21 Best Margaritas in Philadelphia
Story by Cassie Hepler
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. There’s a reason for that saying and I bet you want to find out why the hard way. Well, if you try every margarita on this list, I’m not responsible for the wrestling, public drunkenness arrest that may ensue ‘cuz that’s way more than four! But whether you like a salted, plain or sugar rim, you can surely work your way through the best margaritas in Philly, one by …err, four by four.
Rittenhouse Square
The real name is Los Catrines Tequilas but since no one knows how to pronounce it properly, it’s just Tequilas. With quiet sidewalk dining, this place offers a feast for the eyes and belly. They have 150+ tequila list, complete with owner David Suro’s own blue agave tequila, Siembra Azul. And every time you order one, you’re giving back to Mexican society in Philadelphia and beyond. Coming Up Roses, which is Bacardi Razz, champagne, limes, rose essence and rose petals, and Wild Passion, combining Suro’s own Siembra Azul Reposado tequila, ginger liqueur, passion fruit, spiced mango and lemon juice, rimmed with pasilla-spiced salt. To soak it up, try the guac, mole chicken and Sopa de Tortillas.
Manayunk
$10 pitchers on Monday to get Marg-wasted margaritas plus free chips and salsa with every order makes this a winning combination. They also have some pretty sizzling, hot and tasty $8.95 fajitas on Mondays too. See, Mondays aren’t so bad after all are they?
Northeast
Not only do they have awesome, huge portions of Mexican Food but with a namesake of the drink, they sure know how to deliver. Try the strawberry or pomegranate margarita which is also over sized and may knock you off your rocker. The place gets packed quickly because it’s that good so make sure to tell ‘em your spice level (assumed American bland unless requested). And don’t forget the fried ice cream that goes well with – or maybe in – your margarita.
No Libs
Why not enjoy a margarita in the sun outside on the patio overlooking the Piazza? As always, El Camino margs are 1/2 price from 5-7pm! And for $1 a person, add some chips and salsa. Perfect for people stalking, errr… watching, you can easily waste time, I mean spend some quality times with a friends and a few pitchers. Stick to the traditional margaritas or try the two fruit-of-the-day options.
East PassYunk
Cantina Los Caballitos in South Philly is the sister restaurant to Cantina Dos Segundos in No Libs. Eleven flavors of margaritas – on the rocks, up and frozen are available for massive consumption. The blood orange margarita takes the cake and at happy hour (M-F, 4-6 p.m. $15 pitchers), blood orange pitchers abound. Outdoor seating also available but first come, first served.
University City
Tex-Mex food with a rotating flavor so ask the bartender what’s new if you’re feeling adventurous. The only recommended food pairing here is the spicy wings like chipotle bbq and the San Francisco and the guac. If you like a booming time, stay inside. If you want some peace, park your rear outside. Happy hour can get packed like sardines but what can you expect near a college campus?
South Street
Taste the rainbow with strawberry, orange-mango, raspberry, peach, blue-raspberry and pomegranate margaritas on Sunday nights with $5 fruit margs from 5-10 p.m. Or kick it old school with their fresh lime margaritas, well-loved Spanish fries, crab corn chowder and gourmet burgers. Just don’t taste the rainbow – or corn chowder on its way back up if you can’t hold your liquor.
Market East
They do serve wine and beer here but it’s BYOT – bring your own tequila, which means you now have the power of the pour with your margarita mix. With that much control maybe some free chips and salsa will help you sop it up. Not enough? Stick with the tender pulled chicken burritos or quesadilla. And try a horchata martini… you’re welcome.
Midtown
Lolita is pretty wicked with that newfound liquor license and so are the drinks, inlcuding the margaritas. Cucumber-jalapeno and watermelon margs take center stage here and so does that authentic tasting Mexican street style corn, above, all of which are drool and drunk worthy.
Rittenhouse Square
Good tequila and beer selection, a great staff and delicious guacamole spell good times at this just enough of a Mexican dive bar. The $10 sloppy nachos will keep you full and from doing anything really stupid. That said, happy hour has the best $1 tacos and $2 tecates with excellent ceviche. Party on.
Midtown
Is there nothing Steven Starr’s Midas finger cannot touch? Apparently not with guac made-by-your-table and hand-squeezed lime juice and puree margaritas including frozen blood red orange, the El Vez and Pineapple Canella in a glass or pitcher. Or try watermelon lemonade margarita made with Souza Silver Tequila to fix that summertime sadness. And then record it all in the photobooth after staring at the twinkling lights on the glowing bicycle.
West Philly
If there’s nothing else Iron Chef taught us, it’s that Jose Garces knows his booze – and food. A high end list of tasty margs like the Distrito (Sauza Hornitos Plata with orange, lime and fresh fruit), the Paloma (Sauza Hornitos Plata with grapefruit soda, lime and salt). Happy hour dominates here because you can try some killer deals like the World Cup’s $19 all you can eat carnitas or pollo tacos, $5 house/frozen margaritas and $2 Tecate & Modela cans.
Fairmount/Art Museum
Former Distrito protege Brian Sirhal co-owns this tequila savvy cantina which offers a hefty variety of margaritas. Making you into “the happy skeleton” along with its sister restaurant Cantina Feliz is the signature Feliz Margarita made with silver tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice and orange liqueur. Or try La Bestia Margarita, is a potion of El Tesoro Reposado (an aged tequila), lime juice and Patron Citronge (an orange liqueur). His favorite is La Bestia, made with El Tesoro Reposado, Patron Citronge and lemon and lime juice. Best deal in the house: Start your Sunday Funday at with a $12 vertical flight of any distiller, available every day of the week. And go!
South Street
The usual bling becomes more authentic – and more potent – with ceramic tiles and a cozy dining room at this South Street family-run restaurant. A more intimate affair with your cocktail is encouraged here especially with a M-F, 4-7 p.m. happy hour with $5 margs in the thick, blue-rimmed, classic glasses you’ve grown to love. Add some seriously tasty Mexican fare and you’ll be shouting ariba, ariba from the rooftops!
Society Hill
Pronounced “so-cheet” NOT “Xooohchit-l” this bi-level nuevo Mexican gem houses some of the best DIY guac and literally The Perfect Margarita. Imagine a world where you can put anything in your guacamole – roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, pistachios, ahi tuna, black truffles, macadamia nuts and habaneros to name a few. Xochitl’s signature margaritas are classic, made with Suaza Giro Silver tequila, house-made simple syrup and lime. The Perfect Margarita is Patron Reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, Patron Citronge, simple syrup and lime, and doesn’t disappoint.
No Libs
Shrimp Mofungo Tacos and Black Tip Shark Tacos want to swim inside your belly with margaritas, especially during happy hours M-F, 4-6 p.m. You may have to fight your through hipsters to get there, but it will be totally worth it. The Classic never goes out of style with freshly squeezed lime juice. Feeling fruity? Try black currant, prickly pear, blood orange or mango. Need more options? House specialty margs like El Dorado with tequila, Grand Marnier, pineapple and lime juice should hit the spot. On the rocks, straight up, frozen, or by the pitcher, there’s no reason not to eat the complimentary chips and salsa – and drink more.
Rittenhouse Square
Easy to miss and good place to kiss, look for the bull skull sign hanging out front and glass windows. It’s a Mexican restaurant and sports bar with a dark, cool vibe that offers M-F, 4-6 p.m. $15 pitchers o’ margs ranging from traditional, peach, mango and guava. Ironically the TV downstairs is a lot of gore, so don’t go with a weak stomach – or drink too many pitchers and eat amazing tacos.
Roxborough/South Philly
One of the best places for cheesy, over-the-top Tex-Mex in town, Mondays and Tuesdays are Fiesta Nights for $35, 2 dinners and pitcher of margs and killer M-F, 4-6 p.m. happy hour with $1 off mix drinks, drafts and bottled beers plus a mini menu for $4, $5 meals, 45 cent ranchero wings and $4 wicked strong madness house margaritas. Pick a fruity margarita like strawberry, mango, pina colada or try a pucker flavor and add your pick of tequila from over 20 choices and enjoy that wobbly walk home.
Manayunk
Union Taco comes to the Yunk nine months after chef Nick Farina’s Northy Philly Union Taco debut (and also slings at a taco truck and Bryn Mawr’s Verdad Restaurant & Tequila Bar). So he must be doing something right. Officially a taqueria open for dine-in, takeout and delivery lunch and dinner Tues-Sun, with late night hours (finally a place to gorge late night in the Yunk!) until 3 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Free taco opening day Friday is long gone but you can still BYOT here with complimentary fresh juice margarita mixers for guests, of course who order things like marinated Flank Steak Taco with fire roasted corn and black bean salsa, pico de gallo and cilantro aioli, above.
Manayunk
Last but certainly not least, this place is rarely seen empty and for good reason – great deals, strong drinks and an “oddball” section of the menu. Try the blood orange and papaya margs if you’re feeling fruity or stick to traditional if you’re going to try something oddball like cricket tacos, or lamb heart skewers. Not feeling freaky? Let’s taco about it. Lamb barbacoa tacos, brisket tacos and pretty much any taco is killing it here.
