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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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SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸

Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
NEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣

Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station.

3655 E Speedway Blvd.
Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m.

#tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. 

Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona