Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at El Granjero Cantina with live mariachis, handmade tortillas, premium tequila samples, and Chef Jenni Sklar’s ingredient-driven menu.
When Cinco de Mayo arrives in Los Angeles, you have two choices: hit a crowded bar serving watered-down margaritas, or head to a place that actually honors Mexican culture with authentic flavors, live mariachis, and tequila worth celebrating.
El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market is throwing the kind of Cinco de Mayo party that upscale foodies and tequila enthusiasts deserve—one that runs all day Thursday, May 5th, 2022, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
This lively, colorful Mexican cantina (pronounced gran-heh-roh) features bright indoor-outdoor seating perfect for people-watching, an ingredient-driven menu by Executive Chef Jenni Sklar that showcases regional Mexican flavors with seasonal ingredients, and a bar program created by Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea that honors traditional agave-based spirits.
With live mariachis performing from 5:00-7:00 pm, tequila samples from Cazadores and Patrón, and everything from handmade tortillas to frozen strawberry margaritas, this celebration captures the fun-loving spirit of Cinco de Mayo while delivering the quality that Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Culver City diners expect.
Grab your sombrero and get ready for LA’s most festive tequila fix.
Why El Granjero Cantina Is Different from Every Other Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Let’s be honest: Cinco de Mayo celebrations in LA can feel painfully generic. Neon sombreros, commercial beer specials, and assembly-line tacos that taste like they’ve been sitting under heat lamps since April. El Granjero Cantina takes a completely different approach—one that respects Mexican culinary traditions while delivering the elevated experience that serious food lovers appreciate.
Executive Chef Jenni Sklar built her full ingredient-driven menu around regional Mexican flavors using seasonal and fresh ingredients. This isn’t corporate Tex-Mex; it’s thoughtful cooking that honors tradition while embracing California’s incredible produce.
“We make everything in-house from our pickles to our salsas, carnitas, and our tortillas,” Sklar states proudly. That commitment to from-scratch cooking matters enormously when you’re comparing El Granjero to the fast-casual chains dominating LA’s Mexican food landscape.
The tortillas alone tell the story. Sklar spent months searching for the perfect blend of fresh corn masa and maseca (dry corn flour) to create a unique texture that resembles a flour tortilla. “Our tortillas are soft, pliable, full of moisture and fantastic flavor. The density reminds me of a tamale and every tortilla is handmade to order every time,” she explains.
For chefs and food enthusiasts who understand that great Mexican cuisine starts with proper tortillas, this level of attention signals serious culinary integrity. According to Bon Appétit, the quality of tortillas fundamentally transforms every taco, quesadilla, and enchilada—and El Granjero Cantina gets this right.
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Chef Jenni Sklar’s Menu: From Antojitos to Dorados
The Cinco de Mayo celebration features Chef Sklar’s complete menu, giving guests access to her most creative and flavorful dishes throughout the day.
Antojitos (Snacks) include classics like Guacamole, Fiesta Nachos, Papas Fritas, and an unexpected standout: Pork Belly that delivers rich, satisfying flavor perfect for pairing with margaritas.
Ensaladas (Salads) spotlight Chef Sklar’s signature Caesar Salad prepared with romaine lettuce, cured egg yolk, sunflower seeds, and breadcrumbs—a sophisticated take on the classic. The Kale Salad features avocado, griddled cheese, house pickles, corn, and black bean salsa, proving that healthy options can still pack serious taste.
The Oaxacan Quesadillas are house favorites. The HIBISCUS version features sautéed hibiscus flowers, onion, and cheese—a vegetarian option with depth and complexity. The Queso quesadilla comes prepared with cheese, black bean puree, salsa negra, and escabeche relish served with lettuce, delivering layers of complementary flavors.
Chef Sklar’s Tacos don’t disappoint, offering two per order with sublime options including Avocado, Beef, Carnitas, Chicken, and Crispy Fish. Each showcases those handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients that make simple tacos genuinely memorable.
The Dorados (Golden Tacos) are lightly fried to perfection with three delicious options: Chili Braised Beef & Cheese, Tomatillo Chicken & Cheese, and Soyrizo & Vegan Cheese. For guests seeking that satisfying crunch and rich filling, Dorados represent Mexican comfort food at its finest.
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Los Tazones (Bowls) include the California-fresh Crispy Avocado Bowl with chipotle aioli, marinated kale, corn, black bean salsa, and pickled red onions. Additional bowls feature Chicken, Beef, Carnitas, Seared Fish, or a Keto Bowl with your choice of protein, cauliflower rice, griddled cheese, cabbage slaw, marinated kale, and crema [Insert Internal Link].
Chef Sklar’s Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas are family favorites, while her Carnitas and Chili Beef Burritos deliver the packed-with-flavor experience that makes burritos a Southern California obsession.
As with any proper Mexican meal, Chef Sklar’s Acompañantes (Sides) perfect every dish: fresh Avocado, Blistered Jalapeño, Cauliflower Rice, Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Black Beans, Black Bean Puree, and Herb Rice.
Tequila, Mezcal, and Margaritas Worth Celebrating
El Granjero Cantina’s bar program, created by Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea, honors traditional agave-based spirits from Mexico with a specially curated list of Tequilas y Mezcal. The selection showcases Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, Añejo Tequila, and Mezcal—giving tequila enthusiasts and collectors the quality they expect.
The bar features fun and frothy Frozen Margaritas, Cocktails on Tap, Classic Margaritas, and creative Specialty Cocktails that show real mixology skill:
EGC Old Fashioned comprises reposado tequila, mezcal, Meletti Amaro, and orange—a sophisticated twist that honors agave spirits while playing with classic cocktail structure.
Lifesaver combines mezcal, Fiero, lime, and pineapple syrup for a tropical-leaning serve with smoky depth.
Rasp-Hib Cocktail features your choice of tequila, Italicus, hibiscus tea, lime, and soda—refreshing, fun-loving, and perfectly balanced for warm LA weather.
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For the ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration, El Granjero Cantina created special offerings:
- SHOT & BEER featuring Cazadores tequila and Modelo ($12)
- Patrón Margarita ($16) with Patrón Silver, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and agave
- Fresh Frozen Strawberry Margarita ($14) made with Cazadores tequila, Fiero, strawberries, lime, and sugar
Cazadores and Patrón will celebrate by serving samples from 4:00-8:00 pm to guests 21 and over. For wine collectors and cocktail enthusiasts throughout West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, this represents a rare opportunity to taste premium spirits in a festive, authentic setting.
The bar also offers select Beer, Wine, house-made Sangria, and non-alcoholic beverages including El Granjero Cantina’s handmade Horchata and freshly carbonated Agua Frescas—ensuring everyone finds their perfect drink.
Live Mariachis and The Original Farmers Market Atmosphere
Here’s what elevates this Cinco de Mayo celebration beyond typical restaurant promotions: Live Mariachis performing from 5:00-7:00 pm. Authentic mariachi music transforms dinner into an experience, connecting guests to Mexican cultural traditions in a way that recorded playlists simply cannot.
The Original Farmers Market location adds another layer of appeal. With lively, bright, and inviting indoor-outdoor seating and a great patio for people-watching, El Granjero Cantina sits in one of LA’s most beloved gathering places. The Farmers Market has drawn locals and travelers since 1934, creating a sense of community and celebration that perfectly matches Cinco de Mayo’s spirit.
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For upscale diners who appreciate atmosphere as much as food quality, this combination—exceptional ingredients, skilled cocktails, live music, and prime location—creates the complete package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time is El Granjero Cantina open for Cinco de Mayo 2022?
A: El Granjero Cantina will be open on Cinco de Mayo, Thursday, May 5th, 2022, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Live mariachis perform from 5:00-7:00 pm, and Cazadores and Patrón will serve tequila samples from 4:00-8:00 pm to guests 21 and over.
Q: What makes El Granjero Cantina’s tortillas special?
A: Chef Jenni Sklar spent months developing the perfect blend of fresh corn masa and maseca (dry corn flour) to create a unique texture resembling flour tortillas. The tortillas are soft, pliable, full of moisture and flavor, with a density that reminds Chef Sklar of tamales. Every tortilla is handmade to order, ensuring maximum freshness and quality.
Q: Does El Granjero Cantina offer vegan and vegetarian options?
A: Yes. The menu includes Vegan Tacos, the Dorados feature Soyrizo & Vegan Cheese, the Oaxacan Quesadillas offer a HIBISCUS option with sautéed hibiscus flowers, and the Crispy Avocado Bowl provides a delicious plant-based choice. The restaurant makes accommodations for various dietary preferences while maintaining flavor and quality.
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate at LA’s Most Authentic Cinco de Mayo Party
This Cinco de Mayo, skip the crowded sports bars and generic chain restaurants. Instead, head to El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market for a celebration that honors Mexican culinary traditions while delivering the quality, creativity, and fun that LA’s most discerning diners deserve.
From Chef Jenni Sklar’s handmade tortillas and ingredient-driven menu to Tobin Shea’s carefully curated tequila selection and specialty cocktails, every element reflects genuine care and craftsmanship. Add live mariachis, tequila samples from premium brands, and that perfect Farmers Market atmosphere, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable Cinco de Mayo.
Whether you’re a tequila collector seeking Patrón and Cazadores samples, a foodie who appreciates from-scratch cooking, or simply someone who wants to celebrate with excellent margaritas and great music, El Granjero Cantina delivers on every front.
For more information about El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market or to make reservations, call 323.879.9324 directly or visit CantinaLA.com. Come sip, savor, and celebrate—your tequila fix awaits.
