Athens Restaurant Roundup: national margarita day specials, spring menus and more
As winter loosens its grip, Athens restaurants are serving up seasonal menus and cocktail bargains — led this week by National Margarita Day events and big-ticket promotions. From draft margarita towers and $5 house pours to brunch returns and limited-time sandwiches, here’s what to know before you make plans for the weekend.
Where to sip on national margarita day
National Margarita Day lands on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, and several local spots have crafted promotions to draw a crowd. One downtown venue will kick things off at noon ET with margaritas on draft towers available all day for $30 per tower, $5 Espolón house margaritas, and happy-hour pitchers priced at $8 from 3 to 6 p. m. ET — a lineup designed to keep groups flowing through the afternoon and into the evening.
Another neighborhood restaurant is marking the day with a straightforward special: a classic margarita for $9. 25 and the promise of a favorite table waiting for guests who drop in to celebrate. Expect lively patios and packed bars on Feb. 22; reservations or early arrival are practical bets for larger groups.
National-level marketing is also ramping up for the holiday. A national chain will revive its famed Dollarita stunt on Feb. 22, 2026, offering a 10-ounce margarita for $1 at select locations across Texas — a move that historically spikes foot traffic and social-media chatter. That promotion will be limited to a subset of its stores, with dozens participating across the state.
New spring menus and returning favorites
Several Athens eateries are pivoting to brighter, spring-forward offerings. A regional fast-casual chain is running a refreshed spring menu through May 13, 2026, that spotlights bold flavors and rotating guest favorites. Standouts include an Asian Chicken Salad with edamame, mandarin oranges and wonton strips tossed in a ginger-wasabi dressing; a Tuna Salad Sandwich topped with melted provolone and bread-and-butter pickles; a Chipotle Shrimp Caesar Wrap; and a customizable Trio plate that lets diners pick three sides or salads.
Meanwhile, brunch has returned to a beloved local bar after a three-month pause. Weekend service is scheduled Saturdays and Sundays from 11: 00 a. m. to 1: 30 p. m. ET and features bowls, beignets and bubbly — the kind of midmorning menu that has students and locals lining up for a table.
Sweet-tooth specials continue to make a run as well. A fast-casual sandwich shop is keeping its February dessert and celebration menu through the month, offering items like a Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Shake and a LOVE Waffle Sandwich for a limited time.
What to expect this weekend
Expect a mix of holiday-driven crowds and diners trying new seasonal plates. Cocktail towers and value pours will be the biggest draws on Feb. 22, 2026 (ET); where large-format margaritas are offered, groups tend to stay longer and order food, creating a lively dining floor throughout the afternoon.
If you plan to celebrate National Margarita Day in Athens, aim for early seating or make a reservation where possible. For those hunting notable national deals, keep an eye on promotional windows and participating-location lists for one-day stunts that are frequently limited in scope and availability.
Restaurants are continuing to roll out spring menus and promotions over the next several weeks, so expect more announcements on openings, limited runs and seasonal swaps as the calendar moves into March.
