The Halloween season may be drawing to a close on Wednesday, but there's still one excuse to leave those decorative skeletons out on display. Dia de Los Muertos, the traditional Mexican holiday honoring the dead, happens once Halloween comes to a close. To help you celebrate this weekend, here are our top three picks for Day of the Dead dining.
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Old Town Scottsdale's Distrito at the Saguaro will be ringing in Dia de Los Muertos with a 5-8 pm happy hour on Friday, Nov. 2, featuring restaurant specials, Muerta Fresa cocktails, and sugar skull waitresses. They will also have face painting on location for any guests looking to participate. For more information visit Distrito online.
Barrio Cafe will be celebrating its 11th Dia de Los Muertos on Calle 16 starting at 6:30 pm Friday.The restaurant will be offering special menu items such as pre-Colombian style turkey, poncho con piquet, and pan de muerto. Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza will also be inviting guests to help build a community altar outside Barrio to commemorate the special day. For more information or to make reservations, visit Barrio Cafe online.
The Desert Bortanical Garden will be holding Dia de Los Muertos festivities all weekend long starting with Cuisine and Culture of Dia de Los Muertos on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 6-8 pm. Hosted by multimedia artist Zarco Guerrero, the culinary event will feature cooking demonstrations by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, traditional Mexican dishes catered by Barrio Cafe, live music, and storytelling performances. Tickets are $62 for the general public and $50 for DBG members. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Desert Botanical Garden online.