Drink · Cocktail bars and speakeasies · 2026
The best margaritas in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 14 places.
I’ve never been known to turn down a margarita, the Mexican cocktail is my guilty pleasure and thus I’ve pin-balled around the city in search of the best. The tequila-infused journey took me to inexpensive dive bars, swanky restaurants, and everything in-between.
In this guide, I’ll share the fruits of my labor and tell you all about the best margaritas in New York City. Whether you like yours with salt on the rim, blended, unique flavor options, or just want something stiff there’s something in this article for every palate. Let’s jump in!
- AñejoBar · Tribeca & Hells KitchenFor $55 the table gets 90 minutes of unlimited margaritas, bloody marys, sangrias or mimosas (but the whole table must participate).
- Barrio ChinoRestaurant · Lower East SideBarrio Chino make a mean tequila margarita, but they make some of the best mezcal margaritas in NYC, too.
- Calabrije’sRestaurant · Upper East Side & BushwickCalebrije’s offers one of the most customizable margaritas in NYC — not many places can say they do the same.
- CalexicoRestaurant · Four locations in NYCI’d venture to say that Calexico makes the best frozen strawberry margaritas in NYC (perfect for a summer day).
- CowgirlBar · West Village
- El Camion CantinaRestaurant · East VillageLet me be the first to say the drinks are strong, and if you’re not careful they will sneak up on you (I speak from experience!).
- El CocoRestaurant · Three locations in NYCIt’s become my go-to spot for wallet-friendly Mexican cuisine and pre-game drinks.
- Jajaja MexicanaRestaurant · Five locations in NYCthe frozen agave margarita with the swirl of mango habanero is drool-worthy, and one of the most memorable margaritas in New York City.
- Mad Dog & Beans Mexican CantinaRestaurant · Financial District & MidtownMad Dog & Beans Cantina, with locations in the Financial District and Midtown, stands as a bustling haven for some of NYC’s top margaritas.
- Street TacoRestaurant · Upper West Side & MidtownStreet Taco offers one of the best margarita flights in NYC.
- The Black Ant (East Village)Restaurant · East VillageTrying the unique dishes requires some courage, which I always take in the liquid form of the best margaritas in NYC.
- The JunctionBar · MidtownThe margarita comes out swinging, with the first sip you can’t help but relax your shoulders and crack a smile (do I sound like I have a problem?).
- The RagtraderRestaurant · MidtownIt’s one of the freshest margaritas in NYC, made with Milagro Tequila Silver, fresh cucumber, lime, agave, and chili.
- ToloacheRestaurant · Upper East Side & MidtownMy favorite item on the menu is one of the best pineapple mezcal margaritas in NYC.
Añejo
Bar · Tribeca & Hells Kitchen · 301 Church St & 668 10th Ave
For $55 the table gets 90 minutes of unlimited margaritas, bloody marys, sangrias or mimosas (but the whole table must participate).
Barrio Chino
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 253 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
Barrio Chino make a mean tequila margarita, but they make some of the best mezcal margaritas in NYC, too.
Calabrije’s
Restaurant · Upper East Side & Bushwick · 1619 York Ave & 234 Starr St
Calebrije’s offers one of the most customizable margaritas in NYC — not many places can say they do the same.
Calexico
Restaurant · Four locations in NYC
I’d venture to say that Calexico makes the best frozen strawberry margaritas in NYC (perfect for a summer day).
El Camion Cantina
Restaurant · East Village · 194 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Let me be the first to say the drinks are strong, and if you’re not careful they will sneak up on you (I speak from experience!).
El Coco
Restaurant · Three locations in NYC
It’s become my go-to spot for wallet-friendly Mexican cuisine and pre-game drinks.
Jajaja Mexicana
Restaurant · Five locations in NYC
the frozen agave margarita with the swirl of mango habanero is drool-worthy, and one of the most memorable margaritas in New York City.
Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina
Restaurant · Financial District & Midtown · 83 Pearl St & 5 E 38th St
Mad Dog & Beans Cantina, with locations in the Financial District and Midtown, stands as a bustling haven for some of NYC’s top margaritas.
Street Taco
Restaurant · Upper West Side & Midtown · 2672 Broadway & 358 3rd Ave
Street Taco offers one of the best margarita flights in NYC.
The Black Ant (East Village)
Restaurant · East Village · 60 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Trying the unique dishes requires some courage, which I always take in the liquid form of the best margaritas in NYC.
The Junction
Bar · Midtown · 329 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
The margarita comes out swinging, with the first sip you can’t help but relax your shoulders and crack a smile (do I sound like I have a problem?).
The Ragtrader
Restaurant · Midtown · 70 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
It’s one of the freshest margaritas in NYC, made with Milagro Tequila Silver, fresh cucumber, lime, agave, and chili.
Toloache
Restaurant · Upper East Side & Midtown · 166 E 82nd St & 251 W 50th St
My favorite item on the menu is one of the best pineapple mezcal margaritas in NYC.
Best margaritas in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Best Margaritas in New York City (Thirsty Local’s Guide).