By Samantha Getz, Intern

Looking for a place to celebrate all things mexican for Cinco de Mayo tonight? Here's what's going on in and around Ballard:

Take your tequila by the horns at The Matador

The Matador isn't just a Mexican restaurant, they also offer over 130 tequila options. It’s Old world Mexico meets Texas saloon.

Well tequila brands start at $6.50 and vary up to $300 a shot for the tequila connoisseurs.

They’ve got the typical shooters, blanco, aged, extra aged, rested and a variety of other tequilas suitable for the varied tongues.

The establishment has three other locations in the area, as well as a couple in Oregon and Idaho, but the Ballard location remains their flagship.

The open fireplace warms the interior during the dreary days, and the outdoor patio offers dining in the sun. For the gluten-free and vegetarian Ballardites, there is a menu for you, too.

If mariachi music isn’t your thing, enjoy the alternative rock tunes that typically frequent the speakers there.

The restaurant will open at 11 a.m. and stay open until 2 a.m. on Cinco de Mayo. Business will run as normal with a few drink specials to highlight the day.

The Matador, 2221 NW Market St., Seattle, WA 98107

Tradition and friendly service at Azteca

It’s the longest standing Mexican restaurant location in Ballard with over 30 years of tradition. Although Azteca has other locations accommodating Seattle residents from every neighborhood, nothing quite compares to the Market Street establishment.

“I hear our food is better than the others,” long-time employee Christina Beasley said.

She suggests the carne asada for your celebratory dining experience.

The place will be decked out in Cinco de Mayo décor, compliments of the beer corporations, with friendly, neighborhood service that has been there for generations.

Behind the counter and in the kitchen, it’s all mostly family, and, when you’re there, you’ll get treated like one of the family, too.

Coronas and margaritas will be on special to accompany your meal.

Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 2319 NW Market St., Seattle, WA 98107

Tequila luge, margarita garden and food at Bandolero

They’re still the new kids on the block, but they’re going big this Cinco de Mayo. Bandolero Restaurant and Tequila Bar opened its door to Tangletown customers in September. Since then, they’ve been making a name for themselves by offering authentic dishes and delicious drinks.

“We’re trying not to be typical American-Mexican,” proprietor Jay Farias said.

You won’t find a side of refried beans and rice on your plate. Farias said he suggests the chili relleno a dish made with a giant poblano pepper, pulled pork, and green and red chili sauce.

“It’s the crowd pleaser for sure,” he said.

The establishment will open at noon on Cinco de Mayo, streaming mariachi tunes from Pandora, complete with a margarita garden on the patio. Worried about the rain? Enjoy your beverage under the tent, next to a toasty heater. If straight-up tequila is your game, grab a glass and get your shot streamed fresh from the giant ice luge shaped like an Aha Toro bottle. The outdoor bar will also be serving Dos Equis and Tecate beer on tap.

Up for a challenge? Join the other 450 members of the Tequila Club. Every tenth shot costs a penny with rewards along the way to the final, 60th shot. Although all 60 shots can’t be taken in one sitting, you can get your start on Cinco and watch the big leaguers take their final swig and get their name on the wall.
Bandolero Restaurant and Tequila Bar, 2253 N. 56th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

Variety of salsas at El Chupacabra

Most restaurants give you one impressionable, homemade salsa with your meal. Here, you get your choice of roja, verde or a pineapple chipotle blend.

“Mexican food and drinks are kind of our deal up here,” manager Rachel Currier said.

They’re the popular place to go for Greenwood and Phinney Ridge residents, but on Cinco de Mayo, they’re expecting the masses.

Good food at a good price. The jukebox controls the tunes for the day and there will be possible shwag-giveaway opportunities.

They’ll have margaritas on special with and a beer-and-a-shot deal.

If the dreary weather lifts, food and drinks can be enjoyed on the street-side patio.

El Chupacabra, 6711 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103

Authentic dining at Senor Moose

On the outside, it’s a small, homey Ballard restaurant. On the inside, it’s a Mexican fonda straight from the heart of the country.

Their dishes derive from the popular dishes of each region guaranteeing an authentic flavor to each forkful. It’s Mexico on a plate.

Sure they’ll decorate a bit for the day, and keep your tequila glass full, but it’s the food and neighborly dining experience you should go for. From ensaladas to mole to enchiladas, each dish is definite, delicious comida tipica.

Senor Moose will open be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner.

Senor Moose, 5242 NW Leary Ave., Seattle, WA 98107

Mexican beer at the Irish Pub

They made your perfect Guinness pour for St. Patrick’s Day, and for Cinco de Mayo they’ll have some beer for you, too.

The Old Pequliar will open at noon offering five, 7-ounce Coronas in a bucket for you and your mates’ drinking pleasure. “Coronitas” buckets cost $10. The bartenders will also be serving up homemade pineapple, vanilla-infused tequila. If the sun breaks through, you can enjoy your drinks on the sunny deck.

Bingo tournament starts at 8 p.m. Pay for a card, you could walk away with the whole pot.

Free parking is available.

The Old Peculiar, 1722 NW Market St., Seattle, WA, 98107

Alternative rockers at the 2Bit

If mariachis and sombreros aren’t your kind of gig, maybe the 2Bit Saloon is up your alley. Live music will begin at 7 p.m. No maracas here.

Up and coming punk rock band, Old Blue, and bass-drum duo, Wyoming Young and Strong, will play in addition to two other bands. The dive bar is back on their summer hours, so plan on rockin’ until 2 a.m.

If you still need a little Mexican flavor, then munch on their $1 nachos or enjoy a $3 Corona or $4 blue margarita.

Cover costs $5. The venue only hosts ages 21 and older.

The 2Bit Saloon, 4818 17th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Looking for other live music in Ballard? Hit up the Sunset Tavern for Seattle bands, The Fuzz and The Finger Guns, starting at 9:30 p.m. Cover costs $6. Ages 21 and older only.
The Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107

The Tractor Tavern will be hosting an intimate solo, acoustic performance by Citizen Cope beginning at 9 p.m. The show is seated, and sold out.