Best Margaritas in Los Angeles
Whether you're celebrating National Margarita Day, Cinco de Mayo or just love your margaritas, Los Angeles offers no shortage of this tasty tequila infused cocktail. So, pull up a seat to the bar, and use this as your opportunity to sample some of the best margaritas in Southern California. Make sure to visit our other list of the Best Margaritas In LA too.
El Carmen
8138 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 852-1552
www.elcarmenla.net
There seems to be a debate about El Carmen's status as a prime dive bar. No matter, it is a place were Hollywood and hipster types alike can agree that it is a Los Angeles staple. The velvet curtains guarding your entry, the Mexican wrestling mask on the wall, the burnt orange lighting--all of this sets the mood for a night of fun with over 420 kinds of tequila at your disposal. Specialty margaritas include the Cactus Fruit Margarita, Guava Margarita or Ginger Cilantro Margarita, but for the special occasion, the Classic Margarita will available for just $5 from 7:00 pm to close.
El Compadre
7408 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 874-7924
www.elcompadrerestaurant.com
El Compadre knows just how to keep its loyal followers coming back for more. Pyrotechnics! The Flaming Margarita is the first thing most Angelenos will mention if you ask what to order. The firey cocktail has long been the restaurant's claim to fame. If the flame alone doesn't grab your attention, wait until you take your first chug. Just don't get so tipsy that you forget to let the sparks die down before taking a sip. Challenge your friends to a Flaming Margarita showdown, and see who is the first to call a truce.
Casa Vega
13301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-4868
www.casavega.com
Casa Vega is the Sherman Oaks staple for anyone jonesing for a strong tequila cocktail. The old school restaurant is a favorite even for a few celebrities. Try the house Casa Vega in its original flavor or with a hit of cranberry, the upgraded Cadillac Margarita with Cuervo 1800 and Grand Marnier, or the Blood Orange Margarita with Patron Silver and fresh blood orange juice.
Red O
8155 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-5009
www.redorestaurant.com
The renowned Rick Bayless, best known for his expertise with Mexican food, has mixologist Steve Calabro at the margarita helm. They are offering a full margarita flight for just $15. One price allows you to sample a trio of sophisticated cocktails. The Market Margarita features cucumber, honeydew, Espolon Blanco tequila, and fresh lemon and lime juice. The La Dama Margarita starts with Tres Agaves Reposado tequila, spicy chiles, mango-flavored grenadine, fresh lime juice and a dash of tart pomegranate liqueur. The Alacran Margarita is the kicker with Sauza Conmemorativo tequila, Veev Acai, Torres orange liqueur, fresh limonada, and serrano-infused syrup.
Yxta Cocina Mexicana
601 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 596-5579
www.yxta.net
Featuring over 50 brands of tequilas to select from, Yxta Cocina Mexicana is a sure bet for whatever type of margarita you want. Whether you choose the Jamaica or the spicy cucumber you can't go wrong. The La Piña (muddled pineapple, cilantro, jalapeño) and the El Pepino (cucumber-jicama purée) are a little outside the box but completely worth the risk. What's even better is they're only $6 during happy hour. Score!
Related: Best Los Angeles Bars For Tequila
Casa Moreno
223 North Citrus Avenue
Covina, CA 91723
(626) 339-9496
www.casamorenogrill.com
Casa Moreno is an Inland Empire neighborhood favorite. The restaurant received Inland Empire Magazine's nod for Best New Restaurant of 2011. A full bar is prepared to pour you a margarita, on the rocks or frozen, with a big tequila punch. Any regular will tell you that the Casa Moreno Margarita is the house speciality. It is similar to the Cadillac Margarita, but made with Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur and an orange twist for supreme citrus flavor. Casa Moreno promises nothing but a festive evening with a night of low priced cocktails to celebrate. There is also a second location in Claremont, and the sister restaurant will offer similar special discounts for the occasion.