Yesterday, the common intergalactic salutation was: “May the 4th be with You!” and there was a strong sense of the force all around. Today, (being Friday!) it’s time to dust off that gigantic sombrero, cut up a bunch of limes and celebrate all that is wonderful about Mexican culture.

Gastown is multicultural and that diversity can be found in the beautiful selection of cuisines we have from around the world. The neighbourhood is home to a rich supply of Mexican food and where better to have a lively Cinco de Mayo fiesta than here!

We are proud to have 4 well-known Mexican restaurants in Gastown, each different in their style of plating and presentation. Spend the day in one or salsa through the streets to hit all four because……Uno, dos, tres….it’s Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is really just a minor holiday observed in the state of Puebla. Here in North America, Cinco de Mayo has grown into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.

La Mezcaleria

La Mezcaleria is the only restaurant in the city that specializes in offering a wide variety of mezcals, along with top shelf tequilas and cocktails inspired by the different regions of Mexico.

The food here is traditional Mexican and is made using locally sourced organic ingredients and ocean-friendly seafood.

Dishes at La Mezcaleria celebrate the communal aspect of shared food and the restaurant caters to a number of different dietary tastes with gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and carnivorous options.

Happy Hour is Tuesday 9pm-11pm and Wednesday – Sunday 2pm-5pm and Brunch and Lunch is available Wednesday – Sunday until 3pm.

Tacofino

From the dreamy, fairly tale-esque shores of Tofino, a little surfer family-run taco truck has transformed the Vancouver Mexican food scene into an almost cult following.

Tacofino is now a well established and recognized brand and the Gastown location could very well be its finest.

From the open patio in Blood Alley with fairly lights strung aloft to the long and narrow dining room to the fast and busy burrito bar, Tacofino is in every way “todo bien”.

Possibly the neighborhood’s most happening Mexican joint, the restaurant is often full with lively chatter, good times and a celebration of delicious food.

Tacofino is a true neighbourhood restaurant and the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The full menu is served all day and Happy Hour is daily from 3-6pm

La Casita

For one heck of a good fiesta, it’s “mi casa es su casa” at La Casita. Hanging out here feels like a super fun house party with a friendly atmosphere and gigantic sharezies margaritas (accented by an upside down bottle of Corona – for good measure).

Food is great and well priced and for Cinco De Mayo, La Casita will be serving food and drink specials all day long.

Look for the Cactus cutout out on West Cordova Street and upon entering, shout out a big “hola amigos”! and request one of the house sombreros for some exciting Instagram pics.

Gringo

Almost hidden away on Blood Alley is the popular Gringo. There’s refreshing streetside bar seating and a completely open storefront that makes it feel like authentic street food fare.

Gringo has tons of cheap eats and drinks and hanging out there with your crew is like trying to fit a bunch of party people into a neon Mini. All said and done, Gringo is a Gastown favorite that’s definitely worth hitting today on your Cinco De Mayo tour.

Welcome in the weekend, Gringo style, by buying a round of tequila for the gang and throwing back a few tacos.