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Best Cinco de Mayo 2016 Celebrations Near Sacramento

Cinco de Mayo is a day for celebration, but not many people know why. In 1862, 2000 Mexicans went up against 6000 French to win the Battle of Puebla. That victory is now a national holiday in Mexico. In the U.S. however, we are usually just out to celebrate Mexican food and culture in general. And Tequila. Don't forget to celebrate tequila. Whether you like margaritas or straight shots, these places have you covered.
Florez Bar & Grill
5900 S Land Park Dr
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 429-6864
www.florezbarandgrill.com

Florez has been a Land Park favorite since 1981. On Cinco they take it outside- with samba dancers, live mariachi bands, and even a DJ. All day long and into the night, expect drink specials, food specials, and of course happy hour from 3-6pm. Happy hour includes $3.50 well drinks, $5 Craft Beer pints, $5 House Margaritas and $5 mojitos. They also have a unique special on tequila - 6 shots for the price of 4 every day! Hungry? lunch specials are only $7.99 and are available until 3pm. Want something unconventional? Try the chile verde fries- fries covered in pork and cheese, smothered in tomatillo sauce and topped with guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo. Ready for dessert? The churros are to die for, filled with bavarian creme and covered with caramel and chocolate. Florez Bar & Grill is very authentic and is sure to be fun on Cinco de Mayo.

El Pueblo Mexican Food
6608 Folsom-Auburn Rd #1
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 987-5797
www.elpueblofolsom.net

You may not expect to discover an amazing place like El Pueblo in in an unassuming plaza in Folsom. This Mexican Cocina is definitely worth the trip. On Cinco they will be offering up some amazing food, a killer patio, great music and drink specials and promos all day. The tacos are must-have- flour tortillas stuffed seven different ways. You can even get them "Pueblo Style", make with a crunchy shell, jack cheese and guac. If you are in the mood for something sweet, try a crushed fruit margarita- strawberry, pineapple, mango, four berry or forbidden fruit. Happy hour is 3-6 pm every day and includes their house margarita for only $4 using Sauza Blue 100% Agave Reposado. With a wonderful staff and fun atmosphere, you won't be disappointed.

Vallejo's Restaurant
1100 O St #8
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 498-1744
www.vallejosrestaurant.com

For over a decade Vallejo's has had a block party for Cinco. They literally take over the block next to the light rail. Live music, drink specials, tequila girls and more make this a destination on May 5th. That section of downtown is usually quiet at night- but not this night! Vallejo's has called Sacramento home since 1983, and you can tell they've been around for a long time by the pride they take in their work. Their menu is huge- choose from appetizers, salads, burritos, tacos, combo plates and even tortas. Want to try something different? Try the honey lemon chicken, served with white rice, veggies and your choice of tortillas.

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Azul Mexican Food / Tequila Bar
1050 20th St., Suite 140
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 447-4040
Azul on Facebook

Azul is in Lavender Heights next to all the midtown gay hotspots. With over 17,000 check-ins on Facebook alone, this place is very popular- especially on Cinco de Mayo. They plan to have live mariachi music during the day and live acoustic with Sergio Serrano at night. There will be food and drink specials throughout the day, and don't forget happy hour is 3-7 pm; with $3 eats and $5 well drinks. If well drinks aren't your thing, order a Margarita Del Mercado, made with silver tequila and cucumber- very refreshing! If you get hungry try a different take on the chile relleno, which has mushrooms stuffed in with the cheese.

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As a hospitality professional Andy Soto has worked every facet of the industry. He currently leads the team at Spectrum Restaurant Consulting. He started writing a hospitality blog in 2009 and restaurant writing for Sacramento Press in 2010. In 2011 Andy became a Sacramento Restaurant Examiner for Examiner.com. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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