Is there a more refreshing beverage than a margarita? When a cocktail achieves the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, there’s nothing more satisfying on a hot summer’s day. And with the sunny season just around the corner there’s no better time to share the very best watering holes for the agave-based beverage. Whether looking for cocktails set ablaze or served in its purest form, here are the best places to drink margaritas in Los Angeles, presented from west to east.
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Where to Sip Summertime Margaritas in Los Angeles
Warm weather calls for all the tequila cocktails

Casa Vega
Casa Vega’s margaritas are exactly what one needs them to be: not overly sweet, nicely acidic, and most importantly, large. But almost as important as the pint-size libations are the cool ‘50s vibes that come with the drinks. Cozy up in one of the red booths, bust out a flashlight to read the menu, and enjoy a full-blown 1956 throwback.
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Gracias Madre
Vegan or not, everyone can appreciate Gracias Madre’s expansive patio, especially when it is enjoyed alongside a wide roster of both classic and playful iterations of the margarita.
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Ortega 120
Often lauded as having one of the best classic margaritas in LA, this South Bay restaurant makes its own house sour mix to live up to the hype. Thankfully they come by the pitcher.
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El Tejano
Tex Mex cuisine is few and far between in Los Angeles, which makes North Hollwood’s colorful El Tejano and its copious supply of margaritas and queso that much more of a worthwhile Valley destination.
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El Carmen
The massive collection of tequilas at El Carmen might make heads spin, but sip on well balanced versions of the classic in the restaurant’s dim red lighting, and find oneself felling extra comfortable in the sultry surrounds.
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Mercado
Margaritas at Mercado come with hip vibes, making it one of West Third’s best places to sip agave-based libations, especially during the restaurant’s ultra-popular happy hour.
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El Compadre
This moody Hollywood mainstay is known first and foremost for its flaming margarita. The extra boozy beverage is served ablaze to really set an evening on fire.
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Petty Cash Taqueria
There are plenty of agave-based cocktails at Petty Cash, but the classic Petty Cash margarita is always a safe bet. Made with a choice of tequila or mezcal (go with mezcal), lime, and citrus-spiked agave curacao, this is a purist’s margarita that won’t disappoint.
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El Cholo
Inching towards its 100-year anniversary is El Cholo, the seminal place for affordable classic and frozen margaritas that flow as freely as the restaurant’s iconic green corn tamales.
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Broken Spanish
There’s nothing more appropriate to sip with Ray Garcia’s outstanding modern Mexican fare than a few margarita variants, including the Second Generation, a blend of mezcal, caramelized pineapple, lime, and black salt.
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Border Grill
The Financial District’s Border Grill has been a longstanding watering hole for the Downtown after-work crowd, who arrive very much in need of a classic margarita and some of Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger’s Mexican small plates.
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B.S. Taqueria
The more casual little sister restaurant to Broken Spanish, B.S. Taqueria offers both a classic margarita and spins like the Oaxacan Bramble, built with mezcal, seasonal fruit, and habanero. Soak it all up with a smattering of tacos swaddled in housemade tortillas, and one is nearly guaranteed an exceptional night out.
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Salazar
With its perfected margarita on draft, it’s easy to linger all day while taking in this Frogtown hot spot’s desert-chic vibes.
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Las Perlas
One of LA’s great mezcal bars, Downtown’s Las Perlas has a slew of entertaining margarita variations, but the classic Las Perlas margarita does just fine. Sweetened with agave and made with plenty of fresh lime juice, the margaritas here feel right at home in the hipster digs.
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Lola's Mexican Cuisine
Long Beach favorite Lola’s is the local standard for margaritas. The house special here is laced with Cointreau, agave nectar, and fresh limonada, and is best sipped on the always pleasant patio.
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