Metromix didn't do so well in history class, but we are well aware that Cinco de Mayo translates to party time. If the annual Cinco de Mayo parade isn’t your
bag, there are plenty of other ways to commemorate the traditional holiday — both in
Cinco de Mayo Festivites
Fiesta time
By Andrea Farmer
Special to MetromixMay 1, 2008
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Sangria Tapas Cafe and Sky Club
401 S. Lafayette -
Royal Oak
248-543-1964
Spice things up a bit for Cinco de Mayo and head out to this Royal Oak hot spot for live entertainment, salsa dancing and a special menu of drinks and eats that are sure to bring the heat. Kick off Monday’s celebration with the traditional “completo” as an aperitif, a shot of tequila alongside a shot of “Sangrita,” a spicy mix of tomato and orange juices and a side of fresh Jicama ($4.25). Dine on a selection of distinctive tapas ($9.50) and entradas ($17.50-18.95) while a live mariachi band provides an authentic soundtrack for the evening. The fiesta runs from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m., so there’s plenty of time to celebrate in style. Muy caliente.
Armando's Mexican Restaurant
4242 W. Vernor Hwy - Detroit313-554-0666
Armando’s has long been a Mexicantown favorite due to its prime location and late hours. Enjoy Cinco de Mayo festivities all weekend and sample authentic Mexican fare like sizzling fajitas and Baja seafood tacos. On Monday morning, watch the annual Cinco de Mayo parade make its way down Vernor then retire to the dining area to sip on a frosty margarita — just one of the house specialties. Armando’s works fine as a last stop of the night, too. The place stays open until 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday and until 2 a.m. on Sunday. Share the love -- order a tall margarita liter to split with friends for only $18.75.
Los Galanes
3362 Bagley - Detroit313-554-4444
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo deep in the heart of Mexicantown during an outdoor fiesta that features a full day of live musical performances and traditional Mexican food and spirits until 11 p.m. The celebration doesn’t stop then, however, as guests can take the party inside to the nightclub located within the multi-level restaurant facility where the bash continues until 2 a.m. Try the Los Galanes' locally famous margaritas or sangria — both only $5.
Cactus Jack's
7636 Auburn - Utica586-739-6946
Cactus Jack’s is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long. A Red Bull bar and drink specials like $5 bombs on Friday and Saturday are sure to keep the party going all night. Bands play at 8 p.m. all weekend and all day on Monday. Of course, no Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without a chilled margarita, always a favorite among Cactus Jack’s regulars, offered for only $5.50 for 12-ounces and $8.75 for the muy grande 27-ouncer.
Emerald Theatre
31 N. Walnut -
Mt. Clemens
586-913-1920
Want to get an early start to the Cinco de Mayo celebration? You're in luck. The Emerald will host a Cinco de Mayo bash Saturday from 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. with piñatas filled with cash, concert tickets, t-shirts and other swag. To help you get in the spirit, take advantage of tequila specials and $1 beers and wells until 11 p.m. Admission to the Cinco de Mayo party is free for 21+ with college ID, $5 for 21+ and $15 for ladies 18-20.
Venue
22048 Michigan -
Dearborn
313-359-2799
The elegant Venue of Dearborn is known for throwing a high-class bash and this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations are no exception. On Saturday, the nightclub’s trendy décor will undergo a face lift as the upscale Venue is transformed into a Mexican-themed fiesta. From 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., party goers can soak up live performances by J-Lyriq, DJ IMIX and DJ Donovan Tate, enjoy $7 Patron shots and $3 Coronas and enter to win $500 cash and various prizes during the night’s bikini contest.
