Cinco de Mayo is a holiday popular for dining out. Unfortunately due to the coronavirus, some restaurants have closed, and others are managing to stay afloat with take out business. Of the Mexican restaurants still in operation, some are featuring Mexican food with beer and cocktails prepared so that you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo in grand fashion in the comfort of your own home.
Because restaurants are operating with a skeleton crew, most require you to order in advance either by phone, their website or using a delivery service such as Grubhub, DoorDash and Postmates. When in doubt, please phone the restaurant directly.
DTLA
Guerilla Taco
Wes Avila and his crew are providing family fiesta and mini fiesta kits for Cinco de Mayo. The family sized version includes 6 tacos (2 potato, 2 steak, 2 chicken) and 4 potato taquitos with queso, rice and beans. The mini version includes 2 tacos, 2 taquitos, queso, rice and beans. The prices are $65 and $30 respectively. Optional beverage add-ons include 16 oz margarita or 16 oz pina colada kits (additional $20).
Guerilla Tacos, 2000 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021; 213.375.3300
guerillatacos.com
Santa Monica
Tallula’s
On Cinco de Mayo, Tallula’s is offering their Virtual Happy Hour Pack ($25) – 2 individual margaritas – choice of traditional, spicy, mezcal or seasonal, guacamole, salsa & chips. The Party Pack (Feeds 4 for $160) – 2 little caesar salads, 1 large nachos, 6 chicken enchiladas blue corn tortillas, cheese blend, chili verde sauce, 1 pint organic red rice, 1 pint organic pinto beans, churros with Mexican drinking chocolate and 1 bottle of margarita – makes 8 cocktails
Tallula’s Restaurant, 118 Entrada Dr, Santa Monica CA 90402; 310.626.0027
tallulasrestaurant.com
Culver City
El Rio Bravo
Family owned and operated since 2010, El Rio Bravo is best known for its wet burritos, tacos, sopes and Mexican breakfast entrees. Beverages include horchata, agua frescas, beer, sangria and margaritas. Grubhub delivery or pick up service is available.
El Rio Bravo Restaurant, 5853 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (323) 938-9858
Elriobravorestaurant.com
Loqui
Loqui is a taqueria located in the trendy Culver City Platform complex. Their flour tortillas are homemade and their corn tortillas are pressed to order using fresh masa. For Cinco de Mayo, they are featuring Family Meals $25, $90 (feeds 4-6) and $110 (feeds 4-6 with selected wine and beer).
Loqui, 8830 Washington Blvd #104, Culver City, CA 90232; 310.220.7260
eatloqui.com
South Bay
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Some of the specialties of the house include Angus steaks with a chipotle cream sauce, chicken or steak fajitas with a sweet chipotle sauce, or enchiladas suizas with wild Mexican shrimp, fresh Dungeness crab or shrimp and Dungeness crab. A traditional set of entrees are also available. Beverages available to go include margaritas, martinis, beer, wine and bottles of craft spirits. Carryout, Curbside Pickup or Delivery via DoorDash.
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila, 39 Pier Ave. Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; 310.374.4440
Palmillarestaurant.com
Madre Restaurant
Madre Restaurant is best known for its Oaxacan-style Mexican cuisine. Tlayudas and dishes covered with rich mole sauce rule the menu. Their Cinco de Mayo special consists of three premium tacos (1 each, cecina, asada, chicken) and a margarita for $16. In addition, you can order their pre-bottled cocktails: Smokey Margarita, Smokey Mule, Chapo and Kate, Margarita and Paloma. One quarter (6 drinks) $38, One eighth (3 drinks) $20 or individual cocktail $6.
Madre Restaurant, 1261 Cabrillo Ave STE 100, Torrance, CA 90501; 310.974.8005
madrerestaurants.com
Original Red Onion
The original location of the Original Red Onion in Rolling Hills Estates remains a popular peninsula favorite. Popular dishes include carne asada, chicken enchiladas and sweet corn tamales. To go cocktails include Cadillac, Skinny and House Margaritas and must be ordered with food.
Original Red Onion, 736 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274; 310.377.5660
originalredonion.com
Long Beach
Lola’s
Lola’s will feature their signature Tijuana Tacos and Al Pastor Tacos for $3 all day on Tuesday, May 5th! If you are feeding a family, consider one of their Taco Packages: choice of two proteins: chicken, carne asada, al pastor, calabacitas or vegan picadillo. The packages also include tortillas, rice, beans, chips and salsa. On Cinco de Mayo only, they will include guacamole and Lola’s margaritas!
Lola’s, 2030 E 4th St #1049, Long Beach, CA 90814; 562.343.5506
lolasmexicancuisine.com
Most restaurants have modified their websites to allow on-line ordering where you can elect to have it delivered or have it ready for take-out. If you have time, I highly encourage you to pick up your order as this allows these cash strapped restaurant owners from having to pay delivery fees.