When it comes to dining and drinking in Austin, some may say we have the best options to choose from. And as connoisseurs of the Austin food scene, we’d have to agree. Camille Styles editors have hit up every brunch spot, coffee shop, and patio hangout worth visiting—it’s one of our favorite assignments! But to round out our guide to dining in Austin, we knew a map to the must-visit margarita destinations was essential. When it comes to the best margaritas in Austin, there’s a one for every occasion.
We’ve got tangy, sweet, fruity, frosty, and our personal fave, spicy. Truly, there’s no lack of tasty tequila cocktails in this city. Whatever type of margarita you’re looking for, chances are, Austin has it in a frozen glass ready for you—with (or without) salt.
Featured image of Comedor by Michelle Nash.
10 Spots With the Best Margaritas in Austin
There’s nothing like tequila mixed with the perfect amount of lime juice in a salted-rim glass that reminds me of good times with my favorite people. After trying our fair share of margs in a town full of them, we’ve rounded up the best margaritas in Austin below. Keep scrolling for our picks.
Best Rooftop: El Alma
El Alma delivers modern Mexican fare with a unique Austin twist. Spend a sunny afternoon or a starlit evening on the beautiful rooftop patio perched at the crest of Barton Springs Road—with the best views of downtown Austin. Try the sweet n’ fruity Mangorita or go bold with the Flaquita, which is made with watermelon serrano-infused el Jimador Blanco.
- What to Order: Alma has a rotating drink of the month— which is always a good option— but there’s no going wrong with their Margarita Clásica.
- Happy Hour: Every day from 3 to 6 pm. $7 Margarita Clásica, $6 Sangría, $1 off Cerveza, and $8 Mangorita.
- 1025 Barton Springs Rd | (512) 609-8923 | website | instagram
Best House Margarita: Licha’s Cantina
Licha’s is a little bungalow known for its Mexico City-style street food and mezcal craft cocktails in East Austin. The house margarita—made with tequila silver, lime, and Combier (triple sec)—is a steal during Happy Hour held Tuesday through Friday. The outdoor space is huge, so get some friends together to grab a few pitchers on the large front, back, or side patio.
- What to Order: Ever heard of a Ginger Lemon Margarita? It might just become your next go-to cocktail.
- Happy Hour: Tuesday-Friday from 4 to 6 pm. $8 Cocktails and Antojitos.
- 1306 E 6th St. | (512) 480-5960 | website | instagram
Best Date Night: Comedor
If you’re looking for a fun date night spot, Comedor can’t be beat. Chef Gabe Erales (Dai Due Taqueria, Noma) and Philip Speer’s (Uchi) modern Mexican restaurant is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday night. Al fresco dining, anyone? My favorite, though, was the Tequila Carrot, a vibrantly original tipple spiked with blanco tequila, anise-y xtabentun, and just enough lemon to cut through the earthy richness of the carrot juice.
- What to Order: The Comedor margarita, infused with orange and punctuated by a lime zest–salted rim, is a fresh take on the south-of-the-border classic.
- Happy Hour: Monday through Thursday. 5 to 6:30 pm.
- 501 Colorado St. | 512-499-0977 | website | instagram
Most Options: Güero’s Taco Bar
Another Austin classic, Güero’s Taco Bar is a kitschy gem on South Congress with one of the best people-watching patios in the city. It also has one of the lengthiest margarita menus on this list, offering tons of tequila choices. Margaritas at Güero’s are served the old-fashioned way — hand-shaken and made with fresh lime juice. Pair your margarita with exceptional Tex-Mex fare like the mole, authentic tacos al pastor, or enchiladas with hand-made tortillas.
- What to Order: The Longhorn—mixed with 512 Tequila made right here in Austin— is a Güero’s classic.
- Happy Hour: Wednesday through Friday, 3 to 6 pm. $4 Frozen & Casa Margaritas, $2 off Signature Margaritas, and $2 Beers.
- 1412 S Congress Ave. | (512) 447-7688 | website | instagram
Best Elevated Mexican: ATX Cocina
The modern Mexican cuisine you’ll find at ATX Cocina makes this restaurant one of my top recommendations. From large to small plates, their food menu never fails to disappoint with unique dishes like red chile roasted chicken and Tex-Mex classics like queso fundido. If you’re a coconut fan like me, their Coco Loco is a sweeter cocktail that still packs a tequila punch.
- What to Order: Sometimes, keeping it simple is the way to go with margaritas—the ATX margarita does the trick.
- Happy Hour: Monday through Thursday, 5 to 6 pm and Friday through Sunday, 4 to 5 pm. $9 Margarita de la Casa and $9 Mezcal Paloma.
- 110 San Antonio St #170 | (512) 263-2322 | website | instagram
Best Seasonal Drinks: De Nada Cantina
With a menu full of everything from breakfast tacos (a Tex-Mex staple), to tacos served with housemade blue corn tortillas, De Nada Cantina will satisfy both your hunger and cocktail cravings. Bonus points if you try their seasonal marg—the themed-drink trend is one of my favorite things about this city!
- What to Order: Who doesn’t love a seasonal drink? De Nada’s seasonal margarita is made with fresh, in-season fruit.
- Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3:30 to 6:30 pm.
- 4715 E Cesar Chavez St | (512) 615-3555 | website | instagram
Best Food and Drink Pairings: Fresa’s
While Fresas’ Chicken al Carbon is to die for, their drink menu gives the delicious plate a run for its money. There’s a drink to go with just about every meal of the day—a few of my favorites being the rosa mimosa, ranch water, and pineapple mule.
- What to Order: Cucumber in almost anything wins me over. Fresa’s cucumber cilantro marg is no exception.
- Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 pm. $2 off all Aguas Frescas, Botanas, Beer, Wine and Margaritas.
- 1703 S 1st St | (512) 922-2946 | website | instagram
Best Location: Joann’s Fine Foods
The location of this restaurant alone could win it a spot on any list of Austin favorites. Joann’s Fine Foods, located in the Austin Motel in South Congress, is a cafe and cantina surrounded by high-end shops, local businesses, and a lively atmosphere. Their drink menu features Tex-Mex classics like the Paloma but also offers the option to add liquor to any agua fresca or juice on their menu.
- What to Order: The Retro Margarita packs a little bit of a kick with added chile salt.
- Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 5 pm.
- 1224 S Congress Ave | (512) 358-6054 | website | instagram
Most Unique Offerings: La Condesa
La Condesa is a well-loved Austin staple thanks to its diverse menu, which is always a winning feature when dining with a large group. Their drink menu is no exception, consisting of less frequented cocktails like their watermelon martini made with elderflower liqueur and their seasonal sangria made from fresh local fruit and orange liqueur.
- What to Order: I’m a big fan of adding fruit to my margarita, which makes the Margarita La Condesa with grilled pineapple one of my top picks.
- Happy Hour: Monday through Friday from 5-6 pm. Half-off all alcoholic beverages.
- 400 W 2nd St A | (512) 499-0300 | website | instagram
Most Authentic Flavor: Fonda San Miguel
The authenticity of the ambiance and cuisine at Fonda San Miguel is what makes this restaurant stand out from many other Mexican restaurants in Austin. Their food and drink menus feature many dishes and drinks with Mexican roots, such as chile relleno, ceviche, and of course, margaritas!