Cinco de Mayo 2025 in Chicago offers a variety of deals, freebies, and special events for consumers. Although some popular celebrations are not occurring this year, numerous establishments across the city are providing incentives to honor the holiday. The following guide details verified offers available in the Chicago area, ranging from complimentary food and beverages to discounted drinks and festive activities. All information is derived from official announcements and verified local reporting.
Complimentary Food Offers
Several restaurants in Chicago are offering free food items to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. These offers typically have specific time constraints and purchase requirements.
- Big Star and Dove’s Luncheonette: Located in Wicker Park, this partnership is debuting breakfast tacos on Cinco de Mayo. To mark the occasion, they are offering free breakfast tacos from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There is a limit of one free taco per person.
- Velvet Taco: Guests dining in at Velvet Taco locations will receive a free souvenir cup with the purchase of a large Boozy Libation. This offer is valid while supplies last. Additionally, members of the Velvet Room rewards program will earn double points on purchases made on May 5.
Drink Specials and Discounts
A significant number of bars and restaurants are featuring specials on margaritas, tequila, and other cocktails.
- Broken English: The Loop location (75 E. Lake St.) is offering $6 tequila shots and $3 cans of Modelo.
- Cesar’s Killer Margaritas: This Lakeview establishment is hosting a week-long fiesta from Friday, May 2, through Monday, May 5. They are featuring Cinco Flights, which include three flavors of margaritas (strawberry, lime, and sour apple), available throughout May.
- aliveOne: On May 5, this bar offers a $10 El Jimador Margarita special and a half-price happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- The Hampton Social: Guests can enjoy half-off Montauk Margs, including the Skinny Hampton Margarita, Resort Water, and Coastal Sunrise.
- Amerikas: Located in Oak Park, this restaurant is offering Cinco de Mayo specials including $10 margaritas and $5 micheladas from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- El Mariachi Tequila Bar: This Lakeview East staple offers a $31.99 brunch special including bottomless mimosas and a lunch entree. On Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Codigo Tequila will provide complimentary tastings.
- Easy Bar: Patrons can enjoy a $10 El Jimador Margarita special and a half-price happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additional specials include $5 Espolón Blanco Shots and $5 Underberg.
- The Graystone Tavern: This Wrigleyville location features a menu of festive specials, including $6 Boozy Baja Blasts, $5 Modelo Drafts, and $5 Maestro Dobel shots.
- The Owl: This venue is offering $10 House Margaritas all evening and a half-price happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Remedy: Remedy is hosting a "Cinco De Meow" celebration featuring a $10 Don Julio "Meowgarita."
- Toro Chicago: Enhancing the cocktail experience, Toro Chicago is featuring a globally inspired menu with items like the Mercado Margarita, Reforma Avenue, and Passion Pisco Sour.
Events and Entertainment
Beyond food and drink, various venues are hosting events including live music, DJs, and interactive activities.
- Cruz Blanca & Leña Brava: These West Loop locations are opening their shared patio at 900 W. Randolph St. for an all-day fiesta. The patio will feature a colorful, traditional Mexican atmosphere and a live DJ playing Latin music.
- Broken English: In addition to drink specials, the Loop location will host a retro Camper/Kombi van pop-up serving as a festive photo op and giveaway hub from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Live DJs and giveaways will occur throughout the day.
- Cody’s Public House: Hosting a fiesta on Sunday, May 4, starting at 11:00 a.m., this event features a Taco Truck (arriving at 1:00 p.m.), a Tequila Fest (sampling at 2:00 p.m.), and a Salsa Cook-off. The tequila sampling includes Casamigos, Don Julio, Camarena, 1800, Grand Centenario, Teremana, Patron, Clase Azul, Casa Azul, and Milagro. Shots are available for $6 each.
- aliveOne: This bar offers free music trivia starting at 8:00 p.m. and free pool all evening.
- Loft 22: In River North, this venue is being taken over by Tzuco and Kayao for an evening organized by the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago. The event features an open bar of Mexican wines and cocktails, oysters, passed appetizers, and a whole tuna cutting. Tickets start at $60.
- Manchmanteles: Opening its patio season on Cinco de Mayo, this Bucktown location features $10 margaritas and the launch of Maiz Dorado (a collaboration with Marz Community Brewing Co.). A special menu begins April 30.
- The Owl: The venue hosts late-night parties until 4:00 a.m.
- Remedy: This venue is running a "Cinco De Meow" contest on Instagram. Patrons can tag @remedy_chicago in cat pictures leading up to May 5 for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Rewards Program Incentives
- Velvet Taco: Velvet Room rewards members receive double points for purchases made on May 5.
Specialty Items
- XOCO: Rick Bayless’ neighborhood Mexican bistro offers a specific Cinco de Mayo meal structure: choose-your-topping guacamole, a torta, hand-shaken margaritas, and churros paired with a chocolate shot.
- Cesar’s Killer Margaritas: Offers handcrafted mezcal cocktails and tequila flights, alongside traditional three-generation Mexican dishes and a plant-based menu.
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo 2025 in Chicago presents a diverse array of opportunities for consumers to enjoy complimentary items and discounted specials. From free breakfast tacos at Big Star to souvenir cups at Velvet Taco and extensive tequila tastings at Cody’s Public House, the holiday is marked by widespread promotional activity. Consumers are advised to note specific time windows for these offers, such as the 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. free taco window, and supply limitations for items like souvenir cups. Additionally, venues like Cruz Blanca and Cesar’s Killer Margaritas are extending celebrations over several days, providing extended opportunities for participation.