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Cinco de Mayo

Compiled by Jeremy Cesarec and Ian J. Starck | Metromix.com

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an authentic Mexican meal.

While in the city Cinco de Mayo is mainly associated with Coronas and margaritas, the Mexican holiday proves a wonderful time to pay homage to the cuisine. And while many bars in the city are unveiling exotic happy hour specials for May 5, plenty of chefs are using the day to showcase their talents. So if the Mexican's victory in the Battle of Puebla gives you a hankering for some enchiladas, stop into one of the following haunts to satisfy your craving.

Mercadito Cantina It's an all-day monumental 'Mayo meal at this Lower East Side restaurant with an inexpensive tasting menu. Start with a round of guacamoles, which includes the classic Mercadito mango and a special orange mix. Next up, a set of three ceviches, with shrimp, snapper and scallops. Follow that with a botanas (appetizers) selection that ranges from quesadillas to flautas (skinny tortillas), then dig into the main event: house signature tacos ($4). And finally, close the day with a dessert tasting that features churros and coconut flan. (172 Avenue B, between 11th and 12th streets; $40 for the tasting menu, plus $25 for margarita pairings)

Dos Caminos Known for its upscale take on traditionally downscale Mexican cuisine, Dos Caminos is offering a special Fiesta de la Calle -- a Mexican street fair -- menu this Cinco de Mayo. Brown butter and Ancho macadamia brittle add a fancy twist to Mexican (and Spanish Harlem) standby mango-on-a-stick, and beer-battered cod tacos are accompanied by chili aioli and a spicy cabbage relish. Round out your haute-pedestrian culinary celebration with boldly flavored sorbetes like sweet corn, rose petal citrus and the festive margarita. The menu is available at all three Manhattan Dos Caminos locations. (475 W. Broadway, at Houston Street; 212-277-4300; Entrees $12-21)

Los Dados The vets behind Lotus and Double Seven, David Rabin and Will Regan, have teamed up with Suenos' Sue Torres to deliver this luxe cantina that draws on Torres' deep connection with Mexican food: The chef pays yearly visits to Mexico and immerses herself in the cuisine and culture by staying with local cooks and their families. The result: Mexican classics -- homemade salsa, mole -- juiced up with gourmet additions like tacos stuffed with barbecued lamb or tamarind-glazed hanger steak, as well as pan-seared tilpapia Veracruzana with white-bean puree. Specialty margaritas, such as vanilla bean and cucumber agave, provide ample liquid to wash things down. (73 Gansevoort Street, between Washington and Greenwich streets; 646-810-7290; Entrees $14-$22)

Islero When you're trying to charge into the city's crowded food scene, it helps to be named after an infamous bull that mauled a legendary Spanish matador. Okaaaay, not really what you wanted to read before dinner. How about this: The chef at this elegant Midtown spot is a Boulud alum, and while the restaurant's name gives props to the aforementioned bull, the Spanish theme plays out nicely on a menu that riffs on Spanish faves (potato-and-chorizo croquettas, lamb chop with sweet-rice torta), with a few creative twists (plantains with sea-salt caramel and ciltantro crème fraiche). On Cinco de Mayo, expect $5 margaritas and some fine tequila-infused ceviche. (247 E. 50th Street, between Second and Third avenues; 212-752-1414; Entrees $17-$25)

Havana Alma De Cuba We know, we know, Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday. But Havana Alma de Cuba is choosing to show its solidarity by serving up a special hibiscus margarita (hibiscus being a luxury in Mexico). While you're sipping away, be sure to grab a plate of sweet crispy churros. With decadent dishes served with a smile, lanterns casting a romantic glow over the dining room and a peaceful outdoor patio, Havana is the perfect respite from the bustling city. Not to mention the potent sangria that induces even the shyest of patrons to dance the mambo. (94 Christopher Street at Bleecker Street; 212-242-3800; Entrees $15-$20)