Try to catch some of Olvera Street's remaining Cinco de Mayo activities. There are also many other venues happy to help Angelenos celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Historical debates about the importance of the holiday aside, here are a few suggestions for enjoying one good margarita or five, and celebrating political independence. (Sort of, but technically, not really.)

When it comes to touristy Mexican-American landmarks and institutions that maintain a stubbornly nostalgic grip, perhaps El Cholo comes in a close second to Olvera Street in the hearts of many city residents. You know they're gonna attract a crowd tonight, so if it's a lot of company you seek, then you can't go wrong with drinks and green corn tamales at any of the locations, especially at its classic 1121 S. Western Avenue original.

A new kid on the downtown block, YXTA Cocina Mexicana, offers $2 tacos al pastor, $5 house margaritas and drinks blended with Corralejo tequila from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

601 S. Central Ave., Downtown, (213) 596-5579 or www.yxta.net.

Casa has a DJ starting at 5:30 p.m., on-demand drink service amenities like a margarita cart and tableside margarita bar, $5 drinks and sangria, $3 beer and a special menu until 10 p.m. The Lucha Va Voom afterparty takes over at 11.

350 S. Grand Ave., Downtown, (213) 621-2249 or www.casadowntown.com.

Speaking of which, you can celebrate Tuesday in Stiles O. Clements-designed architectural splendor at the Mayan Theater during Lucha Va Voom's “Cinco de Mayan” variety show with the wrestling, burlesque, dance, comedy and music we've come to love from the troupe. Tickets here.

Silver Lake's Malo starts happy hour early at 4 p.m., and continues with several tequila-based drink specials all night, along with taco deals and bottomless chips and salsa.

4326 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, (323) 664-1011 or www.malorestaurant.com.


El Compadre also has two locations — the original in Hollywood, and a newer one in Echo Park — for a fix of L.A. fun and those flaming margaritas.

7408 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 874-7924; 1449 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, (213) 250-4505 or www.elcompadrerestaurant.com.

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