Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Cinco De Mayo 2019: Live music, Tajin popcorn, agave tastings & cheap eats

Cinco De Mayo 2019: Live music, Tajin popcorn, agave tastings & cheap eats

May 2, 20194 min read

It’s quite possible that Cinco De Mayo has squeezed itself into your plans this coming weekend — making it just in time on Sunday.

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 several 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 Sunday. There are a few options out there, so take a look if you need help making a decision.

Mexican-inspired beers at 1912 Brewing Company

2045 N. Forbes Blvd., Suite 105
(Credit: coughing7colors.com)
(Credit: coughing7colors.com)

Between the times of 1 – 6 p.m., the brewery is throwing a Cinco De Mayo celebration the best way they know how: with several pints of beer.

Some of what you can expect to see on tap are all Mexican-inspired beers, such as the Flor De Cereza Gose, La Cosa Gose, Ta Weno, and the El Gallo series.

1912 Brewing Company will also be offering tamales and popcorn with Tajin and Chamoy.

For more information, visit 1912 Brewing Company’s Facebook event page.

Cinco de Mayo fiesta at Blanco Tacos + Tequila

2905 E. Skyline Dr.
(Credit: Blanco Tacos + Tequila)
(Credit: Blanco Tacos + Tequila)

Blanco Tacos + Tequila’s Cinco De Mayo fiesta takes place from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

You won’t want to miss this all-day fiesta. The restaurant has teamed up with George Straight-owned tequila brand Codigo 1530 for the all-day bash.If you haven’t tried the “King of Country” approved tequila, now’s a good opportunity – it comes at a discount of just $5 for a Classic or Skinny Margarita. More…

For more information, visit the Cinco de Mayo fiesta at Blanco Tacos + Tequila Facebook event page.

Mexican food by Daniela’s Cooking at Caps & Corks

3830 W. River Rd., Suite 100

Happening from noon – 4 p.m., the craft beer drinking spot is celebrating Cinco De Mayo with Mexican food by Daniela’s Cooking.

They’ll be serving up a fiesta platter that includes mini chimichangas, taquitos, all three of Daniela’s salsas and guacamole.

For more information, check out Caps & Corks’ Facebook event page. 

$5 Cinco de Mayo menu at Charro Steak

188 E. Broadway Blvd.
NY Strip at Charro Steak (Photo courtesy of Charro Steak)
NY Strip at Charro Steak (Photo courtesy of Charro Steak)

Charro Steak is throwing a bash from 4 – 9:30 p.m. for the holiday, you can be there’s going to be several things to eat throughout the evening.

To make things even more exciting, they’re celebrating with a $5 menu.

$5 Cinco De Mayo Menu
  • Prime Rib Nachos
  • Prime Rib Tacos
  • Flan
  • Patrón Reposado Margarita
  • Prickly Pear Patrón Reposado Margarita

Also, all Modelo products are two for $5, and you can snag a Patrón Reposado Bottle for $25.

For more information, head over to Charro Steak’s Facebook event page. 

Annual Cinco de Mayo party at Hotel Congress

311 E. Congress St.
(Credit: The Agave Heritage Festival)
(Credit: The Agave Heritage Festival)

The annual Cinco de Mayo party hosted by Hotel Congress is just one of the highlights of the week.

The party runs from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. and tickets are $5 each. The fiesta is going to be full of agave spirits, live music, and plenty of dancing.

For more information, visit agaveheritagefestival.com.

Food trucks, live music & more at Hotel McCoy

720 W. Silverlake Rd.
Beer and wine at the bar at Hotel McCoy (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Beer and wine at the bar at Hotel McCoy (Credit: Jackie Tran)

From 2 – 9 p.m., Hotel McCoy is partyin’ with Orkesta Mendoza, Joey Burns of the band Calexico, and the touring band Devotchka.

Although, that’s not all. There’s going to be food trucks, fun outdoor activities, family friendly entertainment, and more.

Tickets are $25 per person and all ticket sales go directly to the artists.

For more information, check out Hotel McCoy’s Facebook event page. 

$5 Bloody Mary’s at Sentinel Peak Brewing Company

4746 E. Grant Rd.
Wings at Sentinel Peak Brewing Company (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Wings at Sentinel Peak Brewing Company (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The midtown brewery is ready to party on Cinco De May from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and they’re pulling out their craft beer’s spicy relative.

Behold the bloody mary. Sentinel Peak Brewing will be offering $5 bloody marys throughout the day, and perhaps you can request a Michelada — if you’re craving a spicy brew instead.

For more information, visit Sentinel Peak Brewing Company’s Facebook event page. 

Food, vendors, tastings, live music & more at Tohono Chul Park

7366 N. Paseo Del Norte
(Credit: The Agave Heritage Festival)
(Credit: The Agave Heritage Festival)

This one’s for the whole family.

It’s going to be filled with the traditions of the Southwest, alongside some mariachi band performances, agave spirit tastings, and artist displays. You’ll also have the option to splurge on food vendors, a local produce farmers market, local makers, games for the kids, and much more.

The event is free and runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Tohono Chul Park.

For more information, visit agaveheritagefestival.com. 

Cheap drinks at RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant

2905 E. Skyline Dr., Suite 289

RA Sushi Bar and Restaurant wants to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with you all day long.

They’ll be offering $4 Mexican Beers and Frozen Margaritas, along with $5 Patron Emperor’s Margaritas. The deal is only for dine-in customers only.

For more information, rasushi.com.

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.

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.1K followers
IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com