La Condesa’s Margarita la Clásica is made with blanco tequila, Patron Citronge and a house mix of lime juice, agave and water. [Contributed by Jody Horton]
Austin 360
Alright, parceros. Sunday’s the day. National Margarita Day is here, and in Austin, that can only mean one glorious thing: a citywide quest for the best margarita. Before you rush off to the nearest bar, consider our field guide to the city’s sharpest shakers, saltiest rims and most righteous pours.
Like any good cocktail, the margarita comes with a twist of myth. Some trace it back to 1930s Mexico, where a socialite named Margarita Sames is said to have mixed tequila, lime and orange liqueur for her guests. Others credit Carlos “Danny” Herrera, who reportedly crafted the drink for a dancer allergic to all spirits but tequila. However it started, the formula stuck eventually crossing the border and cementing itself as a Texas essential. And this year, the celebration comes with a fresh address to add to your crawl: De Nada Cantina is opening a second location on South First Street, taking over the longtime home of El Mercado.
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Related: These 5 Texas dive bars rank among top 50 best in the US
OK, history lesson over, let’s get to the good stuff.
The best margaritas in Austin
ATX Cocina
Snapper crudo at ATX Cocina.
PROVIDED BY RONNY GALDÁMEZ
This downtown Austin spot runs a daily happy hour; times shift depending on the day, but the deals are consistent. The classic margarita on the rocks is built with Lunazul Blanco, clean and no-frills, while the back bar offers a deeper tequila bench if you’re particular about your pour. There’s also a front patio along Cesar Chavez Street that’s made for people-watching with steady foot traffic, city buzz and an easy place to settle in with a drink after work.
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110 San Antonio St. 512-263-2322, atxcocina.com.
Curra’s Grill on Oltorf
Curra’s frozen avocado margarita has become a classic Austin drink that still provides boozy respite on hot summer days. Tammy Perez for American-Statesman
Austin American-Statesman
No margarita roundup would be complete without a nod to Curra’s and their Avocado-rita. Yes, you read that right. Trust us, it works. Curra’s on Oltorf is also known for its exceptional service, which somehow makes those margaritas taste even better. They primarily use Carbonero and Casamigos tequila, and their daily happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.) boasts wallet-friendly house margs and tasty bites.
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614 E. Oltorf St. 512-444-0012, currasgrill.com.
De Nada Cantina
De Nada’s new Austin location opens Feb. 22, 2026 at 1302 S. First St.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin 360
For those who like their margaritas with a serious punch, De Nada is the undisputed heavyweight champion. These are rumored to be some of the strongest in town — so strong the bar politely caps you at two. The only contenders in the “knock-you-off-your-feet” category might be the infamous, Everclear-infused giants at Baby Acapulco or the Matt’s El Rancho margs. De Nada offers both frozen and on-the-rocks options, along with seasonal marg options like the mango and strawberry flavors.
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East: 4715 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-615-3555.
South First: 1302 S. First St. 512-447-7445.
El Alma on Barton Springs
The upstairs patio at El Alma.
Austin American-Statesman
If a strong patio and real range matter, head to El Alma on Barton Springs. Happy hour (3–6 p.m.) cuts prices on nearly half of its margarita lineup, and the list actually delivers. La Diabla leans hot, with mango-habanero–infused Astral Blanco; the Flaquita runs cool but sharp with watermelon and serrano; and the Barton Springs marg, built on locally made Carabuena Blanco, drinks stronger than it looks. Fair warning: it lands like a double. And with Barton Springs Pool a short walk away, it’s an easy pre- or post-swim stop, just pace yourself.
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Fun fact: Carabuena Tequila was founded right here in Austin, by a Jalisco native. Cheers to that.
1025 Barton Springs Road. 512-609-8923, elalmacafe.com.
El Cockfight
This two-story bar leans into an Oaxaca-inspired aesthetic. The margaritas can come in heavy Tajín rims and a tequila list beyond the basics. Downstairs, it’s all dark corners and layered seating, anchored by a neon-lit Virgen de Guadalupe and the occasional DJ set that keeps the room humming. Upstairs, a rooftop terrace opens out over Fifth Street, with a small stage that regularly hosts live music, giving the space a more open, energetic feel.
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121 E. Fifth St.bearhughospitality.com/el-cockfight.
Fresa’s on South First
Fresa’s has four different margs: their classic, frozen lime, frozen prickly pear, and — for those looking for something creamy — the frozen avocado. They’re all made with Cimarrón tequila blanco. And if you want to have some fun at home, you can also get their house margarita mix to-go for $18 (it makes 8 to 10 drinks). Their patio also has a backyard view overlooking the East Bouldin Creek Greenbelt.
1703 S. First St. 512-992-2946, fresaschicken.com/south-first.
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La Condesa
La Condesa has been a staple of the downtown Austin dining scene for over a decade. (Stephen Spillman for AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE
La Condesa, in the heart of downtown, offers a more refined experience with four classic margaritas, including a mezcal option. They also let you customize your tequila, featuring local heroes like Carabuena and Lalo. Speaking of Lalo, this Austin-based brand, spearheaded by Don Julio’s grandson, is making waves with its modern take on premium tequila. It’s a fantastic spot to grab a sophisticated marg before catching a show at ACL Live.
400 W. Second St. 512-377-6305, lacondesa.com.
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Licha’s Cantina
Licha’s Cantina will transport you to Mexico with its menu and its vibes.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE
East side adventurers, take note of Licha’s. Their happy hour (Tuesday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.) makes the bar a good spot for day drinking or pregaming a night out on East Sixth Street. The authentic ambiance of the converted house adds to the charm, and their regular, skinny or spicy margaritas with Campo Bravo reposado are a steal. Feeling social? Pitchers are also available. Their top-shelf options feature Tequila Ocho Blanco or Lost Explorer mezcal.
1306 E. Sixth St. 512-480-5960, lichascantina.com.
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Polvos on South First
Down on South First Street, Polvos is a reliable standby, buzzing with energy and serving up solid margaritas. Through decorations and an old-timey vibe, it’s also one of those places that feels authentically Mexican. (You might get the specials, but not quite the same feel at the other Polvos locations in downtown or at Barton Creek Mall). They also have long happy hours from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. House margs, served frozen or on the rocks, start at $6 during those times. You can also get a pitcher of the traditional house margarita for $35.
2004 S. First St. 512-441-5446, polvosaustin.com.
Techo Mezcalería & Agave Bar
Bartender Ian Couch prepares a drink for a customer at Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar Monday, May 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman
Venturing north a bit, Techo boasts a guava frozen tequila margarita that’s worth seeking out, and for the adventurous, their mezcal offerings present a deep dive into Austin’s burgeoning obsession with the smoky spirit. If you haven’t embraced mezcal yet, consider this your official nudge – it’s a major player in the local booze scene, though be warned: its flavor profile can be polarizing.
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2201 Manor Road. 512-480-8441.
National Margarita Day specials
Azul Rooftop
The Westin Austin Downtown is home to the Azul Rooftop Pool.
The Westin Austin Downtown
Offers $8 specialty margaritas all day, including prickly pear, strawberry, watermelon and jalapeño variations. A DJ set runs from 6 to 9 p.m., with views of the downtown skyline.
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310 E. Fifth St. 512-792-5647, azulrooftopatx.com.
Corner
Running from 11 a.m. to close, the Corner Margarita is discounted by $5. A bundled option pairs a margarita with two tacos (including brisket, shrimp or fried chicken) or sides like ceviche or guacamole for $24.
110 E. Second St. 512-608-4488, cornerrestaurantaustin.com.
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Edge Rooftop
From 5 to 11 p.m., $5 off house margaritas, including regular, spicy and SoCo variations.
110 E. Second St. 512-608-4503, edgerooftop.com.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Features two competing margaritas: a cucumber-lime “Winter” and a jalapeño-pineapple “Summer,” both made with Lalo Blanco tequila. Guests can sample both for free and vote; the winning drink will be priced at $5 the following week (Feb. 23–March 1).
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Congress: 1400 S. Congress Ave. 512-243-7505.
East: 1011 E. Fifth St. 512-828-7855.
North Lamar: 4615 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-335-2337.
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Juliet Italian Kitchen
Offers $6 Italian-style margaritas and half-off margarita pizzas on Feb. 22. Available at both Barton Springs and Arboretum locations.
Arboretum: 10000 Research Blvd. 512-666-3067.
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Barton Springs: 1500 Barton Springs Road. 512-479-1800.
Powder Room
Serving $15 specialty margaritas from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., focusing on a later-night crowd with a narrower but curated selection.
301 W. Fifth St. 512-996-3113, loboshospitality.com/venues/powderroomatx.
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The Roosevelt Room
Offers $9 classic margaritas and $10 mezcal margaritas all day, with an emphasis on balanced, spirit-forward cocktails.
307 W. Fifth St. 512-494-4094, therooseveltroomatx.com.
Upstairs at Caroline
Features $13 margaritas made with Patrón tequila, including a “Margarita in Mexico” with Texas citrus. Frozen and on-the-rocks options include fruit and spicy variations. Available all day.
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109 E. Seventh St. 512-982-6766, carolinerestaurant.com/upstairs-at-caroline.
VERDAD True Modern Mexican
Running a limited-time promotion through Feb. 26 with half-priced frozen margarita carafes. The offer also includes a complimentary margarita pie with purchase.
2701 Perseverance Drive. 737-358-4225, verdadtruemodernmexican.com.
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Via 313
On Feb. 22, $3.13 margaritas and a $5 frozen “Frita-Rita,” available for to-go orders only. Available across its Austin-area locations.
Downtown: 600 W. Sixth St. 737-358-9100.
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East: 1802 E. Sixth St. 737-353-0313.
Guadalupe: 3016 Guadalupe St. 737-307-0313.
Waterloo Ice House
Features $6 frozen margaritas (with optional flavor add-ons), alongside a range of house options including the Waterloo Rita and a blood orange “Buenos Días” margarita. Also offers Mexican martinis, including an $8 house version on weekends.
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360: 6203 N. Capital of Texas Highway. 512-418-9700.
Burnet: 8600 Burnet Road. 512-458-6544.
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Slaughter: 9600 Escarpment Blvd., 512-301-1007.
Southpark Meadows: 9600 S. I-35 Frontage Road. 512-292-7900.