While New Orleans is known to be the birthplace of some world famous cocktails like the Sazerac cocktail and the Grasshopper, the city has been open to adopting other drinks from different parts of the world. In addition to delicious Bloody Marys, New Orleanians fell in love with Cuba's daiquiris and now NOLA's frozen daiquiri culture helps make the city unique in the U.S. Locals have that same appreciation for Mexico's most famous mixed drink: the margarita.
Whether on the rocks or frozen, plain or extra fruity, New Orleanians can't get enough of this drink that always beats the Southern humidity. Feeling thirsty? Here's our list of the Top 10 places to grab a margarita and quench that craving tequila-style.10 Best Places in NOLA to Get a Margarita
1. Felipe's Mexican Taqueria
Multiple Locations
felipestaqueria.com
With four locations across Greater New Orleans, there are plenty of opportunities to try Felipe's Taqueria. Try their classic and popular frozen margarita with lime and orange flavors for a sweet, refreshing treat.
Though Felipe's is a quick and casual establishment, it is not to be underestimated. They have a great atmosphere, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. It is the perfect place for a big group of pals, going solo, or for a romantic date night.
2. Juan's Flying Burrito
Multiple Locations
juansflyingburrito.com
Juan's Flying Burrito is a New Orleans gem with local art decorating its walls, cool waiters and bartenders, and an overall rad vibe. Try their Mezcal Margarita for $10 on the rocks, $15 double tall, or $40 pitcher for all to share.
Their house favorite is the House Rox Margarita, which ranges from an $8 glass to a $32 pitcher. Catch their variety of creative cocktails and eyeopeners too. Don't forget their famous Skinny and Cucumber Margaritas if you are feeling daring. This Mexican-style restaurant has four locations around New Orleans and is one you don't want to miss.
3. Superior Grill
3636 St. Charles Ave., (504) 293-3474
superiorgrill.com
Superior Grill is superior in every sense of the word. It is the best festive place to be while in NOLA. They have all the Tex-Mexican cuisine you crave. Try their famous trademark margarita made with freshly squeeze lime juice and try their draft beers, too!
Right off the St. Charles streetcar line, stop by to have a salted rim with lime and some tasty bites. They host many special events year round, so keep yourself posted on their website.
4. El Gato Negro
Multiple Locations
elgatonegronola.com
One of New Orleans' best Mexican kitchens, El Gato Negro also has one of the city's hottest bars for margaritas. With locations in both New Orleans and Gretna, this is the place to be for top quality margaritas.
One glance at the restaurant's extensive drink menu and you'll see a nearly never-ending selection of tequila and unique margarita mixes, including carrot and lime and pineapple cilantro, just to name a few. Their mole sauce is also out of this world.
5. The Backyard
244 W. Harrison Ave., (504) 309-8767
thebackyardnola.com
The Backyard is mostly known for offering up premium American fare, but it's also home to one of New Orleans' favorite margaritas: the signature Daisy Mae. This delicious margarita is made with Cimarron Tequila, orange, and a house sour blend.
This drink packs a punch and pairs surprisingly well with some of the restaurant's more traditional pub food. It's definitely worth the visit to The Backyard's Lakeview location.
6. El Pavo Real
4401 S. Broad Ave., (504) 266-2022
elpavorealnola.com
Look no further for your next happy hour hangout. El Pavo Real on South Broad Avenue serves drink and snack specials everyday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. except Sunday and Monday, so enjoy rajas con queso and a discount on the restaurant's widely-loved margarita.
Come in to sip on their classic house marg frozen or on the rocks, or try one of the restaurant's more deluxe options. Some of the options to choose from include a Frozen Lagniappe and Frozen Watermelon.
7. The Velvet Cactus
6300 Argonne Blvd., (504) 301-2083
thevelvetcactus.com
You know you're at the right place to get a margarita when there's an entire menu dedicated solely to tequila. That's exactly what you can expect to find at the Velvet Cactus.
With an extensive list where you can choose your preferred liquor, you can order practically any margarita imaginable. Decide from a long list of rocks and frozen margaritas with flavors including cucumber orange, pineapple cilantro, and more.
8. Barracuda
Multiple Locations
eatbarracuda.com
What could be better than a spicy margarita and a crispy fish taco? Sit outside in Barracuda's gravel garden and sip on the zesty and salted rimmed margs. This Mexican taco-stand, which offers all-outside dining, is to die for.
Beat the lines and get there early, because this restaurant is loved by the entire city, sometimes with lines down the block. However, it is well worth the wait. Get some veggie tacos and groove the night with your refreshing classic and mezcal margaritas.
9. Taqueria Corona
Multiple Locations
taqueriacorona.com
This restaurant is a family run institution that is a cozy and comfortable place for everyone. Tequila fans best make their way to Taqueria Corona, which has several locations in Greater New Orleans.
This tasty Mexican restaurant serves up a mean frozen margarita made with Tijuana tequila. Whether you're craving a small strawberry or a pitcher of mango margarita, this is the spot to go, especially on National Tequila Day.
10. El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina
516 Gretna Blvd., Gretna, (504) 301-3161
facebook.com/ElPatronNOLA
Located in Gretna, El Patron is absolutely worth crossing the Crescent City Connection for. This restaurant is open everyday of the week and always has a ton of people visiting it no matter what time you end up visiting it.
Order the Tacos Tijuana and pair your four traditional Mexican tacos with one of El Patron's refreshing margaritas. The Strawberry Mango Margarita is highly recommended.
Salud to Great Margaritas in NOLA
From Day of the Dead celebrations to the numerous different Mexican restaurants all around the Greater New Orleans area, Mexico's culture definitely has a strong presence in the city. If you would like to try your hand at making your own margarita, there are many different margarita recipes you can try for yourself. But if you really want to taste some of the best margaritas in New Orleans, then these 10 restaurants are all worth a visit or two.
