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Best Margaritas in Tucson

Guide

Best Margaritas in Tucson

by Matt SternerFeb 21, 2024Updated Aug 4, 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!
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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

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.

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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.

La Botana Tacos

565 East Wetmore Road #155Northwest

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.

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SPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵

@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner
📍 @incasperuviancuisine 
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM
Penca Special Dinner
📍 @pencarestaurante 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM
Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover
📍 Flying V @loewsventana 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM
Whole Hog BBQ Dinner
📍 @bashfulbanditbbq 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM
Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
📍 @bocatucson 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
📍 @bacio.italianoaz 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
Cielos Special Dinner
📍 @cielostucson 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM 
Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 
📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM
Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner
📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial 

Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieeventsSPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵 @Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner 📍 @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner 📍 @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover 📍 Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner 📍 @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner 📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner 📍 @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 📍 @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner 📍 @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner 📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead! Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️ #SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents
Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during August!

Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️ 

🍷@Addiewankenobi- Breakfast Board @sonoranhouse_samhughes, @revel_tucson, Bone Marrow @sawmillrun, Aguachile, hamachi, and tuna at Flying V @loewsventana 

🥯@Deathfreefoodie- Bagel @coffeetimestucson, Mochi @okashi_ice_cream_confections 

🥙@Shanereiser- Fries @shishkebabhouse, Elote Nachos with Birria @redbird_scratchkitchen, Hacienda Summer Salad The Grill @haciendadelsolaz

🦪@Jackie_tran_- Oysters @tortillaschiwas, Steak @sunshine_wine_tucson, Vodka pasta @noodiestucson, Lobster Roll @thekingfishertucson 

More on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodHere’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during August! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️ 🍷@Addiewankenobi- Breakfast Board @sonoranhouse_samhughes, @revel_tucson, Bone Marrow @sawmillrun, Aguachile, hamachi, and tuna at Flying V @loewsventana 🥯@Deathfreefoodie- Bagel @coffeetimestucson, Mochi @okashi_ice_cream_confections 🥙@Shanereiser- Fries @shishkebabhouse, Elote Nachos with Birria @redbird_scratchkitchen, Hacienda Summer Salad The Grill @haciendadelsolaz 🦪@Jackie_tran_- Oysters @tortillaschiwas, Steak @sunshine_wine_tucson, Vodka pasta @noodiestucson, Lobster Roll @thekingfishertucson More on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood
@Kenneth.foy has landed at @Tanqueverderanch as the historic east-side dude ranch’s new executive chef. 

Foy opened Dante’s Fire in 2011 and built it into one of midtown Tucson’s recognized independent restaurants. He won Iron Chef Tucson in 2022 and 2023 and earned multiple honors at the SAACA World Margarita Championship.

Now, Foy will oversee culinary programming at Tanque Verde Ranch, including private chef dinners, holiday buffets, special events, and menus highlighting Sonoran Desert ingredients.

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Kenneth.foy has landed at @Tanqueverderanch as the historic east-side dude ranch’s new executive chef. Foy opened Dante’s Fire in 2011 and built it into one of midtown Tucson’s recognized independent restaurants. He won Iron Chef Tucson in 2022 and 2023 and earned multiple honors at the SAACA World Margarita Championship. Now, Foy will oversee culinary programming at Tanque Verde Ranch, including private chef dinners, holiday buffets, special events, and menus highlighting Sonoran Desert ingredients. Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
GIVEAWAY!🌮🍹🎟️🌶️

We’re giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the 18th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge at @hiltonelcon! 

Next Sunday, 40+ Southern Arizona restaurants, chefs and beverage creators will compete for your votes in three categories:
• Best salsa
• Best taco
• Best tequila cocktail

Plus, enjoy live mariachi, folklorico, art, wrestling and more!

💃 Sunday, September 6 | 6–8:30 PM | 21+ 
 
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Like this post
2. Follow @artstateaz, @hiltonelcon, and @tucsonfoodie 
3. Tag a friend! (Unlimited entries) 

Buying tickets? Use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off! Link in @artstateaz’s bio 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsGIVEAWAY!🌮🍹🎟️🌶️ We’re giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the 18th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge at @hiltonelcon! Next Sunday, 40+ Southern Arizona restaurants, chefs and beverage creators will compete for your votes in three categories: • Best salsa • Best taco • Best tequila cocktail Plus, enjoy live mariachi, folklorico, art, wrestling and more! 💃 Sunday, September 6 | 6–8:30 PM | 21+ ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: 1. Like this post 2. Follow @artstateaz, @hiltonelcon, and @tucsonfoodie 3. Tag a friend! (Unlimited entries) Buying tickets? Use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off! Link in @artstateaz’s bio #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents