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Cinco de Mayo Brings Festive, Fun Drink Specials To Fairfield County

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Cinco de Mayo, otherwise known as May 5, tends to be less about the commemoration of the Mexican army's victory over the French forces of Napoleon III, and more about the killer drinks and party atmosphere celebrated at area bars. 

The "Kid's Corner" Cinco de Mayo celebration at bartaco in Westport.

The "Kid's Corner" Cinco de Mayo celebration at bartaco in Westport.

Photo Credit: bartaco
Margaritas at Rancho Alegre in West Redding.

Margaritas at Rancho Alegre in West Redding.

Photo Credit: Facebook

What's meant to honor the Battle of the Puebla on May 5, 1862 has turned into an ode to tasty tacos, massive margaritas and mariachi magic. A sampling of spots to celebrate the holiday follows, though feel free to let us know any we've missed.

Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant & Cantina, Stratford: The fiesta spirit is alive and well here where food and drink specials are just part of the plans. Join the Party: 2419 Main St., (203) 378-7900, www.acapulcos.net/.

Bartaco, Stamford, Westport: Ready for your close-up? A special snapchat geo-filter will be available for photos. There will also be live music -- Acoustic Mafia in Westport and Nick Pepe in Stamford. Also in Westport: Face painting for the kids from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join the Party:  222 Summer St., Stamford, (203)323-8226; 20 Wilton Road, Westport, (203)222-8226, www.bartaco.com/.

Boxcar Cantina, Greenwich: The festive atmosphere will be on display from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with lots of giveaways, specials and off course, tequila. Come dinnertime there will be special margaritas and pinatas for the kids. Join the Party: 44 Old Field Point Rd., (203) 661-4774, www.boxcarcantina.com/.

Bodega Taco Bar, Darien, Fairfield: Bodega goes all out on Cinco de Mayo with 80-plus tequilas, a host of drink specials and giveaways. A pig roast is planned for the Darien location along with a pop up beer garden and live performance by PanaMusik. The Fairfield location is offering a sidewalk margarita bar, Patron Tequila specials and strolling guitar music. Join the Party: 980 Post Rd., Darien ,(203)655-8500; 1700 Post Rd., Fairfield (203)292-9590, www.bodegatacobar.com/.

Casa Villa, Stamford: The party starts at opening -- at 11 a.m. -- to closing complete with a special menu and lots of drink and food specials. Join the Party: 866 E. Main St., (203) 348-0622, www.casavillarestaurant.com/.

Hacienda Don Manuel, Brookfield: Get out your dancing shoes. Live mariachi music goes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a DJ in between and room for a dance floor. There will also be drink and food specials. Join the Party: 265 Federal Rd., (203) 740-0666, www.haciendadonmanuel-ct.com/.

Mediterraneo, Norwalk: Kick off your Cinco de Mayo with happy hour specials on Mediterraneo's rooftop -- think $3 beer and $4 wine. Join the Party: 353 Main Ave., (203) 229-0000, www.zhospitalitygroup.com/mediterraneonorwalk/.

Mexacali Rose, Bethel: The food of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula plus inventive margaritas form the basis for this fiesta where you'll find food and drink specials galore. Join the Party: 68 Stony Hill Rd., (203) 744-6666, www.mexicalirosebethel.com/.

Paloma, Stamford: It's Happy Hour all day at the bar at Paloma with $3 tacos, $5 Coronas and $5 margaritas. There will also be live music by Dancin’ Mark – DM. Join the Party: 15 Harbor Point Rd., (203) 998-7500, www.palomagrill.com/.

The Italian Center of Stamford, Stamford: Celebrate the holiday and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The Italian Center of Stamford is hosting an open bar, buffet, James Daniel DJ, Mariachi band, tequila and Spanish wine tasting, margarita bar and a silent auction/raffle. The evening goes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the monies benefit Stamford Dollars for Scholars, a volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to provide scholarships to Stamford students who want to pursue education beyond high school. Tickets are $75 per person in advance; $85 at the door. Join the Party: 1620 Newfield Ave., (203) 885-7347, www.stamford.dollarsforscholars.org/.

Rancho Alegre, West Redding: Cinco de Mayo is being celebrated with shot girls from Sauza and Patron Tequila along with plenty of cold Dos Equis and Negra Modelo. Sizzling fajitas and traditional favorites like chile rellenos, flautas and enchiladas help add to the celebratory atmosphere. Join the Party: 6 Main St., (203) 544-9464, www.ranchoalegrect.com/.

Rio Bravo, Fairfield: In the mood for a flaming margarita you can Instagram to your friends? Or a margarita you can create yourself with the restaurant's "Make Your Own" option? Rio Bravo offers an array of choices, along with fresh fajitas, tacos and burritos. Join the Party: 770 Commerce Dr., (475) 282-4316, www.riobravotacosandtequila.com/.

Sign of the Whale, Stamford: Spice up your fiesta with half price tacos, $4 Corona lights, $6 margaritas and a live DJ. Join the Party: 6 Harbor Point Rd., (203) 883-8282, www.signofthewhalect.com/.

Taco Loco, Bridgeport: There's always live music and a fun party atmosphere at this standby favorite where Cinco de Mayo is just another excuse to dine and enjoy. There's a special dine-in menu with $8 frozen Herradura margaritas, $5 Mexican beers, and $5 Altos shots, plus live music, giveaways and a taco truck serving $3 Mexican street tacos. Join the Party: 3170 Fairfield Ave., 203-335-8228, www.tacoloco.com/.

Tequila Mockingbird, New Canaan: With more than 300 tequilas, you have your choice of cocktails and authentic Mexican fare. Join the Party: 6 Forest St., (203) 966-2222, www.tequilamockingbirdnc.com/.

Viva Zapata, Westport: Giveaways and a party atmosphere are only part of what make this eatery so popular come Cinco de Mayo. The other is killer margaritas, solid Mexican fare and a Viva la revolución spirit. Join the Party: 530 Riverside Ave., (203) 227-8226, www.vivazapata.com/.

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