Best Cinco de Mayo Parties In Minnesota

Cinco de Mayo is the traditional celebration to commemorate Mexico's victory over the French during the "Battle of Puebla" on May 5, 1862. In modern times, this date is observed throughout the United States and Mexico as a celebration of Mexican heritage, independence and pride with festivals, parties, parades, and of course, tequila. The Twin Cities is no exception, so gather your amigos and head to one of these metro Cinco de Mayo hot spots.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
176 Cesar Chavez St.
St Paul, MN 55107
(651) 222-8398
St.Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation

Price: Free
Event: Sat, May 5th - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Click here for more information and schedule of events 

As the main commercial corridor on the West Side of St. Paul features a colorful combination of restaurants, clothing stores and specialty shops. On May 4-5, the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is one of the largest celebrations anywhere in the country, welcoming more than 100,000 tourists and locals alike every year. This day-long fiesta will celebrate all of the colorful and rich traditions of Hispanic culture with over six blocks of family-friendly food, music, dancing and more. Savor the flavor of the Salsa Tasting Contest and be sure to check out the Lowrider Car Show.

Chevy's Bloomington
2251 Killebrew Drive
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 814-9555
www.chevysminnesota.com

Event: Sat. May 5th - 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Click here for a full listing of events

Perhaps best known for its Half-Off Happy Hour Margaritas and making everything (yes, everything) on the menu from scratch, Chevy's Fresh Mex in Bloomington will be hosting its own Cinco de Mayo celebration this May. A favorite among locals heading out for a margarita after work, Chevy's is an upbeat and pleasantly boisterous Bloomington hot spot. Expect plenty of mood-boosting Latin music outside under the tent, prizes and giveaways like Twins Tickets, and drink specials like $15 buckets of Corona. When you leave is up to you, but the party won't stop until the DJ leaves at closing time.

Related: Best Bloody Mary in the Twin Cities

Barrio Tequila Bar
925 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 333-9953
www.barriotequila.com

Event: Sat. May 5th - 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

If a more upscale menu and ambiance is what you desire this Cinco de Mayo, pull on your best duds and head to Barrio Tequila Bar in downtown Minneapolis. Situated in the former Dunn Bros. coffee house, you'll find dark red walls and rich wood decor, with a fast and friendly wait staff. Barrio offers a variety of delicious small plates and an amazing array of over 150 different tequilas to choose from. Party like it's 1862 and see what delicious south of the border combinations you can come up with. Take home a Barrio t-shirt when you leave. Barrio is also located in St. Paul and Edina.

Related: Best Places For 2 A.M. Eats In Minneapolis

La Cucaracha Mexican Restaurant
36 Dale St. S.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 221-9682
www.lacucaracharestaurante.com

Event: Sat May 5th - 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Tucked away in the Crocus Hill neighborhood of St. Paul, cozy and colorful La Cucaracha Restaurante will be featuring several drink and food specials for Cinco de Mayo, as well as a live mariachi band. This traditional family-owned eatery at the corner of Grand and Dale features a variety of enormous entrees and over 40 different tequilas, so bring your appetite and a thirst for some agave spirits. A favorite spot among families in the St. Paul area, you'll find La Cucaracha cheerfully decorated with pinatas and Mexican murals. While you're there, try a Bullfighter, made with Sauza Commemorativo, Cointreau and Grand Marinier.

MASA
1070 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-6272
www.masa-restaurant.com

Event: Sat May 5th - 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Located in the Target Plaza of downtown Minneapolis, Masa artfully takes what's old and makes it new in the world of Mexican cuisine. Featuring healthy, fresh entrees and a hip waitstaff, Masa's atmosphere is crisp, clean and modern. Head chef Saul Chavez grew up in Mexico, and his creations make it sometimes difficult to get in without a reservation. If you're planning on heading here for Cinco de Mayo, be sure to make reservations well in advance, as the restaurant is guaranteed to be hopping come May 5. The dazzling, contemporary decor and people-watching on Nicollet Avenue will cost you a little more this Cinco de Mayo, but enticing treats like the Carne Cruda are worth it.

A long-time writer and blogger in the Twin Cities, Deanna Lang has become an active Yogi in recent years as part of a well-rounded mental and physical fitness routine. Also an ISSA-certified personal fitness trainer, Deanna is looking forward to adding even more expertise to her fun and informative yoga writing once she begins her yoga certification. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.