Ahh, nothing like 3 degree weather to get you in the mood for margaritas. While NYC may not be in the midst of the ideal beach-going, tequila-soaked debauchery season (see: summer), it just so happens that the food publicist world has deemed this Sunday, February 22nd, to be National Margarita Day. Needless to say, there are a plethora of places where you can celebrate that magical moment back in 1934 when Mexico City barman “Willie” concocted the first incarnation of the tequila wonder—you know, that old famous story.
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar
Celebrations at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar kick in at 7 p.m.—$5 tequila drinks and shots, $15 margarita pitchers, and $3 Mexican beers are all in the cards. They've also got an Antioxidant Margarita (Maestro Dobel, Cedilla Acai Liqueur, agave nectar, and fresh squeezed lime juice), which is excellent, vaguely healthy-sounding news if you want to feel slightly better about all these margaritas you're gonna be consuming. Tacos will be on hand to pair with your tequila, with a variety of combinations just waiting to be devoured on handmade flour tortillas.
The TAO Group restaurants are banding together to create the "TAO-garita" Tour, a seven-venue Manhattan margarita swigging fest complete with complimentary tapas. Bodega Negra, TAO Uptown, TAO Downtown, LAVO, Arlington Club, Stanton Social, and Beauty & Essex will all have offerings to add to Sunday's tequila party. There are some quirky pairings up for grabs—such as the Mango Chili Martini (Maestro Dobel Tequila, house-spiced mango puree, chili oil) and chicken satay with tamarind and thai chilli at TAO Downtown, and the Blue Note (blueberry-jalapeno infused Cadazores Tequila Blanco, Creme de Mure, Agave) and popovers at the Arlington Club. If you hit up all the locations and Instagram 'em along the way, you'll get a prize at the final location. It'll go great with that hangover.
Dos Caminos
Dos Caminos will be celebrating all weekend at their Meatpacking, Park Avenue, SoHo and Third Avenue outposts. As always, they'll have over 100 different kinds of tequila on offer, and specials include the $7 El Camino (Milagro Blanco, triple sec and fresh lime juice), $8 traditional frozen margaritas, and $3 beers. Get some food into you with the $6 Bocaditos, which include Baja Lobster Tostaditas and Chorizo Fundido.
Tijuana Picnic will have their usual Mexican-with-a-twist eats available on Sunday, along with the Mi Casa margarita ($12) recipe from veteran bartender Lynette Marrero and Jim Kearns—a Blanco Tequila, Mezcal, Cointreau, lime juice and agave mix.
Church Street Tavern
Church Street Tavern in Tribeca will be getting in on the action with specials all weekend, designed to be paired with their classic American fare. Their twists on the classic will be $8 a pop, for either the Spicy Margarita or the French Mexican. Late-night marg hunters can also grab the deals at the Bandit's Roost speakeasy downstairs.
Margarita Day revelers wanting a killer view of Manhattan with their tequila should head to The Skylark, where they're offering a spicy take on the beverage. Mixologist Johnny Swet will be whipping up the Rio Bravo at the cocktail lounge—imbibers will have their tastebuds tingled by Casa Amigos Reposado, Ancho Reyes Liquor, lime juice and agave, garnished with charred tomatillo and dried birds eye chili.
