No Cinco de Mayo is complete without a tasty margarita and at least a taco or two. For the best that Miami has to offer, head to these popular haunts for a taste of Mexico that might as well be a fiesta:

1. COYO Taco

If you live in Miami and love tacos, you’ve probably been to Wynwood’s hottest taco shop: COYO Taco {2300 Northwest Second Avenue; 305.573.8228}. This Thursday, celebrate everyone’s favorite Mexican holiday with the locale’s Second Annual Cinco de Mayo block party! In addition to live mariachi bands, DJs, and live luchador matches, guests will also be able to munch on COYO’s signature tacos al pastor, corn on the cob, beer specials, and of course, its famous “paleritas”–a margarita with a popsicle inside. The block party will run from 4pm-3am. The price is $10 for general admission, and $25 for VIP lounge access. Tickets can be purchased here.

2. The Dutch

What’s Cinco de Mayo without a fiesta? On May 5, head to The Dutch {West South Beach, 2201 Collins Avenue; 305.938.3111} for a Miami-style fiesta like you’ve never had before. In addition to choosing from the regular menu, dinner-goers can indulge in $8 margaritas and a $12 taco trio, while the restaurant’s critically acclaimed pastry chef, Josh Gripper, whips up a slew of delectable desserts just perfect for the occasion. Taking place on The Dutch’s fun, casual outdoor terrace, the night promises to do Cinco de Mayo right. Dinner seatings are available between 6:30-10pm. Reservations recommended.

3. American Social Brickell

This Cinco de Mayo, get social. Sitting right on the Miami River, just off posh Brickell Avenue, American Social Brickell {690 Southwest First Court; 305.223.7004} will have a live DJ and “American” Cinco de Mayo specials to help you celebrate the holiday the best way you know how. To get in the spirit, wash down your $8.50 queso dip, $11.50 chicken or shrimp tacos, and $12 quesadillas with $8 margaritas and $5 tequila shots. Then, when you’re done, relax and take in the calming, riverfront vibes–at American Social Brickell, you’re practically guaranteed them.

4. The Rum Line + Lure Fishbar

Taking your Cinco to the beach? We don’t blame you. At Loews Hotel Miami Beach {1601 Collins Avenue; 305.695.0110}, guests can enjoy a Cinco de Mayo “taco over” at the hotel’s own award-winning alfresco bar, The Rum Line. During this food-centric affair, diners can get an upscale twist on Mexican street food–including housemade blue corn chips with chile de árbol salsa and guacamole, two-for-$5 prawn al pastor tacos, and more from Taquiza’s Steve Santana–and pair it with The Rum Line’s $10 frozen margaritas and Avion cocktails. If a sit-down dinner is more your style, head inside to Lure Fishbar, where Executive Chef John Iatrellis will serve up $8 plates of lechón asado with charred corn salad, tamal colado and mole negro, and grilled snapper tamales with Mexican rice and Veracruz salsa.

5. The Continental

At this Miami mainstay, Mexican food goes global. This Thursday, head to The Continental {2360 Collins Avenue; 305.604.2000} for a fiesta-inspired $10 frozen guava margarita, and stay for its menu of indulgent Mexican favorites that you’ll want to keep eating again and again. Start with the $14 “Nacho Mama”–melted Jack cheese, black beans, salsa ranchera, sour cream, pickled red onions, and jalapeño–and move onto the baja fish, chicken, or crispy tempura cauliflower tacos. For something more filling, opt for the $37 Tacos al Carbon for two, with grilled steak and shrimp, rajas, queso fresco, salsa roja, and warm flour tortillas. If you need something new to wash it down with, get the Cheturnal Margarita. For just $14, this mix of Espolón Blanco, cucumber, aloe vera, and a fresh lime-mint-salt rim are sure to give you the kick you need.

By Jennifer Agress | Online Editor