Tequila, triple sec and lime juice. That’s all it takes to make a classic margarita, but there’s so much more to this favored cocktail than a simple sip with a kick.
If you’re in the mood for a showstopping margarita (and really, when aren’t you?), don’t stop at the simple. San Francisco teems with top-notch Mexican restaurants and fusion menus, and the margaritas in this town come classic and with a twist.
See also: The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants In San Francisco
From top-shelf tequila to mezcal, frozen or iced, flavored and traditional, these are some of our favorite margaritas in the city.
546 Valencia St. / Website
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, the Mission is a great place to start. This family-owned eatery has been serving quality eats and sips for more than 50 years and across three generations! You should absolutely come hungry to make the most of this menu, but it comes with a whole section for margaritas, and the frozen variety has been called the best in the city.
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5929 Geary Blvd. / Website
When it comes to a top-shelf margarita, you can trust Tommy. Thomas and Elmy Bermejo founded this restaurant in 1965, and while its Yucatan recipes and flavors wow the crowd, it’s the famous 100 percent agave tequila bar that makes this place a must-visit. Extensive doesn’t begin to capture this artfully shelved eatery. Tommy takes great pride in his collection of Mexican spirits, and the margaritas are likewise exemplary. Stick with the housemade order, or get adventurous and try a specialty tequila that can’t be ordered anywhere else.
300 19th Ave. / Website
The margaritas have to be good if the owner puts the cocktail in its name. Take a trip to the past inside the vintage atmosphere conjured by this warm and welcoming restaurant that leans into tradition. The menu is based on classic Northern Mexican recipes, and they’ve stayed mostly the same since Tia Margarita opened in 1963. The food is dynamite and highly varied, and it’s an absolute must that you pair your plate with a classic margarita!
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2516 Mission St. / Website
Street tacos are the best tacos, and at El Techo, you can enjoy street tacos while sipping on a stellar marg and taking in rooftop views! How? El Techo sets up shop atop its sister restaurant Lolinda. It’s first-come, first-serve for walk-up customers and is open 364 days a year. While it’s not just tacos on the menu, it is all about the street food and sun. Order your margarita by the glass or pitcher, and do give the Margarita del Techo with mezcal and Blanco tequila a try.
974 Valencia St. / Website
A bit of culinary fusion is on display at this delicious restaurant inspired by Jaliscan and Californian cuisine. One more Mission District restaurant won’t hurt, especially when the menu takes a turn for the upscale and pairs well with specialty agave drinks. This is the kind of eatery with a “bar program,” and the margaritas made from mezcal will not disappoint.
3286 22nd St. / Website
A staple of the Mission since 1993, this place has a dive bar atmosphere but brings absolute heat with its oversize margaritas. Fans call these the best in the city, and if you like your sip served with a side of kitsch, the larger-than-life margarita glasses with cactus stems should be right up your alley. The beer selection is extensive as well, but we came here for one thing and one thing only! Dine and drink alfresco in the colorful outside area.
4019 Judah St. / Website
This Outer Sunset hot spot serves boozy margaritas and tasty treats from its front window. The Top Shelf rendition uses Hornitos reposado, Celia’s fresh mix, orange juice and Cointreau, while the Organic Margarita boasts Alquima Blanco organic tequila, lime juice, orange juice and organic agave.
2030 Union St. / Website
Grab a spot on the patio at this Union Street eatery named a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient now for three years in a row. Choose from four iterations: the Clasica (tequila, lime, agave), the de Flores (mezcal, Cointreau, lime, orange), the Fresa (reposado tequila, strawberry, lime, agave) and the Paloma (tequila, grapefruit, agave, lime).
75 Yerba Buena Lane / Website
Inspired by the Jaliscan coastline, Tropisueño is a quick-serve taqueria by day and full-service resto by night. Margarita flavors include strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, spicy mango and a special Margarita of the Day that changes daily.
2301 Fillmore St. / Website
Head to The Snug in Pacific Heights for a very special nitro margarita, a shake-like version of the beloved cocktail made from tequila, lime, agave and orange bitters. The resto’s classic version is crafted with El Tesoro reposado tequila, Fortaleza blanco still-strength tequila, lime, agave, salt and house bitters.
Looking for even more delicious delights? Try some of the restaurants on our top picks for Mexican cuisine in the city. There’s only a little bit of overlap with this list, so you’re sure to learn something. Interested more in sips? Stop by one of our favorite cocktail lounges in SF!
Photography by: ISTOCK
Tequila, triple sec and lime juice. That’s all it takes to make a classic margarita, but there’s so much more to this favored cocktail than a simple sip with a kick.
If you’re in the mood for a showstopping margarita (and really, when aren’t you?), don’t stop at the simple. San Francisco teems with top-notch Mexican restaurants and fusion menus, and the margaritas in this town come classic and with a twist.
See also: The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants In San Francisco
From top-shelf tequila to mezcal, frozen or iced, flavored and traditional, these are some of our favorite margaritas in the city.
546 Valencia St. / Website
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, the Mission is a great place to start. This family-owned eatery has been serving quality eats and sips for more than 50 years and across three generations! You should absolutely come hungry to make the most of this menu, but it comes with a whole section for margaritas, and the frozen variety has been called the best in the city.
View this post on Instagram
5929 Geary Blvd. / Website
When it comes to a top-shelf margarita, you can trust Tommy. Thomas and Elmy Bermejo founded this restaurant in 1965, and while its Yucatan recipes and flavors wow the crowd, it’s the famous 100 percent agave tequila bar that makes this place a must-visit. Extensive doesn’t begin to capture this artfully shelved eatery. Tommy takes great pride in his collection of Mexican spirits, and the margaritas are likewise exemplary. Stick with the housemade order, or get adventurous and try a specialty tequila that can’t be ordered anywhere else.
300 19th Ave. / Website
The margaritas have to be good if the owner puts the cocktail in its name. Take a trip to the past inside the vintage atmosphere conjured by this warm and welcoming restaurant that leans into tradition. The menu is based on classic Northern Mexican recipes, and they’ve stayed mostly the same since Tia Margarita opened in 1963. The food is dynamite and highly varied, and it’s an absolute must that you pair your plate with a classic margarita!
View this post on Instagram
2516 Mission St. / Website
Street tacos are the best tacos, and at El Techo, you can enjoy street tacos while sipping on a stellar marg and taking in rooftop views! How? El Techo sets up shop atop its sister restaurant Lolinda. It’s first-come, first-serve for walk-up customers and is open 364 days a year. While it’s not just tacos on the menu, it is all about the street food and sun. Order your margarita by the glass or pitcher, and do give the Margarita del Techo with mezcal and Blanco tequila a try.
974 Valencia St. / Website
A bit of culinary fusion is on display at this delicious restaurant inspired by Jaliscan and Californian cuisine. One more Mission District restaurant won’t hurt, especially when the menu takes a turn for the upscale and pairs well with specialty agave drinks. This is the kind of eatery with a “bar program,” and the margaritas made from mezcal will not disappoint.
3286 22nd St. / Website
A staple of the Mission since 1993, this place has a dive bar atmosphere but brings absolute heat with its oversize margaritas. Fans call these the best in the city, and if you like your sip served with a side of kitsch, the larger-than-life margarita glasses with cactus stems should be right up your alley. The beer selection is extensive as well, but we came here for one thing and one thing only! Dine and drink alfresco in the colorful outside area.
4019 Judah St. / Website
This Outer Sunset hot spot serves boozy margaritas and tasty treats from its front window. The Top Shelf rendition uses Hornitos reposado, Celia’s fresh mix, orange juice and Cointreau, while the Organic Margarita boasts Alquima Blanco organic tequila, lime juice, orange juice and organic agave.
2030 Union St. / Website
Grab a spot on the patio at this Union Street eatery named a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient now for three years in a row. Choose from four iterations: the Clasica (tequila, lime, agave), the de Flores (mezcal, Cointreau, lime, orange), the Fresa (reposado tequila, strawberry, lime, agave) and the Paloma (tequila, grapefruit, agave, lime).
75 Yerba Buena Lane / Website
Inspired by the Jaliscan coastline, Tropisueño is a quick-serve taqueria by day and full-service resto by night. Margarita flavors include strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, spicy mango and a special Margarita of the Day that changes daily.
2301 Fillmore St. / Website
Head to The Snug in Pacific Heights for a very special nitro margarita, a shake-like version of the beloved cocktail made from tequila, lime, agave and orange bitters. The resto’s classic version is crafted with El Tesoro reposado tequila, Fortaleza blanco still-strength tequila, lime, agave, salt and house bitters.
Looking for even more delicious delights? Try some of the restaurants on our top picks for Mexican cuisine in the city. There’s only a little bit of overlap with this list, so you’re sure to learn something. Interested more in sips? Stop by one of our favorite cocktail lounges in SF!
Photography by: ISTOCK
