Cinco de Mayo in Chicago is usually a marker of the warm summer days to come. The date is originally a celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it’s a minor holiday in Mexico, the United States celebrates the win in a major way. The city bustles with parties, cookouts, and turns towards the Mexican restaurant scene for tacos, Tecate, and tequila. This year, we’ve got to be creative in our celebrations. Here’s a list of restaurants that are offering to go tacos, margarita kits, and carryout specials to get us in the fiesta spirit.
Dos Urban Cantina
The Chicago staple is offering special family-style meals. Starring chipotle chicken tacos or tamal Azteca (Mexican lasagna), the meals will include sides and dessert – enough to feed four. They’ve also collaborated with Bang Bang Pie to create the “Bang Bang Margarita Pie,” it’s key lime pie meets tequila.
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Tallboy Taco
Tallboy Taco has put together their signature recipes into DIY kits. There’s a bundle for guacamole, a taco bar, and margaritas – they’ve even included a triple sec and simple syrup. Pre-batch these two, add provided tequila (or your own), and you’re golden.
Carnitas Uruapan
This Pilsen joint is a carnitas lover haven. Order carnitas by the pound, housemade chicharrones, nopales con queso, and more. Definitely grab the escabeche — a concoction of pickled jalapenos, carrots, and onions. Topo Chico, too.
5 Rabanitos
5 Rabanitos in Pilsen is offering a special menu for carryout and neighborhood delivery. Warmer spring days and Caldo de res go together like Arroz y frijoles. Start there, then live life lavishly with the carne asada or cochinita pibil, and finish with the housemade Horchata.
Arbella
The River North cocktail bar is offering some awesome libations. There’s a list of offerings including a michelada and taco kit, and two spicy margarita kits — each with different accouterment.
Etta
Family style “fiesta en casa” with these all-inclusive family meals. Featuring a wood-fired short rib barbacoa picnic with tortillas, rice, beans, salad, and tres leches cake. There’s an option to upgrade and add enchiladas Rojas, shrimp ceviche, and pork belly elote. Sombrero bendy straws available with margarita kits.
Foxtrot
Mezcal-based margaritas have cocktail lovers divided. Foxtrot is offering a Bahnez margarita basket that includes Combier and limes. Delivery or pickup.
Big Star
Big Star may not be the most authentic spot on this list, but to deny the greatness of their margarita is downright wrong. They’re re-opening both the Wicker Park and Wrigleyville locations just in time for la fiesta. Order curbside pick up or delivery ahead of time.
Furious Spoon
The devil works hard, but Furious Spoon works harder. Elevate your fiesta game with the Furious Couch Margarita or Ol’ Dirty Quarantine. There’s not much for Mexican food here, but they are also offering a beer pong back and a sake bomb kit. Party on.