Dos de Oros celebrates new space for Cinco de Mayo

Dos de Oros to celebrate Cinco de Mayo inside newly expanded restaurant

By Jill Draper

Dos de Oros is doubling its capacity to serve customers and adding a full bar and sidewalk seating. The expansion kicks off with a fiesta on the May 3-5 weekend for Cinco de Mayo. But it’s only a sneak peek situation. Although the new space has been issued a temporary liquor license for the celebration, it won’t be open for regular hours until a permanent license is granted, probably around July, says Maria Cervantes. She and her husband Miguel own the Mexican restaurant in the Yetta Center at Holmes Road and Blue Ridge Boulevard.

The addition is situated to the north of the existing restaurant in a spot where a handful of pubs have come and gone. It will add about 90 seats plus two new bathrooms and a larger kitchen space so the staff can bake tortas on-site and make ice cream for the taqueria around the corner. It replaces the tent in the parking lot that usually accommodates Cinco de Mayo revelers, but other traditions remain the same. There will be discounts on drinks ($3 beers and two for $8 margaritas), various food specials and live guitar music by Chris Rock. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

“You know how Kansas City is,” says Miguel. “We decided to hold Cinco de Mayo inside this year so we don’t have to worry about the weather.”

Other restaurants in the south Kansas City area also are offering food and drink specials for Cinco de Mayo. Cacao will celebrate the entire weekend with $5 appetizers (tacos dorados, two fish tacos or a mini queso fundido) at its 1046 W. 103rd St. location. Patron shots will be $5, Mexican beers $2.50, all draft beers $3, and house margaritas $4.

Jarocho South will serve dollar oysters, margaritas and Mexican bottle beers for $3 each, and draws for $4. Food discounts include a variety of $1 tacos and small seafood plates for $5. These prices are only good on Sunday, May 5, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jarocho is at 13145 State Line Rd.

Also only on Sunday are specials at El Ateno Mexican Grill at 1521 Main St. in Grandview. The restaurant will offer discounts on beer and margaritas plus 50 percent off chicken fajitas from 9 a.m.-10 p.m.