Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With Cocktails, Artisan Burgers and Barbeque

By Anthony Todd in Food on May 4, 2012 4:00PM

There are a ton of Cinco de Mayo events happening around Chicago - and even more people will be hosting parties at home. Whether you're going out or staying in, we've got something for you. Check out some darn fine local burgers with a Mexican twist and enough tequila-laden grilling and dancing events to keep you happy until next year.

Butcher and Larder will be serving "Cinco de Marrow" burgers - their acclaimed marrow burgers with a mexican twist. According to B&L, they are also selling short ribs marinated in mole and their newest collaboration sausage with Kumas, the Brujera. Plus, if you get their really early, you might snag one of their 45-day dry aged ribeye steaks. Get there early and good luck!

Moonshine in Wicker Park is creating a crazy imperialist BBQ mixup that is guaranteed to confuse and sate you, all at the same time. They're celebrating Derby Day and Cinco De Mayo simultaneously. They'll have an outdoor taco bar with fresh grilled marinated skirt steak, chicken and other goodies, mariachi music, pinata bashing and more. Plus, you can alternate tequila and mint juleps and watch the races. On second thought, stick to one liquor.

The combinations continue with The Fifty/50's
Cinco de Derby Party. They'll have drink specials for both holidays, the derby itself showing on 18 different TVs, and a competition for the best mustache. The person who wins will get a party for 10 of their friends at the restaurant. The fun starts at 11 a.m. for those who want to start drinking before noon.

Where better to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than Nacional 27? Starting at 5 p.m., empanadas and tacos will be half-price in the lounge. Move to the dining room at 7 for a special $30, 3-course prix-fixe meal that includes Torta de Carnes (braised short rib, tomato zarzuela sauce, roasted poblano, mashed boniato) and a "mexican spiked shake" for dessert. After dinner, the dancing goes until 3 a.m.