If you’re already daydreaming about lying on a beach with a drink in hand, it’s your sign to celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22. These seven Northern Virginia restaurants and bars are serving up the perfect margaritas for your next happy hour or night on the town.
Coyote Grille
If you’re a margarita fan, this Fairfax staple is a must-try. The “Coyote Cadillac” is the restaurant’s own version of a golden margarita — tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and a splash of orange juice. It can be served on the rocks or frozen. If you’re looking for an even sexier sounding marg, try the “Prickly Pear,” made with tequila, prickly pear nectar, and Tres Agaves. Either way, you’ll leave Coyote Grille having sampled some tasty margaritas. 10266 Main St., Fairfax
La Campesina
If you’ve had a long day (or week), it’s worth stopping by La Campesina for its daily happy hour specials from 3-7 p.m. There are margarita and even “sangarita” specials, a tasty margarita/sangria combo. Grab some taquitos, quesadillas, or empanadas to fill you up while you drink. Plus, they are all under $10 each. 8442 Lee Hwy., Fairfax
Los Toltecos
With locations in Chantilly, Sterling, Lake Ridge, and Fairfax Station, it’s easy to grab a margarita from Los Toltecos. The drinks are legendary in their simplicity, nice and strong, and served frozen or on the rocks. It’s hard to choose what food to pair them with since the restaurant’s menu is quite extensive. The combination dinners are a great deal, offering your choice of three items and served with rice and refried or black beans. Multiple locations
Rango’s Tex Mex Grill
If you’re craving summer, get to Rango’s for flavored frozen margaritas. The flavors include the more traditional strawberry, mango, and passionfruit, but Rango’s also throws in mixed berry and blackberry. If you’re feeling extra fun, try the “Matrimonio,” “Sex on the Border,” or “Fiesta” flavors. Best of all, they’re only $8 for a 12-ounce margarita and $16 for a 27-ounce version. 1934 Old Gallows Rd., Vienna
Mama Tigre!
Take the ladies for a girls’ night out to Mama Tigre! The restaurant is chef and owner Renu Prakash’s vision to “have the freedom to express the divine feminine spirit of nurturing through her play with spices, nourishing and calming, yet bold and exciting.” The margaritas are great with spicy options, like a hot chicken tikka fajita, served with basmati rice, charro beans, toasted naan, cilantro-mint crema, jalapeños, and pickled onions. 10443 White Granite Dr., Oakton
Mariachis Tequileria and Restaurant
With a tagline that reads, “The spirit of Mexico in the heart of downtown Manassas,” it’s hard not to like the colorful and fun atmosphere at Mariachis Tequileria and Restaurant. For those who prefer a sweeter cocktail, try the restaurant’s keylime margarita, made with Cazadores Reposado Tequila and served with a graham cracker rim. If you’d rather go all in on the strong factor, the Mezcalita is a great choice, made with a smoky Monte Alban Mezcal and a tangy Tajín lime salt rim. 9428 Battle St., Manassas
Taco Rock
Taco Rock’s specialty margaritas have fun names like Rebel Girl (a prickly pear version) and Loco Coco (1800 Coconut). If you’re feeling extra spunky, try the Hells Bells with jalapeño. Flavors do vary a bit based on location (there are three), so keep that in mind when choosing your favorite. Multiple locations
Feature image courtesy mariematata/stock.adobe.com
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