal mezcals

For more information, follow Hotel Congress on Facebook

The Hut Tucson

305 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: The Hut)
(Credit: The Hut)

Fourth Avenue’s The Hut is throwing a celebration on its outdoor patio on Cinco de Mayo, so you can bet to expect plenty of music and drinks galore.

For more information, follow The Hut Tucson on Facebook.

La Botana Tacos

3200 N. First Ave.
Tacos at La Botana Tacos + Patios + Amigos (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Tacos at La Botana Tacos + Patios + Amigos (Credit: Jackie Tran)

There’s going to be Margaritas, tacos, beer, and a fantastic celebration that’s even got a free giveaway for the first 100 people to show up. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll snag yourself a free “Happy Drinko De Mayo” t-shirt (the purchase of a meal is required). Also, this is happening at the location on 3200 N. First Ave.

For more information, follow La Botana on Facebook

MotoSonora Brewing Company

1015 S. Park Ave.
Beer at MotoSonora Brewing Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Beer at MotoSonora Brewing Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The patio is the perfect spot to hang out but perhaps it’s even better on Cinco De Mayo. They’ve got more than a handful of beer on tap, live music, food by Substance Diner, and enough space for your dog to relax.

For more information, follow MotoSonora Brewing Company on Facebook.

Nana’s Kitchen

8225 N. Courtney Page Way
Nana's Special Tacos at Nana's Kitchen (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Nana’s Special Tacos at Nana’s Kitchen (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The northwest side restaurant is having two-for-$5 Mexican beers, $5 Corazón Margaritas and $5 silver tequila shots. Plus, they’re having Mariachi Mixteca come play for the first time in over a year. The live music is happening from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

For more information, follow Nana’s Kitchen on Facebook

Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta

4340 N. Campbell Ave.
Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta
Photo courtesy of Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta

The pizza joint is serving up a special pizza, which is only available Tuesday, May 4 – Wednesday, May 5.

It’s called Taco Tuesday Pizza and it’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s got Creamy Jalapeño Sauce made from scratch, Feta Cheese, Red Onion, Roma Tomatoes, and Roasted Chicken — finished with Creme Fraiche and Cilantro.

For more information, visit prooftucson.com.

Reforma

4340 N. Campbell Ave.
Margarita options at Reforma Cocina Y Cantina include De La Casa, Blood Orange, Tamarindo, Prickly Pear, Mango Habañero, and Cucumber Mint
Margaritas at Reforma (Credit: Adam Lehrman)

Reforma, which is just across the courtyard from Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta, is having a celebration and incorporating the St. Philip’s Plaza. Live music is happening from 7 – 10 p.m., followed by DJ Phatal and Big Brother Beats until 2 a.m.

For more information, visit reformatucson.com.

Seis Kitchen

1765 E. River Rd.

Celebrate CINCO DE MAYO with us! ?? $5 Seis Margaritas ??$4 Dos Equis Lager ? ? Seis Joesler Village | 1765 E. River Road #cincodemayo #seismargarita #cincoatseis

Posted by Seis Kitchen on Monday, May 3, 2021

The Joesler Village location is dishing out $5 Margaritas and $4 Dos Equis Lagers to celebrate Cinco De Mayo this year. Keep in mind, this is happening at the location on River Rd.

For more information, visit Seis Kitchen on Facebook

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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LAST CALL!

It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. 

Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week.

Produced by Tucson Foodie 
Presented by @Visittucson 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonLAST CALL! It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week. Produced by Tucson Foodie Presented by @Visittucson #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucson
@Tortillaschiwas is currently in its soft opening at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory.

Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a James Beard-nominated duo originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the restaurant.

Tortillas Chiwas is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 pm with 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Photos by @tortillaschiwas 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Tortillaschiwas is currently in its soft opening at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory. Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a James Beard-nominated duo originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the restaurant. Tortillas Chiwas is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 pm with 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. Photos by @tortillaschiwas Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
After 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩

This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnewsAfter 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿

The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert.

The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples.

🎟️ Doobie members: $110
🎟️ Non-members: $150

The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout.

🔗 in bio

MENU

COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE 
*“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!*
-Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons
-Taki Powder
-“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour)
-Orange Ash
-Green Onion Curls

COURSE 2 / APPETIZER 
*Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites*
-Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip
-Melted Oaxaca
-Savory Avocado Mousse
-Purple Potato Shoestring Frites
-Heirloom Tomatoes
-Pickled Onion Powder

COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER
*Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* 
-Cucumber Serrano Granita
-Caramelized Chamoy Bowl
-Tajin
-Infused Mint/Basil Oil

COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE 
*Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin*
-Beef Franks
-Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon
-Carmelized Shallots
-Refried Beans
-“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust
-Jalapeño Mustard Crema
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Smoked Chile Guero

COURSE 5 / DESSERT
*Gansito à la Mode*
-Chocolate-glazed gâteau,
-Strawberry confit,
-Toasted marshmallow mousse,
-Mexican vanilla semifreddo
-Chocolate crisp.

Photo by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿 The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert. The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples. 🎟️ Doobie members: $110 🎟️ Non-members: $150 The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout. 🔗 in bio MENU COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE *“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!* -Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons -Taki Powder -“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour) -Orange Ash -Green Onion Curls COURSE 2 / APPETIZER *Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites* -Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip -Melted Oaxaca -Savory Avocado Mousse -Purple Potato Shoestring Frites -Heirloom Tomatoes -Pickled Onion Powder COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER *Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* -Cucumber Serrano Granita -Caramelized Chamoy Bowl -Tajin -Infused Mint/Basil Oil COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE *Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin* -Beef Franks -Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon -Carmelized Shallots -Refried Beans -“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust -Jalapeño Mustard Crema -Cherry Tomatoes -Smoked Chile Guero COURSE 5 / DESSERT *Gansito à la Mode* -Chocolate-glazed gâteau, -Strawberry confit, -Toasted marshmallow mousse, -Mexican vanilla semifreddo -Chocolate crisp. Photo by @dalton.voss #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents