Cinco de Mayo* without a fabulous margarita? Perish the thought!
Maybe you use Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to go out and get plastered on tequila, but it helps to know that the day commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo may not be as big a deal as St. Patrick’s Day is to the Irish, but it’s a popular way for Mexican-Americans to celebrate their cultural heritage.
Of course, no excuse is needed to toast one of the most beloved cocktails—the margarita. These days, there are so many variations that it’s hard to keep up, but in its traditional form—tequila, lime juice and Cointreau or Triple Sec, served in a glass with a salted rim—it’s an undeniably delicious blend of salty, sweet, sour and bitter.
The margarita’s origin is a matter of dispute, with several people vying for the credit of creating such a popular, enduring drink. According to The Complete Book of Spirits by Anthony Dias Blue, the first importer of Jose Cuervo in the United States advertised with the tagline, “Margarita: it’s more than a girl’s name,” in 1945, three years before [wealthy Dallas socialite] Margarita Sames claimed to have invented the drink.
All well and good, but let’s get down to the really important part: Where can one enjoy this lovely drink—along with fabulous food and music—in Grand Rapids and Wyoming? We’re here to help and suggest these hot local spots:
665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
If you like authentic Mexican food and a great selection of tequila—over 130 varieties!— this is the place for you. Donkey Taqueria resides in a remodeled 1920s neighborhood service station. Local band Cabildo will play from 6-10 pm, and you’ll have a chance to grab some fun giveaways like maracas, sombreros and sunglasses. Donkey’s standard margaritas sport a classic lime flavor, prickly pear, mango, white peach and jalapeño.
1742 28th Street, Wyoming
So many people, such limited room—what’s a restaurant to do? In Lindo Mexico’s case, they expanded for the second time last fall. The family-owned restaurant prepares authentic, fresh food including special dishes like chimichangas and camarones (shrimp)—plus a coconut flan that’s simply indescribable. Try out their more than 10 varieties of margaritas, and get ready for live Mariachi music by ‘Son de Mexico Mariachi’ on Cinco de Mayo beginning at 6 pm. Prizes and giveaways, too.
Don’t miss out: Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more. 616.261.2280
64 Ionia Avenue, Grand Rapids
If you’re already downtown, you won’t have to go far to get a taste of Latin American’s rich culinary heritage. Just around the corner from Van Andel Arena, Luna serves up delicious contemporary Latin foods. The menu changes often, but that just gives you more delicious food and creative drinks to sample. In addition to the food specials on the menu for Cinco de Mayo, you’ll have the chance to taste some pretty inspired margaritas made from fresh, in-season produce—like watermelon.
Reservations are strongly recommended for parties of any size. 616.288.6340
114 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids
Right across from the Grand Rapids Art Museum in the 150-year-old Flat Iron Building, Cinco de Mayo serves up authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex food in an upbeat atmosphere. The menu features fajitas, a hot-and-spicy burrito, and more. Grand Rapids artist Rolando Mancer painted the decorative murals, and the old building exudes historic ambience with exposed brick and original tin ceilings. Their 46-oz house margarita kicks butt.
Beltline Bar16 – 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids
Less than five miles from downtown Grand Rapids, you’ll find long-time, local favorite Beltline Bar with a classic Mexican menu. When we say long-time, we really mean it—Beltline Bar has been in GR since 1953. Last year Beltline served its 5 millionth burrito—this crowd-pleaser keeps customers coming back year after year.
545 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids
The Beltline Bar folks also own El Barrio, which offers up traditional Mexican cuisine with a fresh modern flair. Check out their tequila flights and their “make any tequila a margarita” menu, along with classic margaritas.
*OK, so it isn’t quite Cinco de Mayo. We jumped the gun, it’s true, but some of these places require reservations and we wanted to give you some time to prepare.
