Lower Manhattan’s Guide to a Muy Delicioso Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of Mexico’s 1862 victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, a key moment for national morale. Centuries later, it’s a day to celebrate Mexican culture in the United States and honor the Mexican-American civil rights movement. 

One fun way to toast our neighbors to the south is by indulging in Mexican cuisine: tacos, chicken slathered in mole poblano, carnitas, churros and so many margaritas. See below to find out where to get your fill downtown, and read here for more on the holiday’s rich history. 

Cowgirl SeaHorse

What else do you need to know about this friendly Seaport local other than that they serve margaritas by the pitcher? That’s probably not news to regulars at Cowgirl SeaHorse, where ordering for the table is custom and no one back in the kitchen ever scrimps on the portions. (259 Front St.)

El Vez

You and your besties are gonna want to get the barbecue pork nachos — then cut all that savory with a sweet and satisfying $50 pitcher of La Selena (reposado tequila, hibiscus, lemon, simple syrup). (259 Vesey St.)

Sammy’s Taqueria

In case you’re celebrating during lunch hour, this walkup counter is locked and loaded with plenty of tacos, salads, chips, dips and king-size burritos that look simultaneously enticing and frightening. (Gansevoort Liberty Market)

Los Tacos No. 1

Please do us (and yourself) a solid and, when stopping by this lower Tribeca staple, to find out if they’re still serving up the secret off-menu queso taco.  (136 Church St.)

El Luchador

A totally clutch roadside locale to ingest a couple rounds of Negro Modelo and a hearty order of carnitas — then walk it off at the Seaport directly across the way. (87 South St.)

Mad Dog & Beans

A 12-day celebration has been underway at this lively haunt along the Stone Street corridor. Come through for gift baskets (mixers!) and giveaways (Yankees tickets!), not to mention the wave of cerveza and tequila tastings. (83 Pearl St.)

Mezcali

With the sexy atmosphere and potent margaritas (perfectly salted rims, BTW), you’ll hardly notice the four-tops of twentysomethings shouting at their lungs after a long day of being themselves. OK, but seriously, this is an Alliance personal favorite — no qualms about the crowd at all. Also, if ever overwhelmed by the menu, get the crab queso while deciding on the rest of your spread. Quality stuff here, folks. (83 Maiden Ln.)

Taco Bell Cantina

Run for the border — or, er, to Fulton Street — to this high-concept location for an order of those zesty nacho fries ($2.79 and only 330 calories) while supplies last. (58A Fulton St.)

Tacombi

A $13 piña colada or two will make this Friday fly inside Tacombi’s stylish outdoor shed — the restaurant also recommends downloading their app to place your orders in advance and rack up those loyalty points. (74 Broad St.)r

Casa Taqueria

One, of course, does not necessarily require a holiday in order to justify the demolition of a sizzling platter of carne asada. But, hey, if a specific calendar date is the thing to get you out of the cubicle and into this spicy standby, then honestly who are we to criticize? (40 Gold St.)

Tajin

There’s really no reason why not to order this here michelada inside Dolores Cordova’s cozy Tajin. The 12-ounce mason jar is filled up with Tecate, tomato juice, salsa Valentina, freshly squeezed lime juice and will leave you wanting another. Plus . . . how about a beef nacho platter while you’re at it? (85 Greenwich St.)

El Toro Mexican Grill

For a lunchtime celebration, the fajitas are always a crazy-good deal at this haunt. Plus you can wash ’em down with a Jarritos soda flavor of your choice. (69 New St.)

Toro Loco

You can’t go wrong with just about anything on their drinks list, but the crew at Toro Loco is especially not messing around this holiday when it comes to a paloma on the rocks. They even posted a tutorial on their Insta for cocktail enthusiasts who want to glug along at home. (15 Stone St.)

photo: iStock