Cinco De Mayo Festivities in St. Louis

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not observed as a national holiday all across Mexico. However, travel north of the border on that day and everyone becomes a Senor and Senorita on this unofficial holiday much the same as everyone changes their name to proclaim Irish heritage on St. Patrick's Day. Festivals and ceremonies celebrating Cinco de Mayo abound across the United States and St. Louis , Missouri is no exception. Some of the best bars and restaurants in St. Louis add to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo by serving mouth watering, spicy Mexican cuisine and thirst quenching libations.

Espino's Mexican Bar and Grill
17409 Chesterfield Airport Rd.
Chesterfield, MO 63005

Not so big, yet, not so small Mexican restaurant/bar that rapidly reaches its seating capacity for lunch and dinner. On Cinco de Mayo the partying spills out onto the parking lot where huge tents are pitched to accommodate the overflow crowd.

The bar (cantina) offers a variety of drink selections to fit the holiday mood. Spanish wines, house made sangria, 18 different beers, and 28 types of tequila. Moderate pricing and specials in the margarita department all day long.

Espino's doesn't claim to be "authentic" Mexican cuisine, instead they cater to what the clientele desires, made from scratch with the freshest ingredients. My favorite is the roasted vegetable quesadilla stuffed with veggies and Chihuahua (not cheddar) cheese.

Be there for Cinco de Mayo..

Senor Pique
14870 Manchester Rd.
Ballwin, MO 63011

Cinco de Mayo is a big event at Senor Pique. The free standing restaurant is situated in the corner of an over sized, giant strip mall so there is plenty of room to park. Tents and chairs abound on the parking lot. Live music and a local radio station broadcasts at the event for your enjoyment all day and night. Prizes to be had and lovely tequila and Mexican beer hostesses are on the scene. Margaritas flow and food is available outside and inside the restaurant.

Speaking of food, plan ahead to taste and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. I rank a Mexican restaurant on the Chiles Rellenos and Senor Pique serves the best offering both a lunch and dinner portion. Try the Quesadillas Mexicanas to find out what a true quesadilla looks and tastes like. For the more timid "gringo", portions of the menu have been set aside for your enjoyment.

Live further south in St. Louis? Visit Senorita Pique, 3730 So. Lindbergh, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 for your Cinco de Mayo fun.

Cinco de Mayo-Cherokee Street style

OK, so it's the 5th of May and you have to work or have other pressing commitments and simply can not make it out that day to celebrate . Not to worry, because you have all day on May 7 to join the festivities in the Cherokee Street business district ( Iowa St. to Nebraska St.; Cherokee St. to Utah St. ) from 11:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M. Free to the public.

Enjoy live music, both traditional Hispanic and "gringo" style , on stage or as the performances take to the street. A parade will happen that day. Arts and crafts of Hispanic heritage line the streets. Vendors of all types will be there to serve your favorite food and drinks. Many restaurants , taquerias and bars dot the area if you are unable to find a vendor to meet your needs.

Taco Bell might be good for late night fare, but not this good.