The Five Best Margaritas in San Antonio

If we’ve learned anything from viral internet lists, it’s that every city has its foodie stereotypes (and even a corresponding Myers-Briggs personality). New Yorkers are the bagel masters, Chicagoans are diehard hotdog fans, Philadelphians are the reigning champs in the "cheesesteak" department, and San Antonio is the absolute queen of Tex Mex. 

And while we could go on forever about tacos or steak fajitas or sour cream enchiladas or tamales, one prized tequila-infused staple seems to tie them all together: the margarita.

Image Courtesy of Nao

Composed of tequila, triple sec, lime or lemon juice, and finished off with a salt-crusted rim, it's rumored that the classic margarita was invented in 1938 in honor of Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa (according to Jose Cuervo, that is).

Whatever the true story behind the margarita, we know one thing for sure: it’s a stroke of pure agave genius, and we LOVE it. (One study asserted that Americans, on average, consume 185,000 Margaritas per hour.)

But with about a million places to choose from in San Antonio, which mixes up the best marg? Here are a few of our tried-and-true favorites, along with a couple that might surprise you.

1. La Fogata

Location: 2427 Vance Jackson ( Central San Antonio)

Image Courtesy of La Fogata

With so many margarita-flavored awards, we can't even begin to list them,  La Fogata has been serving up tequila and Mexican food since 1978...and has since poured well over a million margaritas! Setting the scene with a gorgeous patio and great views, this local gem invites guests to choose from a variety of options, including the Top Shelf Margarita, Cointreau Margarita, Strawberry, Sangria, and Mango Margaritas, among others. Each delicious beverage is served in a 16oz glass and topped with the signature La Fogata orchid...or if you’re really feeling ambitious, you can upgrade to the 52oz “Texas Size” glass!

2. Rosario's

Location: 910 S Alamo (King William)

Photo courtesy of Rosario's

Another local favorite, Rosario’s is a margarita hot spot located in the King William Historic District. A staple in the area since its opening in 1992,  Rosario's puts a contemporary twist on traditional tastes and vibes. From decor to food to tequila, this award-winning establishment manages to feel modern and traditional at the same time. The margarita variety is no different, featuring traditional cocktails like “Rosita’s Original Margarita” and the never-failing “Top Shelf Margarita” alongside unique variations like the Pica Pica Margarita (Hornitos Reposado infused with fresh cucumber and jalapeño), La Tuna Silver (tequila and prickly pear cactus juice), and the CocoRita (Rosario’s Original Frozen Margarita and Piña Colada).

3. Esquire

Location: 155 E Commerce St ( Downtown San Antonio)

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

A classic craft cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe,  The Esquire sets you at ease as soon as you walk in the door. As the oldest bar on the River Walk, this “quintessential downtown bar” opened in 1933 to celebrate the long, dry era of prohibition. Part hipster and part historical, Esquire doesn’t dare skimp when it comes to Margaritas. Utilizing a blend of lowland and highland tequila, fresh-squeezed key limes, and original French triple sec (Combier), the Nuestra Margarita was named one of America’s best!

4. Cibolo Moon

Location: 23808 Resort Pkwy ( North San Antonio)

Photo Courtesy of Cibolo Moon

Named by San Antonio Magazine Readers as a margarita-making favorite,  Cibolo Moon is located inside the luxurious JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa. Besides contributing to the upscale atmosphere, the restaurant’s location provides it with gorgeous landscape and Hill Country views. The on-site Tequila bar (the only one of its kind in Texas...certified by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico) offers 75 tequila varieties and multiple infusions. We recommend the Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita! 

5. Fruteria

Location: 1401 S Flores St, Ste 102 ( Southtown)

Photo Courtesy of The Fruteria

Created by Top Chef contestant Johnny Hernandez, The Fruteria and its margaritas are just as acclaimed as its famous founder. Enjoy Mexican-style tapas and cocktails in a vibrant, contemporary, yet casual atmosphere. The Fruteria Signature Margarita is available in classic varieties (frozen, on the rocks, lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, etc.) or infused with one of six infused options: Mango Melon, Las Fresas, Zapatista, 6 Chiles Tequila, Piña Mezcal, or Los Pepinos. If you’re anywhere near Southtown, you have no choice but to stop in for happy hour or a late-night drink!

Runner Up: Nao

Location: 312 Pearl Pkwy (Central San Antonio)

The Culinary Institute’s Latin-inspired restaurant Nao offers the Nao Margarita, an uber-classic blend of blanco tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Simple, high-quality ingredients are mixed up to create a traditional and irresistible glass.

Runner Up: Chacho's

Location: West San Antonio

Another local favorite, Chacho’s is a hole-in-the-wall hidden gem sure to surprise you. While it remains a little rough around the edges, this authentic little San Antonio establishment offers a frozen margarita that’s to die for...and don’t let the margarita machine turn you away! These margaritas are good and strong.

Runner Up: El Mirasol

Location: 13489 Blanco Rd (North Central San Antonio)

Family owned and operated,  El Mirasol boasts authentic Mexican food and a beautiful patio in North San Antonio! A favorite spot for local San Antonians, El Mirasol (along with sister restaurant So Luna) serves a classic, tried-and-true margarita that you’re sure to love.

Runner Up: Paloma Blanca

Location: 5800 Broadway (Alamo Heights)

Located in Alamo Heights, Paloma Blanca is fit for royalty and manages to draw in regulars from all over San Antonio! From their acclaimed menu (which includes a paleo section) to their delicious cocktails, Paloma claims excellence as a standard. Their Margarita Premium is no exception...Patron Citronge is the secret to this incredible cocktail.

Hopefully, we’ve made our point: Tex Mex is our thing, and we take it very seriously. So even though National Margarita Day is fast approaching, residents of San Antonio know that every day can be Margarita Day. 

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