Top 5 Muy Bien Restaurants and Bars in Manila for A Festive Cinco De Mayo This 2022

Nothing screams Cinco de Mayo like tacos and dranks! And since bars and restaurants in Manila have been accepting people to dine in, now is the perfect time to have some good fun! 

So, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we leave you with a list of places you can go to in the metro to celebrate.  

What’s inside this blog?

• What is Cinco de Mayo?     
• Where To Go For Delicioso Tacos For Cinco de Mayo
• List of Bars in Metro Manila
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cinco de Mayo

What is Cinco de Mayo? 

Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla – which happened on May 5, 1862. While it is a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a day where people commemorate Mexican culture and heritage. In the Philippines, people celebrate it with tacos and alcoholic drinks. 

Where To Go For Delicioso Tacos For Cinco de Mayo

El Chupacabra 

If you’re a regular in Poblacion, you’ve often heard of this food joint in Makati. El Chupacabra isn’t one of those posh 5-star restaurants – the food here is affordable and tasty! Weekends are always packed, so if you want to try the food in a less crowded space, it’s better to visit during the weekdays.

However, if your main goal is to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your hermanos and hermanas, you’re more than welcome to do so. With its authentic American-Mexican street tacos and inexpensive beers, you’ll definitely want to stay a little longer in this place. 

Address: 

5782 Felipe, Makati, Metro Manila

Opening hours:

11 AM – 11 PM daily

What to order:

Chorizo con Papas Tacos, San Francisco-style Lean Pork Sisig Tacos, BBQ Chicken Taco Salad 

Price range: 

PHP900 for two people (approx.) with alcohol

PHP55 for a pint of beer (approx.)

La Chinesca 

South kids, where ya at? La Chinesca is a popular Mexican restaurant located in Paranaque specializing in soft corn tortilla tacos with meat, vegetables, fruits, and Mexican sauces. Even though the place is relatively small and cozy, people still endure the long line to taste their Mexican-inspired menu. Since the place itself is tiny, it’d be wiser if you pre-game by ordering take-out and then eating at your own house or somewhere more comfortable.

The restaurant also has a branch in Rockwell, Makati. 

Address: 

Paranaque – 181 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque (inside their sibling restaurant Sensei, next to Soy & Bean)

Rockwell – The Grid Food Market, 2/F Power Plant Mall, Makati 

Opening hours:

Paranaque: 

11 AM – 3 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM 

Rockwell:

Mon – Thurs 11 AM – 9 PM

Friday 11 AM – 10 PM

Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 9 PM

What to order:

Lamb Barbacoa, Carne Asada, Salsa Verde, Guacamole, Pulled Pork, Quesabirria 

Price range: 

PHP500 for two people (approx.) Without alcohol

OnlyPans Taqueria Poblacion

Located in Poblacion, this Mexican restaurant is heavily favored because of its good food and instagrammable interior and exterior design. Looking at the photos of the place alone, it’s understandable why customers would travel from far away locations just to visit. Besides tacos and quesadillas, the small business also serves sushi pans. 

If you’re looking for some late-night munchies after a tiring night of celebrating Cinco de Mayo, this place is for you. 

Address: 

5663 Don Pedro St., Poblacion Makati. In front of Z Hostel

Opening hours:

Weekdays — 11AM to 11PM 

Weekends — 11AM to 2AM

What to order:

Birria Tacos, Quesadillas

Price range: 

PHP600 for two people (approx.) Without alcohol

Drive By Taco Shop

If you like your tacos served fresh, you shouldn’t miss this taco shop’s excellent grub for Cinco de Mayo. People flock to this hole in the wall Mexican restaurant for their street tacos, burritos, and nachos. You can also choose to have your tacos soft or friend.

Address: 

256 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City 1720

Opening hours:

11 AM – 10 PM Daily 

What to order:

Litid Sisig Taco, Extra Spicy Pulled Beef Tacos, Chilichangga, Nacho Chorizo, Beef Nachos

Price range: 

PHP600 for two people (approx.) Without alcohol

A’Toda Madre

If you’re into tacos and margaritas, check out A’Toda Madre. Located in Makati, this Mexican pub serves authentic Mexican dishes, including Elotes Callejeros, Ceviche, and Pollo de Chipotle and a wide array of Mexican tequilas and margaritas. 

They also do weekly rockeoke/open mic nights, so if you’re in for some good food and great music on Cinco de Mayo, give this bar a try. 

Address: 

Sunette Tower, Durban, Makati, Metro Manila

Opening hours:

Monday – Thursday 4 PM – 12 AM 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 11 AM – 12 AM 

What to order:

Chile Verde con Arroz, Taco Sampler, Tequila and Margarita

Price range: 

PHP1000 for two people (approx.) with alcohol

List of Bars in Metro Manila 

Z Rooftop Bar 

A rooftop bar on Z Hostel that serves ice cold beer, cocktails, and munchies. Get to enjoy the view of Makati at night while listening to some sweet tunes from the DJ. 

Antidote

Located on the rooftop of IM Hotel in Poblacion, Antidote is known as the first jellyfish bar in the country. It has an indoor and outdoor setting and serves bespoke cocktails and dishes with vibrant flavors from around the world.

Club ZZYZX Manila 

A multi-level dance and nightclub located at the heart of Manila. 

House Manila 

A classy and stylish nightclub that screams vibrancy and energy located in Resorts World Manila.

The 70’s Bistro Bar

A music lounge in Quezon City where bands of all genres play.

Related article: Manila Nightlife Guide: 10 Bars in Manila You Should Give a Try in 2022 

Frequently Asked Questions about Cinco de Mayo

Q: What is Cinco de Mayo?

A: Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla – which happened on May 5, 1862. 

Q: How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?

A:  In countries like the Philippines, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by commemorating Mexican culture and heritage. Mexican food like tacos, quesadillas, and alcoholic beverages are heavily consumed on this day. Some even go as far as wearing sombreros and ponchos. 

Q: Who celebrates Cinco de Mayo? 

A: It is celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States, especially in places where Mexican-Americans reside. 

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