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Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in NYC
April 30, 2025, 6:39.30 am ET

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Photo: Casa Bond

In New York City, Cinco de Mayo is more than just a date on the calendar — it's a multisensory celebration of culture, community, and, yes, excellent tacos. From high-octane rooftop fiestas to intimate dinners with mariachi soundtracks, the city is putting on a vibrant show to honor Mexican heritage. This year, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate — and plenty of reasons to do it with style.


Photo: Cititour.com

Start your weekend early at Industry City in Brooklyn, where a full-day Cinco de Mayo Festival (May 3) promises a sensory overload of food vendors, mechanical bull rides, live mariachi, and even a Selena tribute. Think carnival games, aguas frescas, and dancing under the sun — a family-friendly celebration that doesn’t skimp on flavor or flair. Tickets here


Photo: Market 57

On Sunday, May 4, Pier 57 gets in on the action with a more refined, but equally spirited, Mexico Boutique Pop-Up Market, a collaboration with the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. This one’s for the aesthetes: floral arrangements, handmade jewelry, and Mexican art and fashion, all set against the Hudson. Grab bites from Mijo and let the rhythm of local performers set the tone.


Photo: Casa Bond

Come May 5, things really heat up. In NoHo, Casa Bond transforms into a full-sensory playground for its "Cinco Con Sentido" bash — a night bursting with piñatas, mariachi, and bold, shareable plates like Pescado Zarandeado, Baja fish and carnitas tacos. Wash it down with a cantarito, a large paloma. for parties of four and bask in the upscale energy that’s made Casa Bond a downtown darling.


Photo: Mission Ceviche

On the Upper East Side and in Union Square, Mission Ceviche offers a different kind of indulgence — bottomless Margaritas and Mezcalitas, a luxe tasting menu of Peruvian-tinged bites like scallop aguachile, fish tacos and guacamole with tostones, and a festive atmosphere complete with mariachi performance. The $100 ticket unlocks a three-hour escape into tropical tequila dreams.


Photo: Tacos Chicos

For something more casual but no less flavorful, newly opened Tacos Chicos in Alphabet City brings Mexico City street food straight to NYC’s punk rock heart. With just four tacos on the menu, each bite hits hard — from smoky chipotle chicken to crisped-up carnitas. It’s the kind of spot where happy hour can turn into an all-night taco run.

At Kellogg's Diner in Williamsburg, Executive Chef Jackie Carnesi is bringing bold Texas flair to Cinco de Mayo with a one-day-only menu that blends diner comfort with Mexican-inspired favorites. From a Breakfast Crunchwrap Supreme (served 8am–12pm) to Carnitas Tacos and queso-smothered Discoteca Fries throughout the day, it’s a flavor-packed celebration worth waking up early for. Pair it all with a Passionfruit or Watermelon Margarita and toast to Brooklyn’s most festive bites of the day.

Elsewhere...

In Queens, two rooftops promise prime skyline views and tequila-fueled energy. Vue 180 will be slinging taco platters and coronitas for $35 (or unlimited margaritas for those with more ambitious plans), while Lighthouse Rooftop ups the ante with festive lights, DJ sets, tequila shot giveaways, and a glowing Manhattan backdrop that’s pure Instagram gold.

And for those who want to dance until dawn, head to Gems Lounge in Brooklyn for a marathon party (6pm–3am!) with margarita towers, two-for-one drinks, and a soundtrack by NYC’s top DJs. Prefer your party across the river? Hoboken's Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl (May 3) promises a roving celebration through the city’s favorite watering holes, complete with drink specials and live DJs.


Photos: Hellbender

But perhaps the most soulful event of the weekend takes place in Ridgewood, where Hellbender, the genre-defying Mexican-American restaurant from Chef Yara Herrera, hosts a collaborative dinner with cookbook author Rick Martinez. Expect dishes from Martinez's Salsa Daddy, lcumbia beats by DJ Michelada, and a night that blends tradition with playful reinvention — just like Hellbender’s menu of crispy chorizo-spiced lamb tacos, al pastor ribs, and fried Oaxacan cheese.

No matter where you land this Cinco de Mayo, New York has something for every kind of celebrant — from mezcal mavens to mariachi lovers, taco purists to rooftop revelers. One thing’s for sure: this city knows how to fiesta!


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