The Best Margaritas in Los Angeles

Karla Flores-Mercado opened Bar Flores in August 2019. Located in the former Barragan's space, Bar Flores began as Sip, an immersive speakeasy with cocktails and live music that popped up in locations throughout LA. In April 2025, Food & Wine named Bar Flores no. 2 on its list of Top 10 Bars in the U.S., calling it "the best day-drinking spot" in the country.

As soon as you enter the indoor-outdoor space above Lowboy, you'll see a large portrait of Karla's grandmother - Karla explained to Voyage LA, "Paying respect to our grandmothers is something that is important to me. The bar has a wall adorned with pictures of the grandmothers of all our staff and our regulars."

Stop by for live music on Tuesdays, The World is Our Oyster Queer Night on Thursdays, and order a pitcher of Flores Margaritas: tequila or mezcal, lemon, lime, naranja, triple sec, azúcar and hibiscus salt. As an homage to Barragan's, Bar Flores features Margarita Wednesdays with $8 Margs from 4pm to close.

A San Fernando Valley institution since 1956, Casa Vega was named by the James Beard Foundation as one of the 2022 America's Classics. The family-owned and operated restaurant is beloved for its Margaritas, dim lighting and lively atmosphere—you might spot a celebrity or two huddled in a corner booth.

Although Casa Vega is renowned for its award-winning Classic Margarita (made with Añejo Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice), there are several more to choose from, such as Cadillac, Spicy, Skinny and Grilled Pineapple.

Quentin Tarantino is a regular and there's a signature Margarita named for him, The Tarantino: Casamigos Añejo, fresh lemon and lime juice, fresh OJ and Lemon Stevia. In his Oscar-winning 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Tarantino features Casa Vega in a key scene with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt.

In April 2025, the team behind Mirate - beverage director Max Reis, partner Matt Egan and chef Alan Sanz - opened Daisy Margarita Bar in the former Sherman space in Sherman Oaks. A Mexican Tiki Bar, Gilbert Perez, is scheduled to open upstairs in May.

Inspired by Mexico's Norteño cantina culture, Daisy ("Margarita" in Spanish) is a showcase for Reis' inventive cocktails. An early favorite is the Mangoreada Margarita, made with Mezcal Derrumbes Cenizo, a blend of two Oaxacan Mango Brandies, dried mango and mango purée, Pastilla Mixe chili, housemade mango chamoy, fresh lime and topped with mango popping boba. Another standout is the Sour Apple Margarita with Cascahuin Blanco, Nami Junmai Sake, Granny Smith apple juice, hoja santa (Mexican pepperleaf) and lime.

Reis' creativity really shines with the "Salsa Bar," which includes a Guacamole Frozen Margarita (El Tesoro Blanco, avocado, clearmato, damiana, lime) and the Baja Slaw Margarita with private-batch Mal Bien x Mírate Espadin, Mezcal Güey, Oaxacan Fruit Liqueur, purple cabbage, radish, pulque vinegar, lime and fish sauce.

Located at the historic SAG-AFTRA Plaza in Mid-Wilshire, Descanso opened in January 2025, featuring the signature Plancha dining experience and two open-air patios.

Situated in the heart of the 9,000 square-foot space, the 38-seat bar serves Margaritas Especiales like the classic El Descanso with Milagro Reposado Tequila, Agavero Orange Liqueur, agave and fresh lime. Make it a Cadillac or make it spicy!

Other favorites include the Sangre por Sangre (Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, Sorel Spiced Hibiscus Liqueur, Cointreau, blood orange, lime, demerara), Cucumber + Sal (El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, cucumber, cilantro, lime, black sea salt) and Pasión y Plata with Lo Siento Reposado Tequila, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, fresh passion fruit and saffron.

Tequila and tacos are the thing at El Carmen, a narrow neighborhood cantina in the heart of Beverly Grove complete with red velvet curtains, Lucha Libre masks and bulls heads on the walls. Encarnacion Elias Gomez founded El Carmen in 1929 - she hosted luminaries such as Diego Rivera, Ricardo Montalban, Nat King Cole, Cecil B. DeMille, Busby Berkeley, Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, Loretta Young and Mario Lanza. In 1997, Gomez's family handed the reins to Sean MacPherson of Committed, Inc. (Jones, Bar Lubitsch, Roger Room).

The extensive drink menu includes La Lumbre, a spicy Margarita with serrano-infused Pueblo Viejo Blanco; and a Classic Margarita on the rocks with choice of El Jimador Blanco or La Tierra de Acre Mezcal, agave nectar and lime juice. For an extra $3, you can make it a Guava, Strawberry or Passion Fruit Margarita.

Enjoy $8 Classic Margaritas, $3 Tacos and more during Early Bird Happy Hour (Monday-Friday from 5–7pm) and Late Night Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday from 10:30pm to 2am.

When you’re talking about Margaritas, you can’t ignore an institution—especially one that's over a century old! Established as Sonora Cafe in 1923, El Cholo opened its flagship location (aka "The Original") on Western Avenue in 1927 and now has locations in Downtown LA, Santa Monica and Orange County.

The classic El Cholo Margarita debuted in 1967 and is featured along with fruit and blended variations. Level up with the Gran Tradicional, made with Cuervo Tradicional, Herradura Silver, Cointreau, and topped with Don Julio Añejo.

Go all in with the Zapata's Widow - Don Julio Silver, fresh lime juice and a Don Julio 1942 float.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, the original El Compadre on Sunset Boulevard (a sequel opened in Echo Park in 2004) is the birthplace of the famed Flaming Margarita. There are more than a dozen Margarita flavors available - limit two combinations. Adding to the experience, you can enjoy Mexican classics performed live by a trio nightly.

In the Bosch Season 6 episode "Part of the Deal," Harry, Maddie and her very nervous boyfriend Antonio have dinner at El Compadre - the guys clink a couple of Fat Tire bottles in a toast to jazz legend Frank Morgan.

You’re not really going for the food at El Coyote - the landmark restaurant that’s been serving Angelenos since 1931 - but for the lively atmosphere and historical status (okay, and maybe the #1 Combo). Adding to the colorful ambiance are the bar drinks - the Margarita choices lead the list, including varieties of blended drinks and on the rocks. Like Casa Vega, El Coyote also has a prominent appearance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

This Tex-Mex restaurant in the NoHo Arts District serves up massive Margaritas in 18 oz schooners—so if size matters, this is the place for you! Kick back on the colorful patio with an outdoor bar or imbibe inside.

Highlights include the House and Frozen Margaritas made with Herradura Silver; fiery variations like the Spicy Watermelon and Pepino (Spicy Cucumber Rita); and The 918 with 400 Conejos Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, blood orange and lime. Happy Hour is 3-7pm daily with $5 beers and $10 House and Frozen Margs.

This colorful, modern restaurant group has locations in Beverly Hills (the flagship), Westwood, Torrance, and Sherman Oaks. To pair with the authentic menu, cocktails include the popular Skinny Margarita, made from scratch with natural and organic ingredients, including miel de agave (agave honey), hand-squeezed lime juice, and Patron Silver. A tribute to the tempestuous relationship between Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the Frida & Diego is made with mezcal, spicy mix and fresh lime juice.

Vegans and carnivores universally agree on two things about Gracias Madre, the Mexican-inspired plant-based restaurant in West Hollywood: the patio is among the most beautiful in LA, and the Margaritas are at the top of almost any list. The Purista is the classic house drink, made with tequila or mezcal, lime, agave and orange bitters with sweet orange salt on the rim. Order it by the glass or pitcher; make it spicy or upgrade to premium.

Helmed by acclaimed chef Wes Avila, Ka'teen serves Yucatán-inspired fare in a lush, 5,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor dining space in the heart of the Hollywood Vinyl District. The house Ka'teen Margarita is made with Código Blanco Tequila and a choice of passionfruit or guava. For those in a smokier mood, there's the Mezcalita de Yucatán with Ilegal Mezcal, Xtabentún Liqueur, lime and a roasted corn ash rim.

Stop by Ka'teen for Taqueria Tuesdays, featuring $14 Ka'teen Margaritas and Avila's signature tacos: Baja Fish, Pork Belly, Mom's (wild boar!), Char Xiu and Leek & Potatoes.

Follow the neon green lime to LA Cha Cha Chá, a rooftop hidden gem in the Downtown LA Arts District. Like the Mexico City original, the restaurant's Mid-Century design draws influences from Acapulco to Palm Springs.

Margarita options include the classic Cha Margarita (Jose Cuervo Tradicional, lime, agave, orange peel) and the Strawberry Aguachile Mezcalita with mezcal, aguachile, lime and orange liqueur.

Part of the 1933 Group collection of destination bars - located just a couple of blocks from Highland Park Bowl - La Cuevita (“Little Cave”) is a dimly-lit "new, Old World Mexican grotto" that boasts an impressive collection of agave spirits.

The eye-catching Blood Flower (Flor de Sangre) is a smoky/sweet Margarita made with a choice of Madre Mezcal or Tanteo Chipotle Tequila, agave nectar, house-made hibiscus syrup and lemon juice. Other highlights include the Highland Park Sunset #2 (Cazadores Cristalino Tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple, jalapeño & cilantro mix) and California Love with JaJa Tequila, St. Germain, raspberry puree, lemon juice and agave syrup.

Located at 6th and Main Streets in Downtown LA, Las Perlas opened in April 2010 and is the nation’s first mezcal bar with a selection of more than 450 premium agave spirits. A second location opened in West Hollywood in the summer of 2021.

Set in the historic Santa Fe Building, the original Las Perlas channels a Oaxacan cantina with a backlit bar, colorful lights and wrought iron fixtures. House cocktails like the Mezcal Margarita, Spiced Daisy and Paloma arrive garnished with everything from wild hibiscus flowers to roasted chapulines. Fill up with tacos, taquitos, mulitas and more on the patio, then shake it off with music on Friday nights.

"Get wet" at Melrose Umbrella Co. with the Pero Like... (Patron Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal, Alma Finca Orange Liqueur, kiwi, hibiscus lime) and The Goodfellow, a no-ABV version of the iconic Tommy's Margarita with Ritual Tequila Alternative, lime, hibiscus and kiwi. Happy Hour (Tuesday-Friday from 5-7pm) offers the Pausa Para Pepino with Arette Blanco Tequila, cucumber, lime and black lava salt "paint."

With locations in Hollywood, Manhattan Beach and Pasadena, Mercado is known for its modern Mexican cuisine in a sleek, lively atmosphere—and some of the best tamales in town.

For a kick with your Margarita, look no further than the Spicy Cucumber Margarita on the rocks with Cazcabel Blanco, Cointreau, house jalapeño purée and chipotle salt rim. If spicy isn’t your thing, try the Mercado Margarita (Cazcabel Blanco, triple sec, fresh sour), Flor de Jamaica (Cazcabel Reposado, Cointreau, lemongrass simple syrup, hibiscus, lime, hibiscus sugar rim) or the Watermelon Basil Margarita with Cazcabel Blanco, Aperol, fresh watermelon, basil, lemon juice and Tajin rim.

Bring the Mercado experience home with to-go bottles of the Mercado Margarita and Spicy Cucumber Margarita (2-3 servings each).

This Silver Lake favorite from husband/wife team Jeremy Swan and Chef Vanessa Swan, serves "nuevo-tradicional" Mexican cuisine in a modern, Mexi-goth atmosphere. Along with more than 60 tequilas and mezcals, the Margarita selection includes the Lowrider Margarita (a nod to Vanessa’s family, which she says drove lowriders throughout her childhood), made with tequila, agave, lime and choice of cucumber jalapeño, hibiscus, watermelon, prickly pear or tamarindo.

Opened in November 2022 in the former Rockwell space in Los Feliz, Mírate is a stunning multi-level restaurant that features Yucatán-inspired cuisine by Alan Sanz, photos by partner Matthew Egan and murals by Mexico City-based artist Jorge Telleache. The bar program by beverage director Maxwell Reis has garnered widespread acclaim - Mírate was named no. 12 on the 2025 list of North America’s 50 Best Bars and Best in the West.

As a playful homage to El Cholo (see above), Reis recently introduced the Coconut Margarita, which quickly became a guest favorite - toasted coconut G4 Tequila reposado, Mírate coconut cream, Kalani coconut and lime. Inspired by his favorite aguachile at El Güero Ens in Ensenada, Reis created the El Guero, a Margarita riff with avocado-washed Don Fulano Fuerte, aguachile, nopales granita and coconut. Other Margaritas include the famed Tommy's Margarita with lime, nogave, and a choice of Los Arcos Blanco or Mírate x Mal Bien Espadin.

Music seems to be a common thread for one of LA's top beverage directors, Marlene Olarra - from the Wednesday night Jazz menus at Faith & Flower to the mariachi and DJs at her current bar, Nativo in Highland Park.

Olarra offers numerous options for the Nativo Margarita: Cazadores Tequila or Lost Explorer Mezca, Dry Curaçao, lime, agave, Diabla Bitters, Kosher Salt or House-Made 5 Chile Tajin. Level up with El Tesoro “Nativo Select” Single Barrel or "Share the Love" and make it a pitcher.

No other venue in Los Angeles evokes a more rustic, urban Mexican vibe than this indoor-outdoor eatery located in the burgeoning Frogtown neighborhood between Silver Lake and the 5 Freeway. Built on the grounds of a converted auto body shop adjacent to the LA River, Salazar is situated on a large corner lot with a simulated desert environment amid succulents and pergola.

The numerous Margarita options include the IG-ready, neon pink Prickly Pear Frozen Margarita with Cazcabel Tequila, prickly pear, lime, agave syrup and citrus-salt rim. Along with the Classic Margarita, there's also the Premium Caddy (hand-shaken Lalo Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier, lime, agave) and Ginger Margarita with Cazcabel Tequila, fresh pressed ginger and lime cordial. Can't decide? The Margarita Flight features rotating tastes like the Mezcalita de Piña, Watermelon and Ginger.