Where to go for Cinco de Mayo in Boston

Shrimp tacos at Lolita Cocina and Tequila Bar in the Back Bay. [Bill Greene / Globe Staff]

We'll take any excuse to scarf guacamole and drink cerveza. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style -- that's May 5 in Spanish -- by checking out some of these local spots.

Get the party started early at Zocalo Back Bay, which will be opening its doors at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday and continuing the party through the weekend. Soak up the sunshine on the new outdoor patio as you dine on Mexican cuisine and sip specialty cocktails.

The new Lolita Cocina and Tequila Bar, which opened in the Back Bay this winter and boasts nearly 200 kinds of tequila, will be serving up specialty dishes of street-style Mexican fare. Munch on the Gordo Torta, which combines slow roasted pork belly, avocado, oaxacon cheese, chipotle salsita, and refried pink beans or share a pitcher of the Naughty Pineapple Margarita with friends.

Popular South End spot The Beehive goes south of the border with jazz-infused Mexican band Aquas-Aquas with Rafael Alcala, a mariachi band, and plenty of specialty Latin dishes.

Hungry for more? Check out Tico, which recently opened in the old Cottonwood Cafe space, Villa Mexico in Beacon Hill, La Verdad near Fenway Park, or the Waterfront's new Temazcal Tequila Cantina. Olé!