Fiesta on the 5th: Cinco de Mayo Planner

8454 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

WeHo's popular brunch spot is getting into the spirit with 2-for-1 margaritas all day. Ole!

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (map)

You know, for the kids: The aquarium's annual "Dia del Nino" children's festival takes place on the May 2nd and 3rd and includes interactive music jam sessions, children performing international dance and music, storytelling, arts-and-crafts and more.

7408 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)

You may not be able to count to five after downing more than one of the famous flaming margaritas at Sunset's jam-packed favorite. It's dark, it's red, it's crawling with people, the floor's uneven and the bar's small, but it's still absolutely en fuego.

1121 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90006 (map)

K-town's venerable institution has enough tasty margaritas, blue corn enchiladas, green corn tamales and guacamole to keep everyone happy. And this locale is filled with the ghosts of old L.A. legends covering the walls.

Olvera St and Cesar Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

Downtown's historic street will be packed with thousands of Angelenos celebrating Mexican heritage and history. Expect live music, roaming mariachis, tasty Mexican fare from faves like El Paseo and all manner of cultural presentations including ballet folklorico and traditional arts-and-crafts displays.

13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (map)

Valley-ites need their margs, too! Drink up in the SGV at this old haunt of over-the-hill movie studio magnates past. Massive 'ritas and comfort food make for a pleasing alternative to the Westside and Hollywood scene, but it's still crowded, so prepare to wait for your table.

8138 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

Viva tequila! One of West Third Street's few raucous bars offers 300 types of the worm's best friend and fun surroundings to boot. Parking is a problem and the drinks are potent, so this is a great night to finally take that cab you're always talking about.

1612 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Already The Cahuenga Corridor's excellent still-fun-without-the-fuss go-to, it's also big enough not to be ridiculously packed on May 5th. Eat, drink and make merry from the restaurant and bar areas to the festive backyard.

311 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

Venice or bust: OK, so it's more like Panama City than Mexico City, but it's just as crowded and chaotic as both. Everybody wants to shoot tequila at this Westside cantina on Cinco. So, if you're up for Spring Break '09--get down there. Just make sure nobody slips anything in your drink.