10 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Tacos and margaritas might be a staple for you when it comes to dining out, but if you need another reason to dig in, we’ve got one! Cinco de Mayo (May 5) commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla and is celebrated throughout parts of Mexico and largely across the United States. And in honor of this holiday, we’re celebrating Mexican culture with tacos, margaritas, and everything in between. Check out this list of the best Mexican restaurants in Newport Beach to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
Places to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With a Patio
El Cholo
With family recipes that date back to 1923, El Cholo is a well-established gem when it comes to Mexican cuisine. The interior of the restaurant features vibrant decor, including colorful murals and traditional Mexican artwork, creating a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of Mexico. Cure your Cinco de Mayo cravings this year with a plate of sizzling fajitas or a bowl of zesty ceviche at their Corona del Mar location! Try the Mole Chicken Enchiladas with slow-braised shredded chicken, jack cheese, roasted chile, and chocolate Mole.
Red O
Located in the shopping mecca of Fashion Island, Red O serves up elevated Mexican cuisine in a setting as stylish as its surroundings. And this May, they’re turning up the heat. On Thursday, May 1, from 8-10 p.m., this Cinco de Mayo Newport Beach restaurant is hosting a Tequila Garden Party with @newpsthesocialclub—a lantern-lit evening of Baja bites, tequila cocktails, and spontaneous connections under the stars. Whether you’re mingling with new friends or chasing golden hour with your crew, this pre-Cinco de Mayo garden soirée is your sign to stay out just a little later than planned.
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila opened its doors in 2023 and quickly garnered quite a reputation in terms of culinary excellence. Inspired by coastal destinations like San Jose del Cabo and Tulum, this airy and immaculately designed Mexican restaurant in Newport Beach is perfect for a celebratory Cinco de Mayo meal. Feast on Sonoran-inspired favorites, like the Nachos de Marisco, Tacos de Filet Mignon, and Pollo Ranchero as the retractable roof ushers in a salty breeze. And be sure to pair your dish with one of their signature muddled fruit margaritas or small-batch sangrias.
Chihuahua Cerveza
With its pup-friendly patio, handcrafted margaritas, and premium Mexican beer, this local taproom on the Balboa Peninsula is the perfect spot for a California Cinco de Mayo celebration. Grab a seat at the bar or enjoy a cerveza al fresco-style on the covered patio. But whatever you do, be sure to order a pair of their Drunken Shrimp Tacos filled with cheese, shrimp, pico, fajitas, Baja sauce, and green crack sauce.
Avila’s El Ranchito
If Cinco de Mayo is going to be a family affair this year, snag a table at Avila’s El Ranchito—a family-owned Mexican restaurant with locations in both Newport Beach and Corona del Mar. For more than 55 years, Avila’s has served up authentic dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Start with an order of the Mahi Mahi Ceviche, then move on to mains like the Sizzling Fajitas, Fresco Chile Relleno, or the Grilled Fiesta Platter (perfect for sharing)!
Waterfront Spots to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo
SOL Mexican Cocina
Nothing beats Baja-style eats and marina views on Cinco de Mayo! SOL Mexican Cocina, a Mexican restaurant in Newport Beach located just off Mariner’s Mile, whips up south-of-the-border bites and specialty cocktails in a dreamy setting. Go for a Cinco de Mayo Newport Beach date night, and order a pair of horchata martinis to get the evening started. Then, feast on a few apps, like the Tableside Guacamole and Coconut Calamari, as you take in views of the sparkling bay.
Baja Sharkeez
Cinco de Mayo at the beach? Say less! Located just steps from the Newport Pier, Baja Sharkeez is where the fiesta meets the surf. This lively beachfront bar is known for its vibrant atmosphere, wall-to-wall TVs and legendary margaritas that practically scream salud! Get the party started with one of their signature flavored margaritas—or go big with a Corona-rita (yes, that’s a margarita with an upside-down bottle of Corona in it). Then, dive into crispy fish tacos or sizzling carne asada while you duel it out on the pool tables.
Cabo Cantina
Cinco de Mayo at Cabo Cantina is all about big flavors, bigger drinks, and nonstop energy. Located just steps from the Balboa Pier, this lively spot is known for its 2-for-1 Happy Hour (4-8 p.m. daily and late-night too!), frosty Mega Margaritas and ice-cold cervezas—perfect for raising a glass on May 5. Plus, with classic rock and party hits blasting from the jukebox, the vibe is festive from the moment you walk in. Fuel the fun with sizzling fajitas, loaded queso dip, fish tacos and more. You’ll want to skip the siesta—this May, Cabo Cantina is bringing the fiesta.
Javier’s
Following a stunning renovation, Javier’s remains one of Newport Coast’s most iconic dining destinations—where elevated Mexican cuisine meets coastal glamour. The space stuns with its dramatic arches, fire-lit patios and warm amber glow, creating an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and effortlessly cool.
The menu is just as magnetic, featuring standout dishes like lobster enchiladas, sizzling carne asada, fresh ceviche and creamy tableside guacamole. Pair it all with a hand-shaken margarita or a glass of fine wine while soaking in ocean views by the fire. Whether it’s a date night or happy hour, Javier’s always delivers the VIP treatment.
Don’t Miss!
Newport Beach Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl
Date: May 3, from 4-11 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo in Newport Beach just got a whole lot rowdier. On Saturday, May 3, the Balboa Peninsula transforms into a high-energy fiesta zone with the Newport Beach Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl. This California Cinco de Mayo celebration brings the heat with exclusive access to some of Newport’s top bars, where themed drink specials, lively DJs and nonstop party vibes await.
Kick things off at Baja Sharkeez—your official check-in spot—where you’ll pick up your wristband and digital crawl map before diving into an epic night of margaritas, cervezas and tequila-fueled fun. Each stop along the crawl offers unique perks, from discounted cocktails to live music and late-night bites. Expect DJs spinning, photo ops popping, and a crowd that came to fiesta like there’s no mañana.
Whether you’re a Newport local or just in town for the weekend, this crawl is your all-access pass to the Cinco de Mayo party scene. Space is limited, so round up the crew, don your best festive fit and secure your spot before it sells out.
