Ready to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Thursday, May 5, is Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrating the unlikely defeat of the French army at Pueblo, Mexico in 1862 (not Mexican Independence Day, as is commonly thought).

Though not widely celebrated in Mexico, the holiday has evolved here over time to become a celebration of Mexican culture. It’s a big food and dining holiday for local Mexican restaurants, marked with food and drink specials and a festive atmosphere that we all can appreciate.

Here’s a sampling of Bellevue restaurants where you can go to celebrate Cinco de Mayo:

10246 Main St

La Cocina del Puerco will go all out with a special menu including black beans and white rice, crispy potato tacos, and Oregon bay shrimp in taco bowls with guacamole. They’ll also have beer specials and door prizes and, if the weather’s nice, plenty of patio and sidewalk seating. The specials start at 11 a.m., and continue until they are gone, so get there early and stay late.

505 Bellevue Square

Though not technically a Mexican restaurant, Munchbar will be putting on a sombrero for the day, and hosting a party featuring a Live Mariachi Band, themed Go-Go's, and Promo Models galore. $2 Coronas or a $6 Corona & Tequila shot combo fro 7pm-10pm. Dj Pedro.

10650 NE 4th St.

Specials from 3pm until closing, featuring a special holiday menu that includes such Mexican fare as housemade salsas & guacamole, fried jalapeno strips, queso fundido and taco platters.

From the bar, Barrio will offer beer and shot pairings as well as some special drinks such as the “La Paloma” and “Modelo Michelada”.

535 Bellevue Square

Z’Tejas, in Bellevue Square, is offering $2 dollar Coronas and Corona Lights for Cinco de Mayo.