As the sun beats down on Baltimore in these dog days of summer, everyone could use an excuse to cool off. And spots all across Charm City are offering unbeatable drink specials on Wednesday, July 24 in honor of one of our country’s most arbitrary holidays: National Tequila Day.

Taking the cake for, perhaps, the most creative drink we’ve seen in tequila’s honor is one that seems to intoxicate and re-hydrate you at the same time: a frozen Patron Pedialyte margarita (Patron Silver, strawberry or blue raspberry pedialyte, lime, and agave) created by bar manager Liz Jankiewicz of Ouzo Bay and Ouzo Beach.

“Not only is it good to throw some electrolytes at the guest while it’s hot out,” Jankiewicz says, “but it actually pairs really well with the tequila because of the level of salinity in it. Just like if you’re having your margarita with salt on the rim.”

And this holiday will be a chance for those who haven’t made it out of town this summer to get a taste of an island vacation: “Having a margarita taps into the idea of a destination,” Jankiewicz says. “It turns your normal watering hole turns into a getaway.”

Whether you want to sip on a frozen margarita, or throw back shots like it’s your day job, there are plenty of places to partake. So get your sliced limes and salted rims ready, and check out some of the best spots to spend the holiday.

Blue Agave: Named after tequila’s essential ingredient, this Federal Hill destination is certainly ringing in the holiday with cheer. The bar will feature $2 discounts on all-things tequila-related, including margaritas, flights, and shots, as well as discounted bottle club membership offers. And with their featured tequila of the month being Casamigos, no one will leave unsatisfied.

Canton Crossing Wine & Spirits: If you’re looking for a bargain, this Canton spirits shop will offer free—yes, we said free—samples of various Rooster Rojo tequilas, which are made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave. Make sure to swing by between 4 and 6 p.m. to try blanco, reposado, and anejo varieties.

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen: Wondering why this Canton spot is a rightful place to celebrate the Mexican spirit? The name speaks for itself. El Bufalo’s specials include $6 shots and $8 margaritas that make use of the restaurant’s catalog of more than 50 tequila brands. Any purchase of a Casamigos, Don Julio, or Olmeca Altos drinks will get you a raffle ticket for a Bottle Club giveaway.

Lee’s Pint & Shell: This Canton haunt is the place to be for Don Julio fans. Lee’s is offering a $10 deal that includes two 5-oz. margaritas, a shot of anejo, and a shot of blanco—all of the Don Julio variety.

Nacho Mama’s: Both the Towson and Canton locations of this Elvis-themed cantina will feature all-day specials for tequila lovers. Flights of Casamigos, Patron, and Herradura will be served along with presentation mats and tasting notes. If you’re not up for that, try a special shot in one of the bar’s renowned hubcap margaritas. We recommend the “Pama Sunset” (Pomegranate liqueur, house tequila, and homemade lime mix), the “Blue Suede Shoes” (El Jimador, Blue Curacao, and homemade lime mix), or the “King” (Don Julio Reposado, Limeade, and Grand Marnier float).

Ouzo Bay: Harbor East’s Mediterranean mainstay is offering a lineup of can’t-miss cocktails for the holiday. Mention this very write-up for $9 drinks like the “Aleppo Pines” made with Patron Roca Silver, yellow chartreuse, retsina reduction, oregano honey, and lemon. Or, head across the street to it’s outdoor sister bar Ouzo Beach for the frozen Pedialyte margarita or a “Paloma Collins” (Patron Roca Silver, pamplemousse, honey, lime, club soda, and salt and a tri-peppercorn rim). All frozen Patron drinks at Ouzo Beach are blended using a stationary bike, so be prepared to bike your own drink if you choose.

Vida Taco Bar: Casamigos is the tequila of choice at this fan-favorite taco joint. Locations in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Harbor Point will serve $10 Casamigos cocktails all day long. Specials include the “Basic” (Casamigos Reposado, Fever-Tree citrus tonic, and fresh lime), the “Mexican Spa Day” (Casamigos Blanco, Fever-Tree cucumber tonic, and fresh mint), and the “Smokey Ginger” (Casamigos Mezcal and Fever-Tree smokey ginger ale).

OPEN

Ouzo Beach: Ouzo Bay in Harbor East is furthering its Mediterranean mission with this new outdoor venue, which is now up and running just across Lancaster Street. Decorated with palm trees, blue stone, a wooden trellis, and tons of tropical plants, the new spot is meant to give off major villa vibes. The menu includes summer snacks such as salmon poke, Maine lobster ceviche, grilled lamb sliders, and date and goat cheese spread. Sample the dishes while sipping wines by the glass, bottled and canned beers, and signature cocktails like the Shot Tower-infused “Gin and Juice” and a “Cold Fashioned” slushie.

Polar Roll Creamery: The rolled ice cream trend is finding its footing throughout the city. Two summers ago, we welcomed Roll Ice Cream & Coffee to Highlandtown, and now, another spot serving the cold-slabbed dessert has arrived in the Inner Harbor. Located inside the America’s Best Wings storefront on the corner of East Pratt Street and Market Place, the shop freezes its liquid cream at -25 degrees before mixing in special toppings and scraping it into rolls. The Instagram-worthy treats come in signature varieties including “Stylish Strawberry” (strawberry ice cream with Pocky and condensed milk), “Oreo and Juliet” (cookies and cream with crushed Oreos and shaved white chocolate), and “Matcha Made in Heaven,” which tops green tea ice cream with grass jelly and whipped cream.

Hive Baltimore Bistro: This new Perry Hall hangout is serious about supporting local. Not only does the restaurant offer an impressive list of Maryland beer and wine—think Calvert Brewing, Manor Hill, RAR, and Boordy Vineyards—but its food menu also pays homage to our homegrown traditions. (It even features clever subheads like “Before Supper, Hon” and “Really Lil’ Ittly.”) Start off with a “Hampden Negroni” or “Canton Sunrise” before digging into eats like shrimp salad sandwiches, crab toast, and “Bawlmer” mussels sauteed in Old Bay butter sauce.

CH-CH CHANGES

Ropewalk Tavern: A night out in Federal Hill certainly won’t be the same without the strong drinks and popping piano bar at this South Charles Street staple, which is closing for renovations from July 1 through September or October. On the bright side, when it opens back up in time for its 24th anniversary this fall (a grand reopening soiree is scheduled for October 18), the revitalized spot will boast games, a new tavern menu, and its own four-lane bowling alley upstairs. Though the Ropewalk flagship will be sorely missed this summer, it’s a great time to visit the bar’s sister locations in Ocean City, Fenwick Island, and Bethany Beach if you’re heading “downee ocean.”

NEWS

Lexington Market Town Hall Meeting: For nearly 240 years, Lexington Market has been a landmark for food and community to intersect in the heart of Baltimore City. As Seawall Development and Baltimore Public Markets take steps to redevelop the property, the team is hosting a series of town hall meetings to give the community a voice throughout the process. The first will take place at the market on Wednesday, June 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. (Organizers are even offering childcare throughout the meeting in order to make it more convenient for families.) Items to address during the inaugural gathering will include vendor recruitment, community programming, the legacy of the market, and the design and format of the new building—which is slated to be complete by mid-2021.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

6/22: The Market at Montebello
After the success of the inaugural Market at Montebello, the monthly community get-together returns this weekend with composting demos, yoga on the lake, eats and drinks, and plenty of handmade wares for sale by local artisans. This time around, look out for gifts from Orange Scissor Art, vintage pieces from A Day N June, local greens from farmer Dominic Nell of City Weeds, and, of course, dairy-free sundaes from organizers Nicole Foster and Dwight Campbell of Cajou Cream.

6/22: Papi’s Falls Road Fiesta
Throw a lawn chair over your shoulder and head to Papi’s in Hampden for this parking lot party to benefit BARCS and the Maryland SPCA. The $5 price of admission includes your first drink, live music, contests, and tons of giveaways. There will also be margaritas, cervezas, sangrias, and tons of food specials for purchase throughout the day.

6/22: Maryland Foodie Fest
The Restaurant Association of Maryland is bringing eateries from all over the state together for this epic food event at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, which will feature samplings, craft beer and wine, cooking competitions, and a fun zone for kids. Arrive hungry to enjoy dishes from local favorites like Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Kooper’s and Waffie, as well as county destinations like Omma’s Korean Barbecue from Frederick and Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz from Fallston.

SHUT

Della Rose’s Avenue Tavern: It’s been a sad couple of months for the Della Rose family. Back in April, owner Tony Della Rose shuttered Della Rose’s Local Tavern in Bel Air. And last week, Tony’s brother, Joe, announced that the family’s sister-spot in White Marsh would be closing on June 24. “While this chapter has closed, we take comfort in knowing that only these four walls will be left behind,” reads a heartfelt message posted to Facebook. “The true spirit of Della Rose’s will always exist because of the people within those walls. From our incredibly loyal staff, to our patrons who have helped us forge a community that has brought us two decades of happiness. You are what truly makes Della Rose’s.” After 20 years of happy hours, fundraisers, and Orioles and Ravens watch parties, the owners are throwing one final farewell bash this Saturday. Luckily, the newest addition to the Della Rose restaurant family in Perry Hall is still going strong.

CH CH CHANGES

Ouzo Beach: Once the warmer temperatures roll in this spring, Ouzo Bay in Harbor East will debut its own 120-seat waterfront venue across Lancaster Street. Aptly named Ouzo Beach, the expansion will further the restaurant’s Mediterranean mission with touches like villa-inspired lounge seating, palm trees, blue stone, and a 75-foot long wooden trellis. The outdoor hangout will also have its own bar and serve the same menu as the restaurant, which highlights whole grilled fish, lamb dishes, and other authentic Greek specialties.

As planning continues, the interior of Ouzo Bay is also getting a refresh this month. The restaurant will be closed through January 9 for upgrades including new flooring, a DJ booth, and basket-woven light fixtures made in Greece. All of the changes coincide with the hiring of new general manager Rita Lymperopoulos, a local hospitality veteran who was a former operating partner of now-closed Della Notte in Little Italy. “We are excited to welcome Rita into the Atlas Restaurant Group family,” said CEO Alex Smith in a statement. “In addition to being an expert on Greek cuisine and culture, she also has a wonderful reputation as a first-class restaurant operator and is familiar with the local community.” 1000 Lancaster St. 443-708-5818

NEWS

Mexican on the Run: Big things are already happening for this fan-favorite taco truck in 2019. Owner Jimmy Longoria recently scored a 2008 Chevy, which will act as a sibling truck for his current kitchen-on-wheels that dates back to 1985. “Basically we have an OG and a millennial on our hands now,” Longoria quipped on Instagram. The plan is for the new truck to focus on Mexican seafood dishes inspired by Longoria’s upbringing in Los Angeles. “I grew up eating seafood as much as tacos,” he tells us. By offering eats like ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and octopus tostadas, Longoria hopes to highlight the similarities between Baltimore’s seafood staples and the Mexican iterations.

In addition to landing the new truck, Mexican on the Run is also planning to move into its own commissary kitchen in Towson later this month. The prep space will allow the team to not only expand the menu, but also accept more catering and farmers market gigs in the coming year. “I’m actually taking a solo trip back home to LA later this month,” Longoria says. He plans to visit 12 of the city’s top Mexican pop-ups, food trucks, and stalls ranked by Los Angeles magazine to help inspire the new menu. 443-800-3275

Imbibe Names Hollie Stephenson Beer Person of the Year: Heading up brewing operations for the new 62-acre Guinness facility in Halethorpe—the first on American soil in more than 60 years—is no easy feat. But head brewer Hollie Stephenson has hit the ground running, brewing batches of Guinness Blonde Ale, as well as outside-of-the-box styles like an apricot pale ale and Bulleit bourbon barrel-aged stout. Stephenson received some well-deserved praise this week when she was named Beer Person of the Year by Imbibe magazine, which reports that she is “making the venerable Guinness brand feel right at home in its new U.S. digs.”

We feel lucky to have the former D.C. resident, who worked for Highland Brewery in Asheville and Stone Brewing in San Diego before moving back to the area for the Guinness job. “Coming back and seeing this vibrant brewery community has been really exciting,” Stephenson told us in 2017. “Everyone has been super welcoming.”

The Charmery Collabs With Baltimore in a Box: In perhaps the most Baltimore collaboration ever, ice cream institution The Charmery has teamed up with its Hampden neighbor, Baltimore in a Box, to create a flavor inspired by all things Charm City. The new scoop combines a sweet cream base with Otterbein’s chocolate chip cookies, Utz potato chips, and a Goetze’s Cow Tale for good measure. Sample the scoop at The Charmery’s flagship on the Avenue, as well as its other shops in Towson and Union Collective. Multiple locations including 801 W. 36th St. 410-814-0493

EPICUREAN EVENTS

Atwater’s Soup Month: Atwater’s is kicking off its 20th anniversary year in style with this annual soup spectacular. Throughout January, diners who post photos of their soup (bowls range from split pea and roasted vegetable to white chicken chili and sweet potato bisque) using the hashtag #AtwatersSoup will be able to redeem points toward free items via the cafe’s mobile app. The team is also donating 10 percent of each quart sold to local charities, giving away free bowls for dine-in customers on January 23, and featuring “Customer Favorite Fridays” which let diners choose the varieties they would like to see on the menu at the end of the workweek. Multiple locations including 3601 Boston St. 667-309-7146

1/10: Origins: A Speaker Series
This sustainability-focused speaker series is kicking off 2019 with a discussion about Maryland’s evolving medical marijuana industry. Chef Spike Gjerde will moderate the talk with panelists from Evermore Cannabis Company—Baltimore City’s only licensed medical cannabis cultivator and processor. As with every Origins event, there will also be drinks, snacks, and a post-discussion dinner that encourages guests to engage with the speakers. Artifact Coffee. 1500 Union Ave. 6:30 p.m. $60