Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
5 Cinco De Mayo Activities in L.A.
Photo courtesy of Casa Vega
We're well-aware that Cinco de Mayo (aka Cinco de Drinko) is an Americanized excuse to party, but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time. We're all about excuses to make Monday more bearable. Here are some of our favorite goings-on around town today.
Guelaguetza: Guelageutza will be having their house band perform a special set from 7-11 p.m. with dancing in the back room. In case the idea of dancing is intimidating, Bricia and the gang will be doing drink special sand Michelada giveaways all night. There'll also be live mariachi from 8-9 p.m. You can find out more info here.
Las Perlas: Las Perlas, home to the city's largest collection of tequilas and mescals, will kick off their boozy celebrations early at 4 p.m. They'll be offering $5 margaritas, $5 palomas, $5 tequila shots, $3 Tecates, and Heradura tequila specials all night until 2 a.m. You can find out more info on their sitehere.
Casa Vega: This Sherman Oaks mainstay has one of our favorite margaritas in town. They've been family-run since 1956, with Ray Vega recently passing the mantle to daughter Christy, and getting a revamp from "Flipping Out." Their guac and chips are to die for, as are the combo plates. Come prepared to wait for a table, but know that it's worth it. You can find out more info here.
Los Balcones del Peru: Get down Peruvian style this Cinco de Mayo at Los Balcones in Hollywood with cocktails made by Marcos Tello, including $5.00 margaritas or the Medicina Latina made with El Silencio Mezcal, ginger syrup, honey syrup, fresh lime juice and candied ginger for $7.00. They'll also be doing snack specials, including $7.00 lamb shoulder tacos and Peruvian tacos. They'llbe open from 4:00-11:00 pm. You can find their vitals here.
The Bungalow Santa Monica: Chef Ray Garcia will be making gourmet eats from Fig for the party at the ultra-swank, Baja-inspired beach club, The Bungalow, this evening. The party goes from 5 p.m.-2 a.m., and is within stumbling distence of all the other beachside bars in case you're planning on a party hop. He'll be serving up tacos, quesadillas, flatbreads, chimichangas, chips and huac along with sangria and margaritas. You can find out more info here.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
