By Stacy Brooks
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Inver Grove Heights! On May 5, Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory in the Battle of Puebla. Today, it’s an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to enjoy delicious eats from Mexican-owned restaurants, shop local for Mexican products, and experience live Mexican music and dancing.
Locally-owned Mexican restaurants in Inver Grove Heights
Los Portales Bar & Grill is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration with a live mariachi band, karaoke, and folk dancing. Savor traditional Mexican specialties including tacos, pozole (pork and hominy soup), and guacamole. Enjoy drinks like strawberry and mango margaritas, palomas, and tequila, or try some refreshing, non-alcoholic agua frescas (blended fruit drinks). Festivities start at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, and additional details are available via the restaurant’s Facebook page.
5816 Blaine Avenue E, Inver Grove Heights; 651-200-3349; losportalesmn.com
Rincon Mexicano serves fresh, made-to-order tacos and Mexican street food. Create your own taco platter with meats including asada (steak), barbacoa (slow-cooked beef with herbs), and tinga (marinated shredded chicken), or try one of the vegetarian options like veggie chorizo or soy-based meat. Other specialities include elote (corn on the cob), burritos, and quesadillas. Save room for dessert—the churros and flan are delicious. Pair your meal with a traditional drink like horchata or try a Mexican soda.
3064 65th Street E, Inver Grove Heights; 651-457-2755; rinconmexicanorestaurant.com
La Dulceria Piñatas y Mas stocks all the sweets you need to host your own Cinco de Mayo celebration. There’s a huge selection of classic Mexican hard candies, gummies, chocolate bars, and sweets. Buy a few pieces of each to create your own assortment, or purchase candy by the pound to fill a piñata. The shop sells traditional star-shaped piñatas, plus kid-friendly cartoon character-shaped piñatas. Adults can pick out fun alcohol-themed piñatas that double as party decor.
3058 65th Street E, Inver Grove Heights; 651-274-2339; ladulceriashop.com
Taqueria El Girasol is perfect for a quick bite, with tacos, tortas, burritos, and more. Be sure to try one of the birria dishes, made with perfectly slow-cooked, seasoned meat. In addition to traditional birria tacos, the menu includes a massive cheese-stuffed quesabirria. Taqueria El Girasol also offers kid’s meals—choose from a kid-sized burrito, taco combo, or quesadilla.
6550 Cahill Avenue S, Inver Grove Heights; 651-457-2652; taqueria-el-girasol.square.site
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on St. Paul’s West Side
Inver Grove Heights is closer than you think to St. Paul’s West Side, which is home to a vibrant Mexican community. The District del Sol cultural district is committed to preserving the neighborhood’s Latino roots, and you’ll find several Mexican restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries.
Wrap up your Cinco de Mayo celebration with a stay in Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more. Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!