Free tequila, piñata, music, a dunk tank: Myrtle Beach’s biggest Cinco de Mayo parties
Americans have embraced the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 — otherwise known as Cinco de Mayo — as their own celebration of Mexican-American heritage.
This year, the adopted holiday gives Grand Strand residents and visitors a reason to start the weekend early with a Thursday celebration.
Several bars and restaurants will be hosting special events and offering food and drink specials to commemorate the holiday.
Three of the largest celebrations will be at Roca Roja Cantina and Taco Mundo Kitchen Y Cantina in North Myrtle Beach, and Sol Y Luna in the Carolina Forest area.
▪ Roca Roja, at 806 Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach, is holding a Mexican Street Fiesta from noon until well into the evening featuring performances from two live bands, two comedian emcees and a DJ, as well as food and drink specials on all three levels of the restaurant.
Miracle Max and the Pet Monsters will play from 2-6 p.m. and Dirty Laundry will play on the third floor starting at 6 p.m. The street party lasts until approximately 7 p.m., then the party moves inside.
A full menu will be available in the main dining area until 11 p.m., and taqueria stations featuring varieties of tacos, nachos and Mexican dirty rice will be set up outside and on the top floor.
There will be free samples of four different tequilas, free tequila shots for successfully dunking someone in a dunk tank, Mexican beers, and a new Cantina drink in a can.
Several neighboring businesses that are allowing overflow parking can be found on the Roca Roja Facebook page.
“We’re expecting 2,000-plus people tomorrow,” Roca Roja owner Terry Walden said. “I was only open two months last year and we saw 1,500 people. I think it’s going to be fun.”
▪ Taco Mundo Kitchen Y Cantina, on the Intracoastal Waterway in Barefoot Landing, is holding a free tequila tasting from 6-8 p.m. with Tequila Maria, Corona Girls offering free samples of new Corona seltzers, and live music from The Winchesters from 5-9 p.m. The bash will include food and drink specials all day long.
▪ Sol y Luna, at 4270 River Oaks Drive, has the second annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta parking lot and patio party with music and entertainment from noon until 10 p.m. and the mobile Carolina Social Bar serving drinks.
DJ Alex A will be spinning from noon-4 p.m., musician Spencer Rush will perform from 4-7 p.m., and Kaitlyn Rose and Ariel Marini of No Limit will perform from 7-10 p.m.
The restaurant will feature a special fixed menu, tequila specials include Casamigos and $4 margaritas, and other drink specials including mojitos and Modelo beer.
“I think we can really grow it this year having the social bar outside on the day of (May 5),” said Sol Y Luna partner Nick Vaugh.
▪ Crooked Hammock Brewery in Barefoot Landing will give kids a chance to swing at a piñata filled with goodies like Hammock Store gift certificates. Each table receives free chips and queso all day, and there will be Mexican-inspired cocktail specials.
▪ Senor Frogs in Broadway at the Beach will be offering special Bandera shot drinks featuring the Mexican flag colors of green, white and red, and about 10 different margarita flavors including pomegranate and mango either on the rocks or frozen.
▪ The Boathouse, at 201 Fantasy Harbour Blvd. in Myrtle Beach, has live entertainment beginning at 3 p.m. from Julio & the Saltines and Jimmy Mowery with The New High, specialty tacos and hand-crafted tequila drinks.
▪ Bar Louie, in Broadway at the Beach has a gastrobar fiesta featuring $3 off Tostada Burgers, $4 Pacifico beers and $5 Cinco Ritas all day.
According to a Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce website, these other bars and restaurants will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with specials and events:
▪ Mojo’s Marina Bar & Grille, 4139 US-17 Bus, Murrells Inlet: Celebrate with fresh taco salad, fried plantains, street corn, empanadas or a braised beef quesadilla.
▪ 5 De Mayo Mexican Restaurant, 603 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach: Aptly named for the occasion, the authentic Mexican restaurant will feature $5.99 Margaritas, $2 off drafts, $2.50 domestic bottled beers and $3.50 imported beers.
▪ Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant, 740 Coastal Grand Circle, Myrtle Beach: It is offering $5 Grande Mexican draft beers, Mexican Flag Margaritas and an El Jefe with a complimentary shaker (while supplies last).
▪ Bandito’s Cantina, 1410 North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach: Live music and an ocean view will be part of the celebration, along with plenty of drink specials.
▪ El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill, seven Grand Strand locations: Sample an elevated menu with options like Enchiladas Poblano, specialty tacos and Cajun shrimp salad, and margarita options
▪ Fiesta Mexicana, 410 70th Ave. North., Myrtle Beach: A Cinco de Mayo Festival will feature indoor and outdoor live entertainment and many drink specials beginning at 11 a.m..
▪ Nacho Hippo, three Grand Strand Locations: Each Nacho Hippo location will have $3 house margarita specials along with unique taco creations.
This story was originally published May 5, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
