Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for “fifth of May”, marks the 150 th anniversary of the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. While the Mexican community has many ways to celebrate this historic day, my favorite is to take in local Mexican and Mexican-inspired fare!
Margarita’s
Located at 1241 Lombardi Access Road, Margarita’s is in the same neighborhood as the historic Lambeau Field and Green Bay Packers Pro Shop. Margarita’s claim to fame is their famous 22-ounce Grand Marnier margarita, available in many flavors. If you miss Margarita’s on your tour of best bars for Cinco de Mayo, visit during the week for Happy Hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, and all day Monday, when these tasty libations are served at an incredible price of $5.00 each. In addition to a full menu, Margarita’s serves chips and salsa, something we’ve all come to expect at Mexican restaurants. However, rather than the simple hot or mild salsa varieties, Margarita’s has different versions to tempt your palate, playing with smoky and/or hot peppers to come up with different variations. Margarita’s does not accept reservations, but does have “Call Ahead Seating”, so phone them at 920.429.0400 to lessen your wait. Visit online at www.margaritas-greenbay.com.
Los Banditos
Lost Banditos East, located at 1258 Main Street, is a time-honored Green Bay tradition, serving up their Cal-Mex fare since 1981. They have many flavors of margaritas, but their strawberry margaritas are legendary, containing over twenty-two ingredients yielding an incredible margarita unlike any other. Long-time menu favorites include the traditional chicken chimichanga and inspired pasta dish known as a Cart Driver, among others. Los Banditos West carries on the tradition at 2335 West Mason Street. Both locations do not accept reservations for dinner, but will take reservations for lunch weekdays between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Los Banditos is absolutely one of the best bars for Cinco de Mayo! But if you miss it, plan a visit on Sunday when the Bloody Mary bar opens at 11:00 AM and includes complementary servings of their famous chile con queso (CCQ). Los Banditos is a preferred partner of the Green Bay Packers. For more information, call the West side location at 920.494.4505 or visit www.losbanditoswest.com. Call the East side location at 920-432-9462 or visit www.losbanditoseast.com
El Sarapé
While the colorful and casual atmosphere is especially inviting, the specials are what get you in the door at El Sarapé. They have daily entrée specials for lunch sporting a nominal $4.95 price tag, along with monthly specials, in addition to a robust authentic Mexican food menu! Simply put, El Sarapé has the best Mexican food in Green Bay, and will undoubtedly have you coming back time and time again. There are many dinner entrées under $10.00, including the impressive Sarapé Burrito which is the size of an average loaf of bread! El Sarapé’s unique margaritas are mixed using wine, providing the perfect accompaniment to your meal, and making El Sarapé one of the best bars for Cinco de Mayo. There are two locations in Green Bay: 2030 East Mason Street (phone 920.468.8792) and 2665 South Oneida Street (phone 920.857.3584). They do not accept reservations. For specials and additional information, please view their website at www.elsarape-gb.com.
El Azteca
Friendly service is El Azteca’s calling card, setting them apart from other local area bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to visit at 2469 W. Mason St. in Green Bay (phone 920.499.8717). Their authentic Mexican food entrées are under $10.00, making your visit affordable as well. Frozen margaritas come in many flavors and served with a dollop a bit of whipped cream on top. Access their website at www.elaztecagreenbay.com for more information.
Although these restaurants have yet to unveil their specials specific to Cinco de Mayo, they are sure to please. Whether you are joining a group of coworkers for lunch or going out on the own with that special someone, keep in mind these outstanding restaurants and best bars for Cinco de Mayo in the Green Bay area!
