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  • Writer's pictureJarnard Sutton

23 places to get your margarita on in San Diego


Photo credit: Del Sur Mexican Cantina

There's nothing like an ice cold margarita on a nice day. Here are a few spots in San Diego that are serving up incredible margaritas.

The House | Cerveza Jack's

Photo credit: Cerveza Jack's

The House Margarita from the new PB Mexican Eatery, Cerveza Jack's, is on point. This refreshing libation has Sauza Blue Tequila, lime and agave nectar.

Oh, Dios Mio Mango! | Pueblo

Photo credit: Pueblo

This new Baja-inspired eatery, Pueblo, in Pacific Beach are infusing Jalapeño with tequila to created a red jalapeno-infused tequila. The "Oh, Dios Mio Mango!" also contains fresh sweet mango and lime juice.

Spicy Margarita | The Nolen

Photo Credit: Jim Sullivan / MediumRaw Arts

This spicy libation is packed with heat. Head to the rooftop bar in downtown San Diego called The Nolen to try this cocktail that has Reposado, ginger syrup, lime and jalapeño.

Ring of Fire Margarita | Hello Betty Fish House

Photo Credit: Arielle Vey

Hello Betty Fish House, located in Oceanside, is doing great things with its food menu. They putting their own spin on the classic Baja cuisine. Be sure to try their Ring of Fire Margarita which has Jalapeño-infused Tequila, Cointreau, lime, pineapple juice and jalapeño agave syrup.

Border Crossing | Florent

Florent has created a twist on the average margarita, influenced by the mule. The Border Crossing (not pictured) has Patron Silver Tequila, tajin rim, agave, lime, triple sec and ginger beer.

Masters' Margarita | Masters Kitchen and Cocktail

Photo credit: Masters Kitchen and Cocktail

This tasty cocktail can be found on Masters Kitchen and Cocktail's drink menu. Stop by and sip on the Madisons' Margarita while enjoying a delicious meal provided by their new chef, Josh Richardi.

[Related: Masters Kitchen welcomes new executive chef Josh Richardi]

Mission Beach Melon Margarita | Sandbar

Photo credit: Sandbar

In the heart of Mission Beach on Ventura Place, Sandbar has been offering beach-goers a hip and laid-back spot. An exclusive sky bar, decadent bar food and creative cocktails; Sandbar offers something for everyone. Sandbar has created a refreshing libation called Mission Beach Melon Margarita which has Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila, Licor 43 Vanilla Liqueur, Cointreau Noir, lime juice, agave nectar, watermelon cubes and cucumber slices.

The Classic Margarita | Del Sur Mexican Cantina

Photo credit: Del Sur Mexican Cantina

If authenticity with a twist gets you going, then Del Sur Mexican Cantina is your go-to spot. A fun and friendly setting, Del Sur offers a large selection of margaritas to choose from, including their classic House Margarita.

Margarita De Pillbox | Pillbox Tavern & Grill

Photo credit: Pillbox Tavern

Seeking a beachy chic atmosphere to pair with your exotic cocktail? Located in eclectic Solana Beach, Pillbox Tavern & Grill offers its signature Margarita De Pillbox, made with El Jimador Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime, agave syrup, a splash of housemade sweet n sour and served on the rocks for a refreshing and zesty blend of premium ingredients and flavors.

El Holy Grail Fishbowl | Brian's 24

Photo credit: Brian's 24

If a standard margarita glass just won’t cut it this year, feast your eyes on Brian’s 24’s new El Holy Grail Fishbowl Margarita. This glorious cocktail is served in a 54 oz. fishbowl and is ideal for sharing. Made with Hornitos Reposado tequila, Triple Sec, Sierra Mist, Grand Marnier, lemon, lime and pineapple juices, and garnished with lemon, lime and orange slices, this margarita lives up to its title as The Holy Grail of tequila-bearing drinks.

The Border Dispute | Backyard Tavern & Grill

Photo credit: Backyard Kitchen & Tap

In the mood for an innovative take on the Mexican classic? Backyard Kitchen + Tap offers a coastal atmosphere representative of its location in Pacific Beach paired with an unmatched cocktail list, crafted to complement their diverse food menu options. The Border Dispute cocktail, made with Herradura Reposado tequila, cherry Luxardo, fresh lime juice, agave, and a serrano tajin dusted cucumber wheel, consists of the inherent lime, tequila and agave flavors that everyone loves, but incorporates cherry to sweeten and cucumber to add earthy flavor notes.

Mezcal Margarita | Cantina Mayahuel

Photo credit: Jarnard Sutton via Behind the Stick San Diego

Cantina Mayahuel, located in Normal Heights, is one of our favorite spots for a smokey margarita!! Add a few carnitas tacos and you're all set.

Margarita | Fairweather

Photo credit: Kirsten Opsahl

Even though Fairweather is known for its delicious tiki drinks, they are also crafting up some margaritas with blanco tequila, lime juice, agave and house-made curaçao.

Watermelon Fresca | Coasterra

Photo credit: Emily Lavigna

This tropical margarita is a must-try at Coasterra, located on Harbor Island. This refreshing, melon-based margarita has Herradura Silver Tequila, lime juice, house-made watermelon puree, triple sec, pomegranate syrup, Peychaud's Bitters and a pinch of salt.

Classic Cointreau Margarita | Old Town Mexican Cafe

Photo credit: Jarnard Sutton via instagram

There are too many margaritas to choose from at Old Town Mexican Cafe, authentic Mexican eatery in the historic Old Town. Get a group together and get a pitcher of the Classic Cointreau Margarita.

El Cadillac | El Camino

Photo credit: Jarnard Sutton via instagram

El Camino, located in Little Italy, is a happening spot with some stiff cocktails. The El Cadillac has a great combo of tequila, lime, orange, Gran Marnier, spicy tajin and salt rim. They have a large selection of margaritas on the menu with the option of a single or pitcher.

Prickly Pear Rita | Draft

Photo credit: Jarnard Sutton via instagram

Draft, casual bar with an epic beach view, is serving up a refreshing, sweet margarita with Espolon Blanco, lime juice, agave and prickly pear syrup. Sip on a Prickly Pear Margarita while enjoying the view from the patio.