A classic for a reason, Matt’s El Rancho’s Martinez Margarita is tart, fresh and a total crowd-pleaser. Matt’s also offers several riffs on the classic marg, from the El Rancho Skinny, which is lightened up with agave, to the Cactus Pryor, a frozen version swirled with prickly pear puree.

Tacodeli is an Austin institution that has quickly become a Texas-wide favorite, with locations in Dallas and Houston as well. The taco mecca only started serving alcoholic beverages in 2021, but their margaritas are not to be missed — made with fresh juice and available to-go at all locations around Austin.

For the quintessential Austin experience, enjoy a refreshing margarita on El Alma’s rooftop overlooking Barton Springs Road. El Alma, which recently celebrated their 10th anniversary, offers a variety of margaritas, but you can’t go wrong with the Barton Springs’ Best, made with Don Julio Silver, Cointreau, lime juice and agave.

Home to one of the best happy hours in town, The Peached Tortilla is the margarita destination if you want something a little spicy. The Margarita de Peached includes habanero and Thai basil-infused Hornitos tequila, lime and orange liqueur — and is available for only $6 during the restaurant’s Social Hour.

Head to Curra’s Grill to try their epic Frozen Avocado Margarita, in addition to more traditional options. Pair it with their Chile con Queso or Queso Flameado for the best start to your Mexican meal.

Although primarily known for their wood-grilled chicken, don’t skip the margaritas at Fresa’s. Visit the Fresa’s 9th and Lamar location for their signature drive-thru experience or enjoy the ambience of Fresa’s South First location, where they offer happy hour prices all day, every day to guests seated at the bar.

Enchiladas y Mas is a casual Austin favorite on Anderson Lane, serving up small margaritas for $5.25 and large margaritas for $6.35. Although the Tex-Mex spot closed in April 2020 after 26 years of service, they returned just a few months later with new owners who are still part of the original founding family.

Tequila lovers should check out the House Margarita or the Top Shelf Margarita, made with your choice of tequila, at Eldorado Cafe. Enjoy your cocktail with fresh, heart-warming food made by Chef Joel Fried.

The Roosevelt Room is an upscale cocktail bar, where guests are served by knowledgeable bar staff who can guide them through the many cocktails they offer. Their margarita is a true topshelf experience, with Arette Blanco Tequila, lime juice and agave nectar — served on the rocks, with or without salt. Reservations are strongly recommended at this downtown spot.

Fonda San Miguel has served authentic Mexican food in a colorful, stylish space since its opening in 1975. Go for the vibes, but stay for the unique cocktails. Favorites include the Silver Coin, a watermelon margarita, and the Pepino Pica, a cucumber-serrano margarita.