Austin wouldn’t be the city we love without its bold, flavorful margaritas. It’s a place so synonymous with the tequila cocktail and breakfast tacos that both have earned shoutouts in movies.
That’s what makes this Friday feel more like a little fiesta. National Tequila Day has arrived, and we’ve rounded up spots serving some of the best versions of the signature tequila-infused drink.
ATX Cocina
Sanpper 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
The margaritas at De Nada Cantina come in a signature pink cup.
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 among 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 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 to 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. Instagram.com/el.cockfight.
Fresa’s on South First
Fresa’s happy hour includes discounted prices on margaritas and quesadillas.
Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman
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.
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1703 S. First St. 512-992-2946, fresaschicken.com.
High Road Deli & Bar: Frozen Big Red margarita
Big Red Margarita at High Road Deli & Bar. 915 W. Mary St. highroaddeli.com.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
What could be more Texan than pouring Texas’ favorite red soda into the frozen drink popularized in the Lone Star State? The teetotalers in Waco probably never could’ve imagined such a thing, but the High Road folks know what they’re doing. The vanilla and orange notes of the soda temper the tartness of the trademark lime punch, making the drink less overwhelming and even more satisfying than the sum of its parts.
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915 W. Mary St. highroaddeli.com.
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.
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400 W. Second St. 512-377-6305, lacondesa.com.
Licha’s Cantina
Licha’s Cantina will transport you to Mexico with its menu and its vibes.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE
Eastside 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.
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1306 E. Sixth St. 512-480-5960, lichascantina.com.
Polvos on South First
Down on South First Street, Polvos is a reliable standby, buzzing with energy and serving up solid margaritas. With its decor 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 downtown or at Barton Creek Square). 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.
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Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
Grapefruit margarita at Salt Traders Coastal Cooking.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
If you love a paloma, then the frozen grapefruit margarita might be the perfect frozen drink for you. The addition of pink grapefruit juice and Texas-based Paula’s Liqueurs’ grapefruit spirit to the classic margarita profile makes for a puckering sipper that keeps its balance without tipping overboard. If you need a touch of sweetness, consider adding the restaurant’s housemade Tito’s cherry limeade.
Multiple locations. salttraderscc.com.
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Techo Mezcalería & Agave Bar
Bartender Ian Couch prepares a drink for a customer at Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar Monday, May 5, 2025. The Torres family owns Mi Madre’s Restaurant, Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar and School House Pub.
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.