National Margarita Day lands on Sunday and San Diego is more than ready. From rooftop fiestas and beachside sips to retro downtown lounges and neighborhood cantinas, the margarita is having its moment — spicy, smoky, frozen, fruity, and everything in between. Here’s where to raise a glass.

Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails – Gaslamp Quarter, Feb. 20–22

(Photo courtesy of Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails)

Perched atop the ninth floor of Hotel Indigo San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter, Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails teams up with Santo Tequila for a three-day celebration. Specialty cocktails include the S.O.S. (Santo’s Oaxacan Sipper) and Simon Says Santo, both priced at $12. Santo’s Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Mezquila will be sampled at the bar from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Sunday guests can also enjoy a Santo photo opportunity and enter to win autographed merchandise with the purchase of a Santo cocktail. Panoramic skyline views seal the deal.

Fonda del Barrio – Barrio Logan

(Photo courtesy of Fonda del Barrio)

At Fonda del Barrio, margaritas take center stage during happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., with select pours priced at $7. Choices include Cucumber Jalapeño, Watermelon Mint, Mango Chili, and the Niña Fresa with strawberry and lime mix. Pair it with ancestral Mexican cuisine for a full-flavor experience.

Hasta Mañana Cantina – Gaslamp
Bright, bold,d and built for a fiesta, Hasta Mañana Cantina pours a Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita made with mezcal, organic hibiscus, agave, lemon, and chili. A colorful cocktail to match the high-energy downtown vibe.

(Photo courtesy of Hasta Mañana Cantina)

The Duck Dive – Pacific Beach

(Photo courtesy of The Duck Dive)

Coastal cool defines The Duck Dive. Try Take Me To Mexico — Olmeca Altos Plata infused with watermelon, jalapeño, and basil, plus fresh lemon and agave nectar. Prefer zero-proof? The Coconut Margarita features Fluere Smoked Agave, Coco Lopez, cucumber, and lime.

Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill – Mission Beach
Rooftop SkyDeck views and ocean breezes make Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill a natural Margarita Day stop. The Guava-Rita delivers tropical guava flavor balanced with bright citrus notes — ideal for sunset sipping.

The Smoking Gun – Downtown
Retro arcade games meet tequila creativity at The Smoking Gun. The Hot Mess blends Blanco Tequila, red chili liqueur, honey, lemon, serrano bitters, and grapefruit zest for a bold, layered cocktail.

Miss B’s Coconut Club – Mission Beach
Caribbean flair flows at Miss B’s Coconut Club. The Frozen Cocomotive combines elements of a Coconut Margarita and Watermelon Shuga, featuring watermelon-infused vodka, fresh watermelon, lemon juice, Watermelon Red Bull, blanco tequila, lime juice, and Coco Lopez.

Louisiana Purchase – North Park
Southern spirit shines at the Louisiana Purchase. The French Margarita blends cognac, citrus, and agave nectar. Also on deck: the Drive Thru Margarita (a frozen watermelon version) and FRZN Coco Marg with tequila, lime,e and coconut.

barleymash – Gaslamp
High-energy Gaslamp favorite barleymash pours Afternoon Delight, made with Cazadores Reposado, pineapple, jalapeño, agave, ve and fresh lime, finished with a Tajín rim. Add 400 Conejos Mezcal for a smoky twist.

More Sips & Sounds Around Town

PRK 101 – Carlsbad Village, Feb. 20, 8 p.m.
Country rock artist Sammy Listoe brings his full band to PRK 101 for a Friday night show. During the performance, enjoy a $5 shot with a draft beer purchase (select items).

6th & G Breakfast Co. – East Village
Morning-after brunch plans? 6th & G Breakfast Co. debuts its Jalapeño Cheddar Potato Waffle — a savory waffle stuffed with jalapeño and cheddar cheese, topped with two eggs any style, mornay sauce, jalapeño-bacon-cheddar sausage, and chives. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ox Coffee Roasters – Mission Valley
Hosting a gathering? Ox Coffee Roasters now offers its storefront for private events, including latte art classes and coffee tastings led by resident expert Chris Dennis. The venue seats 40 and also serves tea, matcha, muffins, bagel sandwiches, and oatmeal.

Spill the Beans

Love is in the air (or in your cup) at Spill the Beans for its February drink specials! Available through Saturday, Feb. 28, head in to try:

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Latte, a fan favorite, is back. Spill the Beans infuses its espresso with strawberry puree, dark chocolate sauce, and milk for a pairing that even Cupid would be jealous of. Available in iced and hot versions. 

(Photo courtesy of Ox Coffee Roasters)

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Matcha. Want to get in the festive spirit without the espresso? Try the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Matcha. This drink features a pairing of matcha, strawberry puree, and dark chocolate sauce for a delicious combination that can be enjoyed all February long. 

(Photo courtesy of Ox Coffee Roasters)

You can also make either beverage extra dope by adding chocolate-covered strawberry cold foam to any iced version. Both drinks will be available at all five Spill the Beans’ locations – Gaslamp, Seaport Village, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach.

Rustic Root Gaslamp – NEWPS X Rustic Root Post Galentine’s Day Event

(Photo courtesy of Rustic Root)

Haven’t had enough of Valentine’s Day? Grab the gals and celebrate Galentine’s Day at Rustic Root in partnership with NEWPS Social Club on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Guests can sip, mingle, and create their own custom look at the build-your-own hat bar, taking home a customized hat by the end of the night. The dress code is Valentine’s-inspired, so come in pinks, reds, and whites for a festive and fun girls’ night. Spots are limited and can be reserved on the NEWPS website, linked here.

Whether you’re in it for the agave, the rooftop views, the breeze, or the brunch recovery, this weekend offers plenty of reasons to celebrate — salt rim optional.

Do you have any restaurant news? A new chef? New location? Special menu? If so, drop me a line at Debbiesklar@cox.net, and you could be included in a future Eat Beat.

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