Not like you need an excuse to party it up on the Upper East Side, but with Cinco de Mayo just a few days away – now you have a reason.

The holiday has become a long standing tradition for revelers to drink Margaritas, crunch on nachos and guacamole and toss back shots of tequila. But the holiday dates back to May 5, 1865 when 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated the French and traitor Mexican Army and prevented a government overthrow.

The Editors and ‘Foodies’ at Uppereast.com have scoured the city streets to locate the 4 best venues for Cinco de Mayo on the Upper East Side.

Zocalo celebrates Cinco de Mayo all week long with specials every night this week leading up to the big festivities on Friday, May 5th.

5 Days of specials:

Zocalo suggests reservations for dining. But if you are headed to the bar for some Cinco de Mayo drinking festivities, the bar opens on Friday at 4:30pm.

Arriba Arriba, has been a Cinco de Mayo favorite since they opened their doors in 1983. Brothers Sarmiento (Raul and Gerardo) have created a brave and exciting menu using unusual spices to create flavorful dishes. For Cinco de Mayo this year, Arriba Arriba will be offering $4 frozen margaritas and giveaways such as t-shirts and shots of tequila. With weather forecasts calling for a seasonable warm Cinco de Mayo, those frozen margaritas are sounding great right about now.

Known for their sophisticated ambiance, this bar is recognized for their martinis. Although it is not a Mexican restaurant, Stir is a great location to spend Cinco de Mayo. While others battle it out to get passed the long lines and jam packed Mexican bars, Stir is planning a Cinco de Mayo that is as hot as a jalapeno pepper.

With unique martinis like the Corazon Cosmo and a special Corazon punch for $5 during the 5pm-8pm happy hour, Cinco de Mayo revelers can throw back some tasty concoctions in class and style. Corazon tequila is the high-end sponsor of the evening. Sexy models will be giving away a vast array of promotional products. Of course, if you just prefer a beer – Stir will have Corona on special all night.

Loud, brash and always fun, Mustang Grill offers diners’ good Southwestern and Mexican cuisine in an upbeat and fun road house environment. Cinco de Mayo here will be no different. A live mariachi band will entertain you while you dine on Cinco de Mayo classics. Festive attire, festive fare and festive crowds are expected at this Upper East Side long-standing hot spot for Cinco de Mayo.

Good for the younger set, Mustang plans to offer drinks specials including Dos Equis, Corona and of course, good ole tequila. Be sure to get there earlier, crowds pack the outdoor seating area and surely will flow out on to the streets as the margaritas flow inside.