LA Cha Cha Cha
Aside from constant sunshine (and, we argue, all-around excellence), if Southern California can guarantee one good thing, it’s a solid margarita. And as the region’s cosmopolitan mecca, Los Angeles assures you can find a good margarita whether you’re sitting beachside in Venice or are across town in Echo Park. Read on for where to find the top margaritas in Los Angeles.
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Website/ 812 E 3rd St 90013
With a sister-predecessor restaurant in Mexico City, LA Cha Cha Cha brings a specialized authenticity to its cuisine and bar. The Spicy Pineapple Margarita isn’t an ingredient-overloaded cocktail, but it still offers a refreshing spin on the classic drink. Featuring Maestro Dobel Blanco, it is made with pineapple, lime and tajin.
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Website/1542 Sunset Blvd. 90026
There’s a reason this pop-up evolved into a fully operating Echo Park cocktail bar, and we think it has a lot to do with their eponymous cocktail option. Opt for the Flores Margarita for an Instagram-worthy beverage that’s just as delicious. You’ll want to stop in on Wednesdays when the price drops to $9.
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Website/ Various
Tu Madre has multiple locations across the city, making it a prime go-to spot no matter what part of town you’re in. You can also always count on a pitcher-worthy margarita here for afternoons or evenings spent unwinding with friends over drinks, guac and tacos. However, for a real experience, go for one of the margarita flights. You’ll get to have your own tasting experience and a variety of flavors (hibiscus, tamarind, blood orange, passionfruit). It also comes with a little sparkle.
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Website/ 2191 Rosecrans Ave 90245
In El Segundo, Caló Kitchen showcases an impressive approach to contemporary Mexican cuisine. The organic-driven menu features eye-catching dishes like potato-filled taquitos, watermelon pepita, short-rib enchiladas and halibut tacos, which all pair excellently with a margarita. For something both refreshing and sweet, consider the blackberry margarita.
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Website/ 13301 Ventura Blvd 91423
What an enchanting experience to settle into a cozy red booth at Casa Vega. Sipping a margarita while taking in the draped lights, Mexican decor and celebrity-named booths, you can feel the 65-plus years of history emitting from the walls. Certify the experience with an award-winning cocktail. Made from the Vega family recipe that goes back decades, the Casa Vega Classic margarita is topped with a salt rim and CV swizzle stick.
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Website/ 10250 Santa Monica Blvd 90067
Javier’s has long been the go-to restaurant for Mexican food and elevated dining. When perusing the margarita menu, keep it just as elevated with your cocktail order and choose the Javier’s. Always hand shaken and served on the rocks, it features Patrón Reposado Tequila and Grand Marnier.
Website/ 8450 W 3rd St 90048
One of Toca Madera’s best-selling margaritas features the hospitality brand’s signature cocktail flame. Both a stunner visually and by taste, the Ghostrider is a concoction of Altos Plata, fresh mint, lime and agave.
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Website/ 7312 Beverly Blvd. 90036
One of L.A.’s most legendary restaurants, we deem the Beverly Boulevard eatery a must for margaritas. After all, it has been part of the city for nearly a century. Nearly as applauded is El Coyote's Scratch Margarita. Served on the rocks with salt and lime, it never disappoints.
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Website/ 8905 Melrose Ave. 90069
The West Hollywood hotspot serves up the tequila beverage as it should be. Finding the right balance between sweet and spicy, Gracias Madre’s Signature Margarita comes with lime, agave, house orange bitters and citrus salt and must be ordered spicy (or at least that’s what we think). And be sure to order a pitcher if you’re with a group!
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Website/ 1449 Sunset Blvd. 90026
Come for a loaded plate of tacos, stay for the live mariachi music. And while you’re at it, order one of their infamous Flaming Margaritas. The vast number of flavor options— from peach to coconut to blue cadillac— will have you coming back again and again.
No matter where you are in Los Angeles, you're never far from a great margarita.
See also: Not-Your-Average Margarita Recipes To Elevate Your Tequila Game
Photography by: Jessica Clapp
