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Cinco de Mayo is an annual holiday celebrated in Mexico on May 5 that commemorates Mexico's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Marked by colourful parades, lively music and fun all around, in North America, the date is now largely a symbol of honouring Mexican culture. Every year in Toronto, some of the city's best Mexican restaurants get in on the fun, with everything from mariachi bands to drink specials running into the early hours.
Here are the 15 best spots in Toronto to take part in Cinco de Mayo festivities, happening Friday, May 5!
2222 Queen St E
Xola
This hip cantina-style eatery in the east end of the city is home to Mexican favourites, but also dishes that use more authentic ingredients, like cactus dip, or guacamole topped with roasted grasshoppers (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!). Xola is a snug and cozy spot that’s perfect for grabbing a bite with friends before heading out for the rest of the night.
90 Bloor St E
W Toronto
Taking over the space at Skylight at W Toronto, Chef Alejandra Sánchez of W Punta de Mita has curated a special pop-up, A Taste of Mexico, running May 2 to May 6. Born and raised in Mexico City, Chef Alejandra’s menu focuses on small plates, mains and desserts that focus on authentic Mexican flavours.
111 Princes' Blvd 2nd floor
Roses Cocina
Located on the second floor of Hotel X, Roses Cocina specializes in Mexican-inspired fare with a modern twist. While you won’t find tacos or nachos here, you will find elevated dishes like the taquitos done with braised beef, or the chorizo sausage rolls served with tomatillo salsa. An absolute must to wash it all down is the Roses Signature—a carved ice rose, yogurt-infused tequila blanco, salted vanilla agave, lime juice and creme de cassis.
111 Dupont St
Playa Cabana
With five locations across the city, Play Cabana is a staple for Mexican staples like chips and guac, grilled corn with cotija cheese, loaded nachos, tacos and burritos. With a long list of tequilas on the menu, as well as party-sized margarita pitchers, this is the perfect spot to celebrate in a group setting.
121 Ossington Ave
Papi Chulo's Mexicana
For good vibes and comfort food, head to Papi Chulo’s on Ossington. You can enjoy tasty, traditional Mexican eats like al pastor tacos with charred pineapple salsa, while sipping on a lime margarita. The best part? This spot stays open until 2 a.m.!
501 College St
La Carnita
With four locations in Toronto, La Carnita is known for its tasty tacos and refreshing cocktails. Each location features eye-catching art, designed with the help of local artists. On a Friday night, the music is bumping, the tequila is flowing, and the Cinco de Mayo celebrations are sure to be at an all-time high.
225 Augusta Ave
Tacos Gus
You can’t go wrong with $5 tacos any time of the day. Visit any one of Gus Tacos’ five locations in the city to get in the mood for Cinco de Mayo. While this spot doesn’t serve booze, they do sell a selection of refreshing Jarritos. It’s definitely worth a visit for those who want an affordable taste of Mexico.
942 Queen St W
Fonda Lola
This tiny cantina-style eatery on Queen St W. stays open until 1 a.m. on Friday, making it the perfect late-night spot for Cinco de Mayo-inspired eats. Here, contemporary Mexican cuisine meets homey favourites, with dishes like mango ceviche, elevated tacos (think top sirloin and Mexican chorizo) and of course, plenty of shareables like nachos, guacamole and more.
802 Dundas St W
Fonda Balam
For sizzling birria tacos and refreshing Micheladas, hit up Fonda Balam. You can choose from seven different tacos and also take your pick of six hand-crafted cocktails that are an homage to the best of Mexico. Open until 10 p.m., Fonda Balam also offers take-out for those looking to celebrate at home.
2a Kensington Ave
El Rey Mezcal Bar
A lively neighbourhood any time of the year, Kensington Market is where you’ll find El Rey, a snug spot offering a selection of small plates and plenty of Mezcal options. Open until 12 a.m., this is the place to be to share flavourful snacks with friends while tasting a few different mezcals.
550 Wellington St W
Casa Madera
Home to tasty, elevated Mexican fare year long, Casa Madera, located inside 1 Hotel Toronto, has designed a special menu to mark the occasion. Guests will find four new dishes on the menu, including a ceviche with wild red shrimp, habanero oil and ceviche emulsion. There are also three specialty cocktails, all made from tequila or mezcal and infused with fresh Mexican ingredients.
18 Tank House Lane
El Catrin
The countdown is on at Distillery District favourite, El Catrin. Gear up for a three-day fiesta from May 5 to May 7 with exclusive food and drink items, a live DJ, a mariachi band, and tequila tastings with Herradura.
1058 Gerrard St E
Chula Taberna Mexicana
East-end gem Chula Taberna Mexicana will have a feature taco and a feature margarita to mark the occasion, as well as a live DJ from 7 to 10 p.m. Guests will also be treated to a selection of free canapes! With a spacious back patio and an eclectic interior, Chula is the perfect spot to keep the party going all night long!
460 College St
Campechano - College
Tacos are the star of the menu at this well-known establishment, which recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. With two locations on Adelaide or College streets, you can enjoy some of the finest Mexican food in the city, made with authentic and local ingredients.
600 King St W
Añejo
For those in the mood to party, Anejo is a must. Home to more than 100 tequilas, during the bar’s “Halfy Hour,” all margaritas are half-price—just $6! All tequila is also half-price, including top-shelf brands. Come hungry, because from 3 to 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., tacos are ridiculously low, at only $3 each!
Cinco de Mayo is an annual holiday celebrated in Mexico on May 5 that commemorates Mexico's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Marked by colourful parades, lively music and fun all around, in North America, the date is now largely a symbol of honouring Mexican culture. Every year in Toronto, some of the city's best Mexican restaurants get in on the fun, with everything from mariachi bands to drink specials running into the early hours.
Here are the 15 best spots in Toronto to take part in Cinco de Mayo festivities, happening Friday, May 5!
485 King St W
Baro
Taking place this Friday at Baro, Cincofest is an event you won't want to miss! Grab your tickets here before they're gone.
2222 Queen St E
Xola
This hip cantina-style eatery in the east end of the city is home to Mexican favourites, but also dishes that use more authentic ingredients, like cactus dip, or guacamole topped with roasted grasshoppers (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!). Xola is a snug and cozy spot that’s perfect for grabbing a bite with friends before heading out for the rest of the night.
90 Bloor St E
W Toronto
Taking over the space at Skylight at W Toronto, Chef Alejandra Sánchez of W Punta de Mita has curated a special pop-up, A Taste of Mexico, running May 2 to May 6. Born and raised in Mexico City, Chef Alejandra’s menu focuses on small plates, mains and desserts that focus on authentic Mexican flavours.
111 Princes' Blvd 2nd floor
Roses Cocina
Located on the second floor of Hotel X, Roses Cocina specializes in Mexican-inspired fare with a modern twist. While you won’t find tacos or nachos here, you will find elevated dishes like the taquitos done with braised beef, or the chorizo sausage rolls served with tomatillo salsa. An absolute must to wash it all down is the Roses Signature—a carved ice rose, yogurt-infused tequila blanco, salted vanilla agave, lime juice and creme de cassis.
111 Dupont St
Playa Cabana
With five locations across the city, Play Cabana is a staple for Mexican staples like chips and guac, grilled corn with cotija cheese, loaded nachos, tacos and burritos. With a long list of tequilas on the menu, as well as party-sized margarita pitchers, this is the perfect spot to celebrate in a group setting.
121 Ossington Ave
Papi Chulo's Mexicana
For good vibes and comfort food, head to Papi Chulo’s on Ossington. You can enjoy tasty, traditional Mexican eats like al pastor tacos with charred pineapple salsa, while sipping on a lime margarita. The best part? This spot stays open until 2 a.m.!
501 College St
La Carnita
With four locations in Toronto, La Carnita is known for its tasty tacos and refreshing cocktails. Each location features eye-catching art, designed with the help of local artists. On a Friday night, the music is bumping, the tequila is flowing, and the Cinco de Mayo celebrations are sure to be at an all-time high.
225 Augusta Ave
Tacos Gus
You can’t go wrong with $5 tacos any time of the day. Visit any one of Gus Tacos’ five locations in the city to get in the mood for Cinco de Mayo. While this spot doesn’t serve booze, they do sell a selection of refreshing Jarritos. It’s definitely worth a visit for those who want an affordable taste of Mexico.
942 Queen St W
Fonda Lola
This tiny cantina-style eatery on Queen St W. stays open until 1 a.m. on Friday, making it the perfect late-night spot for Cinco de Mayo-inspired eats. Here, contemporary Mexican cuisine meets homey favourites, with dishes like mango ceviche, elevated tacos (think top sirloin and Mexican chorizo) and of course, plenty of shareables like nachos, guacamole and more.
802 Dundas St W
Fonda Balam
For sizzling birria tacos and refreshing Micheladas, hit up Fonda Balam. You can choose from seven different tacos and also take your pick of six hand-crafted cocktails that are an homage to the best of Mexico. Open until 10 p.m., Fonda Balam also offers take-out for those looking to celebrate at home.
2a Kensington Ave
El Rey Mezcal Bar
A lively neighbourhood any time of the year, Kensington Market is where you’ll find El Rey, a snug spot offering a selection of small plates and plenty of Mezcal options. Open until 12 a.m., this is the place to be to share flavourful snacks with friends while tasting a few different mezcals.
550 Wellington St W
Casa Madera
Home to tasty, elevated Mexican fare year long, Casa Madera, located inside 1 Hotel Toronto, has designed a special menu to mark the occasion. Guests will find four new dishes on the menu, including a ceviche with wild red shrimp, habanero oil and ceviche emulsion. There are also three specialty cocktails, all made from tequila or mezcal and infused with fresh Mexican ingredients.
18 Tank House Lane
El Catrin
The countdown is on at Distillery District favourite, El Catrin. Gear up for a three-day fiesta from May 5 to May 7 with exclusive food and drink items, a live DJ, a mariachi band, and tequila tastings with Herradura.
1058 Gerrard St E
Chula Taberna Mexicana
East-end gem Chula Taberna Mexicana will have a feature taco and a feature margarita to mark the occasion, as well as a live DJ from 7 to 10 p.m. Guests will also be treated to a selection of free canapes! With a spacious back patio and an eclectic interior, Chula is the perfect spot to keep the party going all night long!
460 College St
Campechano - College
Tacos are the star of the menu at this well-known establishment, which recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. With two locations on Adelaide or College streets, you can enjoy some of the finest Mexican food in the city, made with authentic and local ingredients.
600 King St W
Añejo
For those in the mood to party, Anejo is a must. Home to more than 100 tequilas, during the bar’s “Halfy Hour,” all margaritas are half-price—just $6! All tequila is also half-price, including top-shelf brands. Come hungry, because from 3 to 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., tacos are ridiculously low, at only $3 each!
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