Whether it’s frozen or on the rocks or served with a fruity or spicy twist, Thursday, Feb. 22, is National Margarita Day and locals have a definite opinion on where to get the best one in The Midcoast. Here are restaurants/bars from Belfast to Rockland that lean heavily on Mexican flavors and feature a Killer Margarita. 

Belfast

Neighborhood is Belfast’s go-to for a fusion Mexi-style menu and with a Spicy Mango Margarita, made with five-pepper infused tequila, “it's mouth-slappin' spicy.” (Update: Neighborhood is on a winter break until March 6, so you’ll have to rain check your National Margarita Day until then!)

Camden/Rockport

With a cheery interior, Blue Sky Cantina is a local favorite for its Mexican cuisine and can do a margarita any way you want: frozen, rocks, with blueberry or strawberry and even a Pink Cadillac!

40 Paper in Camden does a half-priced happy hour with a sublime cocktail menu and last year they celebrated National Margarita Day with Basic, Very Basic, Smoky, Spicy, or Ginger-Cilantro! All day—all Margaritas! Let’s hope they get into the exact same spirit this year.

Rockland

FOG Bar and Café hosts an weekly Taco Thursday (which just so happens to fall on National Margarita Day) and offers creative margarita recipes. Try a $5 margarita upgraded to include the ginger purée. On other days of the week, people have raved about their coconut margarita with lemongrass/ginger salt. “Best thing evah!” said Erin Darnell on the Midcoast Mouthstuffers Facebook Group.

Trackside Station, the original train station in Rockland converted to an American style pub with quesadillas, nachos and fish tacos on the menu, is switching their Margarita Monday to extend to Thursday this week for only $3.

Park Street Grille is known for its southwestern and Mexican fare with one Trip Advisor poster saying: “If you do order a drink, please don't miss out on their margaritas—no joking here—you can't find a tastier, more drinkable margarita in New England. Seriously.”

Sammy’s Deluxe, which often features Mexican dishes on its eclectic, daily changing menu, has a housemade margarita with green/peppery 100% blue agave tequila — Olmeco Altos, and fresh lime juice. Instead of using triple sec or an orange liqueur, they make their margaritas with more tequila and season with a housemade orange sour so as not to water down with other liquors.

For all the ex-pat Mainers who won’t be here in the Midcoast today, check out the official National Margarita Day website, which lists all the restaurants and bars in 50 states celebrating this day near you. Or check out the recipes to make your own!

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com