Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration of Mexican culture and heritage that takes place across the U.S. and regionally in Mexico, where it's known in the state of Puebla as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (“The Day of the Battle of Puebla”). Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's victory over the much larger, better-armed French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The U.S. celebration of Cinco de Mayo originated in Mexican American communities of the American West, Southwest and Northwest and today, is widespread across the country. Each year, the city and surrounding coastal communities celebrate with special events, dining deals, specialty cocktails and more.

From mezcal and cervezas to live music and tacos, below are our picks for celebrating Cinco de Mayo in and around Newport. 

WHERE TO EAT

We'll give you something to taco bout.

📍 11 Bowens Wharf, Newport

Welcome to the place where the food has just as much character as the atmosphere, laden with string lights, Day of the Dead skulls, and a Buddha or two strewn about. The menu boasts California-style Mexican dishes contrived with fresh ingredients and homemade, to-die-for sauces with bold flavor. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio offers for a lively experience in the heart of downtown Newport. 

Pro Tip: Do not skip the blood orange margarita.

Craving more?

Check out their sister location, Diego's Barrio Cantina, located in Middletown just steps from Easton's Beach.

   

Perro Salado

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📍 19 Charles St, Newport

Tucked away on Charles Street, Perro Salado serves up fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine inside a historic, 18th-century Naval officer’s home turned casual gathering space. Their outdoor patio rests under a charming pergola adorned in Edison Bulb string lights, making it an enchanting spot for an evening of margaritas and authentic Mexican bites.

Perro Salado

La Vecina Taqueria

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📍 24 Washington Square, Newport

Legit Mexican street food and hand-crafted cocktails from Chef Mariana. Think: street tacos, nachos, margaritas and house cocktails, delicious treats and sides, and so much more. Looking to feed a crew? Taco party packs, sides and margaritas, are available with advance notice. 

 

La Costa Food Truck

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Newport's only lobster and tacos food truck is the brainchild of the owners and creators at La Forge Restaurant. The menu offers a myriad of Mexican favorites, including street corn, nachos, and of course taco varieties including pulled pork, pulled chicken, shrimp, tofu, steak and lobster. 

 

Where to find them:

Cinco de Mayo location to be announced here

La Costa Food Truck

Casa Margaritas

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📍 200 Gooding Ave, Bristol

If you are looking for authentic Mexican food and drinks with some of the best guacamole around, Casa Margaritas is your place. Expect a casual, family-owned restaurant with a menu of endless selection of eats that will sure have you coming back for more. 

Nacho Mamma’s

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📍 76 State Street, Bristol & 18 Maple Ave, Barrington

Looking for quick service and quality Mexican food? We have just the place. And with fresh guacamole made daily, you can’t go wrong. With locations in Bristol and Barrington, Nacho Mamma's has you covered. 

Tallulah's Taqueria

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📍 35 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown

Open seasonally, Tallulah's Taqueria in Jamestown is serving up fresh, local street food. With menu favorites ranging from classic taco options, to tortas, quesadillas and so much more, choose from a selection of meats, seafood, or veggies—and always squeeze the lime, radish to finish. 

SPECIAL HAPPENINGS

It time to fiesta all day here in Newport.

Cinco De Mayo Party at Diego's Newport

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What better way to celebrate Cinco De Mayo than with friends from Diego's in Newport. Don't miss the 14th annual Cinco De Mayo celebration happening all day.

Pro-tip: If you are feeling social—the instagram post with the most likes for the day wins a $200 gift card, must tag Diego's to be entered. 

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo By The Beach

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Two is better than one. Make your way to Middletown for specials at Diego's Cantina and Rejects Beer Co. Enjoy food specials and watermelon margs at Diego's starting at noon. Head down to Reject's Beer Co. starting at 2:00 PM for the special release of the Mexican Lager, on draft and to-go.

Plus, a new food truck will open in the lot from 2:00 - 8:00 PM. 

more to explore

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