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A Smokey Frozen Margarita is served at Old Pal Texas Tavern on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Lockhart, Texas.<\/p>\n
Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
Margarita lovers, Sunday is calling. National Margarita Day has arrived, and in Austin, that means one thing: a citywide hunt for the\u00a0perfect margarita<\/a>. Before you dash to your favorite bar, check out our guide to the city\u2019s sharpest shakers, saltiest rims, and most righteous pours.<\/p>\n Like any great cocktail, the margarita comes with a bit of legend. Some trace it to 1930s Mexico, where socialite Margarita Sames is said to have mixed tequila, lime, and orange liqueur for her guests. Others credit Carlos \u201cDanny\u201d Herrera, who reportedly created the drink for a dancer allergic to everything but tequila. Whatever its origin, the recipe stuck, crossed the border, and became a Texas essential.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n And this year, there\u2019s a new stop to add to your crawl: De Nada Cantina is opening a second location<\/a> on South First Street, taking over the longtime home of El Mercado<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related: Where are the 20 best tacos in Austin?<\/a><\/p>\n OK, history lesson over, let’s get to the good stuff.<\/p>\n The best margaritas in Austin<\/p>\n ATX Cocina<\/p>\n Sanpper crudo at ATX Cocina.\u00a0<\/p>\n PROVIDED BY RONNY GALD\u00c1MEZ <\/p>\n 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\u2019re particular about your pour. There\u2019s also a front patio along Cesar Chavez Street that\u2019s made for people-watching with steady foot traffic, city buzz and an easy place to settle in with a drink after work.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 110 San Antonio St. 512-263-2322, atxcocina.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Curra’s Grill on Oltorf<\/p>\n Curra’s co-owner Jorge Garcia shows off the restaurant’s trademark avocado margarita in 2008.<\/p>\n TAMMY PEREZ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, Austin 360<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 614 E. Oltorf St. 512-444-0012, \u00a0currasgrill.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n De Nada Cantina<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 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\u2019s El Rancho margs. De Nada offers both frozen and on-the-rocks options, along with seasonal marg options like the mango and strawberry flavors.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n East: 4715 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-615-3555.<\/p>\n South First: 1302 S. First St. 512-447-7445.\u00a0<\/p>\n El Alma on Barton Springs<\/p>\n The upstairs patio at El Alma.<\/p>\n Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n If a strong patio and real range matter, head to El Alma on Barton Springs. Happy hour (3\u20136 p.m.) cuts prices on nearly half of its margarita lineup, and the list actually delivers. La Diabla leans hot, with mango-habanero\u2013infused 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\u2019s an easy pre- or post-swim stop, just pace yourself.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n El Alma, one of the El Chile Group restaurants, makes a michelada with tomato water so that the drink is lighter and more refreshing than a typical michelada but still has a strong tomato flavor. Arianna Auber \/ American-Statesman<\/p>\n Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n Fun fact: Carabuena Tequila was founded right here in Austin, by a Jalisco native. Cheers to that.<\/p>\n 1025 Barton Springs Road. 512-609-8923, elalmacafe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n El Cockfight<\/p>\n This two-story bar leans into an\u00a0Oaxaca-inspired aesthetic. The margaritas can come in heavy Taj\u00edn rims and a tequila list beyond the basics. Downstairs, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 121 E. Fifth St. bearhughospitality.com\/el-cockfight<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fresa’s on South First<\/p>\n Fresa’s has four different margs: their classic, frozen lime, frozen prickly pear, and \u2014 for those looking for something creamy \u2014 the frozen avocado. They’re all made with Cimarr\u00f3n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 1703 S. First St. 512-992-2946, fresaschicken.com\/south-first<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n La Condesa<\/p>\n La Condesa’s Margarita la Cl\u00e1sica, is made with blanco tequila, Patron Citronge and a house mix of lime juice, agave and water. It is an often-ordered drink on the menu. [Contributed by Jody Horton]<\/p>\n Austin 360<\/p>\n La\u00a0Condesa, 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.<\/p>\n 400 W. Second St. 512-377-6305, \u00a0lacondesa.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Licha’s Cantina<\/p>\n Licha’s Cantina will transport you to Mexico with its menu and its vibes.<\/p>\n AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE<\/p>\n East side adventurers, take note of\u00a0Licha’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.<\/p>\n 1306 E. Sixth St. 512-480-5960, \u00a0lichascantina.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Polvos on South First<\/p>\n Down on South First Street,\u00a0Polvos is a reliable standby, buzzing with energy and serving up solid margaritas. Through decorations and an old-timey vibe, it\u2019s also one of those places that feels authentically Mexican.\u00a0(You might get the specials, but not quite the same feel at the other\u00a0Polvos 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.<\/p>\n 2004 S. First St. 512-441-5446, polvosaustin.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Techo Mezcaler\u00eda & Agave Bar<\/p>\n The Torres family drinks cocktails at Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar Monday, May 5, 2025. The Torres family owns Mi Madre\u2019s Restaurant, Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar and School House Pub.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 it’s a major player in the local booze scene, though be warned: its flavor profile can be polarizing.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 2201 Manor Road. 512-480-8441.<\/p>\n National Margarita Day specials<\/p>\n Azul Rooftop<\/p>\n The Westin Austin Downtown is home to the Azul Rooftop Pool.<\/p>\n The Westin Austin Downtown<\/p>\n Offers $8 specialty margaritas all day, including prickly pear, strawberry, watermelon and\u00a0jalape\u00f1o variations. A DJ set runs from 6 to 9 p.m., with views of the downtown skyline.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 310\u00a0E. Fifth St. 512-792-5647, azulrooftopatx.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Corner<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 110 E. Second St. 512-608-4488, cornerrestaurantaustin.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Edge Rooftop<\/p>\n From 5 to 11\u00a0p.m., $5 off house margaritas, including regular, spicy and SoCo variations.<\/p>\n 110 E. Second St. 512-608-4503, edgerooftop.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hopdoddy Burger Bar<\/p>\n Features two competing margaritas: a cucumber-lime \u201cWinter\u201d and a\u00a0jalape\u00f1o-pineapple \u201cSummer,\u201d 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\u2013March 1).<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Congress: 1400 S. Congress Ave. 512-243-7505.<\/p>\n East: 1011 E. Fifth St. 512-828-7855.<\/p>\n North Lamar: 4615 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-335-2337.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Juliet Italian Kitchen<\/p>\n Offers $6 Italian-style margaritas and half-off margarita pizzas on\u00a0Feb. 22. Available at both Barton Springs and Arboretum locations.<\/p>\n Arboretum: 10000 Research Blvd. 512-666-3067.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Barton Springs: 1500 Barton Springs Road. 512-479-1800.<\/p>\n Powder Room<\/p>\n Serving $15 specialty margaritas from 4\u00a0p.m. to 1 a.m., focusing on a later-night crowd with a narrower but curated selection.<\/p>\n 301 W. Fifth St. 512-996-3113, loboshospitality.com\/venues\/powderroomatx<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Roosevelt Room<\/p>\n Offers $9 classic margaritas and $10\u00a0mezcal margaritas all day, with an emphasis on balanced, spirit-forward cocktails.<\/p>\n 307 W. Fifth St. 512-494-4094, therooseveltroomatx.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Upstairs at Caroline<\/p>\n Features $13 margaritas made with\u00a0Patr\u00f3n tequila, including a \u201cMargarita in Mexico\u201d with Texas citrus. Frozen and on-the-rocks options include fruit and spicy variations. Available all day.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 109 E. Seventh St. 512-982-6766, carolinerestaurant.com\/upstairs-at-caroline<\/a>.<\/p>\n VERDAD True Modern Mexican<\/p>\n Running a limited-time promotion through\u00a0Feb. 26 with half-priced frozen margarita carafes. The offer also includes a complimentary margarita pie with purchase.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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