Sure, we all wish we were out at our favorite neighborhood bars celebrating Cinco de Mayo with the best of them this year. But thankfully, even during a statewide lockdown, local cantinas aren’t leaving us hanging. From full-fledged Mexican restaurants to trendy tequila bars, plenty of Charm City spots are featuring carryout specials to spice up virtual celebrations at home. Here are a few to choose from:

Bandito’s Bar + Kitchen: Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of the Mexicans’ unlikely victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, just so happens to fall on Taco Tuesday this year—and this Federal Hill staple is celebrating accordingly. Bandito’s will be open from 12-9 p.m. with takeout specials such as 16 or 32-oz. cocktails and margaritas, canned beers, orders of three tacos, and DIY taco kits. Orders can be placed online, in-person, or by phone.

Blue Agave: Just around the corner on Light Street, this neighborhood favorite will be open from 12-10 p.m., packing up orders of guacamole fresco, chips and salsa, fajitas, and tacos. To-go margaritas are available in traditional house or Spicy Guavarita flavors. Customers can call ahead for pickup or order delivery via Grubhub and Doordash.

Cane Collective Kits Benefiting CFF Maryland: The bar veterans behind craft spirit company Cane Collective have teamed up with Mr. Nice Guy Cocktails to distribute a special passionfruit margarita kit on Cinco de Mayo—with all proceeds benefiting the Maryland chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The $75 kit includes one bottle of Patron Reposado, one bottle of Cane’s passionfruit-jalapeno mix, and one Patron cocktail shaker. Orders can be placed onlinefor pickup and delivery.

Clavel: The team at this Remington gem is encouraging patrons to decorate their homes with homemade papel picado (Mexican folk art made by cutting designs into tissue paper) and tag the restaurant in their photos. To complete the festivities, Clavel’s new carryout operation, Pisa y Corre, is featuring tamales, michelada kits, special mezcal flights, and frozen empanadas to fry at home. Order online here.

El Bufalo Tequila Bar and Kitchen: Naturally, the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at this Canton stalwart began a few days early. But they will continue throughout the day on Tuesday with 64-oz. Altos margarita pouches for $14, Casamigos premium margarita pouches for $10, and $65 build-your-own taco party kits. Place carryout orders by calling 410-814-0594.

La Food Marketa: Call this Pikesville spot to order a turkey chorizo, Peruvian chicken, and beef barbacoa taco kit that serves four. It comes will all the fixins, but you can also add on guacamole, churros, a pint of margaritas, or even a six-pack of the Mexican beer that shall not be named.

La Palapa Grill & Cantina: La Palapa is a fiesta headquarters in Ellicott City. Though the bar’s holiday celebrations will look a bit different this year, it’s still offering massive margaritas—made with Jose Cuervo or 1800 tequila—for curbside pickup. Additionally, guests can order chips and salsa, as well as 12 pork carnitas tacos topped with grilled pineapple, red onion, and cilantro. Orders can be placed online or by calling the restaurant.

Mezcal Mexican Restaurant and Bar: Celebrate with the full food menu recently made available for carryout at this Baltimore County cantina, which operates locations in Owings Mills and Timonium. In addition to the standout fajitas, burritos, and tacos, Mezcal offers bottled sangria, margaritas, and mojitos.

Papi’s Tacos: Not only is Papi’s offering special fiesta packages from its Hampden location (a bundle for four includes tequila, a mixer, an appetizer, tacos, and two sides), but it’s also hosting a virtual fiesta on Facebook Live. Throw on a sombrero and tune in from home to enjoy mariachi music, raffle drawings, live comedy with Mike Quindlen, trivia with owner Charlie Gjerde, and maybe even a piñata to whack open for good measure. The team is also giving away a $50 gift card to Papi’s and its sister-spots, as well as a Yeti cooler filled with $500 worth of booze. Any to-go order of $25 or more from either Papi’s location in Hampden or Fells Point will come with a raffle ticket to enter to win the prizes.

Taco Bravo: This Timonium newbie is open from 12-9 p.m. for curbside pickup and delivery. In addition to its regular menu, the spot is offering a deal on five chicken or steak tacos for $10. To-go cocktails include $5 margaritas, $10 grande sangrias and mojitos, and $25 64-oz. margaritas.

The Urban Oyster: Typically closed for carryout on Tuesdays, this Locust Point oyster bar is opening up for the occasion with a special menu of surf and turf tacos, guacamole, pico de gallo, elote, tequila lime pie, and seafood nachos smothered in beer cheese. Throw in a spicy grilled pineapple margarita and you’re in for a full-blown fiesta.

Vida Taco Bar: The Severna Park location of this strictly tacos-and-tequila bar is open from 12-8 p.m. for takeout tacos, nachos, guacamole, and cocktails. You can also catch Vida’s mobile margarita vans roaming in the communities surrounding all three of its locations. Upcoming routes are announced daily and orders can be placed online here.

While Americans are known to embrace the fake mustaches, noise-making maracas, and massive margaritas that are typically associated with Cinco de Mayo, in Mexico, the fifth of May isn’t as big of a party as one might think.

“Our independence is celebrated on the 16th of September,” explains Cocina Luchadoras owner Rosalyn Vera, whose family hails from Puebla, Mexico. “People have the weekend off and usually there’s a parade for Cinco de Mayo, but it’s not nearly as big as the celebrations on our Independence Day.”

Even so, Vera sees Cinco de Mayo—the anniversary of the Mexicans’ unlikely victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862—as a holiday for Americans to celebrate the contributions that Mexican immigrants have made throughout history. In her case, that means sharing her family’s traditions through food.

“We’re happy to be represented in that way,” she says. “Food unites us—I can always see it in people when they come in.”

This weekend, Vera will climb on board the Wilde Thyme food truck for a collaborative pop-up at Monument City Brewing Company on Saturday before pulling out some of her special recipes for Cinco de Mayo service at her Upper Fells Point restaurant. Among the featured tacos will be shredded tinga de pollo, lamb barbacoa, and cochinita pibil—braised shredded pork with citrus.

In addition to Cocina Luchadoras, plenty of other spots around town are featuring eats and drinks in honor of the holiday.

Clavel: A three-day fiesta is in the works at this beloved taqueria and mezcaleria in Remington. To kick off the holiday weekend, Sinaloa-born chef Carlos Raba will head outside to grill carne asada, al pastor, and cebollitas (grilled green onions) during dinner service on May 3. There will also be a ceviche special, and the bar team plans to shake up cilantro margaritas all weekend long. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the big day, enjoy Clavel’s classic brunch plates, including huevos rancheros and chilaquiles with salsa verde, alongside a selection of tacos from the dinner menu. 225 W. 23rd St. 443-900-8983

La Calle: Chef/owner Valentino Sandoval, a native of Puebla, is offering a pages-long list of specials for his first-ever Cinco de Mayo party at La Calle downtown. Head to the restaurant to chow down on $2 tacos, $4 orders of chips and salsa, $5 nachos, $6 empanadas, and $7 ceviches. Wash down all of the discounted snacks with $2 canned beers, $3.50 bottles, and $4.50 drafts. A signature $5 drink menu includes tequila shots, classic margaritas, micheladas, and red and white sangria. 10 South St. 667-312-2964

La Palapa Grill & Cantina: The doors to this annual blowout in Ellicott City open at 10 a.m. Head to the restaurant early for brunch, or stop by throughout the day to dance to live mariachi music, sip cocktails, and enjoy tacos from an outdoor pop-up grill. A portion of all proceeds from the tent in the front parking lot, which will feature a Red Bull bar, tequila drinks, and DJs spinning all day, will benefit Voices for Children Howard County. 8307 Main St, Ellicott City. 410-465-0070

Nacho Mama’s: Both locations of this Tex-Mex hangout in Canton and Towson will be starting things off early with an “Uno and Dos de Mayo” fiesta May 1-2. From 4-8 p.m., enjoy corn hole, margaritas, and the release of Flying Dog’s Numero Dos dark lager. Swing by throughout the weekend to take advantage of $4 Modelo drafts, $18 Corona buckets, and $15 hubcap margaritas equipped with multiple straws for sharing. 2907 O’Donnell St. 410-675-0898

Papi’s Tacos: This Fells Point staple known for its DIY tacos and antojitos (Mexican street food) is going all out with special sips that will replace its typical all-you-can-drink deals on Sundays. Get in the spirit with $3.50 screwdrivers, mimosas, Bloody Marys, and tequila sunrises. Or, if you’re celebrating with a group, indulge in $17 pitchers of Modelo and Pacifico beer, as well as $23 Corona buckets. As an added bonus, the long-awaited Papi’s location in Hampden has officially opened just in time for Cinco de Mayo—promising plenty of food and drink discounts for a bonafide Sunday funday. Multiple locations including 1703 Aliceanna St. 410-299-8480

Vida Taco Bar: Head toward the massive white tents in Harbor Point for the “Cuatro de Mayo” festival hosted by Vida Taco Bar on May 4. The all-day festivities happening from 12-10 p.m. will include Mexican street food, cocktails made with Sagamore Spirit whiskey and Ilegal mezcal, live DJ entertainment, piñata smashing, and even an outdoor viewing of the Kentucky Derby, which just so happens to fall on the same day. 1401 Point St. 443-835-3474

Woody’s Cantina: Take in the killer waterfront views of Fells Point at this rooftop watering hole, which is celebrating accordingly with a three-day extravaganza. Complimentary Casamigos tequila samples will be flowing on Friday night, followed by bottomless brunch service and Espolon bottle engraving on Saturday. On Cinco de Mayo, show up early to enjoy beat-the-clock specials that start at $2 and increase every hour. Revelers will be able to get in plenty of liquid courage before karaoke kicks off at 2 p.m. 821 S. Broadway. 410-563-6600

Though Blue Agave Restaurante y Tequileria has been a Federal Hill fixture since 2000, most might be surprised to hear that the cantina didn’t serve tacos until Brian Acquavella took over in 2012.

“It was a Mexican restaurant that didn’t think tacos were authentic,” he says. “So our number one goal was putting them on the menu. The previous owners weren’t really hitting the mark of Federal Hill. It’s a high-energy place, and Mexican restaurants are supposed to be fun.”

Acquavella has certainly brought plenty of good times in the six years since he took over the Light Street staple. Aside from revamping the menu and building up a bar program with a lengthy list of tequilas and mezcals, he introduced one of the neighborhood’s most popular happy hours.

“From college all the way on, I remember the Mexican restaurants as the places where you would get the best happy hour,” he says. “You get some tacos and margaritas—maybe do a couple of shots. We wanted to be that destination place.” 

To celebrate the six-year anniversary of Acquavella’s ownership, the restaurant is throwing an all-out bash this week complete with nightly specials, karaoke, tequila tastings, and hangover brunches. Though the restaurant’s official birthday falls in March, the team held off on a celebration so that it could overlap with Cinco de Mayo this year.

“This is the biggest we’ve ever gone,” Acquavella says. “Having Cinco de Mayo fall on a Saturday this year has made us realize that we can do so many fun things the week leading up to it.”

Leading up to the big day, Blue Agave will offer a $25 discount for bottle club members on Wednesday, May 2, live mariachi music and special tequila pairings on Thursday, May 3, and authentic food specials by chef Fidel Arias on Friday, May 4. The bar’s official Cinco de Mayo bash on Saturday, May 5 will occur in conjunction with the annual Federal Hill Fiesta block party, which has moved from Cross Street to the new Stadium Square parking lot on West Ostend Street this year. On Sunday, May 6, the restaurant is offering 15 percent off all brunch checks to diners who bring a receipt from Blue Agave’s Saturday fiesta.

“We’re trying to do something to hit as many different people as possible,” Acquavella says of the week’s festivities. “It’s also a great opportunity for us to play around with new dishes and celebrate the culture of Mexico. I’ve been there 11 times now and I love it.”

In particular, Acquavella says his trips to Mexico have sparked an affection for authentic tequilas and mezcals.

“The first time I had mezcal in Oaxaca, I didn’t even realize what I was drinking, but I knew I loved it,” he says. “Two years ago, you couldn’t find anyone who was drinking mezcal here. But now it’s finally something that people are starting to understand. We’re up to 20 behind the bar, and it’s always exciting when people hear we have a new one and come in specifically to try it.”

Among the many Mexican-inspired cocktails at Blue Agave is the pineapple-raspberry margarita, which features an Añejo tequila infused with pineapple and vanilla bean that Acquavella created alongside head bartender Pabis Reyes.

“The infuse is something that we came up with a year ago, and we’ve found that people love it by itself or in the margarita,” Reyes says. “It’s really refreshing for the season and has a great combination of flavors.”

If you can’t make it to Blue Agave’s festivities this week, here’s the pineapple-raspberry margarita recipe:

– 2 oz. Añejo tequila pineapple/vanilla bean infuse
– 1 oz. Blue Agave house margarita mix
– .5 oz. raspberry liqueur
– fresh raspberries

Combine tequila pineapple/vanilla bean infuse, margarita mix, and raspberry liquor in a shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. Pour into glass with fresh ice and top with raspberries.

Cinco de Mayo just so happens to fall on a Friday this year. That means there’s no excuse not to stroll over to your neighborhood bar, feast on spicy snacks, and sip salt-rimmed drinks to honor Mexico’s unlikely victory over France on the fifth of May in 1862.  A handful of bars and restaurants are putting their own spin on the tequila-themed holiday this year, offering everything from sombreros and sangria to piñatas and photos with donkeys. Here are our picks for the area’s most festive fiestas:

Clavel: It doesn’t get much more authentic than this modern tacqueria in Remington, which boasts a unique interior with strung lights and plenty of plants. From house-made tortillas to a lengthy mezcal menu, everything about the space is meant to mimic the vibe of owner Lane Harlan’s beloved Oaxaca. Not only is Cinco de Mayo an ideal time to honor the concept’s Mexican roots, but it also marks the restaurant’s (almost) two-year anniversary. To celebrate, Clavel is throwing down on May 5, offering roasted meats, sizzling salsas, classic vampiro cocktails (a tequila-based version of a Bloody Mary) and, of course, plenty of margaritas to go around. 225 W. 23rd St., 443-900-8983

El Bufalo: This O’Donnell Square favorite is a go-to party place no matter what the occasion. For Cinco de Mayo, the bar is going all out with bucket specials, family-style platters of nachos and tacos, and an all-day live music lineup. Get an early start (doors open at 11 a.m.) with discounted Mexican beers and Peligroso margaritas while jamming to music spun by DJ Mic L and performances by local singer-songwriters Steve Herrera and Steve Matthews. 2921 O’ Donnell St., 410-814-0594

Federal Hill Fiesta: Though this annual block party got rained out last year, locals are holding out hope for sunny skies this weekend. Gather with friends and neighbors on Sunday, May 7 to partake in the outdoor rager on East Cross Street, which will feature Modello and Corona Light specials, live entertainment, and Mexican street food from neighborhood mainstays Blue Agave, Bandito’s, and No Way Jose. Crowd around the stage to sway to the sounds of local headliners Chris Diller, Pressing Strings, and beloved rockers Pasadena. East Cross Street, $8-9

Jailbreak Brewing: Just in time for Cinco de Mayo—and summer sipping weather—this fan-favorite Laurel brewery is unveiling not one, but two new cervezas. Head to the taproom to enjoy a dual-purpose Cinco de Mayo celebration and release party for the citrusy Ephemeral Volume V and Dew Right, a new blonde ale brewed with honeydew. Plus, the Say Cheese food truck will be on site with its signature sammies to line your stomach before tipping back the fresh-poured pints. 9445 Washington Blvd., Ste. F., Laurel, 443-345-9699

Little Havana: Gather your crew and head to this outpost off of Key Highway to take advantage of a full-blown fiesta featuring live bands, local DJs, waterfront views, sizzling snacks, and an outdoor tent with fully stocked bars. Plus, we hear that the spot plans to have a visiting donkey onsite—so be sure to have your cameras ready. 1325 Key Highway, 410-837-9903

Nacho Mama’s: Both locations of this tried-and-true Tex-Mex hangout in Canton and Towson will be celebrating in style, serving up hearty burritos, fajitas, and quesadillas with the restaurant’s requisite hubcap margaritas for the table. Specials running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. will include $5 Gracelands (Nacho Mama’s house margarita fused with homemade lime mix), $15 Graceland hubcaps, and $1-off specialty margaritas in flavors like Orange Crush, pomegranate, and black raspberry. Multiple locations including 2907 O’Donnell St., 410-675-0898

Papi’s: The annual festivities at this Fells Point taco joint are being extended this year. Throughout the two-day fiesta—which will keep the party going until Saturday, May 6—enjoy a slew of drink specials including $5 select tequila drinks, $12 pitchers of draft beer, and $25 pitchers of house margaritas. Pair the drinks with the menu’s authentic antojitos (small bites inspired by  Mexican street fairs) including braised corn on the cob, yucca fries, and DIY street tacos. 1703 Aliceanna St., 410-299-8480

Points South Latin Kitchen: Take a trip to South America by way of Fells Point at this spirited spot, which pairs its flavorful dishes with a selection of bottled house cocktails and classic piscos, palomas, and margaritas from the bar. This Friday, partake in the restaurant’s Cinco de Mayo party, which will feature specials like $3 glasses of sangria, $5 margaritas, and $3-6 tacos. 1640 Thames St., 443-563-2018

Power Plant Live: Throw on your most festive garb (think sombreros, ponchos, and fake mustaches) and head to this downtown nightlife district to enjoy live entertainment, piñata bashing, a nacho-eating contest, and food and drink specials at participating bars. At Mex Tequila Bar, for example, revelers are invited to sip $4 beers and $20 45-oz. margaritas, as well as enter to win a free trip to Mexico. 34 Market Place.

The Admiral’s Cup: While strolling around the Fells Point cobblestone, follow the sounds of live music to find this Thames Street staple, which will be hosting a full-blown cerveza celebration in honor of the holiday. The bash will highlight discounted drinks including $3 Miller Lites, $4 Blue Moons, and $5 tequila shots, as well as live happy hour tunes from resident rockers Bedtime for Jack. 1547 Thames St., 410-534-5555, $5