A Guide to Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Elizabeth

Explore Cinco de Mayo activities and events around Elizabeth, New Jersey, from vibrant festivities to mouthwatering eats.

Honor Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 with our guide on things to do for Cinco de Mayo in Elizabeth. Whether you’re spending the day with family or planning a fun night out with friends, there’s something for everyone for this Cinco de Mayo. Here, Cinco de Mayo is best enjoyed by savoring our culinary scene, dancing your way through nightclubs, unwinding in outdoor spaces, and supporting Mexican-owned businesses.

DRINKS

La Unica Tacos & Tequila

190 Union St.

La Unica is a hidden gem in Elizabeth that's bursting with authentic and original drinks. Try their take on a margarita or one of their creative cocktail creations.

Beer fan? La Unica announced its own house beer in 2026. Take a sip and try an original flavor this Cinco De Mayo that started with Mexican vibes and ended with hoppy goodness.

La Unica also has a selection of Mexican sodas and non-alcoholic drinks. Pick from their house-made horchata, Jamaica, or Corona Cero for a tasty drink without the twist of liquor.

Credit @launicanj

Spicy Burro Taquería Bar

630 Clarkson Ave

Grab a drink at Spicy Burro Taqueria Bar. Their full Tequila menu offers you a wide selection of high-end to affordable drinks that'll suit your every need.

Their full bar also has a huge offering of cocktails, alcohol, and other drinks to quench your thirst. Pick from their mojitos, Mexican Bulldog Margaritas, and even frozen margaritas.

Don't forget to turn your attention to their menu of tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and so much more!

Maya MX

135 fifth St

If you are looking for something alcohol-free that you can share with your kids in a family-friendly celebration, make your way to Maya MX for a genuine cup of Mexican hot chocolate.

There’s nothing quite like Mexican hot chocolate, and it’s perfect as an invigorating drink for high-energy festivities. Infused with chili powder and cayenne pepper, Mexican hot chocolate is a creamy and rich drink, oozing with notes of cinnamon. At Maya MX you can pair it with a comforting meal like the birria tacos.

Credit Maya MX

BITES

La Kantina Mexican Restaurant

270 Morris Ave #272

Fiery chiles and zesty flavors are just some of the scrumptious hallmarks of Mexican cuisine, all of which you can find at La Kantina Mexican Restaurant, where there is no shortage of yummy bites and drinks.

Take a bite of their classic Mexican appetizers, including elotes, empanadas, and queso. If you need a heartier meal, their entrees are a tasty solution. Whether you want ribeye or salmon, salads or soups, or tacos or burritos, they've put their own spin on each dish.

La Kantina also has a cold bar menu available for fish fans wanting a little surf with their turf. There's no going wrong with their tropical oysters or mixed seafood skewers.

Credit @lakantinanj

El Nacho's Cantina

746 Carlton St

For colorful, flavorful food that is just as playful as its lively atmosphere, slide on over to El Nacho's Cantina. This location is a healthy balance of delicious food and dancing fun. Keep in mind that they only have a shareables menu of favorite appetizers and original blends.

Try their fresh guacamole, house wings, or nachos for classic dishes. If you're a curious foodie, venture into order their spicy street corn, fried calamari, or El Nacho's tostado diablo marino.

After picking from their curated selection of appetizers, participate in their full-day celebration for Cinco de Mayo.

La Cabaña

901 Elizabeth Ave.

For affordable and delectable food, head to La Cabana. Their menu is packed with authentic Mexican meals from $9 taco trios to chicken with mole.

La Cabana's warm and welcoming atmosphere is echoed in its colorful and playful design that radiates rich styles of culture. For a bite that feels like home, head to this location.

You can't go without trying their drinks and desserts menu. La Cabana's mango and lemon margaritas are too good to pass up. Don't forget to treat your taste buds with one of their desserts: flan, tres leche cake, or tiramisu.

Credit Elizabeth Avenue - The Market
Live music with mariachi band at the Mexology restaurant in Elizabeth NJ.
Mexology

EVENTS

Cinco de Mayo: Rock en Español Mexicano| Banda en Vivo en NJ

When: May 2 | 9:30 PM
Where: La Choza Nautica

Grab your tickets for La Choza Nautica's lively night of music, live performances, and throwbacks with their rock festival. Cheer on their lineup of local bands covering favorite rock songs from years past, all while you chow down on their menu of Mexican delights. Perfect for those looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo early, as the event will be hosted on May 2.

This year's lineup of songs:

  • Caifanes
  • Maná
  • Elefante
  • Molotov

You don't want to miss out, so grab your tickets now before they're sold out!

Credit La Choza Náutica

Cinco De Mayo Celebration

When: May 5
Where: The Lobby

Swing by Elizabeth's The Lobby for a night of music, drinks, and great food. Providing the high-energy jams will be DJ La Melma and DJ Arlitos. The Lobby will be serving up tacos and tequila for the evening, so make sure you reserve your seats. Call them at 908-469-8088 to book your table.

Given The Lobby's history of one-of-a-kind experiences and unique celebrations, you have to check it out.

FAMILY FUN

Create Your Own Cinco de Mayo Picnic at Warinanco Park

1 Park Drive, Rosalie, NJ

Warinanco Park sets a peaceful scene for a delectable picnic with the special people in your life. Plan for the ultimate Cinco de Mayo picnic with to-go bites and treats from local eateries.

Treat your taste buds to tortas and tacos from Santiago’s Bakery. Grab slices of tres leches and flan from a bakery like Bella Palermo Pastry Shop. Sip and savor a sweet drink like horchata from Sazón de México Bakery Restaurant.

Enrich Your Knowledge About Cinco de Mayo at a Public Library

Elizabeth Public Library | 11 South Broad Street

Elmora Branch Library | 740 W. Grand Street

LaCorte Branch Library | 418-424 Palmer Street

Elizabethport Branch Library 102-110 3rd Street at E. Jersey Street

If you’re looking for free activities during Cinco de Mayo, the Elizabeth Public Library system is home to plenty of public educational resources, including books about Mexican history.

Elizabeth-based residents can prepare for their deep dive on Mexican history by accessing the catalogue search of the Elizabeth Public Library system.

Credit Elizabeth Public Libary

We want to celebrate with you! Book your trip and stop by Elizabeth, NJ!

Cherry blossom trees bloom in the springtime at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth, NJ.
Warinanco Park

Treat Yourself to Mexican Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing quite like Mexican hot chocolate, and it’s perfect as an invigorating drink for high-energy festivities. Infused with chili powder and cayenne pepper, Mexican hot chocolate is a creamy and rich drink, oozing with notes of cinnamon. For a genuine cup of this decadent drink, make your way to Maya MX and pair it with a comforting meal like the birria tacos.

Enrich Your Knowledge About Cinco de Mayo at a Public Library

If you’re looking for free activities during Cinco de Mayo, the Elizabeth Public Library system is home to plenty of public educational resources, including books about Mexican history. Elizabeth-based residents can prepare for their deep dive on Mexican history by accessing the catalogue search of the Elizabeth Public Library system. The library system includes the main Elizabeth Public Library (11 South Broad Street), Elmora Branch Library (740 W. Grand Street), LaCorte Branch Library (418-424 Palmer Street), and Elizabethport Branch Library (102-110 3rd Street at E. Jersey Street).

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GoElizabethNJ

GoElizabethNJ is the city’s official tourist information center, providing visitors with the resources they need to visit the premiere up and coming urban destination.

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