National Margarita Day is coming up on February 22, so it's officially sipping season.
Last updated February 19, 2026 by Brady Goodman-Williams
Written by: Homero Rosas Navarrete
To make sure you get the most out of the city tonight and beyond, we're bringing you our staff's guide to the best spots for margs all around the city. The only question you should be left with is blended or on the rocks?
7312 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
El Coyote, a longstanding Mexican institution since 1931, is most famous for its decked-out interior, but its potent margaritas are an honorable mention. Opt for the house version or the slightly less sweet Scratch, and don't forget the city's best drinking hack: request ice on the side for a generous chalice of margarita, essentially a two-for-one deal.
Photo: Yelp
2321 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Indulge in the vibrant world of Guerrero-style Mexican cuisine at Safari Restaurant and Bar in Boyle Heights. With an inviting ambiance and a menu that serves as a passport to the exquisite flavors of the region, patrons can savor dishes like Pozole Verde Estilo Guerrero and Molcajete completo, all while enjoying the convivial atmosphere. Pair your culinary journey with refreshing margaritas for the ultimate experience.
Photo: Kalaveras
Multiple Locations (Bellfower, Burbank, Corona, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, Montebello, Moreno Valley, Newport Beach, Northridge, Orange, Oxnard, Puente Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Redondo Beach, San Bernardino, San Pedro, Silver Lake, Simi Valley, Temecula, Whittier)
Kalaveras, a distinctive fast-casual venture, invites patrons to immerse themselves in the vibrant colors, music, and culture of El Día de Los Muertos. The general atmosphere is one of celebration, where the sounds of Latin music, visually striking Día de Los Muertos decor, and the enticing aroma of mouthwatering dishes and beautifully garnished margaritas make this chain worth a visit.
Descanso
MIRACLE MILE
5773 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
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COSTA MESA
1555 Adams Ave #103
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Since opening in 2018, Descanso has redefined the Costa Mesa dining scene with its unique street-inspired Plancha Dining concept, a vibrant, chef-led experience in a private room where Taquero Chefs prepare an authentic multi-course Mexican meal tableside. Lucky for us, they opened a brand new flagship location on Wilshire last year. On National Margarita Day, purchase two margaritas (Pasión y Plata or Cucumber + Sal) and be eligible to play Margarita Lotería with fun prizes such as free elote asado, dessert, margarita perks & more!
Photo: Elizabeth Lippman
Multiple Locations (Palms, Santa Clarita, Torrance, West Hollywood)
An Oaxacan restaurant, Madre offers exceptional food and boasts one of LA's finest mezcal selections in a relaxed setting. Don't miss their signature smokey margarita, crafted with mezcal joven, red chile liqueur, and agave, striking a perfect balance of smokiness, sweetness, and spice, priced at $13 or $11 during their weekday Happy Hour from 3PM to 6PM.
Photo: Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant
Multiple Locations (Burbank, Simi Valley, Toluca Lake)
Established in 1969, Don Cuco may lack the renown of places like El Coyote or Casa Vega, but it shines with its notably sweet yet excellent margaritas. The generously sized drinks deliver a sugary punch initially, but as you continue, your palate adjusts, making them a potent choice – and don't skip out on their delicious tortilla soup!
Photo: Mona Holmes
Multiple Locations (Anaheim, Corona Del Mar, DTLA, La Habra, Koreatown, Santa Monica)
Nestled in the heart of Koreatown, El Cholo's original location on Western Ave., established in 1923, stands as a venerable icon in Los Angeles' culinary landscape. This sprawling restaurant, reminiscent of a miniature city, offers a vibrant escape with its lively atmosphere. Since 1967, El Cholo has been crafting the perfect smoky, tart, and delicious margarita, a timeless favorite among patrons. Beyond the libations, the menu boasts giant enchilada combo platters and cherished dishes like Sonora-style enchiladas and fajitas, providing a flavorful journey through decades of Mexican culinary tradition.
336 S. Hill St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
La Cita is a long-standing central hub for DTLA featuring live music and/or DJs seven nights a week, with a daily happy hour perfect for your margarita fix. Dance to a consistent playlist of Latin music, ranging from cumbia to reggaetón to perreo, and after working up a sweat, head to the cool patio located out back.
Photo: Jessie Clapp
220 Lincoln Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
Since 1980, Casablanca has been delivering reliably delicious Mexican cuisine to the Westside in a lively atmosphere that thrives on controlled chaos. The Tequila Express, a mobile cart led by a margarita specialist, elevates the experience with an "Ultimate Margarita Experience" at your table, adding a flair of ceremony to their already impressive offerings.
Photo: Broken Shaker
416 W 8th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Located atop the Freehand Hotel, Broken Shaker offers some of the best rooftop cocktails in DTLA, with $12 deals during Happy Hour (Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.). With a fitting name, we recommend the Up On The Roof, a blend of Su Casa Mezcal, Chambord, watermelon, basil, and Fire Tincture. Thank us later.
Photo: Bar Amá
118 4th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Dine al fresco in a DTLA alleyway at this Tex-Mex hotspot, where friends and coworkers indulge in off-menu puffy tacos, savor delightful queso dip, and enjoy house margaritas crafted with high-quality tequila, triple sec, agave, and lime, featuring a perfectly balanced flavor with a spicy kick from the chili-salt rim.
Photo: Walter mladina
11755 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Don Antonio’s, a beloved Westside establishment, has expanded its patio into a charming adjacent parking lot adorned with potted plants and papel picado. Known for their superb margaritas, whether squeezed and shaken or blended to order, each drink arrives at your table refreshingly tart and ice-cold, with the option to add a spicy kick by including jalapenos.
Photo: La Cuevita
5922 N Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
La Cuevita is your go-to place on the Eastside foragave-infused cravings. They love tequila and mezcal as much as we do, so of course they have a unique collection of both. Get something simple or trust the talented bartenders for a recommendation!
Photo: El Compadre
HOLLYWOOD
7408 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
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SILVER LAKE
1449 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
El Compadre, a renowned Mexican establishment for all Angelenos, is a classic destination perfect for big groups, birthdays, and celebrations. Known for its iconic, flaming margaritas, it offers a nostalgic experience with a potent and traditional sweet-and-sour-kissed cocktail that comes with a fiery twist, making it a must-try in the LA Mexican food scene.
Photo: Trejo's Cantina
1556 N Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Danny Trejo doesn't stop at movies, coffee, or donuts. Trejo's Cantina in Hollywood loves margaritas as much as we do, and they'll be serving them up on National Margarita Day and all year long!
Photo: Gracias Madre
8905 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
You probably know Gracias Madre for their out-of-this-world vegan Mexican fare, but their margs are also good enough to write home about. You can stop by for a drink at their very California-cool bar, or grab a reservation for a full meal on their patio. They're known for their take on the signature "sour" cocktail, the Oaxacan Sour made with mezcal. If you want something a little more traditional, go for the Purista.
Photo: El Carmen
8138 W 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
El Carmen’s menu boasts way more than just a classic margarita. Try a new flavor like Cilantro Ginger, Blood Orange, or even Guava! They have it all and even more options to choose from. Stop by for happy hour for a $5 classic margarita and a selection of small bites; you won’t regret it.
Photo: Casa Vega
13301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
One of the most renowned Mexican eateries in the San Fernando Valley, Casa Vega sells a diverse menu of 12 margaritas, including unique flavors like hibiscus and blended coconut. The eponymous Casa Vega, a standout choice with a perfect balance of tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice, pairs seamlessly with enticing options like the taco salad or lobster quesadilla.
Photo: Rich Demuro
19601 Ventura Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 91356
Off the beaten path, Sol y Luna is the Mexican food beacon of Tarzana. Their Green Corn Tamales are made from scratch, and their artfully crafted bar makes a damn good marg. Come by for Happy Hour (Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM).
Whether you're a connoisseur seeking the perfect margarita or a food enthusiast craving authentic flavors, cheers to a timeless experience that transcends the boundaries of taste and time! While you're at it, don't forget to check out LA's best bars with a view, and our favorite nostalgic bars in our city.
