Best Margaritas in the OC & LA Areas
By Erin
Where are the best margaritas in Southern California? National Margarita Day is coming up, so consider this your official excuse to sip, smile, and say yes to another round. Classic, spicy, frozen, skinny—however you marg, do it with extra vibes. Southern California knows how to do margaritas right, and these are some of my go-to spots when the craving hits. This list is always growing (because let’s be real—there are still so many margs left to try), but these favorites never disappoint. What are some of YOUR favorites you think I should try next?
King and Queen Cantina
Bold flavors, fun energy, and margaritas that don’t mess around at King and Queen Cantina. This is one of my favorite spots when I want a marg that feels festive, strong, and perfect for a night out with friends and share a very festive margarita flight! Bonus points for creative flavors and a lively atmosphere.
Coyote Grill (Laguna Beach)
Margaritas just hit different when you’re this close to the ocean. Coyote Grill is a Laguna Beach classic with refreshing margs that pair perfectly with salty air and sunset views. It’s the kind of place that turns one drink into a whole evening.
Tantalum – Long Beach
If you like your margarita served with waterfront views, Tantalum is a must. Their margs feel elevated yet easygoing, making it a great spot for date night, girls night out, golden hour drinks, or weekend brunch vibes along the marina. Be sure to try their Blood Orange or Kiwi Margaritas!
Caló Kitchen + Tequila
Tequila lovers, this one’s for you. Caló takes their margaritas seriously, with well-balanced flavors and quality ingredients that shine. Whether you’re going classic or adventurous, this is a solid choice when you want a really good marg.
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Meet the Cotton Candy Margarita — because who said margaritas can’t be as fun as they are delicious? A sugary swirl of nostalgia meets that classic tart lime kick, and just like that, we’ve turned a margarita into a sweet treat. Cotton candy in your drink? Yes, please! 
: Over 185,000 margaritas are consumed every hour in the United States, making it the top-selling cocktail in the country!
: In Spanish, “Margarita” translates to “daisy,” and some believe the margarita is a variation of the classic “daisy” cocktail from the 1930s.
: It’s said that the salted rim was invented by mistake! A bartender accidentally salted the rim of a glass, and the customer loved it. The rest is history!
: The frozen margarita was invented in the 1970s by a Dallas bartender who wanted to create a unique drink using his ice-blending machine.
: Tequila, the key ingredient in margaritas, is made from the blue agave plant, which is native to Mexico and takes 8-12 years to fully mature!
: Yes, even your furry friends can get in on the fun! “Pooch-rita” is a dog-friendly version of the margarita made with non-alcoholic ingredients.
: The classic margarita is typically made with three main ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. But over 50 variations exist today, from strawberry to mango and beyond!
: While it’s widely loved in the U.S., margaritas are enjoyed worldwide — particularly in places like Japan, where they’ve been popularized with a unique twist using yuzu!
: The iconic “margarita glass” (the wide, shallow glass with a long stem) was designed in the 1940s by a Mexican artist to highlight the beauty and color of the cocktail.
