Remember as 2019 we were looking ahead at the 2020 calendar and marvelling at how some of the dates aligned with days of the week? Halloween is on a Saturday, Christmas Day a Friday, and Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday. Well, things turned out a little differently this year, but the calendar is the same: Cinco De Mayo is on Tuesday, May 5.
If you are looking to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza with some delicious eats in Vancouver, there are plenty of options for take-out and delivery.
Sadly, a few spots in the city are still temporarily closed, including La Mezcaleria and La Cantina. Gastown's Gringo is doing delivery - but they aren't currently operating on Tuesdays.
Here are a few places in Vancouver serving up Mexican food you can order up for your at-home Cinco de Mayo enjoyment on May 5:
Tacofino
Photo courtesy TacofinoWhat perfect timing: Tacofino is opening up their Kits location for take-out and delivery starting May 5. Taco fans will be happy to see tacos - and much more, like burritos, bowls, and kids' items, as well as their nachos (take-and-bake style). The Tofino-born restaurant will also be offering family sized taco kits, featuring chips and salsa, flour tortillas, and your choice of filling (carnitas or sweet potato). Two dollars from the sale of each kit will be donated directly to the Vancouver Food + Beverage Relief Fund to support hourly industry workers in need of short-term assistance due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And since you can add on adult drinks with food purchases, you may want to stock your fridge and pantry with the fixings for margaritas and palomas that have eight to 16 servings. Order through DoorDash and online. For contactless pickup, pull into the parking lot behind Tacofino Kitsilano and call 604-620-8729 to have staff bring out orders. Open noon to 8 p.m.
The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, The Lobby Lounge is bringing its beloved La Ranchera cocktail back in the form of a cocktail hour kit. This spicy take on the classic margarita has been a favourite among Lobby Lounge patrons for years. Inspired by ranchera, a style of traditional music played on the guitar throughout Mexico, this celebratory libation brings the love of music and Tequila together for one harmonious cocktail serve. Available for purchase beginning on Monday, May 4, the cocktail kit is $65 (yields 13 cocktails) and each kit includes 1 Bottle (750ml) - Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila; 1 bottle (480 ml) - Spiced Cordial Mix; Fresh grapefruits for juicing (two); Fresh limes for juicing (three); Recipe card with directions. Purchase via the ‘Tastes of Pacific Rim Test Kitchen’ for contactless take-away or delivery through DoorDash.
Lucky Taco
Kitsilano's Lucky Taco is also re-emerging from their COVID-19 shutdown to launch take-out, and they'll be serving up the eats for May 5. "Tunes will be cranking, margaritas will be flowing, tacos will be grilling, and there are other tasty food and drink options for you to enjoy from a safe social distance," according to the restaurant. They're open daily 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. for your taco, burrito, nacho, and drink needs (and wants).
Chancho
One of Vancouver's best spots for authentic Mexican eats, Chancho has recently re-opened for take-out, and while they aren't typically open on Tuesdays, for you - and Cinco de Mayo - they will make an exception. They are offering Tacos-To-Go Kits including Margarita or Michelada mixes for pick-up from the eatery at 560 Davie Street on Tuesday, May 5. You've got to order ahead though! The kits are available in a veggie or meat option - the meat is their killer good carnitas (pork) - and come with tortillas, guac, chips, salsa, and beans.
Tacomio
Photo: TacomioTacomio's Family-Style Taco Kit comes with all the trimmings for an epic put-it-together taco feast. Available in kits for two ($25) or for ($45) people, you'll get your choice of three taco fillings plus rice, beans, tortillas, and an array of sauces, salsas, and pickled veg to create the ultimate taco bar in your own home. Their take-out window is located at 1245 Glen Drive, Vancouver for pick-up, or order for delivery via Skip the Dishes, Foodora (until May 11), DoorDash, Uber Eats, and ClickDishes.
La Taqueria
Missing your Taqueria fix? Order meal kits online from their new Cyber Taco Shop and pick-up at their Yukon location in Vancouver. Meals serve two to four people, with optional add-ons as well as beer and margs - or even their house tequila.
The Mexican
Photo: The MexicanGranville Street's The Mexican is doing take-out and delivery Tuesdays through Sundays, and their menu features an array of eats like tacos, enchiladas, tortas (sandwiches), and more, including hearty main dishes and beers.
Bandidas
Vancouver's beloved vegetarian and vegan Mexican restaurant Bandidas is open doing take-out and delivery evenings from 4 to 10 p.m. They've trimmed down the menu, but it still has tons of options for burritos, salads, nachos, enchiladas, kids' dishes, chips and dips, and all-day breakfast, too.
Sal y Limon
Photo: Sal y LimonSal y Limon is offering take-out and delivery from both their East Vancouver and South Surrey locations. Get your fill of tacos, burritos, huaraches, and more from this popular spot.
Maizal
Main Street's Maizal is offering delivery daily (through Foodora) as well as taking orders by phone for pick-up. They have tacos, flautas, burritos, and more on their menu.
Las Margaritas
Photo: Las MargaritasLongstanding Kitsilano Mexican eatery Las Margaritas is running for take-out and delivery (via DoorDash). Go crazy with their Nachos Locos, or feed your crew with their selections of enchilada trays or taco kits. (Psst: They have breakfast tacos too!)
Bonus: Nude Beverages (for a cause!)
Earlier this year Vancouver-based Nude Beverages dropped a second flavour of their sugar-free soda, Pineapple. If you want to cut the calories (save them for tacos!) on Cinco De Mayo, you can order up Nudes for delivery in Vancouver from a number of businesses. Plus, starting May 1, Nude will be donating a portion of sales from their next quarter (up to $50,000) towards COVID-19 relief efforts by supporting Canadian Red Cross, Alberta SPCA, Canada Helps as well as other localized efforts. They are also teaming up with Las Margaritas so you can pair your eats with their bevs.
This story was originally published on April 30 and has since been updated with new and additional information
