Cinco de Mayo is nearly here, and there are plenty of area restaurants to try or rediscover as you mark the holiday. Here are some options to make your day a memorable (and delicious) one.
Buena Vida Gastrolounge
Cinco de Mayo spans five days at this newly redesigned and reopened hot spot in Clarendon. Find a different margarita daily May 1-5—including the bacon and serrano-infused al pastor variety—each priced at $5. Additional beers, wine and cocktails will also come available for $5 on Cinco de Mayo itself, and $5 drinks are also offered to those partaking in lunch or dinner. //  2900 Wilson Blvd #103, Arlington (Clarendon)
Los Chamacos
Find special pricing on all beers, cantaritos and small margaritas, as well as $8 nachos and $7 queso at this family-run business named as a tribute to the owners’ children. While there, consider an order of octopus avocado ceviche or pizza birria. // 922 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington
Taco Bamba
Pop in to Taco Bamba locations in Ballston and Falls Church on Cinco de Mayo and sample some of the latest menu items at each storefront. In Ballston, sip on Honeydew Punch, a blend of mezcal, agricole rum, honeydew puree and other flavors. And in Falls Church, dig into pork chopolopolous (gyro spiced pork with black-olive salsa macha and garlic-mint cucumber yogurt.) // 4000 Wilson Blvd Suite C, Arlington (Ballston); 2190 Pimmit Drive, Falls Church
Taco + Piña
This Mexican food outpost in Shirlington will celebrate its 2-year anniversary this Cinco de Mayo and is getting the party started with an outdoor tiki bar stocked with seasonal margaritas. For those who prefer an at-home gathering, the restaurant is offering DIY home taco kits on May 4: The precooked and ready-to-heat packages come with 16 tortillas, rice and beans, chips, condiments, and a choice of meat or veggies. // 4041 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Taco Rock
Stop by one of the area’s newest taquerias on Cinco de Mayo, the Falls Church location of Taco Rock. The eatery, which also sports locations in Alexandria and Rosslyn, recently opened a 2,815-square-foot storefront in the Little City that features a 25-foot tequila bar and a sizeable patio. While you’re sampling the beverages, sink your teeth into a puffy beef taco (laced with hot Cheetos) or a cream-filled churro. // 1501 Wilson Blvd., Arlington and 1116 West Broad St., Falls Church
Tacombi
Give back on Cinco de Mayo with your purchase of food and drinks from this National Landing haven for tacos and tostadas. On May 5, all proceeds will benefit the Tacombi Foundation, which fights food insecurity in neighboring communities. // 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
But wait, there’s more …
If you need a little something extra this Cinco de Mayo, head to the District Wharf for the Running of the Chihuahuas. From 1-5 p.m. at the District Pier, gather with a beverage from the PacÃfico beer garden to watch more than 90 chihuahuas race down a 60-foot track. All proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue.