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The Pastry War
The Pastry War
Photo: Julie Soefer

16 Great Margaritas to Drink NOW in Houston

We've added a few to the list. Here's Houston's Hot spots to cool down with the a margarita.

by Eater Staff, Jodie Eisenhardt, and Emily Bond Updated
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The Pastry War
| Photo: Julie Soefer
by Eater Staff, Jodie Eisenhardt, and Emily Bond Updated

Houstonians don't need a special holiday to knock back margaritas, but Cinco de Mayo is a great time to drink with a crowd. The days of pre-mixed concoctions have been replaced by fresh ingredients and clean flavors. Here, a list of some of Houston’s best margaritas (in alphabetical order): from classics to new, fresh takes on the traditional.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. The Pastry War

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310 Main St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 226-7770
(713) 226-7770
This spot might have landed on Travel + Leisure's top 'ritas list for the Pomegranate and Sloe Gin Frozen Margarita, but it's the classic one that showcases the premium, conscientiously chosen spirits used at this downtown bar. [Photo: Eric Sauseda/Groovehouse]

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2. Pico's Mex Mex

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3601 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77098
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Pico's is an institution that helped Houstonians appreciate interior Mexican cuisine, and the Pico's margarita, served in an individual shaker, is an important part of what makes the restaurant so compelling. Now it's also conveniently located on Kirby at Richmond.

3. El Big Bad

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419 Travis St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 229-8181
(713) 229-8181
Visit Website
With its 40 different infused tequilas, El Gran Malo has redefined margaritas in Houston. The blueberry-jalapeno version is one example, with its sweet/spicy kick.

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4. Hugo's

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1600 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-7744
(713) 524-7744
Visit Website
Hugo's commitment to authentic Mexican cuisine extends to the bar, which features a large tequila selection and margaritas that nail the drink's signature sweet/tart balance.

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5. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

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2704 Navigation Blvd
Houston, TX 77003
(713) 228-1171
(713) 228-1171
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Still the first word in Houston margaritas.

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6. El Tiempo Cantina

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5602 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 681-3645
(713) 681-3645
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They're a little pricier here, but the margaritas are strong. It's highly suggested that you pace yourself when sipping on frozen or on-the-rocks margaritas at any of the Houston locations.

7. Molina's Cantina

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4720 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-0013
(713) 862-0013
Visit Website
It's a Houston Tex-Mex institution, and the margaritas are an important part of its popularity. Always made fresh.

8. El Patio

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6444 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 780-0410
(713) 780-0410
Visit Website
The electric blue, frozen margaritas at El Patio have been a mandatory component of celebrations for a long time. Should be experienced at least once.

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9. El Real Tex-Mex Cafe

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1201 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-1201
(713) 524-1201
Visit Website
Some people love to hate the place, but El Real's recent introduction of the build-your-own margarita that allows customers to choose the style, tequila, sweetener and orange component is pretty genius. While it took them awhile to dial in the house frozen, it's pretty solid these days.

10. Spanish Village

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4720 Almeda Rd
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 523-2861
(713) 523-2861
The super-thick, sweet margarita here could also double as an indulgent dessert. This local family-owned Tex-Mex staple has been around long enough to know a good margarita from a mediocre one.

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11. Pistolero's

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1517 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77006
(281) 974-3860
(281) 974-3860
Visit Website
This taco & tequila joint offers $3 margaritas Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Opt for some nachos and beer queso to go with your drinks. [Photo: Eric Sauseda]

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12. PESKA Seafood Culture

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1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 190
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 961-9229
(713) 961-9229
At the new Peska in Boulevard Place, owners from Mexico make creative margarita riffs to go with their seafood offerings. The Purple Flower Sour combines Cebeza blanco tequila with fresh lime juice and a lavender-star anise tincture.

13. Añejo

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1180 Uptown Park Blvd Ste 1
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 963-9032
(713) 963-9032
Visit Website
The brand new Anejo applies it’s “elevated” Tex-Mex philosophy to its frozen margarita: Sauza Blue silver tequila, luscious Torres orange liqueur (made from Valenica orange peel that's steeped in aged brandy), fresh lime juice and Texas honey.

14. Churrascos

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2005 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 527-8300
(713) 527-8300
Visit Website
The Cordua’s are heating things up with their mango Habanero created with select Herradura tequila, known as “Salve” due to its creamy texture. By combining the tequila with mango-ginger sorbet, a dash of orange liqueur and lime juice with a tincture of Habanero, the fresh citrus flavor has just enough heat. It’s served straight up.

15. The El Cantina Superior

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602 Studewood St
Houston, TX 77007
(832) 203-5180
(832) 203-5180
Visit Website
The El is building a reputation for snazzy cocktails under its new operators at The Feed TX Restaurant Group. For their cucumber mint margarita, they muddle cucumber and mint leaves before adding fresh lemon and lime juice and Milagro silver tequila, topped with a splash of Grand Mariner raspberry peach liqueur.

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16. Cuchara Restaurant

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214 Fairview St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-0000
(713) 942-0000
Visit Website
Cuchara, an authentic Mexican City bistro located on the corner of Fairview and Taft, offers a variety of fresh juiced Margaritas, including a refreshing watermelon and a cucumber margarita, but it's their Jicama Margarita we love. It's the best remedy to beat Houston's hot summer nights.

Cuchara Jicama Margarita. [Photo: Cuchara/Twitter]

authentic Mexico City bistro that opened its doors with an above and beyond Mexican independence party on September 15, 2012, occupies the corner space at Fairview and Taft. The 1940s brick building used to house The Hyde Park Supermarket.

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1. The Pastry War

310 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
This spot might have landed on Travel + Leisure's top 'ritas list for the Pomegranate and Sloe Gin Frozen Margarita, but it's the classic one that showcases the premium, conscientiously chosen spirits used at this downtown bar. [Photo: Eric Sauseda/Groovehouse]
310 Main St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 226-7770

2. Pico's Mex Mex

3601 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77098
Pico's is an institution that helped Houstonians appreciate interior Mexican cuisine, and the Pico's margarita, served in an individual shaker, is an important part of what makes the restaurant so compelling. Now it's also conveniently located on Kirby at Richmond.
3601 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77098
Visit Website

3. El Big Bad

419 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
With its 40 different infused tequilas, El Gran Malo has redefined margaritas in Houston. The blueberry-jalapeno version is one example, with its sweet/spicy kick.
419 Travis St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 229-8181
Visit Website

4. Hugo's

1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Hugo's commitment to authentic Mexican cuisine extends to the bar, which features a large tequila selection and margaritas that nail the drink's signature sweet/tart balance.
1600 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-7744
Visit Website

5. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Still the first word in Houston margaritas.
2704 Navigation Blvd
Houston, TX 77003
(713) 228-1171
Visit Website

6. El Tiempo Cantina

5602 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
They're a little pricier here, but the margaritas are strong. It's highly suggested that you pace yourself when sipping on frozen or on-the-rocks margaritas at any of the Houston locations.
5602 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 681-3645
Visit Website

7. Molina's Cantina

4720 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
It's a Houston Tex-Mex institution, and the margaritas are an important part of its popularity. Always made fresh.
4720 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-0013
Visit Website

8. El Patio

6444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057
The electric blue, frozen margaritas at El Patio have been a mandatory component of celebrations for a long time. Should be experienced at least once.
6444 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 780-0410
Visit Website

9. El Real Tex-Mex Cafe

1201 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006
Some people love to hate the place, but El Real's recent introduction of the build-your-own margarita that allows customers to choose the style, tequila, sweetener and orange component is pretty genius. While it took them awhile to dial in the house frozen, it's pretty solid these days.
1201 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-1201
Visit Website

10. Spanish Village

4720 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004
The super-thick, sweet margarita here could also double as an indulgent dessert. This local family-owned Tex-Mex staple has been around long enough to know a good margarita from a mediocre one.
4720 Almeda Rd
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 523-2861

11. Pistolero's

1517 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
This taco & tequila joint offers $3 margaritas Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Opt for some nachos and beer queso to go with your drinks. [Photo: Eric Sauseda]
1517 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77006
(281) 974-3860
Visit Website

12. PESKA Seafood Culture

1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 190, Houston, TX 77056
At the new Peska in Boulevard Place, owners from Mexico make creative margarita riffs to go with their seafood offerings. The Purple Flower Sour combines Cebeza blanco tequila with fresh lime juice and a lavender-star anise tincture.
1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 190
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 961-9229

13. Añejo

1180 Uptown Park Blvd Ste 1, Houston, TX 77056
The brand new Anejo applies it’s “elevated” Tex-Mex philosophy to its frozen margarita: Sauza Blue silver tequila, luscious Torres orange liqueur (made from Valenica orange peel that's steeped in aged brandy), fresh lime juice and Texas honey.
1180 Uptown Park Blvd Ste 1
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 963-9032
Visit Website

14. Churrascos

2005 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
The Cordua’s are heating things up with their mango Habanero created with select Herradura tequila, known as “Salve” due to its creamy texture. By combining the tequila with mango-ginger sorbet, a dash of orange liqueur and lime juice with a tincture of Habanero, the fresh citrus flavor has just enough heat. It’s served straight up.
2005 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 527-8300
Visit Website

15. The El Cantina Superior

602 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77007
The El is building a reputation for snazzy cocktails under its new operators at The Feed TX Restaurant Group. For their cucumber mint margarita, they muddle cucumber and mint leaves before adding fresh lemon and lime juice and Milagro silver tequila, topped with a splash of Grand Mariner raspberry peach liqueur.
602 Studewood St
Houston, TX 77007
(832) 203-5180
Visit Website

Related Maps

16. Cuchara Restaurant

214 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006
Cuchara, an authentic Mexican City bistro located on the corner of Fairview and Taft, offers a variety of fresh juiced Margaritas, including a refreshing watermelon and a cucumber margarita, but it's their Jicama Margarita we love. It's the best remedy to beat Houston's hot summer nights.

Cuchara Jicama Margarita. [Photo: Cuchara/Twitter]

authentic Mexico City bistro that opened its doors with an above and beyond Mexican independence party on September 15, 2012, occupies the corner space at Fairview and Taft. The 1940s brick building used to house The Hyde Park Supermarket.
214 Fairview St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-0000
Visit Website

Related Maps