Feliz Cinco De Mayo! Bushwick residents certainly don’t need a reason to celebrate New York City’s Mexican heritage, but it sure doesn’t hurt to have one! In that spirit, here is a list of some of the best ways to observe the holiday in the neighborhood.
Study Spanish: The current session of MayDay Space’s exemplary Spanish class is already under way (we’ll let you know when the next one is coming up), but there are plenty of other opportunities to study Mexico’s most widely spoken language in the neighborhood. One way to get started today: swing by Human Relations on Flushing and pick up something from the Spanish language section.
Support Mexican Businesses in Bushwick: Our neighborhood has some pretty amazing Mexican businesses. Stop by La Mexicanita at 915 Broadway to pick up a half pint of pickled onion and jalapeño slices (they are delicious on anything savory), have a moment of solemnity in front of the shrine in the corner of Regalo de Juquila at 1209 Myrtle before you pick up a Jarrito or have a burrito at the family style table in the center of the room, and if you insist on only patronizing places that have been written up by the Paper of Record, have a bite at Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos.
Looking for another way to support Bushwick’s Mexican community? Consider making a donation to local Latinx advocacy nonprofit Make the Road. Your donation will help fund community education, leadership initiatives and other services that reach 10,000 community members annually.
Party!
Sure, the American tradition of celebrating Cinco de Mayo is not without plenty of weirdness. That said, lots of local businesses are happy to have an opportunity to recognize the vast influence of Mexican culture on American cuisine, mixology and nightlife. Here are a few places to check out if you’re looking for a festive scene this evening:
1. Our Wicked Lady
Our Wicked Lady, the bar and event space on Morgan Ave, has partnered with Tequila Cabeza to bring you Cinco de Mayo drink specials and delicious margaritas! There will also be tacos by Nicole Rutsch Catering and a mariachi band downstairs. Party starts at 7pm!
2. The Rosemont
The jazz bar brought to you from the people behind the now-shuttered Trash Bar are throwing a sophisticated soiree with themed cocktails such as the Mexican “Firing Squad” Special – a cocktail with Blanco Tequila, Lime Juice, Grenadine, Angostura bitters, Hellfire bitters, and club soda. A classic cocktail that historically comes from La Cucuracha Bar in Mexico City, 1937. Also, $8 shaken margaritas until 8pm and live Latin music from 9pm-12am.
3. House Of Yes
True to form, House of Yes will be throwing a big party late into the night feature underground DJs, guest performances, and elaborate visual effects. Check out the Facebook event and get your tickets here.
The bar/cafe/restaurant off the Wilson stop will kicking off its new weekly gay night on Thursday with a party for Cinco De Mayo. There will be a DJ and food and drink specials including the Mucho Macho Nachos, a double serving of the popular Macho Nachos with a Margarita in the middle served in a sombrero!
6. La Lupe
The Mexican joint on Jefferson will be doing $5 margaritas and 5 shots for $10 all. day. long. Paired with tacos? A Cinco De Mayo dream.
7. Champs:
Mexican cuisine is sometimes, but not always, vegan friendly. Local vegans who want a delicious bite can swing by Meserole street’s cruelty free comfort food haven for Cinco de Mayo specials which will include chimichangas with rice, shredded chik’n, and refried beans, a Horchata Milkshake with dulce de leche, No Carne Asada Burritos wiht diced, seared Seitan Asada, cilantro, diced onions, lime, and cabbage and vegan pambazos.
Happy May 5th, Bushwick!
