April 26, 2024
Food & Drink, Guides,
A classic margarita will never let you down. In the U.S., there are a myriad of purveyors shaking and blending up the iconic drink with ingredients we sometimes couldn't even imagine.
See Also: The Best Seafood Spots Across The Country
To share our knowledge, we've rounded up 14 of the best margaritas from across the country. See our picks below!
Atlanta - Apron
2 Porsche Dr.; 470-466-3330 / Website
Located in the Kimpton Overland Hotel, this spot serves luxe Southern specialties and inspired cocktails, including its tequila-spiked Blackberry Bliss Margarita, made with handpicked wild blackberries, local honey and zesty lime juice. Read our full list here.
Boston - Cósmica
40 Berkeley St.; 617-313-7878 / Website
The Revolution Hotel is home to Cósmica Mexican Restaurant Food and Bar. The Cósmica whisks away guests to vacation memories with offerings like Night Swim on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Browse the "vacation drinks" portion of the menu for margaritas, including classic, Cadillac and flavored preparations to enjoy anytime during operating hours. Read our full list here.
Chicago - Lonesome Rose
View this post on Instagram
2101 N California Ave.; 773-770-3414 / Website
A must order margarita here is the Frozen Swirl, made with a swirling of the flavored frozen mezcal margarita. The classic frozen margarita is always great, too. Read our full list here.
The Hamptons - Blue Parrot
33A Main St., East Hampton; 631-329-2583 / Website
A little birdie once said something very true to us, Blue Parrot makes a mean margarita. Although the restaurant is only open for the summer, this beloved local joint is offering casual eats and refreshing cocktails perfect for the season. Whether classic or frozen, the Dirty Bird margarita leaves its drinkers squawking for joy with its fruity and flavorful nature. Some other stellar options are the Spicy Watermelon made with jalapeno-infused Silver Tequila and the Cadillac paired with tangy orange juice. Here, “the bird” is truly the word. Read our full list here.
Las Vegas - The Bedford by Martha Stewart: Martha-Rita
3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd; 877-796-2096 / Website
The Martha-Rita at The Bedford by Martha Stewart is shaken and poured over fresh ice for a super cold and refreshing lime cocktail. Opt for the classic made with Casa Dragones Blanco tequila, a splash of Cointreau and fresh lime juice with a pink sea-salted rim. The frozen pomegranate has components similar to the classic except with pomegranate juice added and a sugar and salt rim instead of the pink sea-salted rim of the classic variation. Read our full list here.
Los Angeles - Tu Madre's Standard Margarita Flight
View this post on Instagram
Various / Website
Tu Madre has multiple locations across the city, making it a prime go-to spot no matter what part of town you’re in. You can also always count on a pitcher-worthy margarita here for afternoons or evenings spent unwinding with friends over drinks, guac and tacos. However, for a real experience, go for one of the margarita flights. You’ll get to have your own tasting experience and a variety of flavors (hibiscus, tamarind, blood orange, passionfruit). It also comes with a little sparkle. Read our full list here.
Miami - Rosa Sky
View this post on Instagram
115 SW 8th St 22nd Floor; 786-628-1515 / Website
Do not come to Rosa Sky without trying the Mexican Kiss, made with patron reposado tequila, Cherry Heering and passion fruit. Read our full list here.
NYC - Ofrenda
113 7th Ave S.; 212-924-2305 / Website
Ofrenda offers happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sip on either their traditional margarita for $8 or fun flavors such as mango, prickly pear or cucumber for $10. Spicy marg lovers, never fear, as the smoky jalapeño margarita comes in at just $9 during happy hour. If you’re planning a margarita night with your besties, you can opt to order pitchers of your favorite flavor. Lastly, grab some classic delicacies such as guacamole, nachos and quesadillas and you’ve got yourself a party. Read our full list here.
Orange County - Avila’s El Ranchito
View this post on Instagram
Various / Website
Since the ‘60s, Avila’s El Ranchito has treated the O.C. to endless memorable meals thanks to the recipes Mama Avila brought from Guanajuato, Mexico. You can taste the family care to this day in every order, even the margaritas. Choose from an extensive lineup that includes classics like El Patron Cadillac and Fresca “Skinny” Margarita or have fun with a hibiscus or cucumber margarita. Read our full list here.
Philadelphia - Al Pastor
560 Wellington Square, Exton; 484-341-8886 / Website
The bright and fresh modern Mexican food at Al Pastor is even better with a margarita in hand. Flavors include mango, pomegranate, strawberry and more. A new location opens soon this month in Havertown, Penn. Read our full list here.
San Diego - El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria
View this post on Instagram
2304 San Diego Ave B 92110 / Website
With a tequila collection as extensive as this one, you know you’re in for a top-notch margarita when you visit El Agave. The upscale restaurant has an entire menu section dedicated to the cocktail, which varies from Cadillac to blood orange to spicy jalapeño. Read our full list here.
San Francisco - Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant
View this post on Instagram
5929 Geary Blvd. / Website
When it comes to a top-shelf margarita, you can trust Tommy. Thomas and Elmy Bermejo founded this restaurant in 1965, and while its Yucatan recipes and flavors wow the crowd, it’s the famous 100 percent agave tequila bar that makes this place a must-visit. Extensive doesn’t begin to capture this artfully shelved eatery. Tommy takes great pride in his collection of Mexican spirits, and the margaritas are likewise exemplary. Stick with the housemade order, or get adventurous and try a specialty tequila that can’t be ordered anywhere else. Read our full list here.
Scottsdale - Agave del Scottsdale
8390 East Vía de Ventura 85258 / Website
As a scratch kitchen, Agave del Scottsdale prides itself on serving up fresh, bold flavors up and down the menu. And yes, that includes the entire section of margaritas. Keep it classic with a Cadillac or the Tamarindo or enliven your order with a fruit-forward flavor like agave watermelon, blackberry or mango. Read our full list here.
Washington D.C. - Baja Tap Bar
901 S Bond St.; 202-742-6100 / Website
For the calorie counters working for their summer body, health or fitness, opt for the skinny cucumber margarita at Baja Tap Bar, made with minimal ingredients like Camarena Silver Tequila, cucumber and lime juice. For the sweet tooth margaritas sippers, indulge in the slushy frozen libation with the option to add strawberry, pineapple or mango flavor. Check out the other specialty margaritas that range from smoky to spicy. Read our full list here.
Looking for more delicious cocktails on the road? Try our favorite spots for cosmopolitans across the country.
Photography by:
