Top 10 Must-Try Margaritas in Philadelphia

Philly's Margarita Quest: A Guide to the City's 10 Best Tequila Cocktails

In Philadelphia, a city that loves a great cocktail, the margarita stands out as a year-round favorite. This classic tequila-based drink is the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and boozy, and Philly's bars and restaurants have mastered the art of making it. From classic, perfectly balanced recipes served on the rocks to creative fruit-infused concoctions and legendary frozen versions, the city's margarita scene is vibrant and diverse. Here is a guide to ten of the best spots to find a top-tier margarita in Philadelphia.

1. El Vez (Midtown Village)

• The Margarita: A true Philadelphia institution, El Vez is renowned for its extensive and exceptional margarita menu. They are particularly famous for their wide variety of frozen margaritas and their classic "El Vez" margarita, which is perfectly balanced. You can also order by the pitcher for a festive group experience.

  
  
  

• The Vibe: A high-energy, modern Mexican restaurant from restaurateur Stephen Starr, with a fun, flashy, and always bustling atmosphere.

2. Cantina Los Caballitos (East Passyunk)

• The Margarita: The undisputed king of the East Passyunk patio scene, "Cantina" is legendary for its strong, delicious, and generously sized margaritas, especially their frozen varieties.

  
  
  

• The Vibe: A lively and beloved neighborhood spot with a massive outdoor seating area that is the place to be on a sunny day.

3. Tequilas Restaurant (Rittenhouse Square)

• The Margarita: For a more sophisticated and traditional margarita experience, Tequilas Restaurant is a must-visit. With a library of hundreds of different tequilas, they can craft a perfect, classic margarita using high-end spirits.

  
  
  

• The Vibe: An elegant and beautiful dining room that offers a refined and authentic Mexican fine-dining experience.

4. Mission Taqueria (Rittenhouse Square)

• The Margarita: This stylish and modern second-floor taqueria is known for its excellent cocktail program. Mission Taqueria serves a fantastic classic margarita and a variety of other creative tequila and mezcal-based drinks.

• The Vibe: A bright, airy, and trendy spot that is always buzzing with a youthful and energetic crowd.

5. Condesa (Rittenhouse Square)

• The Margarita: A high-design, contemporary Mexican restaurant, Condesa offers a sophisticated and well-crafted margarita program. Their drinks are made with high-quality ingredients and a focus on balance and authentic flavors.

• The Vibe: A stunning, modern, and upscale restaurant perfect for a special occasion. Their rooftop taqueria, El Techo, is also a fantastic spot for a more casual margarita with a view.

6. La Llorona Cantina (South Philadelphia)

• The Margarita: A popular neighborhood spot on West Passyunk, La Llorona Cantina is known for its delicious food and creative cocktail menu, which features a great selection of margaritas and other agave spirits.

• The Vibe: A trendy and vibrant cantina with a fun, modern atmosphere and a great local bar scene.

7. Sor Ynez (Kensington)

• The Vibe: Located in a beautifully designed, modern space, Sor Ynez offers a fantastic menu of regional Mexican dishes with an impressive bar program to match.

• The Margarita: They serve expertly crafted margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices and a great selection of tequilas and mezcals.

8. Jose Pistola's (Center City)

• The Vibe: A fun and lively bar with a slight rock-and-roll edge, Jose Pistola's has been a Center City favorite for years.

• The Margarita: They offer a great selection of classic and flavored margaritas that are a perfect accompaniment to their menu of tacos and other Mexican-inspired pub fare.

9. Rosy's Taco Bar (Rittenhouse Square)

• The Vibe: A casual and energetic taco bar, Rosy's is a go-to for a fun, no-frills night out.

• The Margarita: They are particularly known for their fantastic happy hour deals, which often include their classic and blood orange margaritas, available by the glass or pitcher.

10. Cantina "Calaca" Feliz (Fairmount & Manayunk)

• The Vibe: With locations in Fairmount and Manayunk, this neighborhood spot is known for its festive atmosphere and contemporary Mexican cuisine.

• The Margarita: They offer a wide variety of margaritas, including a popular spicy version, all made with fresh ingredients.

From the high-energy party vibes of El Vez to the sophisticated sips at Tequilas and the neighborhood charm of Cantina Los Caballitos, Philadelphia offers a world-class margarita for every taste and occasion. These top-rated establishments showcase the city's passion for this classic tequila cocktail, proving that Philly's bar scene can go toe-to-toe with any in the country.

Share This Article on Social Media

Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly