Taco Tuesday + National Margarita Day combine. Here's where to celebrate

Whether you prefer it with lime or strawberry, salt or no salt, frozen or on the rocks, a margarita is a perfect way to chase away those February winter blues and transport you to a tropical paradise.

Posted 1:00 p.m. Feb 21, 2022 — Updated 3:15 p.m. Feb 22, 2022

Salud! National Margarita Day is just around the corner. Whether you prefer it with lime or strawberry, salt or no salt, frozen or on the rocks, a margarita is a perfect way to chase away those February winter blues and transport you to a tropical paradise.

Ever since the first margarita was made in the mid-20th century, people have been enjoying the smooth tequila and tart flavor of this classic drink. This year, National Margarita Day falls on Taco Tuesday – the perfect excuse to celebrate.

Make sure you're ready for Feb. 22 and read on to find out where to celebrate National Margarita Day this year!

What is National Margarita Day?

Though perhaps not the most well-known holiday in February (hey, Valentine's Day!), National Margarita Day has loyal followers around the country and the world. Started by Todd McCalla to spread his love for the drink, National Margarita Day has become a popular day for restaurant deals on their signature margaritas.

The history of the margarita itself is a little hazy. One theory is that it is a tequila remake of the brandy daisy, a popular cocktail in the 20th century – "margarita" means daisy in Spanish. Jose Cuervo claims it was invented in 1938 by a bartender for the Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa. What we know for sure is that the first known published margarita recipe appeared in Esquire in 1953.

Since then, the margarita has become one of America's most popular cocktails. It is traditionally made with just tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. However, many variations have been developed since then,and many restaurants offer their own signature take on the drink.

Cheers to these Margarita Day deals

Chili's (locations in Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Durham): Chili's is offering a ton of National Margarita Day deals so you can celebrate and save. They are offering $3 House Margaritas, $6 Presidentes and $7 Premium Margaritas all day long on February 22, as well as their $5 February Margarita of the Month. Visit one of their locations in Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Durham to take advantage of their National Margarita Day deals. Chili's hours vary by location.

Transfer Co. Food Hall (500 E Davie St, Raleigh) Want to try something a little different? Celebrate National Margarita Day at the Transfer Co. Food Hall in Raleigh. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 22, stop by to try margarita flights. Who knows, you may just walk away with a new favorite margarita!

While you're there, check out their wide selection of vendors for a snack or a meal. Pair your margarita flight with burritos or tacos from Dank Burrito, then stop by Captain Cookie and the Milkman for a sweet treat. Or follow your margarita with some delicious Indian street food from Chhote's and a beer from local brewery Burial Beer Co.

O'Charley's (101 Asheville Ave, Cary): O'Charley's offers $4 margaritas, all day, every day. National Margarita Day gives you the perfect excuse to try their signature house margarita and see how it stacks up.

Go with friends and share some appetizers, like chips and queso or crispy pickle chips. Or take the family out for a meal and enjoy their selection of burgers, salads, steaks, and more.

Chuy's (4020 Market at North Hills Street, Raleigh, and 1035 Parkside Main Street, Cary): Tex-Mex favorite Chuy's is offering up all-day drink specials for dine-in customers on National Margarita Day. You can upgrade any regular House or Frozen Margarita to a Grande for just $2 extra, plus, you'll get a commemorative cup to keep! You can also add a $1 floater to top off your favorite flavored marg with an extra pour of tequila.

Head to Chuy's for drinks and apps, like fresh guacamole or nachos, or stay for dinner. They offer a wide menu of Tex-Mex favorites, like tacos, burritos and fajitas.

Casa Cubana (10901 Forest Pine Drive, Raleigh): Check out Casa Cubana in Raleigh to celebrate National Margarita Day and Taco Tuesday all at once. You can get a classic margarita for just $4 and all-you-can-eat tacos for just $16.99 on Tuesdays, making this a great weeknight dinner option.

Casa Cubana offers traditional Cuban cuisine, such as ropa vieja (shredded beef and Cuba's national dish), vaca frita (fried beef), and lechon asado (roast pork). They also offer a selection of Cuban bread, coffee, and tamales.

El Cazador (1904 Skibo Rd, Fayetteville): Mexican restaurant El Cazador (formerly Pedro's) offers a variety of margarita options. Individual drinks start at $7.99 and pitchers start at $28.99. Their available margarita flavors include raspberry, strawberry, peach, mango and pina colada. They also offer a full dinner menu and a selection of other mixed drinks.

Start with their cheese nachos or jalapeno poppers, and follow it up with one of their delicious entrees. Try their enchiladas, fajitas, tostadas or a combo. El Cazador also offers an entirely vegetarian menu in addition to its meat-based options.

Bahama Breeze (3309 Wake Forest Dr., Raleigh)- Their classic margaritas are $5 on Feb. 22.

On The Border (1102 Walnut St, Cary and 115 Glensford Dr, Fayetteville) - On Feb. 22, the House Margaritas will be $5 and in honor of the restaurant's 40th birthday, they are topping margaritas with a 40 cent Grand Marnier Meltdown.

Tijuana Flats (1310 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh) - Enjoy a $2.22 Margarita Upgrade with a Tijuana Tuesdaze purchase (margarita substitution for Tuesdaze fountain beverage) with the purchase of a Tijuana Tuesdaze meal at participating locations.

Want more than margaritas?

There are so many great places to celebrate National Margarita Day this year, the hardest problem you'll have is picking which one!

Many restaurants still haven't announced their National Margarita Day deals, so keep an eye on your local favorites as we get closer to Feb. 22.

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