Celebrate National Margarita Day in Austin

It’s a semi-well known fact that Jimmy Buffett, the patron saint of margaritas, had his first taste at the bar of Lung's Cocina del Sur, a now-defunct restaurant on Anderson Lane, and was subsequently inspired to write “Margaritaville,” the hit that launched a thousand cruise ships.

That means Austin is responsible for the continued popularization of the margarita – yup, we’re taking credit – and with National Margarita Day on Feb. 22, we want to celebrate America’s favorite drink in the city that (sort of) started it all by highlighting our favorite spots to waste away.

High 5 on Anderson Lane

For the historically-minded, there’s the High 5 on Anderson Lane – the physical location of the spot where Jimmy had that first fatal sip. They’re hosting a party on the 22nd to celebrate the event with a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, a shrimp boil, and margaritas by the bucketful.

Texas Chili Parlor

Maybe you’re not a Buffet fan, but still think that margaritas deserve to be celebrated in song. For those alt-types, there’s the Mad Dog Margarita, which Guy Clark references in his song “Dublin Blues.” Try one and you’ll be glad you’re back in Austin.

Matt’s El Rancho

Margaritas are a quintessential part of the classic Tex-Mex experience, and it really doesn’t get any more classic than sitting down with a pitcher of Matt’s margaritas (we’re a sucker for the frozen prickly pear) and as much Bob Armstrong dip as your body can handle.

The Water Trough at Lone Star Court at The Domain

In the spirit of margarita day excess, The Water Trough will be serving up $5 classic margaritas all day on, plus specials on their spicy margarita, Mexican martini, and mezcal margaritas. Pro tip: The mall is a dangerous spot to go drinking – avoid Forever 21 at all costs.

Nasha

Is there anything more characteristically Austin than Tex-Mex inflected Indian soul food with a full menu of margaritas? We think not. What better way to celebrate, then, than with a curried margarita, Reposado tequila muddled with an eye-opening blend of jalapeño and curry leaves?

El Alma

The cocktail menu at this gorgeously quirky Barton Springs cantina is full of excellent options, but in the spirit of the season we suggest the daring La Llorona, a spicy yet refreshing blend of ghost pepper-infused tequila, prickly pear puree, lime juice, and agave, with a sugar and salt rim.

Lupe Tortilla

This old-school local Tex-Mex chain comes through with a classic approach to the margarita, with a menu of variations ranging from frozen mango to the shockingly turquoise Margarita Azul, all of which are big, strong, and cheap.

Trudy’s

Fortunately for our chances at continued employment and the possibility of hangover recovery, this year’s Margarita Day falls on a Saturday. That means that if you celebrate at Trudy’s, you can enjoy strawberry margaritas all night long for just $4.50. Monday morning, here we come.

Stay Gold

This East Austin dive surprises with two of the tastiest non-traditional margaritas in the city. There’s the El Diablo, which blends tequila with muddled blackberries, lime juice, ginger beer, and jalapeño bitters, or the Smoking Gun, with mezcal, cointreau, peach puree, and lemon juice. Sip Austin weird, right?

La Condesa

La Condesa’s detail-oriented approach to Mexican cuisine extends to their drink menu, especially their justifiably famous eponymous margarita, which takes the drink to the next level by adding damiana, fresh pineapple and lime juice, agave nectar, and a cactus lemongrass salt rim. Because this Margarita Day – and every day – you deserve the best.