The Best Margaritas in the Bay

Any reason to break out the tequila is a good one, but a hot day is our favorite excuse to start sippin'. Here are our top spots where you can kick back with some of the finest margaritas in the Bay. ¡Salud!


Last updated April 24, 2023




San Francisco

Via El Techo


El Techo 

(2516 Mission St // Mission)

Grab some friends and a few pitchers of margaritas while enjoying this rooftop spot. Opt for the classic concoction, or go the del Techo way and get margs made with tequila and mezcal. A sunny San Francisco staple. 


Latin American Club

(3286 22nd St // Mission)

This little bar off 22nd Street has an amazing interior complete with piñatas, as well as a parklet equipped for drink service. And their margaritas (which come in small and large) are just the way we like them -- STRONG! 


Via Donaji


Donaji 

(2161 24th St // Mission)

This Oaxacan hot spot pours a mean cocktail called a Zicatela — a beach margarita with coconut cream and agave. After you're done with your drink, sample homemade tortillas and some of the best mole you'll ever eat.


Tommy's Mexican Restaurant 

(5929 Geary Blvd // Richmond)

An SF institution for over 50 years, no margarita list would be complete without this favorite hangout. Plus, they boast the largest collection of 100% agave tequila outside of Mexico!


Via Loló


Loló 

(974 Valencia St // Mission)

Loló stocks some of the finest mezcal and tequila around, which pretty much guarantees you'll get a great margarita. They know a lot about agave, so you just might learn a thing or two too while you're there.


Underdogs Tres 

(1224 9th Ave // Inner Sunset)

With food and drink sourced from organic, family-run farms and ranches, Underdogs Tres is a unique taqueria-meets-sports-bar with tasty margaritas. Order the Cadillac for a bonus Grand Marnier float!




East Bay

Via Puesto


Puesto

(2035 Diamond Blvd Ste 100 // Concord)

With eleven options ranging from their hot sauce (made with blanco tequila, lime, pineapple, cucumber, and habanero) to coconut (made with reposado tequila, lime, and coconut), there's a marg to quench everyone's thirst.


Cocina Hermanas

(501 Hartz Ave // Danville)

This Mexi-Cali restaurant in the heart of Danville has all the taco fixings to fill your heart's desire, and all the drinks you could imagine. Share a pitcher over happy hour or keep a Cocinarita complete with Coronita all for yourself. 


Via Comal


Comal 

(2020 Shattuck Ave // Berkeley)

If you're feeling adventurous or if you just want a classic margarita, Comal has it all. If you go on a busy night, you can even enjoy a drink in their beer garden while you wait for a table for dinner!


Cholita Linda

(4923 Telegraph Ave // Oakland + 1337 Park St // Alameda)

This East Bay crowd favorite never disappoints with flavorful Latin American food plus great margaritas. If you can go without the drinks, catch them at the Old Oakland Farmers' Market or Temescal Farmers' Market.


Via Nido's Backyard


Nido's Backyard

(104 Oak St // Oakland)

Owners of Nido Kitchen & Bar created The Backyard as the Bay Area's premier margarita garden. This renovated parking lot is perfect for groups, (well-behaved) dogs, and humans of all ages (assuming they're also well-behaved). 


El Talpense

(1841 Euclid Ave // Berkeley)

With extensive street taco options and well-priced margarita pitchers, this place is a definite hit on taco Tuesday or any other day of the week. Our only piece of advice: don't forget to order churros too.




South Bay

Via Mezcal


Mezcal 

(25 W San Fernando St // San Jose)

Whether you opt for the house margarita or the Perfect Margarita made with naranja liqueur, you won't be disappointed. Plus, you can get a pitcher of most of the cocktails they offer if you're feeling boozy.


Estrellita

(971 N San Antonio Blvd // Los Altos)

The choices are endless and the prices are solid. Estrellita's margarita list features a top-shelf marg, a couple classic options, and an array of fruit-infused selections. Let's be real — we recommend trying the entire menu.


Via El Jardin Tequila Bar


El Jardin Tequila Bar

(368 Santana Row // San Jose)

Not only does this spot have a beautiful patio with lanterns and heat lamps, but they also have one of the best margaritas in the Bay. If you like to spice things up, the jalapeño margarita is the way to go! 


Quinto Sol

(2201 Broadway // Redwood City)

So ... you want a margarita? Quinto Sol has tons of them, from classic to fruit-flavored — and yes, they're all top-notch. Not to mention the space is beautiful, so it's an excellent option for an upscale (but still tequila-forward) night out.




North Bay

Via Copita


Copita Tequileria Y Comida 

(793 Bridgeway // Sausalito)

Located in the heart of beautiful Sausalito and serving gluten-free Mexican food, this spot is a foodie's (and a drinker's) paradise. Request a patio seat if it's nice out, and order one of their delicious strawberry margs.


El Gallo Negro

(8465 Old Redwood Hwy // Windsor)

El Gallo Negro has a lineup of enticing margaritas, with everything from the classic, to a hibiscus tea option with hibiscus salt, to the Mucho Caliente. If you've never tried grasshopper salt, here's your chance!


Via Marinitas


Marinitas 

(218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd // San Anselmo)

With over 100 tequilas to choose from, and margaritas that come in two sizes, you're sure to be set on drinks for the night. Swing by on Friday or Saturday for a chance at their special plates, including tinga and duck confit tacos.


Frida's Mexican Grill

(1533 Trancas St // Napa)

Frida's has $10.75 lunch specials, $7 house margs, and happy hour every day from 3 until 6 pm, so it's for sure the place to be. All you have to do is come through, chow down, and drink up!


Written by James Reichert and Kristine Dizon




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