Where to head for some of the best margs in town!
No one can seem to agree on the exact when and where margaritas originally came to be. But one thing is for sure: they’re delicious and the thirst-quenching mix of tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime (or lemon) juice should absolutely be celebrated. Plus, with the variety of different ways to enjoy the classic tequila cocktail, the possibilities are endless.
Here are 15 margarita spots you don’t want to miss in San Diego.
Café Coyote
This popular San Diego spot is your best bet if you’re looking for some amazing Mexican food to pair with your margs. Accompany large, freshly-made margaritas with overflowing plates of burritos, tacos, and other incredible Mexican antojitos. Café Coyote offers more than 20 different kinds of margaritas including spicy watermelon, pineapple-chipotle, and a Chamoy sauce one in a Tajin Rim Glass topped with a Tamarind Chile Treat.
Location: 2461 San Diego Avenue
Cocina De Barrio
Cocina De Barrio is a beautiful spot with a fun twist on the cocktail bar. They serve a seasonal selection of popsicles along with their delicious cocktails! What a dream team!
Location: 3924 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria
This spot is an absolute must for true tequila lovers. Aside from having its own award-winning Tequila Agave Artesanal, El Agave has a massive collection of more than 2,000 brands adorning the walls (aptly called the Tequila Museum). The menu features flights and all kinds of margaritas including classic and cadillac margs, spicy jalapeño, tamarindo, guava, cucumber, and more.
Location: 2304 San Diego Avenue
Puesto
Puesto offers an extensive selection. With dozens of different types of tequilas, mezcals, and agave spirits to choose from, you can make your margarita exactly how you want it. You can get $9 Puesto Perfect Margaritas during Happy Hour on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 pm to 5 pm. Not to mention, Puesto has some of the best Mexican food in town and some gorgeous outdoor patios from which to enjoy it all.
Location: 5010 Mission Center Road (Mission Valley), 789 West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters), 1026 Wall Street (La Jolla)
Casa De Bandini
Casa de Bandini is a classic Carlsbad spot with a festive atmosphere. During a summer day, we particularly love their Cinco-Rita Margarita with frozen mango and strawberries.
Location: 1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009
La Especial Norte
You’ll find delicious and bountiful margaritas at this colorful Encinitas spot. You can either get your drink by the glass or by the pitcher, making this a great spot to share with friends!
Location: 664 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Trust
While Trust’s menu isn’t exactly margarita town, there are a couple of cocktails on the list that would make any marg-lover happy. Trust Cocktail #2 is a must-try modern twist on the classic drink, with jalapeño tequila, grapefruit, agave, and lime. Be sure to also try Black Moon, a delicious cocktail made with mezcal, roasted parsnip, orange liqueur, lime, and bitters.
3752 Park Blvd. Suite 105C
ALCE 101
Alce 101 is the place to go for an extensive tequila and mezcal selection. They are stocked with over 100 tequilas so you will surely discover some new favorites. We highly recommend their namesake margarita, the Alce. The black salt-rimmed glass beautifully complements the blue agave Blanco tequila lime juice and honey-infused drink.
Location: 243 N Hwy 101 Suite 7, Solana Beach, CA 92075
La Puerta
La Puerta offers Sinaloa-inspired Mexican food and specialty drinks with the freshest ingredients. Offering a few frozen margs as well as a list of twelve specialty margaritas with tequila, mezcal, and sotol, you are bound to find a few new favorites. Try Moonage Daydream, with Ilegal Joven Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, fresh mint, and house banana syrup, or Hey Mami with Blanco Tequila, Comiteco, house-made orange bell pepper/habanero syrup, lime, and coconut.
560 4th Avenue
Tahona Bar
This chic and inviting spot is all about mezcal and Oaxaca. They also serve delicious classic margaritas and other outstanding cocktails we are sure you’ll love.
Location: 2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Casa De Pico
Casa de Pico is another classic Mexican gem. You’ll think you’re in the heart of Old Town, however, you’ll find this spot in East County. They have an impressive marg selection, from the Don Julio with triple sec, sweet and sour, and beyond!
Location: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
The margaritas here are instantly recognizable. These chili-rimmed wonders come in a tall glass along with refreshing cucumber and jalapeno! There’s no better companion for your tacos!
Location: 3946 Illinois St, San Diego, CA 92104
Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant
Ponce’s is a 50-year-old San Diego institution. The Meza family has been serving their iconic Cadillac margaritas with 1800 Reposado, Grand Marnier, lime, and sweet and sour- Yum! You also have the option of making modifications so you get the marg of your dreams.
Location: 4050 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Casa Guadalajara
Casa Guadalajara is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors run through the entire eatery which along with the festive music and delicious foods will have you in the fiesta mood. And their margaritas are the cherry on top! All of them are wonderful but you can’t leave without having tried their own Strawberry margarita de la casa.
Location: 4105 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110
Barrio Star
Barrio Star sits on the edge of Balboa Park. They have a top-notch selection of tequilas and mezcals assuring you’ll have the perfect margarita! You can get a standard drink or a flight or even to-go!
Location: 2706 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
See also: 10 Of The Best Mexican Restaurants In San Diego
[Featured image: El AGAVE]