1. Jose Locos Mexican Restaurant
300 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield
417-885-9097
We don’t really need an excuse to drink monster-sized margaritas, but Cinco de Mayo gives us a little less guilt. Head to Jose Locos for food and drink specials all weekend, including mole poblano, rancheros and taco salad. If you’re not that dedicated, there are jumbo margaritas that are smaller than the monsters, and 32-ounce draft beers on special, too.
2. Cantina Laredo
1001 Branson Landing, Branson
417-334-6062, cantinalaredo.com
Need a break from a Branson Landing shopping spree? Stop by Cantina Laredo for drink specials on shots, imported beers and, of course, margaritas from the portable margarita bar. Out on the patio, a DJ will be spinning tunes, and you can even hit the dance floor. Fully embrace the holiday with some salsa dancing and, before you go home, make sure to grab some free giveaway swag such as T-shirts and hats.
3. Maria’s Mexican Restaurant
406 South Ave., Springfield
417-831-9339, mariasdowntown.com
With 15 years of celebrating under their belt, the staff at Maria’s know how to make Cinco de Mayo a holiday to remember. Head to the restaurant for drink and food specials, including a special recipe made just for the event. The bar also has a featured tequila that rotates every hour, so you can spend all night there and always have a new reason to celebrate.
4. The Golden Girl Rum Club
137 Park Central Square, Springfield
417-425-5162, thegoldengirl.com
Celebrate Cinco on one of downtown’s trendiest patios. Golden Girl has tequila (and other boozy favorites) on special all weekend, and on Saturday the patio doors open for a grill party. Sit inside or out and dig into as many tacos as you can handle made with chicken and steak grilled fresh right in front of you.
5. The Paddlewheel
9 South Boardwalk, Branson
417-239-3980, thepaddlewheel.com
Party on the lake at Cinco de Mayo at The Paddlewheel celebration all day on May 5. Jam out to live music by Shaun Munday as he makes his first appearance for Rock the Dock. The kitchen is serving up a specialty menu filled with great food and drink specials, and as always, happy hour is 2 to 6 p.m. With easy access to Branson Landing, you can shop before or after you party.
