Victual Vibe: Food that Rocks Stars Bands, Rize, Marlow’s and 20+ Sandy Springs Restaurants May 6

Food that Rocks carries Sandy Springs’ Cinco de Mayo momentum forward into Saturday, May 6. VIP First Taster tickets gain 6:30 p.m. access, and general admission ticket holders join the party at 7:30 p.m. Beat it to tasting stations hosted by Rize Artisan Pizza + Salads, Marlow’s Tavern and more than 20 of Sandy Springs’ favorite restaurants for food, beer, wine and cocktail tastes. Enjoy the food and dessert tastings until 9:30 p.m., but don’t call it a night then…live music from local musicians jams until 11 p.m. Age matters: you must be 21 or older to partake of this rain-or-shine outdoor event. No smoking, please. Buy tickets online: $55 general admission, $70 VIP First Taster plus additional small service fee. Proceeds stay local, going to Sandy Springs-based charities Second Helpings, Ian’s Friends Foundation and the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance.

What’s New on Pinterest: A Flavorful Fiesta

No can rest-a, we’re pinning A Flavorful Fiesta of Cinco de Mayo-themed bites and bevs. Our tacos rock-o filled with carnitas, sweet corn and black beans, and chili lime shrimp or try filling a FRITOS bag for walking tacos. Who needs a cone when you can make ice cream tacos? Master Cinco de Mayo necessities, from mole sauce to margarita cupcakes as well as thirst-quenching coconut lime frozen margaritas, skinny margaritas, Palomas and other best-a fiesta treats.

TGIF AND Cinco de Mayo Friday, May 5

Get ready to “Cinco” into the weekend this year because Cinco de Mayo falls on a Friday and Saturdays are meant for sleeping in. And, at some restaurants, the celebrations kick in early in the week and carry on through the weekend!

Communion Cantina throws open its backyard bar and eatery for the warm weather season on Cinco de Mayo. Cantina? Si! Kevin Gillespie has transformed the outdoor gathering place behind Revival, his popular Decatur restaurant, into a casual Mexican cantina -- just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrating. The cantina food truck, with a menu driven by executive chef Andreas Müller, will sell five different varieties of tacos, chips and salsa, cheese dip and other Mexican staples. Border heat calls for cocktails, margaritas, sangria, frozen drinks like frosé and frozen mint juleps along with bottled and draft beer featuring West Coast and Mexican brews. Hours are Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m., Sunday 1-9 p.m. and Thursday 5-10 p.m. (beginning May 11).

 “Drinko de Mayo,” going on through May 7 at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, syncs sipping celebratory Cincoritas and pouring donations into a great cause. The FlexMex gang is donating 50 cents from every Cincorita purchased to Bert’s Big Adventure, a non-profit providing chronic or terminally ill children and their families with five-day, all-expenses-paid adventures to Disney World. Drink specials, music and more round out the weeklong “fiestivities.” Say “Ole!” to Corona Light on draft ($4.25/$7), Grand Marnier and Jager floaters ($3) and shots ($5), 1800 Tequila shots ($5) and 1800 Cincorita -- small ($8) or large ($13). On May 5, DJs supersize the party music at each restaurant, and guests can buy cans of Corona and Modelo ($5) at locations with outdoor bars. Southside Steve from Rock 100.5 broadcasts live from the Mall of Georgia Tin Lizzy’s at 5 p.m. followed by Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi cover band) turning up courtyard party volume at 7 p.m.

In Town Brookhaven, the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta rollicks at Jefe’s Tacos & Tequila starting at 2 p.m. There’s no cover charge for this party that salsas out onto the patio with live music and food and drink specials. Please your crowd with an assembly of tacos with personality, bearing names like Pinche Pollo, Trailer on Fire, Redneck, Mamacita and Bravocado or Jefe’s Mexi-spun faves such as smoked chicken taquitos, Nacho Daddy, crispy calamari and crispy smoked wings with Jefe’s hot sauce.

For a new take on the classic margarita, visit your neighborhood Marlow’s Tavern and enjoy one of Rick Blumberg’s cocktail creations. Previously the beverage director of Bacchanalia Restaurant Group, Rick’s signature Blood Orange Margarita featuring Herradura tequila and Pür Spice Blood Orange liqueur or “Secret Recipe” Red or White Sangria are sure to put you in the Cinco spirit! Cinco de Mayo-ish bites include Marlow’s rave-worthy Shrimp and Crab “Nacho” Plate and “Infamous” Fish Tacos.

Taco Mac is turning this weekend into a two-day celebration. Between Cinco on Friday and the Derby on Saturday, Taco Mac has invented “Derby de Mayo,” featuring $4 select Mexican beers with new Brewniversity credits, a Herradura Barrel Select flight and traditional, black cherry, watermelon and strawberry margaritas. Cheers to this weekend!

All three Ray’s Restaurants swing into Cinco de Mayo mode, resurrecting the beloved Ray’s Rio Bravo chile con queso recipe for guests to spoon up in bar and lounge areas on May 5. Pop into Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River or Ray’s at Killer Creek to dip into this delish dish.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill makes it easy to squeeze some Cinco de Mayo flavor into your day at 30 locations covering Atlanta and reaching out to Athens and Columbus. Me, oh “Mayo,” can’t get out? Willy’s catering brings the “Cuatro de Mayo” party to you on May 4, offering free cheese dip for up to 20 people on all deliveries made May 4. Minimum $250 catering order and 24-hour notice required; must call 404-422-7107 and mention the offer to redeem. On May 5, live music plays from 6-9 p.m. at the Howell Mill store and 5-8 p.m. at Willy’s - Piedmont Park. Want a margarita? There’s one with your name on it at the Howell Mill, Midtown, Edgewood, Brookhaven and Peachtree City Willy’s locations.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern is always ready to celebrate, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. Stop into the Midtown watering hole for beers from around here and around the world, including Corona, a Cinco de Mayo classic. Mixologists stand ready to craft your margarita or perhaps a Spanish Inquisition signature cocktail starring Medieval tequila ($11). Share some of HOBNOB’s popular starters such as braised short rib tacos (2/$8.95 or 3/$11.95); New Generation duck nachos ($11.95) topped with duck confit, fontina cheese, Fresno peppers and HOBNOB’s own date-fig jam and roasted tomato pesto; spicy chipotle cornmeal-crusted fried green tomatoes ($8.50); or braised short rib lettuce wraps with chimichurri sauce ($11). Does a Margherita pizza count ($12.75)?

Communion at Revival “Tacos” On a New Vibe, Opens as Communion Cantina on Cinco de Mayo

Cutting-edge Atlanta chef, restaurateur, speaker and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie loves to shake things up, things like restaurants and margaritas. Gillespie is opening Communion Cantina, a Mexican watering hole and eatery behind his popular Revival restaurant in Decatur on Friday, May 5 at 4 p.m. “By changing Communion every year, we can keep being creative and try new things,” says Gillespie. Last year’s German beer garden-inspired backyard gathering spot crosses borders, reopening as a casual, outdoor Mexican cantina. A backyard food truck will sell five different varieties of tacos along with other Mexican staples such as chips and salsa, cheese dip and guacamole. Beer and cocktails, including margaritas, sangria and frozen drinks like frosé and frozen mint juleps (a nod to Southern traditions) are ready to slake thirsts during warmer days and nights. The beer selection, both bottled and draft, features West Coast, domestic, local and Mexican brews. Cash and credit cards both work here – no pesos needed. Communion Cantina’s hours are Thursday from 5-10 p.m. (with Dirty South Trivia starting at 8 p.m) and Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from 1-10 p.m. and Sunday from 1-9 p.m. Groups may reserve tables or the whole backyard for parties.

It’s Halfway to Cinco, Time for $5 Avion Margaritas and $3 XX Ambar Drafts at Tin Lizzy’s through Nov. 5

Halfway there, y’all. Gracias to Tin Lizzy’s Cantinas for looking forward and noticing Cinco de Mayo, May 5, is a mere six months out. Fabulous reason to float Cinco de Mayo drink specials -- $5 Avion margaritas and $3 XX Ambar drafts -- all day, every day through Saturday, Nov. 5. When excitement builds a case of the munchies, squeal for November’s featured taco, “The Stuffed Pig,” plump with seasoned pork, grilled onions, apple cinnamon chutney, blue cheese crumbles and chipotle mayo. As Tin Lizzy’s sees it, when you’re halfway to Cinco, the treats don’t end on Halloween night.

HOBNOB Touts Annual Tacos & Tequilas Event Through May 15

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern knows how to fold ‘em -- and hold those prized bottles of top-shelf-quality tequila right above your glass. The Midtown restaurant's annual Tacos & Tequilas event takes off where Cinco de Mayo celebrations cut the party short, carrying novel margaritas and tacos from now through May 15. Detour from your usual taco folds to tortillas hugging carne asada, lettuce, pico de gallo, fresh avocado and salsa verde; pulled pork topped with coleslaw and pickled onion; and blackened fish bearing black bean corn salsa, lettuce and chipotle ranch dressing. Blueberries are antioxidant gems, all the more reason to try HOBNOB’s roasted blueberries and fresh basil margarita incorporating Herradura Silver, Cointreau and fresh lime juice along with the aforementioned roasted blueberries and basil. The smoked jalapeño margarita lights your fire with Tanteo Jalapeño tequila, Mezcal Amarás, fresh lime juice and sour mix. Southern states meet south of the border in the White Lightening margarita that swaps American Born Moonshine for traditional tequila along with Cointreau, fresh lime juice and sour mix. HOBNOB goes easy on your pesos -- tacos run $4 to $5. Make reservations online or call 404-968-2288.

Oh Me, Oh My Oh, Today is Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo salsas into today’s agenda wielding a banner of independence from Tuesday’s usual tame fare in deference to chips, guac, tacos, margaritas and cervezas. Oh queso, where are you going to go? Tin Lizzy’s Cantina locations, Atkin’s Park Restaurant & Bar and all three Ray’s Restaurants are quick picks -- see their specials on our blog. 

Atlanta Restaurants Chip in with Cinco de Mayo Festivities May 5

Striking on a Tuesday this year, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) could fly under the celebratory radar as a rip, twist and pop holiday (rip open the bag o’ chips, twist open the salsa jar, pop the top on a cerveza). Our amigos at these restaurants envision a “hola!” lot more!

Atkin’s Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland pours on holiday spirit. Chef Andrew Smith throws a Tequila and Tacos fiesta of special dishes and specialty drink pairings. On the menu, pozole rojo chile braised pork and hominy stew ($6) and Single Estate Tequila Ocho Plata margarita ($8); shrimp tostadas ($11) and AP Tequila Mockingbird ($8); chiles rellenos ($12) with Single Estate Tequila Ocho Reposado Paloma ($10); and beef short rib tacos ($14) with Single Estate Tequila Ocho Anejo served neat ($12). After tequila drinks and spices, spoon into a cool and crispy fried ice cream with Tanteo cocoa ($6). Reservations: 404-876-7249.

All Ray’s Restaurants are ladling up bowls of Ray’s Rio Bravo’s classic chili con queso with chips for $4.95. Cold beer and margaritas on the rocks temper the fire.

Embrace the aura of fresh limes, tequila and salt infusing all nine Tin Lizzy’s Cantina locations as the FlexMex cantinas post mucho margarita and beer specials throughout Cinco de Mayo week as well as menus touting more than 25 soft tacos, quesadillas and specialty skillets. From Tuesday, April 28 through Tuesday, May 5, absorb specials such as the 12-ounce Cincorita margarita featuring el Jimador tequila ($6), $3 Grand Marnier floaters and $7 Herradura tequila shots. Corona Light and Pacifico top off at $4.25 for 16-ounce drafts and $7 for 24-ounce drafts. Tin Lizzy’s is collecting monetary donations for Bert’s Big Adventure throughout the week, and on May 5, Tin Lizzy’s will donate $1 to Bert’s Big Adventure for every 24-ounce “Bert’s Big Cincorita” sold ($11). Founded by Q100 “The Bert Show” host Bert Weiss, the non-profit organization provides all-expense-paid trips to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. Photo credit: Jeremy Adamo. 

Cinco de Mayo Fiestas for a Muy Bueno Monday

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday this year, thus elevating the day from ho-hum to “Hola!” status as it caps a weekend of food and drink fiestas. Tilt back the sombrero and say “si” to so many ways and days to celebrate. Save the siesta for later.

Atkins Park is serving up three days of Cinco de Mayo celebrations with cervezas, tequila, palomas and margaritas to drink and pozole rojo, taquitos and chile rellenos to eat. Stop in May 3-5 for fiesta-style feasting.

HOBNOB stretches the Mexicana theme all the way from Monday, May 5 through Sunday, May 18 via their annual Tacos & Tequilas round up of specially prepared tacos matched with tricky tequila drinks. Taco and beverage pairing suggestions include carne asada and a Herradura skinny margarita; al pastor with Devil in a Blue Dress; blackened tilapia and HOBNOB Paloma Brava; slow-roasted chicken paired with a siesta martini; and blackened shrimp with mango salsa paired with Vampira. Choose one taco for $4, two for $7 or three for $10; tequila drink pairings are $8 each. Tacos & Tequilas tacks onto HOBNOB’s regular menu for this two-week time slot. 

Buckhead, Mall of Georgia and Perimeter Tin Lizzy’s Cantina locations are throwing Season de Cinco block parties with live music and contests over the Cinco de Mayo weekend. The three cantinas are all offering drink specials of Camarena tequila “Best House” margaritas ($6/16 oz. and $10/24 oz.), Corona Light drafts ($9/24 oz.), Grand Marnier shots ($3) and jolts of Deep Eddy vodka and Kill Cliff drinks ($6). Party with a purpose: all three locations are charging a $10 cover charge with a portion benefitting Bert’s Big Adventure. Buckhead amigos and amigas can get a running start on the fiesta-ivities by joining in the third Stache Dash 5K at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. It’s “nacho” average race, and 100 percent of proceeds benefit One Love Generation. Each runner receives a goodie bag with a cover-waiving wristband and coupon for one free drink at the Buckhead cantina’s 11 a.m.-2 a.m. block party (open to ages 21 and over). In Buford, the Mall of Georgia cantina cranks in the courtyard and amphitheater with giveaways and musical acts, such as Mario Diaz and Jacob Blazer from noon on Saturday until 2 a.m. Salsa on over to Tin Lizzy’s Perimeter for their Sunday Funday party on May 4 from 12:30 p.m. through midnight.

Offer up your casa or covey of cubicles for a cinco-sational gathering. Willy’s Mexicana Grill Catering can set you up with nacho, fajita or taco bars, burrito or quesadilla platters, sopapillas, beverages and gallons of Willy’s own margarita mix (spike with your own tequila).

Bottoms Up with Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo Plus More in this Week's Dish!

Cinco de Mayo may fall on a Sunday this year, but that does not stop the party at Atlanta-area restaurants. Plenty of places are offering food and drink specials to celebrate the holiday. So, put on your sombrero, kick back with your favorite margarita and check out what else Atlanta has to offer in this week's Dish!

Don't Blink-o or You'll Miss Out on Cinco de Mayo Fun

With Cinco de Mayo (May 5) falling on a Saturday this year, you've got every reason to don your poncho and take advantage of all the Mexi-specials around town. Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub in Brookhaven, known by friends as Kpub, knows how to throw a food and drink fiesta. Starting at noon and continuing on until 3 a.m. on May 6, Kaleidoscope will serve up Mexican favorites such as pulled pork, salsa verde, queso fresco; posole rojo with chicharrones, pork shanks, hominy, radishes and queso Oaxaca; boleos stuffed with carnitas, red onions, pickled jalapenos and carrots; and homemade enchiladas. Wash those tasty dishes down with a $5 blueberry margarita, tequila sunrise, Mexican beers or jalapeno pineapple infused cocktails. The Original El Taco, Fifth Group Restaurant's fun-loving cantina in Virginia Highland, pours on bar bargains, including $12 22-ounce El Jimador margaritas and $4 pineapple-infused tequila shots. Taking the heat out of dishes like the smoked trout taco with sweet lime mayo, red habanero cabbage and yellow pico de gallo are $9 22-ounce Dos Equis Lager drafts in a souvenir cup and $12 buckets of Dos Equis Amber. Another Virginia Highland favorite, Atkins Park Tavern, is embracing the day with plenty of cerveza (beer), tequila, pozole rojo, taquitos, chile rellenos, palomas and margaritas. All three Ray's Restaurants - Ray's on the River, Ray's at Killer Creek and Ray's in the City - are celebrating with $5 margaritas. Wet your whistle with a passion fruit margarita made with tequila, passion fruit purée and lime juice, a pomegranate margarita or a skinny margarita served on the rocks with tequila, orange liqueur and agave nectar. And of course, Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food has two Atlanta locations that are always a great place to celebrate with their signature Swirl or your favorite margarita! With so many fiestas on Saturday, we predict a Sunday siesta in your future! 

Grab Your Sombrero! It’s Time for Cinco de Mayo!

You’ve still got one day to plan your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Whether you want to hit the town or host your own fiesta, we’ve got some great options for this fun holiday!

Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland will be celebrating all day long tomorrow. Stop by and indulge in the neighborhood eatery’s special Cinco de Mayo selection that includes everything from tasty tacos to tequila! (794 N Highland Ave; 404-876-7249).

The Original El Taco is opening earlier than usual on Cinco de Mayo. Eager señors and señoritas will be glad to know they can arrive at 3 p.m. for El Taco's frosty drink and beer specials and its menu of fresh Tex-Mex favorites. (1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656)

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food, with locations in Buckhead and Sandy Springs, is always ready to celebrate with potent, custom-made margaritas, ice-cold beer and all kinds of Tex-Mex specialties from shareable appetizers to sizzling fajitas and the Plato Gordo platter. The Buckhead location boasts a huge patio on Peachtree. Heads up in Sandy Springs where a balcony and patio double the fun. Both Uncle Julio's locations open at 11 a.m. for weekday lunch. If the fiesta is at your casa, call Uncle Julio's to handle to-go or full catering needs. (In Buckhead at 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To-go line: 404-974-2991. In Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive, NE; 678-736-8260. To-go line: 678-736-8261.)

Go al fresco by grilling or stirring up fajitas from New York Butcher Shoppe for Cinco de Mayo. Pick up CAB flank steak ($8.99/lb.), CAB skirt steak ($9.99/lb.) or locally raised all-natural chicken marinated in homemade carne asada marinade ($5.49/lb.). Their fajita kit makes it a meal, adding sliced onions and green peppers, shredded pepper Jack cheese, eight tortillas, homemade black bean salsa, NYBS queso dip and a big bag of tortilla chips for only $11.99! (Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road; 770-399-6328. Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road; 404-303-0704. Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road; 678-624-0047.)

Don’t Forget to Make Your Cinco de Mayo Party Plans

You have two days to decide what you’re doing for Cinco de Mayo. Luckily, we here at Atlanta Dish have a plethora of places for you to visit. From tasty taco bars to mouthwatering margaritas, there’s something for everyone.

AltoRex is celebrating with delicious dishes like tamale poppers and taquitos, and drinks including mouthwatering margaritas and Mexican beers. Those of you who visit AltoRex before Wednesday, May 5, can get a special margarita glass to take home. Bring it back on Cinco de Mayo and get your first fill-up for free! AltoRex Rooftop Lounge is located atop Pacci Ristorante at 866 West Peachtree Street NW; 678-412-2402.

In addition to their weekly Chill and Grill patio cookout event, Atkins Park in Virginia Highland will be serving up special Cinco de Mayo dishes like scallop ceviche with cucumber noodles; and jalapenos and crispy pork taquitos with house-smoked pork, tomato and spicy cheese. The Chill and Grill menu (served from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday) also gets into the Cinco de Mayo spirit with items like tender grilled chicken legs with white bean salsa and garden herbs; and traditional elote with cotija cheese and spices. Atkins Park Tavern: 794 N. Highland Avenue; 404-876-7249.

The Original El Taco is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with some sweet drink specials including $18 buckets of Dos Equis Amber or Lager, $6 margaritas, $4 pineapple-infused tequila shots and $3 Tecates. The Virginia-Highland eatery is also serving up some Cinco de Mayo menu items like smoked trout with a spicy masa cake and salsa borracho ($6.50); shredded savory pork tostadas with lettuce and guacamole ($7.50); and grilled chicken with poblano chile-cream over steamed morisqueta ($11.50). El Taco is located at 1186 N. Highland Avenue. For more information or to make reservations for a group of seven or more, call 404-873-4656.

Thirsty Dog Tavern, the newly-opened pet-friendly eatery, is getting in on the Cinco de Mayo celebration by offering a tasty taco bar from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and drink deals like $5 margaritas, $14 pitchers of sangria and $3 Coronas all day long. The Buckhead restaurant will also get the party going with a DJ spinning tunes at 7 p.m. Thirsty Dog Tavern is located at 2110 Peachtree Road NW in the Peachtree Hills neighborhood of Buckhead; 404-367-8482.

Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food is giving Atlantans a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Diners can dig into Uncle Julio’s delicious dishes like smoky grilled fajitas, sizzling shrimp brochettes and marinated grilled quail. For those looking to sip the night away, guests can take a seat at the beautiful bar and quench their thirst with Uncle Julio’s signature Swirl (frozen margarita swirled with frozen sangria) or choose from more than 15 different tequila options to create their own Cinco de Mayo margarita. The restaurant also offers an array of imported Mexican beers, the perfect accompaniment to all of the menu’s savory selections. As always, guests can choose to enjoy their Mexican holiday meal alfresco by sitting on Uncle Julio’s lively patio. The restaurant has two locations in the Atlanta area: 1860 Peachtree Road NW; 404-350-6767 and 1140 Hammond Drive NE; 678-736-8260.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

In case you still don't have plans for Cinco de Mayo tonight, check out the festivities we mentioned last week....

Atlanta Dish: So Many Choices, So Little Time! Here's a Peek at What's Coming Up for Cinco de Mayo Next Week!

There is one more fiesta to add to the list! JCT Bar will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with great specials, tequila punch, fresh lime margaritas and tex-mex from Houston native Executive Chef Ford Fry. 1198 Howell Mill Road.

So Many Choices, So Little Time! Here's a Peek at What's Coming Up for Cinco de Mayo Next Week!

It's time for margarita mayhem! Cinco de Mayo is just a week from today and it's time to make plans. From drink specials to Mexican mega-meals, Atlanta restaurants are giving us plenty of reasons to head out and enjoy the holiday! Check out what's happening around town!
Marlow's Tavern in Alpharetta celebrates "Marlow's de Mayo" with a cantina party on Saturday, May 2. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. with fiesta food favorites including carne asada, carnitas and grilled chicken and south of the border drink specials of $3 beer and $5 margaritas and sangria. Live music follows from 2-5 p.m. Marlow's Tavern Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road; 770-475-1800.

The Latin beat comes on strong for Cinco de Mayo festivities at Eclipse di Luna at Park Place on Tuesday, May 5. Always lively, the pulse kicks up a notch or two at 5 p.m. as Fernando Fernandez jockeys up the tunes, and the Winton Peck Band plays throughout the evening. Traditional tortas and burritos are some of the $5 Mexican tapas to devour while gathering $3 Dos Equis, $4 margaritas and $6 Herradura margaritas at the multiple bar locations. There's no cover, but there will be plenty of prizes! Eclipse di Luna - Park Place: 4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Suite 11; 678-205-LUNA (5862).

Say "El Yeah" to the festivities at El Taco in the Highlands. You can't go wrong with buckets of Dos Equis (5 for $15). Or try the "EL-a Tasty!" -- the bartender's special margarita of the day, combining Sauza Blanco tequila, strawberry flavor and house made sour mix -- just $7.25. After a couple of those, your high school Spanish will come right back to you. Add in El Taco's great tacos, some chips and salsa, and a bunch of amigos and you're guaranteed one 'el of a good time! The Original El Taco: 1186 N. Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Uncle Julio's Casa Grande will be home base for Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Buckhead this week. Come casual to this eclectic eatery with its big patio and be ready to imbibe in some of Uncle Julio's signature margaritas, such as the Swirl (frozen margarita swirled with frozen sangria). Go your own way by choosing from more than 15 different tequilas for your margarita or try different Mexican beers from the "grande" selection. For authentic, border-style go-withs, dig into smoky grilled fajitas, sizzling shrimp brochettes or marinated grilled quail served with roasted fresh vegetables and spicy salsa. Uncle Julio's Casa Grande: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767.

We've been waiting with anticipation and the time is finally here! Five Seasons Brewing is opening its newest location at the intersection of Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street with a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Georgia Organics will benefit from "Five Alive on the Westside" from 5 - 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. Come help the party grow! There will be plenty of hors d'oeuvre made from farm ingredients to enjoy. Your $5 donation goes straight to Georgia Organics. Five Seasons Brewing: 1000 Marietta Street, NW.