Get ready to toast to all things Cinco de Mayo Friday. Commonly (and incorrectly) hailed as a celebration of Mexican independence, Cinco de Mayo actually marks the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over Spain in the Battle of Puebla. In Mexico, not many people outside Puebla observe the holiday, but in these parts, expect Cinco de Mayo New York celebrations from Manhattan to Montauk.

Related Content: An Acapulco Native’s Guide to Eating Mexican Food on LI

American Cut, Tribeca

image: facebook.com/novella-americancut

This steakhouse is focused on fine-dining in a modern restaurant setting, and the bar staff aims just as high when crafting cocktails. The new Cinco de Mayo drink recipe featuring tequila, fruit juice, citrus and Thai chili pepper syrup is sugar and spice and everything nice. Go

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Hicksville

image: facebook.com/OnTheBorderMexicanGrillandCantina

The colorful brick building that pays homage to Mexican architecture is sure to transport guests to the streets of the beautiful country. Authentic cuisine options range from enchiladas to tacos to fajitas. Pair the grub with some festive drink specials that include $5 Cinco’ Ritas and $10 Top Shelf Ritas. Go

Besito Mexican Restaurant, Roslyn, West Islip, Huntington

Guests get more than what they pay for at Besito Mexican Restaurant. The eatery is hosting a complimentary tequila tasting featuring some of their 75 world-class tequila selections. The famous tableside guacamole prepared with hass avocado, tomato, jalapeno, onion and cilantro isn’t a bad deal either. Go

Tocolo Cantina, Garden City

image: facebook.com/tocolocantina

No great cantina is complete without tequila. The authentic restaurant is surrounded by artwork and candles for a modern twist on Mexican culture. It is offering tequila tasting from 4-6pm with a live DJ and giveaways all night long. Go

Del Fuego Tex Mex Kitchen & Tequila Bar, Babylon, Patchogue, St. James

Make Cinco de Mayo a ‘Del Fuego day’ with 65 tequila options for their “Tequila Flight Friday.” The Mexican shack style restaurant is offering some of the best Tex-Mex on Long Island with tacos and cerveza specials. Go

The Gander, Gramercy/Flatiron

image: facebook.com/thegandernyc

Modern American cuisine takes on a new identity for Cinco de Mayo. The restaurant’s special menu will feature $5 tacos, churros and guacamole. Plus, visitors can satisfy their sweet tooths with $3 jello shots or margarita slushies. Go

K.Pacho, New Hyde Park

Rustic wooden touches and a candlelit background provide a festive, yet casual dining experience. K.Pacho’s 6th Annual Cinco de Mayo Extravaganza will feature live music, dancers and special guests. Drink specials include $6 tequila shots, $5 margaritas, wine and sangria. Go

The Library Café, Farmingdale

image: facebook.com/TheLibraryCafe

This library will be anything but quiet on Cinco de Mayo. The café set in a former library not only has drink specials for margaritas and tequilas, but also a special Mexican menu including black bean soup, empanadas, tacos and burritos. Go

Limon Jungle, Hell’s Kitchen

No need to feel guilty about eating your favorite food because this Mexican restaurant serves healthy alternatives like fajita salad and whole-wheat burritos. The narrow, brick-walled eatery will have live mariachis and happy hour all day long. Go

Maxwell’s, Islip

image: facebook.com/MaxwellsRestaurantNY

The family style pub with hot top tables and outdoor seating is hosting a party for the whole family with live music. Dig into some homemade guacamole or churros. Then wash it down with a $9 coconut margarita or $5 Jose Cuervo shots. Go

Empellon Taqueria, West Village

image: facebook.com/pages:Empellon Taqueria

The Mexican-inspired neighborhood restaurant specializes in tacos 365 days a year, but they have a special menu just for this holiday. Relax in the casual atmosphere and indulge in their six-course prix-fixe menu including guacamole, vegetables, seafood, melted cheese, tacos and dessert. Go