With National Margarita Day arriving tomorrow, we know it’s time to take advantage of the “holiday” and get our drink on! And while we don’t agree that we should only spend one day out of 365 celebrating this fruity (or spicy) drink, that’s not stopping us from celebrating it all the same—and there’s no shortage of delicious margaritas around New York City just waiting to be sipped!
So, would you like yours frozen or on the rocks? What about a sweet or salty rim? Regardless of your preference, we’re sharing. Here are 16 of our favorite spots for delicious margaritas in NYC.
1. Fonda, Multiple Locations
Located in Park Slope, Chelsea and Tribeca, Fonda is the place to go for tasty margaritas. Plus, they’ll pair perfectly with the hand-made tortillas and fresh guacamole you’ll also find on the menu. If you’re not sure which margarita to order, “Rosalita,” their signature frozen hibiscus margarita made from silver tequila, hibiscus, orange liqueur, and lime juice with a hibiscus rim is definitely a good choice.
Where:
Park Slope – 434 7th Ave, Brooklyn
Chelsea – 189 9th Ave
Tribeca – 139 Duane St
2. Cantina Rooftop, Midtown
Ever drank a margarita out of a Hornitos skull cup? At Cantina Rooftop you can! Choose from the extensive list of options like their “Mezcal Smash,” made of Mezcal Koch de Oaxaca, pineapple, mint, lime, and agave syrup, or their “Piña Rita,” made of Mezcal Burrito Fiestero, pineapple, lemon, and ginger syrup.
Where: 605 W 48th St
3. Calabrije’s, Ridgewood
With 21 different margarita flavors it may be a bit overwhelming, but it also means there’s an option for you no matter what you’re in the mood for! From blood orange and lychee to mandarin and pink guava you can’t go wrong with any of the options. And, giving you even more options, you can choose between frozen or on the rocks, your preferred spice level, and whether or not you’d like it made with Mezcal.
Where: 234 Starr St, Queens
4. The Black Ant, East Village
The Black Ant has a number of delicious items on their menu made with a luxurious twist, like the “Pulpo a la Diabla,” which is seared octopus, adobo, celery root puree, pico de gallo, Chile ashes, and chervil. What we’re really focused on though is their margaritas, which are made with house-infused jalapeño tequila and sprinkled with chipotle salt around the rim. If you’re a spicy marg person this is the place for you!
Where: 60 2nd Ave
5. Casa Enrique, Long Island City
Michelin-star restaurant Casa Enrique’s food is definitely delicious, but their margaritas are what we’re really focused on. Their fresh fruit margaritas are perfect on a warm, sunny day (or any day for that matter) and include flavors like strawberry, blueberry, coconut, mango, and tamarind. Plus, they can also be made frozen!
Where: 5-48 49th Ave, Queens
6. Mexicocina Mezcaleria, The Bronx
The perfect blend of brightly colored decor and south-central Mexican food, Mexicocina Mezcaleria is a must-visit for tasty margaritas. For a fruity tropical vibe we suggest trying their “Mangorita,” made of silver tequila, mango puree, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup.
Where: 503 Jackson Ave, The Bronx
7. Empellón Taqueria, Greenwich Village
Empellón Taqueria does their happy hour Monday through Friday 5 pm – 7 pm where you can get a tasty margarita for only $10! And whether you like it spicy or sweet they have an option that will satisfy.
Where: 230 W 4th St
8. CASA TuLuM, Seaport
This margarita isn’t for the faint of heart. Serving one of the most luxurious margaritas you’ll ever lay eyes on, CASA TuLuM’s extravagant and highly Instagrammable marg “The Gold Digger” is in a class of its own. Composed of Clase Azul Añejo Tequila, Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre, yuzu, organic blue agave nectar, 24k edible gold, and hickory campfire sea salt, The Gold Digger is truly a spectacle for those who don’t mind digging a little deeper into their pockets. This luxurious margarita is priced at $80, and guests do get to keep the beautiful souvenir glass that the cocktail is served in!
Where: 229 Front St
9. Mesa Coyocan, Williamsburg
Mesa Coyoacan is definitely a favorite on the list and a go-to spot for locals. Their margarita list is endless and made with the finest house-infused tequila, fruits, and juices. Step out of your comfort zone and try a flavor that isn’t typical, or try the hottest one in the menu if you’re feeling brave enough—the “Toronja Habanero,” labeled as “VERY SPICY.”
Where: 372 Graham Ave
10. REYNA, Union Square
What’s better than a margarita with both tequila and mezcal? We introduce to you, “The Mezcal Smokeshow”, consisting of Altos Tequila Blanco, Leyenda Mezcal, Cointreau, Pineapple Corn Syrup, Lime Juice, and Orange Juniper Bitters. Its inspiration comes from the quote ““I am a limited edition; there is only one me. – Anonymous”…proving it’s a true 1 of 1.
Where: 11 E 13th St
11. ATLA, NoHo
Whether you want a classic, spicy, or mezcal margarita, you’re in luck because ATLA has them all and then some! Spend your day sipping away and if you get hungry there are tons of bites to choose from like chilaquiles, ceviche verde, and potato and cheese flautas.
Where: 372 Lafayette St.
When: Monday-Saturday 12p.m. – 11p.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 5p.m.
12. Sofia’s Taqueria, Staten Island
Sofia’s Taqueria doesn’t play around with their margaritas that you can get either frozen or on the rocks. They of course offer a traditional marg, made with fresh lime, sauza silver, and cointreau, but they also offer some other great flavor combinations such as strawberry mint, blueberry ginger, and chipotle pineapple.
Where: 977 Bay St
13. Archer & Goat, Harlem
Archer & Goat in Harlem draws culinary inspiration from the husband-wife owners’ Latin American and South Asian heritages – and so do the cocktails. Their two tasty margaritas are both equally fantastic. One of their signatures, the “Goat” (pictured above) gives the tequila, fresh orange and lime margarita a South Asian makeover with a turmeric-chili-salt rim for a little kick. They also offer the “Teal,” which includes Ilegal Mezcal Reposado, ancho chile, apple shrub and lime.
Where: 187 Lenox Ave, Harlem
14. La Contenta, Lower East Side
Nestled into the Lower East Side is La Contenta, whose “Oaxaca Express” (pictured above) is the absolute talk of the town. It’s made up of 100% espadin mezcal, jalapeño-infused agave nectar, cucumber, cointreau, and basil. All the cocktails here are whipped by their seasoned mixologist Alex Valencia, ensuring every flavor is potent and every sip is better than the last.
Where: 102 Norfolk St
15. Ofrenda, West Village
Let’s be honest… Ofrenda’s “Smoky Jalapeno Maragarita” (pictured above) is always on our mind. It’s made up of chile-infused tequila, Cointreau, lime, agave, and smoky salt. They also have traditional margaritas as well, with different flavors including mango, prickly pear, cucumber, and blood orange. You can even get them by the pitcher if you like them enough!
Where: 113 7th Ave S
16. Kokomo, Williamsburg
Kokomo is not only one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC by our standards, but also one of the best for margaritas! Our personal favorites are either the “A Likkle Fiyah” (ilegal mezcal, apricot, lime, agave, triple sec) or the “Good Vibez” (Cazadores Tequila, Passionfruit Liqueur, Egg White, Lemon, Honey, Angostura Cocktail Art).
Where: 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn