The margarita, that sweet and tangy elixir of lime juice, tequila and orange liqueur, works equally well for celebrations and commiserations. After a week of freezing temperatures, power outages, burst pipes, empty grocery store shelves and no running water, many Houston-area residents have cause for both. National Margarita Day is Monday, February 22, and a number of Houston bars and restaurants are offering drink specials. As of press time, all locations noted here are open and expect to be serving on Monday, but you may wish to call ahead just in case the after-effects of the week’s weather disrupted those plans.

Cactus Cove, 3333 West 11th: Try the fragrant and spicy Basil Jalapeño Margarita for $6 and pair with the Classic Creek Burger that comes with fries or tots for $10 on Mondays (normally $12). There are also small bites such as tacos, Curry Elote Fries and salty-savory Bacon and Shrimp Jalapeños.

Caracol, 2200 Post Oak Blvd: Visit this Oaxaca-inspired hot spot for half-priced Greatest Margarita Ever Sold. It is made with Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila, 25-year-aged Grand Marnier, tangerine, lime, ginger, agave nectar and finished with a sea salt rim. Normally $29, get it for $14.50. There is also an optional three-course margarita and chef tasting menu that is $60 plus tax and gratuity. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. with $8 House Special Margaritas and taco deals. The restaurant is normally closed on Mondays, but is open on National Margarita Day from 3 to 9 p.m.

Cedar Creek, 1034 West 20th: For National Margarita Day, Frozen Margs are $7. Guests can also the Monday food special: $1 Wangs all day from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Doris Metropolitan, 2815 South Shepherd: Skip the traditional preparation in favor of The Kipling, which blends spicy tequila with lime and celery, and gets an extra kick from habanero. It’s $10 for National Margarita Day.

El Patio, 6444 Westheimer: Try a local legend with the Infamous Frozen Blues at this neighborhood cantina serving Houston for more than 50 years. They are $6 each for National Margarita Day. You can also purchase to go by the quart ($25) and gallon ($100).

Good Vibes Burgers & Brews, 1329 East Broadway, Pearland: This relaxed burger joint crafts seasonal infused margaritas in a variety of flavors. This month’s special Infused Rita is made with Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila, orange, habanero, orange liqueur and sweet lime. It costs $12. Soak it up with plenty of grub such as hot pretzels, fried oysters and nachos. Create your own burger or choose from nine specialty selections such as the South Coast with roasted green chili, Tiki Sunrise with eggs and hash browns, and the Backyard Burger topped with BBQ pulled pork.

Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer: This Mexican must-visit in Montrose is usually closed on Mondays, but is making a special exception. Visit on National Margarita Day from 3 to 9 p.m. for half-priced the Greatest Margarita Ever Sold. It is made with Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila, 25-year-aged Grand Marnier, tangerine, lime, ginger, agave nectar and finished with a sea salt rim. Normally $29, get it for $14.50 for one day only. There is also an optional three-course margarita and chef tasting menu that is $60 plus tax and gratuity. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. with $8 House Special Margaritas and taco deals. The restaurant is normally closed on Mondays, but is open on National Margarita Day from 3 to 9 p.m.

Johnny’s Gold Brick, 2518 Yale: Stop by this neighborhood hangout for $8 frozen margaritas available for dine-in and to go. The same deal is available daily, but the cocktail holiday is a great bonus excuse to visit.

Monkey’s Tail, 5802 Fulton: Choose from two variations all day on February 22. The regular margarita is available on the rocks or frozen, and is made with Sauza Blanco tequila, orange cordial, broiled lime and agave. There is also a Fanta Orange Margarita served frozen. All options are $8 during regular hours and $6 during happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Both are available to go when purchased with food such as chips with salsa, queso or guacamole, burgers, pizzas and wings. 

Onion Creek, 3106 White Oak: Try the sweet and smokey Frozen Mezcal Margarita for $7. Mondays also feature breakfast all day and Cast Iron Steak Night, each of which soak up tequila like a champ.

Orleans Seafood Kitchen, 20940 Katy Freeway: Frozen margaritas are just $4 all day  from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on National Margarita Day. Pair them with bar bites such as fried pickles and hushpuppies, grilled and fried seafood or hearty po’boys stuffed with a variety of fillings.

Ouisie’s Table Restaurant, 3939 San Felipe: Try the new, smoky Rocks on Rocks Margarita debuting on National Margarita Day. It features Teremana Tequila from Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock). It is priced at $12 for the holiday and will remain on the regular menu. Also $12 is the house margarita, made with tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Take it up a few notches with the Millionaire that goes for a more affordable $22 and combines tequila, mezcal, Grand Marnier and lime juice. All cocktails are available for dine-in only and guests are required to wear a mask when not seated at a table. For reservations and more information, please call 713-528-2264.

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House,  113 6th Street: Although the restaurant is closed on February 22, guests can visit on Tuesday, February 23 for “National Margarita Day part two.” Get one for half-price all day or until sold out. Make dine-in reservations online.

Piggy’s, 3412 West Lamar: Kick back on the spacious patio with the house special Pig-a-Rita for $7. Try it with crave-worthy bites such as Piggy’s “Sheet Pan” Nachos, four kinds of street tacos including shrimp fajita and Spicy Charred Brussel, pizzas and burgers.

Pistoleros, 1517 Westheimer: This cool and quirky taco shop has Milagro Margaritas for $6 each. Try with chips and cerveza queso, fan favorite Spanish Ribs in a sweet chipotle glaze, shrimp ceviche or eight varieties of tacos such as barbacoa, carnitas, portobello and al pastor.

The Taco Stand, 2018 North Shepherd: Make a margarita run with drive-through service! There are three frozen flavors for $9.99 each: lime, strawberry and mango. Canned cocktails are $7.99 for a single and $9.99 for a double, and are available in lime and watermelon

Multiple Locations

Alicia’s Mexican Grill, Multiple locations: Signature margaritas are $7 for a large and $4 for the regular size all day on February 22. Pair with chips and salsa, queso, tacos and more.

Hungry’s, Multiple locations: The Blackberry and Ginger Margarita costs $10 and is made with fresh blackberries and ginger-infused tequila, triple sec, lime and agave.

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, Multiple locations: Choose from four all-day specials made with Dulce Vida Tequila and a variety of flavor profiles. The Authentica Margarita is made with Dulce Vida Blanco Tequila, the Sweet Heat Margarita has Dulce Vida Pineapple Jalapeño, the citrusy Perfect Paloma has Dulce Vida Grapefruit; and the Skinny Lime Rita is made with Dulce Vida Lime. Each is available frozen or on the rocks for $7.

Taco Cabana, Multiple locations: The cheerful fast food chain is offering a three-day $2 margarita special from February 19 through 22. Choose from the limited-time Mango Jalapeño and Strawberry Mint margaritas, or choose daily flavors of lime, strawberry, mango, strawberry mango and mangonada. The lime, strawberry and mango versions are available by the gallon for $29.99. Add complimentary chamoy to any margarita. Guests can also make it a small meal with the $3 combo that includes a choice of ground beef, shredded chicken, chicken fajita or bean & cheese soft taco with choice of any margarita flavor.

The Original Ninfa’s, Multiple locations: Participate in a friendly competition between the Uptown and Navigation locations, where two bartenders are slinging signature spins on the classic cocktail. At Uptown, order the Blood Orange Margarita from Guillermo Martinez, and order the Spicy Guava Rita from Jose Miguel at the Navigation location. The winning location receives a free meal for its employees, so this is a fun way to support the staff. 

Ellie Sharp