Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Best Margaritas in Tucson

Best Margaritas in Tucson

by Matt SternerFeb 21, 2024Updated May 6, 20265 min read
Blended or on the rocks, salt or no salt, Margaritas know no boundaries. While purists may insist the classic cocktail features only tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice, they’re still delicious with the addition of fruits such as local prickly pear. Even a touch of cilantro or jalapeño is nice. Here is our list of some our favorite places to grab a cold one!
Learn how we create our guides →
15 spots

Calle Tepa

6151 East Broadway BoulevardMidtown

Calle Tepa is a scratch kitchen — everything is made fresh daily. This includes their salsa, tortillas, and, for the sake of this guide, the ever-so-tasty margaritas. When stopping by, head to the back of the restaurant where the bar resides, and you'll likely join in on a nearby conversation with a stranger, acquire new friends, and express your love for their house-made margaritas.

El Charro Café Downtown

311 North Court AvenueDowntown

With a history dating back to 1922, El Charro holds the title of the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Steeped in tradition, this beloved establishment offers a menu that pays homage to authentic Sonoran cuisine, featuring timeless classics like carne seca, the iconic chimichanga, and the beloved margarita. Stop by for a taste of history! Also worth noting: Charro Steak North chef Roderick LeDesma won the Judges' Choice award at the 2025 World Margarita Championship.

Advertisement

Guadalajara Original Grill (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Guadalajara Original Grill

1220 East Prince RoadMidtown

"There are nearly 10 different margaritas on the menu but if you're looking for a high-rise booze cruise, check out the Bandera Margarita — made to look like the Mexican flag with layers of melon-lime, house margarita mix, and strawberry." More than 20 years ago, owner Emma Vera opened the very first location on Prince Road and the Oracle location followed in its footsteps in 2016.

Margaritas at La Botana (Photo by Jackie Tran)

La Botana Tacos

565 East Wetmore RoadNorthwest

The restaurant's rotating flavors include Blue Demon (blue curacao), Tropical (hibiscus-jamaica), Prickly Pear, Tamarindo, Cucumber Jalapeño, and Tucson H2O (splash of Negra Modelo).
"The Uber-Ritas will turn any day into a party and you cannot beat their 2-for-1 specials."
Addie Ibarra’s favorite

Mi Nidito Restaurant

1813 South 4th AvenueSouth Tucson

Mi Nidito — Spanish for my little nest — has been serving Mexican food since 1952. Started by Sonoran couple Ernesto and Alicia Lopez, Mi Nidito is now in its third generation of being family-owned.
"Mi Nidito’s margaritas are classically delicious and sweet."
Shane Reiser’s favorite

Nana’s Kitchen

8225 North Courtney Page WayMarana

The family-owned and operated Nana’s Kitchen serves authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients, homemade tortillas, and some binge-worthy tacos in Marana.
"I showed up closer to closing time than I wanted, but their hospitality matched their name and it took all the effort to decline their effort to further rounds of their well-rounded, refreshing margs."
Jackie Tran’s favorite

Surly Wench Pub

424 North 4th AvenueDowntown

This super spicy margarita is made with a house-infused jalapeño and habanero Milagro Tequila, a prickly pear syrup, and then Tajín on the rim.
"The Prickly Heat at Surly Wench stands by its name. It’s one margarita that I can count on having to sip slowly."
Sam Jump’s favorite

Frequently asked questions

Tucson offers standout margaritas at Mexican restaurants, cocktail bars, and local favorites. Many spots feature fresh citrus, quality tequila, and house-made mixes.

Follow @TucsonFoodie on Instagram

Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.

4.5K

posts

133.2K

followers

See More On Instagram
“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@localetucson 
@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

Want in on more foodie experiences? 
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:

• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
• Exclusive R&D dinners
• Festival discounts
• Help keep Tucson Foodie free

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bioItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18!

Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. 

The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. 

More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18! Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!