San Diego is a city famous for its beaches, great weather, and, of course, margaritas.
Whether it's a classic margarita or a creative twist on the traditional drink, San Diego has no shortage of places to satisfy your margarita cravings.
With so many options, it can be hard to decide where to go. That's why, as a local, I have taken it upon myself to review some of the best margarita places in San Diego.
From oceanfront restaurants to cozy bars, there is something for everyone.
Whether you're a tourist or a local, margaritas are a must-try when in San Diego.
And with the variety of places to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite spot. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the best margarita places in San Diego.
1. Baja Betty's
Baja Betty's is a vibrant Mexican restaurant that offers an extensive selection of margaritas.
The table-made guacamole is fresh and flavorful, and the tacos are delicious.
The friendly staff provides excellent service and makes great recommendations.
The tropical-themed ambiance and outdoor seating options make it a fun place to hang out with friends. It's definitely worth a visit for locals and tourists alike.
2. La Puerta
La Puerta is a vibrant Mexican restaurant and bar that offers tasty margaritas and a lively atmosphere.
Their drinks are top-notch, especially the spicy jalapeno margarita. The food is delicious, and the street tacos are a must-try.
The service is fantastic, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. The venue is trendy, with great outdoor seating and DJ entertainment.
If you're looking for a fun night out with great drinks and food, La Puerta is the place to be.
3. Coasterra
Coasterra is an elegant Mexican restaurant with breathtaking panoramic views.
The menu features modern Mexican plates and creative cocktails. The food is delicious and the service is top-notch.
The patio seating is noisy but offers a lively atmosphere. The inside seating is more quiet and intimate.
The prices are high but well worth it for the ambiance and quality of food. Reservations are recommended.
4. Cantina Mayahuel
Cantina Mayahuel is a cozy Mexican eatery that offers a fantastic selection of margaritas.
Customers can choose from blancos, reposados, or mezcal, all of which are made to perfection. The food is also tasty, with mole dishes and fish tacos being some of the favorites.
Happy-hour deals are available from Tuesday to Friday between 12-6 pm, where customers can enjoy $5 margaritas.
The atmosphere is low-key, with a dark wood bar and a small patio. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making for a great dining experience.
5. Ponce's Mexican Restaurant
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant is a bustling venue for traditional Mexican eats and margaritas.
The staff is attentive and friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The flavors are authentic, and the portions are large.
The margaritas are delicious and reasonably priced. The ambiance is perfect for a date night or casual with friends.
The only downside is that they don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait.
6. Lola 55 Tacos & Cocktails
Lola 55 Tacos & Cocktails is a Mexican restaurant that serves unique gourmet tacos and craft cocktails. The staff provides great service and the food is tasty and creative.
The selection of vegan tacos is impressive and the Cauliflower Taco has the best combination of spices and heat.
Happy hour is from 2-6pm and the $4 Margarita is great. The El Nino drink is also worth trying.
The atmosphere is buzzy and industrial-chic. Lola 55 Tacos & Cocktails is definitely worth checking out.
7. Casa Machado Restaurant
Casa Machado Restaurant is a hidden gem for Mexican cuisine and margaritas.
With its location above the airport, customers can enjoy a unique dining experience while watching planes take off and land. The food is consistently good with large portions and reasonable prices.
The margaritas are a must-try and are excellently prepared. The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience overall.
Whether it's for a nice dinner with friends or a special brunch, Casa Machado Restaurant is a great choice for authentic Mexican food and delicious margaritas.
8. El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria
El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria is a must-visit Mexican eatery that offers an extensive tequila collection and delicious margaritas.
The decor is unique and adds to the ambiance of the place.
The food is flavorful and the service is friendly. Visitors recommend trying the tequila flight and the octopus dish.
The restaurant is great for a date night or a cozy dinner with friends. It's definitely worth checking out!
9. La Dona
La Dona is a lively Mexican joint that's perfect for a casual night out. The colorful decor and retractable walls give it a vibrant atmosphere.
The margaritas are some of the best around, and they have a wide variety of options to choose from.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making for an enjoyable experience. The outdoor seating area is a great spot to people watch while sipping on a delicious cocktail.
If you're in the mood for Mexican food and drinks, La Dona is definitely worth checking out.
10. Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a must-visit Mexican restaurant for margarita lovers.
With a wide variety of margaritas to choose from, including seasonal flavors, the drinks are a highlight of the menu. The food is also tasty and well-presented.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience.
With both indoor and outdoor seating options, Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
11. Las Hadas Bar and Grill
Las Hadas Bar and Grill is a lively Mexican restaurant and bar that serves up delicious margaritas and mouth-watering dishes.
With a seafood-centric menu and a range of handmade margaritas, Las Hadas offers a unique and satisfying dining experience.
The friendly and attentive staff are always on hand to provide excellent service, and the happy-hour deals make it an affordable and enjoyable place to eat and drink.
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a fun night out with friends, Las Hadas is definitely worth a visit.
12. Miguel's Cocina
Miguel's Cocina is a bustling Mexican cantina that serves up delicious margaritas and California-inspired Mexican eats.
The restaurant offers an extensive Happy Hour Menu from 2-6 pm, Monday thru Friday, with $5 entrees and classic Margaritas.
The outdoor seating area is refreshing and relaxing, and the warm cheese dipping sauce and salsa for their chips are a must-try.
Miguel's is the go-to spot for hearty portions of quality Mexican cuisine at good prices.
13. Cocina De Barrio
Looking for a vibrant margarita place with authentic Mexican flavors and a great atmosphere to enjoy a meal with friends and family without breaking the bank, then look no further than Cocina De Barrio.
With a variety of craft cocktails and creative Mexican dishes, this low-key eatery is a hidden gem that will leave you wanting more.
The staff is warm and welcoming, and the service is efficient and friendly. So, what are you waiting for, head over to Cocina De Barrio and experience the best of Mexican cuisine!
14. Casa Guadalajara
Looking for a lively Mexican restaurant with great margaritas and a colorful atmosphere in San Diego's Old Town area, Casa Guadalajara is a must-visit.
With friendly and prompt service, the food is delicious and reasonably priced.
The house margarita is a good value, but not made with fresh lime juice.
The outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy live mariachi music and relax with friends.
15. El Comal
El Comal is a hidden gem that offers outstanding Mexican food and margaritas. The restaurant has a friendly neighborhood atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options.
The smoked marlin taco is a must-try, along with the rich and garlicky red salsa. The beans are creamy with a homemade chicken stock flavor, and the rice is fluffy and accentuated with vegetables.
The house margarita is sweet and refreshing. El Comal serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has an extensive menu with authentic dishes from different regions of Mexico.
The service is outstanding, making it a great spot for a group dinner or a date night.
16. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro offers a sophisticated atmosphere and delicious Baja-style margaritas. The tableside guacamole is a must-try and the shrimp enchiladas are a crowd favorite.
The friendly staff provides excellent service and the outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a sunny day.
Prices are on the higher side, but the portions are reasonable.
If you're looking for a margarita place with great ambiance and Mexican cuisine, Ortega's A Mexican Bistro is a great choice.
17. King and Queen Cantina
King and Queen Cantina is a vibrant and hip Mexican restaurant and bar. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with cool art and seating both inside and outside.
The food and drinks are delicious and reasonably priced, with a wide variety of cocktails available.
The margarita flight is a must-try, and the bone marrow tacos are a highlight. The service is quick and friendly, making for a great experience overall.
Be sure to come early if you want a table, as the place can get quite crowded.
18. Ortega's Cocina
Ortega's Cocina is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine.
The food is delicious and made with high-quality ingredients. The margaritas are not too sweet and the chips and salsa are amazing.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy.
Prices are reasonable and the diverse menu selection is sure to please any traveler in the area. Don't miss out on this gem of a restaurant!
19. Juan Tequila Bar & Restaurant
Juan Tequila Bar & Restaurant is a warm and rustic-industrial Mexican restaurant and bar that offers delicious tacos, tequila, and mezcal drinks.
The menu features traditional Mexican standards, including blackened shrimp tacos and queso biria. The cocktail list is impressive and includes unique margaritas like the mezcal margarita.
The atmosphere is lively and upbeat, with live music and a chill vibe. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making for a great overall dining experience.
If you're looking for a great margarita place, Juan Tequila Bar & Restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
