Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Tempe: Top Restaurants, Specials & Festive Events
While Cinco de Mayo, commemorating Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla, is celebrated more widely in the U.S. than in Mexico itself, Tempe, Arizona, excels at honoring Hispanic heritage with vibrant festivities. On May 5, savor authentic Mexican dishes, craft cocktails, and exclusive specials amid great company. Explore our curated guide to Tempe's top spots and support local restaurants. Note: Specials may vary annually; confirm details via phone, website, or social media for the latest information.
Downtown Tempe
Loco Patron Mexican Grill
222 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 699-0922
“Eat. Drink. Be Loco.” all week long during Cinco de Mayo festivities, starting the Friday before through May 5. Enjoy a live DJ, craft Mexican brews, and freshly squeezed margaritas. Check their Instagram and website for updates.
Illegal Pete’s Mill
525 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (623) 233-4311
Happy Hour all day long! Follow their Instagram for Cinco de Mayo specials. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Cheers!
Alter Ego at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
108 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (602) 612-7871
Named 2020 Best Hotel Restaurant by Phoenix New Times, Alter Ego offers a Cinco de Mayo combo: two tacos, a specialty margarita (featuring Patron and Patron Citronge), and a scoop of ice cream.
The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen
26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, AZ | (480) 967-0578
This neighborhood favorite serves house-made margaritas for $1 off on Cinco de Mayo. Pair with entrees like the Sasquatch Burger or Triple D Burger (Food Network features). Relax on the spacious outdoor patio amid woodsy decor.
Pedal Haus Brewery
730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 314-2337
Cinco de Mayo specials: $5 Mexican Stand-Off Micheladas, $5 tequila shots, and $6 margaritas.
Tempe Marketplace
Barrio Queen
31 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 912-4052
Join Lucha En El Barrio from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. on Cinco de Mayo.
- Exclusive The Barrio Smack Down: Watermelon Redbull, jalapeño-infused tequila, lime juice, and nectar.
- Cinco Cerveza Buckets: Mix-and-match five 12 oz. Modelo Especial or Modelo Negra bottles for $20.
- At-home option: “Cinco TKO Box” with 5x tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, churros, and sides.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. #1041, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-2920
Sauza House Margarita at social hour pricing all day. Pair with scratch-kitchen appetizers or entrées on the large patio.
South Tempe
Someburros
101 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 839-8226
314 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 446-8226
Five days of Cinco de Mayo fun from May 1-5:
Saturday, May 1: $5 fiesta platters
Sunday, May 2: $3 margaritas
Monday, May 3: $6 pollo fundido
Tuesday, May 4: $2 Taco Tuesday
Wednesday, May 5: Cinco de Mayo specials!
Check Instagram for details.
Kettle Heroes Artisan Popcorn
1705 W. Ruby Dr. #107, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (855) 538-4376
From classic to Arizona-inspired flavors like prickly pear, Hatch green chile, and churro. Cinco de Mayo limited release: Elote (Mexican street corn).
The Peppermill: Steakhouse and Cocktail
7660 S. McClintock Dr., #104, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 590-6755
Beyond steaks, enjoy specialty cocktails. On May 5, five-course Cinco de Mayo Tequila Dinner with Ocho Tequila ($85/person). See Instagram for details.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
1120 E. Baseline Rd. Ste. 105, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 590-5830
New York-style: $5 Micheladas and margaritas all day on May 5. Try artichoke or crab pizzas.
Ghost Ranch: Modern Southwest Cuisine
1006 E. Warner Rd. #102-103, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 474-4328
On May 5: $2 a la carte tacos (carne asada, al pastor, chicken, or pork); all-day drinks: $5 Ghost Ranch Margarita, $5 Frosé, $4 Modelo Especial pints.
Pier 54
5394 S. Lakeshore Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 820-0660
Fiesta starts at 3 p.m. on Cinco de Mayo: $2.50 fish/shrimp tacos, $4 cervezas, $5 margaritas. Live music 6-8 p.m. by The Griffins.
Off the Beaten Path
Macayo’s Mexican Food
650 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-2552
#CincoDeMacayo starting May 1 with specials:
Drinks: $3 Dos XX Lager, $4 Fireball shots, $6 beer & shot (Dos XX + Fireball/1800 Reposado), $7.50 1800 Margaritas.
Food: $7.50 chimi (shredded beef/chicken).
Dine-in/takeout 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Follow Instagram for daily specials.
Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
2350 E. Southern Ave. #1, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 897-0025
May 5 specials: $3.25 Modelo Especial cans, Happy Hour entertainment (select locations), free kids' meals (with adult entrée $7+).
For Delivery
Celebrate with wood-fired Mexican takeout from A Su Salud, Pita Jungle's Tempe ghost kitchen. Free three-cheese quesadilla with $15+ DoorDash order. BOGO on Uber Eats around Cinco de Mayo (dates vary). Available for delivery/pickup.
