Cinco de Mayo hits Manayunk

On May 5, 1862, an undersized Mexican militia led by Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín defeated the larger and more heavily-armed invading forces of Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla. Today, their victory is a celebration of Mexican heritage. Plus, it gives bars and restaurants another reason to offer all sorts of food and drink specials. We’ve listed some of the Cinco de Mayo parties happening in Manayunk on Thursday, and all you need to take advantage of them is a valid ID, a bit of time management and the basic coordination to walk in a straight line in either direction on Main Street.

Start out with a free taco bar at Mad River from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday night, and imbibe their $3 Coronas and $3 Jose Cuervo Silver Margaritas until midnight. Techo-rockers Go Go Gadjet will perform in the lodge. Manayunk Brewery is also featuring a live performance with the party anthem cover band The Benderz at 7 p.m., plus $2.75 house drafts.If you prefer a strong kick in the pants for an instant attitude adjustment, Manayunk Tavern will shell out a fierce tequila shot and Dos Equis draft combination all night. Follow it up with $2 drafts from a list of 20 beers on tap at Pitchers Pub from 6 to 8 p.m., or come back later for $3 well drinks from 10 to 12 p.m.

If all of these tequila and beer specials don’t jive with your tastes, wine drinkers can indulge in 64-ounce white sangria pitchers with fresh fruit for $25 and $8 margaritas at Jake’s Restaurant and Cooper’s Wine Bar. Winnie’s LeBus is also selling individual glasses of red and white sangria with fresh fruit for $8.50 a pop.

The Cactus Restaurant and Bar is selling $3.50 Coronas and $5 margaritas from 8 to 10 p.m., and the Bayou Bar & Grill next door adds a Cajun twist to the Cinco de Mayo with $2 meatball subs and $10 crab legs all night, followed by $2 mixed drinks and bottles from 10 to midnight.

Need to rest your feet? Chill out at the Sapphire Lounge with $5 dollar margaritas and $3 Coronas all night.

Yunkers Pub & Lounge offers one of the more affordable margaritas of the evening for $3, and they offer $3 Coronas all night as well.

Happy Cinco de Mayo, and be safe.