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Best Restaurants For Cinco De Mayo In Baltimore

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, marks the commemoration of Mexico's victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. What now has become an American holiday of sorts, people can celebrate this day with friends and family at one of Baltimore's fine authentic Mexican restaurants.
blue agave
Photo Credit: Blue Agave

Blue Agave
1032 Light St.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 576-3938
www.blueagaverestaurant.com

Though Blue Agave opened in Federal Hill in 2000, new life was injected under new ownership in early 2012, bringing exciting renovations, delicious menu changes and a focus on quality service. Authentic Mexican food can be found in a menu filled with fresh ingredients to make anything from tamales to black bean soup. Sauces, salsas and guacamole are made in-house each day, not to mention a sour mix for cocktails. And the staff certainly knows its liquors as the Tequileria holds more than 130 different tequilas. Blue Agave is open for lunch starting at 11 a.m., with happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. daily. Enjoy specials like taco, fajita and burrito nights, as well as the signature watermelon margarita.

Related: Best Margaritas In Baltimore

Nightlife & Music Cinco de Mayo, Arcos Restaurant
Photo Credit: Arcos Restaurant via Facebook

Arcos Meson Tequila Bar
129 S. Broadway
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 522-4777
www.arcosrestaurante.com

Nicolas "Nico" Ramos of Nueva Rosita in Coahuila brought a "little piece of Mexico" to Fells Point while becoming involved in the local community by supporting charitable organizations and nonprofits. His restaurant's eye-catching design incorporates recycled and restored materials including an antique wooden door, brick arches and stained glass windows. An outdoor deck in back is the location for hookah, music, card games and $5 drinks and appetizers Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. The menu showcases various Mexican flavors, with dishes featuring meats, fish, light fare, vegetarian options and plenty of refreshments. Come to Arcos to celebrate more than just Cinco de Mayo with year-round parties from Valentine's Day to New Year's.

mari luna
(Credit: www.mariluna.com)

Mari Luna Mexican Grill
102 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, Md. 21208
(410) 486-9910
www.mariluna.com

Owner Jamie Luna brings traditional dishes from his hometown of Mexicali. After working with world renowned chefs and restauranteurs, he opened Mari Luna Mexican Grill in 2004. Here, you are greeted with colorful, vibrant décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. An open kitchen serves up fresh enchiladas, empanadas, chimichangas, flautas and tacos. Furthermore, the Luna family owns a Latin Grille, also in Pikesville.

Nightlife & Music Cinco de Mayo, Mex Baltimore
(Credit: Mex Baltimore via Facebook)

Mex
Power Plant Live!
26 Market Place
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 528-0128
www.mexbaltimore.com

As always, if you are looking for a party, all you need to do is head to Power Plant Live! The festive, energetic atmosphere at Mex will have you wanting to dance the salsa all night long. Enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine with nachos, quesadillas, fajita wraps and soups and salads served in a tortilla bowl. Don't forget tres leches for dessert. Drink cervezas, tequilas, margaritas, martinis and frozen drinks with daily happy hour specials from 4 to 7 p.m. Mex also hosts Service Industry Nights (SIN) and live music. Better yet, you won't have to get stuck with expensive parking as customers enjoy $5 parking at the Pier V garage.

Los Amigos
(credit: losamigosbaltimore.com)

Los Amigos
5506 Harford Road
Baltimore, Md. 21214
(410) 444-4220
www.losamigosbaltimore.com

Siblings Marianella and Marco have double the reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo since it is the same day that they opened their restaurant, Los Amigos, back in 2001. Renovations in 2009 created a more relaxed, rustic look, while colorful, flavorful dishes were inspired by cuisine from Chiapas and Pueblas. Sit indoors or outside while you taste an array of food, like stuffed jalapenos, ceviche, flan, churros, as well as imported and domestic beer. Happy hour includes $5 margaritas and sangrias from 4 to 7 p.m. In addition to free wireless Internet, Los Amigos often has live acoustic music to set the scene for a fun time.

Pam Smith graduated from Penn State with a B.A. in English and a passion for writing. Her adaptive nature led her to work in the scientific, energy supply, and business industries while writing on a multitude of topics for various online media. Pam currently resides in Baltimore County. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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