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Guadalajara Original Grill (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Foodie 15: Best Margaritas in Tucson

Updated March 4, 2024

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 our favorite 15 places to grab a cold one!

Learn how we create our guides here.

Margarita at BOCA (Photo by Patrick M. on Yelp)

BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon

If you’re looking for a classic margarita, try BOCA’s house margarita — it’s simple yet satisfying. Also, get in there during Happy Hour (currently 4 – 6 p.m. daily) and they’re just a little over $5 each.

Margarita (Photo courtesy of Calle Tepa)

Calle Tepa

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 housemade margaritas.

They have a daily Happy Hour from 3 – 6 p.m. when you can score $2 off house margaritas.

a plate of food on a table
(Photo courtesy of El Charro Café on Facebook)

El Charro Café Downtown

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!

Blackberry Cinnamon Margarita at El Chinito Gordo (Photo by Jackie Tran)

El Chinito Gordo

At El Chinito Gordo, a fusion of traditional Mexican style and contemporary aesthetics greets visitors, creating an inviting interior. From 3 – 6 p.m. daily, the restaurant typically offers a $2 discount on margaritas. Cowabunga!

Margarita at El Torero (Photo by Candace C. on Yelp)

El Torero Restaurant

When having a margarita at El Torero, it’s not only about which one you should order (the classic, habanero, etc.) but what size are desiring. It all depends on how thirsty you are! They offer margaritas by the glass or by the pitcher. Party on!

Guadalajara Original Grill (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Guadalajara Original Grill

Foodie Favorite:
a man wearing a hat

“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

Foodie Favorite:
Addie Ibarra

“The Uber-Ritas will turn any day into a party and you cannot beat their 2-for-1 specials.”

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).

Pomegranate Margarita (Photo courtesy of La Chingada)

La Chingada Cocina

There’s plenty to love about La Chingada’s margarita selection. The Pomegranate Margarita is a go-to on the menu but if you’re looking for one that’s not so sweet, take the Cucumber Lime Marg for a spin.

Margarita (Photo courtesy of La Parilla Suiza)

La Parrilla Suiza – Speedway

Though the name translates to “the Swiss grill,” visit for the sizzling Mexican food and margaritas. Happy Hour is 3 – 6 p.m. on Monday – Friday and $7 house margaritas are awaiting your arrival.

Mi Nidito Restaurant

Foodie Favorite:
Shane Reiser

“Mi Nidito’s margaritas are classically delicious and sweet.”

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.

Margaritas (Photo courtesy of Nana's Kitchen)

Nana’s Kitchen

“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

The family-owned and operated Nana’s Kitchen serves authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients, homemade tortillas, and some binge-worthy tacos in Marana.

Margaritas at Reforma (Credit: Adam Lehrman)

Reforma Modern Mexican

Reforma has offered a wide variety of gourmet Margarita flavors over the years such as Blood Orange, Tamarindo, Prickly Pear, Mango Habanero, and Cucumber Mint. Oh, and every Monday is $6 Margarita Monday!

The Prickly Heat at Surly Wench (Photo by Sam Jump)

Surly Wench Pub

Foodie Favorite:
Sam Jump

“The Prickly Heat at Surly Wench stands by its name. It’s one margarita that I can count on having to sip slowly.”

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.

No Mames Margarita (Photo courtesy of Taqueria La Esquina)

Taqueria La Esquina

Frozen or on the rocks? Doesn’t matter because they’ll all knock your socks off. There’s more than five to choose from on the menu but you need to try the No Mames Margarita — it’s a frozen mountain of tequila, chamoy, and frozen margarita mix.

(Photo courtesy of Tap & Bottle)

Tap & Bottle – North

Foodie Favorite:
a woman looking at the camera
Chrissy Mance

“The marg on tap at Tap & Bottle is legit. Strong, smooth, and the right amount of sour.”

There’s more than just beer on tap at both Tap & Bottle locations!

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