Cinco de Mayo is the celebration held on May 5 to commemorate Mexico's unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is September 16. Cinco de Mayo has become hugely popular in the United States, where many associate it with the celebration of Mexican-American culture.
While final exams may be right around the corner, don't miss out on the chance to celebrate at some of the best authentic Mexican restaurants Champaign-Urbana has to offer.
El Toro
The family owned Mexican restaurant El Toro has been serving up tacos in the Midwest since 1998. They currently have three locations in the Champaign-Urbana community. Their menu includes reasonable priced meals, including a long list of cheap and tasty lunch specials.
El Toro is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long. Cinco de Mayo deals include $4 small lime margaritas, $7 large lime margaritas, $3 tequila shots and $3 Corona bottles.
Toro Loco located at 1601 N Cunningham Ave, Urbana, IL, will be having their third annual Cinco de Mayo parking lot party, featuring the band Nickel and Dimes this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Wedge Tequila Bar and Grill
Located in Downtown Champaign, Wedge Tequila Bar and Grill is perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. With over 100 different tequilas, specialty margaritas and a variety of tacos to choose from, you really can't go wrong celebrating at Wedge.
The party starts at 11 a.m. Unlike other days, reservations will not be taken. Specials include $3 Corona bottles, $4 shots of Exoctico and $4 shots of El Mayor.
Dos Reales
Dos Reales, which is located not far from campus on Prospect Avenue in Champaign, is known for their CoronaRita. Their large portions and every day low prices are hard to beat. Their specials this Friday include $2 beers and $3.75 flavored margaritas.
Maize Mexican Grill
A favorite among many students, Maize is located at the corner of First and Green. With hardly any room to walk in the tiny place and it always being packed, they do a great job of getting people in and out fast. It's probably not the best place to sit and eat, so be prepared to take your food to go and eat elsewhere.
For more great food ideas, check out this Cinco de Mayo recipe roundup. And remember, have fun celebrating this year, but be respectful to the Mexican culture.