Patch Picks: Cinco Ways To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

There are a couple of things that translate pretty well in any language and Cinco de Mayo is one of them. The Mexican holiday has now become synonymous in America with tequila, tacos and warmer temperatures, three things that are sure to improve your mood after a long and gloomy winter.

Plenty of spots in the Lehigh Valley will be opening their doors to Cinco de Mayo celebrators this week, but at Patch, we’ve narrowed the search for the perfect fiesta down to a handful of the best in town. 

1. Cinco Deck Mayo

It’s by far one of the more interesting ways that Lehigh Valley locals will be celebrating this week, but Cinco Deck Mayo is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some gorgeous weather and a few fajitas. Now in its second year, this Cinco de Mayo celebration takes place on top of the parking garage at 8^th and Linden Streets in Allentown from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Before you dismiss the idea of hanging out atop a parking garage, consider this: the event will have live entertainment, salsa dance lessons and food from popular Lehigh Valley restaurants like Sangria and Cosmopolitan Restaurant. Bonus? Allentown Brew Works will be on hand to provide the beverages.

 2. Pacifico

Chances are, if you’ve ever been winding your way through the Shops at the Promenade in Saucon Valley, Pacifico has caught your eye. The seafood restaurant’s brightly-colored walls and swirling logo are hard to miss, so if you’ve been looking for an excuse to stop in, Cinco de Mayo is it. This Thursday, the restaurant will host live entertainment starting at 4 p.m. with Salsa Orchestra, and continuing all night long with DJ Stream.

3. Allentown Brew Works

 Allentown Brew Works will have all hands on deck this Thursday as they help celebrate the holiday at 8^th and Linden, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Head over to the restaurant's Allentown location where, starting at 7 p.m., you’ll get free Jose Cuervo samplings from Southern Wine & Spirits. Keep the party going with $3 Cuervo shots and margaritas all night, and be sure to sample some of their tasty appetizers, including Southside Chicken Quesadillas and Bavarian Pretzels.

4. The Original Tavern House

 If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican meal this Thursday, visit The Original Tavern House in Hellertown. The restaurant will feature food and drink specials throughout the evening and live entertainment, including a visit from the Corona girls. What makes this Mexican eatery such a favorite is its unique atmosphere; most locals will affectionately refer to it as ‘the Mexican dive bar’ but rave about its menu offerings, including tostados, tacos and burritos. Grab some friends and head over to see what the fuss is all about.

5. Chili’s

Chili’s welcomes you to say "si" to Cinco de Mayo this week with specials the whole family can enjoy. The chain is currently promoting Margarita Madness, where over-21 patrons can submit photos of themselves and their favorite Chili’s margarita for a chance to win one of three trips to the Caribbean or a $20 Chili’s gift card.

Luckily, you don’t have to be 21 to enjoy what Chili’s has going on this week.  On Thursday, the chain will be offering appetizer specials, so you can enjoy your meal tapas style, with a little of everything.