A bartender at Casa Tine in Dunedin, Florida. Credit: casatinasdunedin / Facebook
Margarita season has officially arrived in Tampa Bay.
March Margarita Madness kicks off its inaugural year on Thursday, March 5, bringing a bracket-style showdown between some of the best margarita makers in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Think tournament energy—but with tequila.
Here’s how it works: local restaurants face off head-to-head, and you vote to decide who advances. Every five days, the bracket progresses until one restaurant earns the title of Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Margarita.
From classic lime to spicy, smoky, and fruit-forward creations, this month-long competition celebrates the creativity of our local hospitality scene.
Voting begins March 5 and the winner of Tampa Bay’s best margarita will be crowned April 2.
Grab your margarita crew — it’s time to sip, vote, and let the best margarita win.
Cast your vote and follow the bracket at: bit.ly/MMMadness2026
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This article appears in Feb. 26 – Mar. 04, 2026.
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