As winter’s chill lingers and spring waits in the wings, restaurants and bars across the United States are shaking up their menus and rolling out the salt-rimmed glasses for one of the year’s most festive unofficial holidays: National Margarita Day. Falling on Sunday, February 22, 2026, this year’s celebration promises to be one of the most vibrant yet, with deals, tastings, and creative twists on the classic tequila cocktail popping up in cities from New Orleans to San Antonio, Athens, and far beyond.
According to PATRÓN Tequila, National Margarita Day is “one of the most popular tequila cocktails, celebrated every year on February 22 to honor this iconic drink that tastes like summer in a glass.” The day, founded around 2008 by margarita enthusiast Todd McCalla, has quickly become a fixture on the hospitality calendar, even though it lacks any official government or industry designation. The date—2/22—lends itself perfectly to marketing magic, and restaurants nationwide are seizing the opportunity to entice customers out of winter hibernation with deals as low as $2.22.
Bahama Breeze Island Grille is leading the national charge with $2.22 classic margaritas all day on Sunday, a price point that cheekily mirrors the date itself. Chili’s, a perennial favorite for casual celebrations, ups the ante with three options: a $5 Tequila Classic, the $6 StrawEddy Margarita of the Month, and a premium $7 Patrón Frozen. Meanwhile, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is serving up $6 Original and Classic Flavor margaritas, and Miller’s Ale House is matching Bahama Breeze’s $2.22 margarita offer for dine-in customers. Even The Greene Turtle is joining in with $2 margaritas all day, although a meal purchase is required to unlock the deal. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse keeps the party going with happy hour specials throughout the day.
But it’s not just the big chains getting in on the action. Local Mexican restaurants and taco joints across the country are crafting their own specials, with frozen margarita deals ranging from $3.99 to $5, and some bars extending the festivities from Friday through Monday. According to sources from Bahama Breeze and Chili’s corporate communications, many establishments are also running bonus promotions, such as vouchers for future visits or limited-edition margarita flavors available only this weekend.
“Will you hit the margarita specials this Sunday, February 22?” asks PATRÓN Tequila, capturing the spirit of the day. Whether your preference leans toward classic lime, frozen strawberry, spicy infusions, or premium tequila flights, National Margarita Day 2026 offers something for every palate and budget. The combination of widespread restaurant participation, historic low prices, and a festive atmosphere makes this a can’t-miss occasion for cocktail lovers.
In New Orleans, where the hospitality scene is as lively as the city’s famed parades, Felipe’s Taqueria in the French Quarter is making a splash with an all-day happy hour special. For this one day only, Felipe’s is waiving its usual time restrictions and offering house margaritas for $8 and premium versions for $10 from opening to closing. “National Margarita Day has become part of the annual hospitality calendar,” a Felipe’s representative told PressAdvantage, emphasizing that the all-day pricing “allows guests to participate at a time that fits their schedule, whether that's earlier in the afternoon or later in the evening.”
Typically, happy hour pricing at Felipe’s is limited to certain afternoon and late evening hours, but for February 22, those limitations are lifted. This approach is designed to accommodate the varied rhythms of Sunday dining in New Orleans, which often includes brunch-goers, afternoon strollers, and evening revelers alike. The French Quarter’s dense concentration of bars and restaurants makes promotional differentiation crucial, and all-day specials like Felipe’s offer a compelling reason for both locals and tourists to stop in for a sip.
Industry analysts note that the winter months can bring slower business to restaurants in tourist-heavy cities like New Orleans, so aligning promotions with nationally recognized food and beverage observances helps maintain steady customer flow. By offering consistent pricing across all service windows, Felipe’s not only simplifies operations for staff but also removes any guesswork for customers eager to celebrate.
Meanwhile, San Antonio’s vibrant food and drink scene is offering its own array of margarita-centric deals. Anaqua Garden Bar is featuring a $5 “Margarita in Mexico” special, while Corinne San Antonio, located inside the Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, will have its $5 La Villita margarita available all day. Fuego Tortilla Grill is sweetening the deal with $2 off any taco when you purchase a margarita—yes, even their limited-time blood orange version—starting at 10 a.m. Los Barrios Family Restaurants, which include beloved spots like La Hacienda and Viola’s Ventana’s, are pouring $7 house margaritas from February 21 through 22.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar is hosting tequila tastings. Patrón representatives will be on hand from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on February 21, and Caraburna Tequila will lead a guided tasting from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on February 22. Smashin’ Crab is offering 2-for-1 margaritas all day at its three San Antonio locations, and Tenfold Rooftop at the Kimpton Santo San Antonio - Riverwalk is serving up $16 frozen and rocks margarita flights, plus a $22 “Mile High Flight” that includes all four of their signature margaritas. Not to be outdone, The Gunter Hotel is debuting The Gunter Margarita—a limited-time concoction of Combier liqueur, Altos tequila, agave, and lime juice—available for $13 across all its outlets. Velvet Taco is also running $5 margarita specials from Thursday through Saturday, ensuring the party starts early.
In Athens, Georgia, the festivities are equally spirited. Paloma Park is offering margarita draft towers for $30 all day starting at noon, with Espolòn house margaritas available for just $5. Happy hour pitchers are up for grabs at $8 from 3 to 6 p.m. La Parrilla is joining the fun with $9.25 margaritas, and Newk’s restaurant is rolling out a refreshed spring menu featuring bold flavors and guest-favorite recipes, perfect for pairing with a classic margarita through May 13.
The history of the margarita itself is as colorful as the drink’s rim. Esquire magazine cemented its legendary status by naming it Drink of the Month in December 1953. Some bartenders trace its origins to 1936 Mexico, where Danny Negrete is said to have crafted the cocktail for his girlfriend, Margarita, at a Tehuacán hotel. Most agree the drink evolved from the simple act of chasing tequila shots with salt and lime into the harmonious blend of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec we know today.
For those eager to make the most of National Margarita Day, a few tips are in order: call ahead to confirm your favorite restaurant’s participation, as deals can vary by location and often carry dine-in only restrictions. Arriving early can help you beat the crowds, and don’t forget to check social media for pop-up specials or limited-edition flavors. Some establishments are even offering vouchers for future visits, so the celebration can linger long after the last sip.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic, crave a creative twist, or simply enjoy the communal spirit of a shared toast, National Margarita Day 2026 is shaping up to be a memorable—and delicious—occasion. With deals that fit every budget and flavors to match every mood, Sunday, February 22 is the perfect excuse to raise a glass and savor the taste of summer, even if spring is still a few weeks away.