While most people indulge in Cinco de Mayo shenanigans that leave their livers troubled and their tequila tolerance tested, I'm proposing a different sort of celebration.

To keep things classy over the next few days, check out celebrations at Barcelona Steakhouse and Nightclub, Los Sombreros, Wildfish Seafood Grille, Roaring Fork and Eddie V's Edgewater Grille, all in Scottsdale.


Today and Saturday: Barcelona is pre-partying with a flavored margarita tasting tonight from 8 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, the upscale megaclub is hosting a Dos Equis reception. To attend, RSVP to make yourself an instant VIP at 480-603-0370. Linger after the drinks to check out former American Idol competitor David Hernandez and his remarkably good cover band, Generations.

Sunday: Wildfish Seafood Grille, Roaring Fork and Eddie V's Edgewater Grille may have little in common when it comes to cuisine or décor, but they are run by the same company, Eddie V's. The three upscale eateries are all offering guests the chance to sample the same two new Cinco de Mayo-themed original cocktails.

These new festive martinis include the Elderberry Martini and the Madras Crush, $12 each, and are available Sunday through May 9.

The Elderberry Martini is shaken with Grey Goose vodka, elderberry and blood orange syrups and orange juice, served up with an orange twist. The Madras Crush is muddled oranges and limes, mixed with Herradura Silver tequila, Cointreau, cranberry juice and simple syrup, shaken and strained over ice, served with a lime wedge.

Tuesday—Cinco de Mayo: For a slightly more refined dining and drinking destination, swing by Los Sombreros, which has developed a $5 menu just for Cinco de Mayo.

With innovative versions of dishes from central and southern Mexico, Los Sombreros is one of the city's most celebrated restaurants, and it typically has prices to reflect that. But on this day, you can enjoy $5 guacamole and chips, two Mexico City-style quesadillas, two red chile beef tamales, shrimp and mango cocktail, three kinds of salad and two kinds of tacos.

From the bar, you can enjoy a $5 house margarita, a Cuba Libre, a mojito, a glass of red or white sangria or a pint of Dos Equis, among other drinks.

I would recommend going for the slightly more pricey mango margarita—which is totally amazing—or ordering one made with just the agave nectar, the homemade lime mix and Dos Manos tequila. It's a life-changer.

By Megan Finnerty
Metromix