Yes, it’s a really holiday. And yes, you should celebrate. Here’s where to find some of the best margaritas and tequila-based cocktails around Charlotte and Lake Norman just in time for National Margarita Day.
IN CHARLOTTE
Fahrenheit
Uptown
For National Margarita Day, Fahrenheit will offer a Blood Red Margarita with Sauza Blue Tequila, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, Blood Orange purees and Agave Nectar for $14.
Cicchetti
Uptown
While not technically a margarita, Cicchetti will be making an exception for the Bramble cocktail made with Milagro Reposado Tequila, Lemon and Blackberry.
5Church
Uptown
One of 5Church’s most popular cocktails, the Viper, is a twist on a classic margarita made with tequila, orange liqueur, lime, cucumber water and cayenne pepper.
Upstream Seafood
SouthPark
Opt for their Upstream margarita with El Jimador Reposado Tequila and fresh lime. Want it Spicy? Just say Jalapeno.
Taco Mama
Dilworth
Dilworth’s new go-to boasts multiple frozen options or pitchers on the rocks. Opt for the spice of the jalapeño or the bubbles of the Prosecco fizz. View all options here.
Aria Tuscan Grill
Uptown
Aria offers two tequila-based specialty cocktails created by local mixologist supreme Bob Peters. Try the Now Boarding with Sombra Mezcal Blanco, Contratto Bianco Vermouth, Campari, House-Made Cinnamon Water, served with Olive Oil + Sea Salt Bruschetta on the side. The other option, 1845, features Milagro Reposado Tequila, Fernet Branca, House-Made Fig Water and Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice
Pink Cactus
SouthPark
Enjoy Tex-Mex plates with a Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita with Espolon, Cointreau, watermelon, lime and jalapeno.
Bakersfield
Dilworth
This East Boulevard spot features a pineapple margarita with el Jimador Blanco, Licor 43, pineapple, agave nectar and fresh lime.
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila
SouthPark
In South Park, toast with a pineapple mint margarita featuring pineapple and mint infused el Jimador blanco, house made sour, pineapple juice, mint leaves and a splash of Sprite.
Mal Pan
SouthPark
At Mal Pan, the sours and citrus for their entire bar program are fresh and made in-house. Try the OG margarita, Tommy’s margarita ($5 every Monday), a Bentley margarita or a Cucumber-Jalapeño option (pictured) made with Maestro Dobel Diamante, Cointreau, cucumber, jalapeño and housemade sour.
RuRu’s Taco & Tequila
Myers Park
At Ru Ru’s, reading the menu of colorfully-named drinks is half the fun. Try the Magic Mike for a lighter margarita, or the Vote for Pedro for a spicy kick.
SouthBound
South End
Take a mini-vacation to SouthBound, where you’ll find options like the Cantarito made with Hornitos Plata, House Sour Mix, Grapefruit, Jarritos Grapefruit and Citrus Salt, or Jalapeño or Dreamsicle versions.
Cabo Fish Taco
Various locations
You may already have your food order down pat, but you may need a few more minutes when choosing from the 11 options on their margarita menu.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Various locations
With locations from Fort Mill to Elizabeth, Sabor Latin Grill is an easy choice to celebrate. Choose from their Amigos Margarita, Sabor Margarita or Mucho Sabor Margarita. For National Margarita Day, they’ll be offering $5 margarita specials.
Hot Taco
South End
At Hot Taco, a popular option is the build-your-own margarita. It starts off as a regular margarita, and you can add your own flavor (passion fruit, mango, blood orange, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, peach or strawberry), add a float (grand marnier, pama pomegranate, Licor 43, St Elderflower, Midori or Chambord) and add a flip (coronita, Sparkling Brut or red wine.)
Three Amigos
Plaza Midwood
This Plaza Midwood favorite serves up house, premium and top shelf margaritas. You can’t go wrong. For National Margarita Day, they’ll be offering $6 margarita specials.
Mimosa Grill
Uptown
Uptown, get the Mimosa Margarita with 12 reposado tequila, agave nectar and fresh squeezed lime juice. Want it spicy? Just say so.
Moo and Brew
Plaza Midwood
Burgers and margaritas? Yes please. Keep it classic with the “Juices Flowin” margarita or opt for the El Jefe made with Mezcal.
Superica
South End
This South End hotspot boasts margarita options like the O.G made with with El Jimador Reposado served up or on the rocks. We also have our eyes on the Matador with El Jimador Blanco, pineapple, lime and cilantro.
Bulla Gastrobar
SouthPark
At this festive spot in SouthPark, order the Spanish margarita made with Jimador Reposado, Grand Marnier, Lustau Amontillado sherry, lime juice and agave nectar.
El Thrify
NoDa
Head to Optimist Hall to enjoy games and sips at El Thrify. Order the King Eddie with Olmeca Altos Plata, Rosé, Orange and Lime, or keep it classic with the El Thrify Margarita.
1900 Mexican Grill
Various locations
At either location of 1900 Mexican Grill, choose from their roasted jalapeño and hibiscus options, or keep it classic with the house margarita.
Cantina 1511
Various locations
No matter where you are around town there’s sure to be a Cantina nearby, and at Cantina, chips & salsa are always free.
Dot Dot Dot
Madison Park
Enjoy this speakeasy’s take on a tequila cocktail with the Fortuna Y Gloria, made with el tesoro barrel select tequila, benedictine, lime, agave and spicy pineapple served up.
SOUTH CHARLOTTE
Taco Molino
Kingsley, Fort Mill
At Fort Mill’s Kingsley, Taco Molino offers a variety of options. Start with the El Classico, then venture on to the spicy, cucumber, skinny or frozen versions.
The Improper Pig
Rea Farms and Fort Mill
Enjoy your BBQ with a kick. At The Improper Pig, try their spicy version made with House Infused Jalapeno Lunazul.
Chuy’s
South Charlotte | 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
In South Charlotte’s Waverly, Chuy’s offers plenty of margarita options, including an 18 oz. grande option and flavored rocks ‘ritas. On National Margarita Day, make any regular House or Frozen Rita a Grande and keep the commemorative cup for just $2 extra. Or, kick it up a notch with $1 Floaters, an extra pour of tequila or orange liqueur.
Cabo’s Mexican Cuisine and Cantina
South Charlotte | 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
It may take some time to pick your ‘rita at Cabo’s, where they offer a sangria-rita among other tempting choices. View the full menu here.
BY THE LAKE
Carrburritos In Davidson
Davidson
At Carrburrritos, their house, specialty and top shelf margaritas are served on the rocks. The house version is just $5.50 and $4 on Thursdays.
El Toro Mexican Grill and Bar
Cornelius
Celebrate the holiday without breaking the bank. Head to El Toro in Cornelius for $3.99 margaritas.
Tequilas Mexican Grill and Taqueria
Mooresville
The options seem endless browsing the menu at Tequilas Mexican Grill and Taqueria. Be on the lookout for drink and margarita specials.
The Prickly Pear
Mooresville
Enjoy the boozy holiday lakefront with a flavored margarita. Options include Roasted Pineapple, Mango, Mixed Berry, Jalepeno, Cucumber, Sweet Ginger and more.
