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Cinco de Mayo is one annual party that just wouldn't be the same without spicy food and strong tequila.

The fifth is a day for margarita lovers and agave connoisseurs; a day that gives rise to a diverse crowd of the young and old looking to exceed the drinking limitations of yesteryear with mass amounts of margaritas with just the right amount of salty kick. No Cinco de Mayo should be spent sober. Dig out your sombrero and check out the top Insider picks for margaritas in San Diego.

Old Town Mexican Café
Located in the heart of historic Old Town, this restaurant celebrates Cinco de Mayo with mariachis, food and beer specials, and a DJ in the garden room. Don't waste valuable drinking time scanning the full-bar's vast menu of margaritas and tequilas, choose the Classic Cointreau Margarita. The simple blend of Margaritaville Tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice makes this cocktail the best option.

El Agave
This Old Town staple is arguably the top San Diego Mexican restaurant for tequila. The large menu of over 400 tequilas leaves some a bit confused, but the servers and bartenders are extremely helpful in guiding you to the best top shelf concoction. Go Cadillac this Cinco de Mayo, or keep it cool with a blended mango margarita. The glass encased tequila walls will spin around you, and you're guaranteed to get a good buzz, even if your solo drink does break the bank.

Baja Betty's
You'll find Baja Betty's away from the shores of San Diego, but it somehow still maintains a beach vibe. Located on University Avenue, Baja Betty's is a fun low-key bar to visit for a mellow atmosphere and strong margarita. This joint is best known for the massive real fruit margaritas and the monthly tequila tasting parties. Betty is sure to convince you wine tasting has nothing on tequila tasting.

Fred's Mexican Café
All three San Diego locations will be packed this Cinco de Mayo, and for good reason. From Pacific Beach to Gaslamp, Fred serves up extra-large extra-strength margaritas in all flavors and top shelf varieties. Go big this Cinco de Mayo with the Patron Rita Margarita, loaded with Patron Silver and Patron Citronage.

The Lime
Quench your thirst for a Gaslamp margarita at The Lime this Cinco de Mayo. This petite tequila bar serves some of the tastiest margaritas this side of the border, and the half price happy hour ritas attract locals from all over the county. Sip on the Blue Margarita, a tasty mixture of tequila, blue curacao, homemade sweet and sour, and a splash of OJ.

Minus One Lounge
On Cinco de Mayo, Minus One Lounge is contributing a celebration of their own with hosted drinks from 8 to 9pm followed by tequila specials, buckets of coronas, and a DJ lineup. Forget the rowdy crowds and give the holiday an upscale twist at the Keating.

Firehouse Lounge
If you're not really feeling the Cinco de Mayo mindset, head to Firehouse for a lounge ambiance by the beach. Play along with holiday standards and order the make-your-own margarita, or forget the hype and enjoy the Ladder 21 Lemonade - just one among the long list of specialty cocktails.

So, now you're set on margaritas, but what about mariachi rentals and dinner party recipes? Consult the Insider Guide to Cinco de Mayo in San Diego for, well, everything else.