Patch Picks: Best Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Thursday is May 5, otherwise known as “Cinco de Mayo.” The festive holiday, which commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory in the Battle of Puebla, is the perfect reason to head to one of these five local restaurants and bars for a celebration and some libations:

(44 Old Field Point Rd., Greenwich; 203-661-4774): Boxcar Cantina, whose fare pays homage to Southwestern cantinas with its signature “Northern New Mexican cuisine” almost every night, takes it up a notch Cinco de Mayo. Food and drink specials include the “General Zargoza” frozen margarita with a splash of sangria, as well as a taco sampler (a crispy corn taco filled with ground beef, Boxcar's house-made organic flour tortilla filled with pork and a crispy flauta filled with refried pinto beans and organic chicken, served with the restaurant’s Rancho Gordo bean of the week).

Thataway Café (409 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich; 203-622-0947 or Thatawaycafe.com): The bar known for its sprawling outdoor patio and fun pub scene promises “some kind of liquor special” in honor of May 5^th. Just head on over after you hop off the Metro North and let the Mojitos flow.

(403 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich; 203-629-8212): This homey bar, which serves plenty of savory nachos during its regular 4 - 7  p.m. happy hour, promises beer and margarita specials in honor of the holiday.

(531 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob; 203-661-9395): For authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of Cos Cob, head to local favorite Fonda La Paloma, where celebratory fare includes fajitas, tostadas, flautas, enchilladas, tortas and more.

Viva Zapata (530 Riverside Ave., Westport; 203-227-8226): Sure, it’s a bit of a trek from Greenwich, but Westport outpost Viva Zapata knows how to party like it’s 1862. Guests can choose from sweet (regular or skinny) margaritas, cerveza and one of nearly a dozen nacho varieties. Don’t forget to bring your own sombrero!