20 spots in Charlotte to get a margarita

Editor's note: This isn’t an exhaustive list, and it’s not in any order.

Puerta

Sip on this: The spicy margarita with tequila or mezcal (+$2), lime, agave and spicy peppers ($15). Not a fan of heat? Puerta has four other margaritas to choose from, plus a non-alcoholic option.

Stop by: 1961 E. 7th St.

Go deeper: First look: Mexican restaurant Puerta opens in the former Stanley space in Elizabeth

Que Onda

Sip on this: The "Gold for the Bold" margarita, made with tequila, triple sec and blossom citrus, comes in a glass for $8 or a pitcher for $32. You can add a flavors, like strawberry, mango or pineapple, to any margarita.

Yes, and: Que Onda also has a soft serve margarita flight that's gone wildly viral on Instagram. You won't find it on the regular menu, though, so be sure to ask in person.

Stop by: Que Onda has five Charlotte-area locations, including Uptown, Highland Creek, Plaza Midwood, University and Matthews.

• The flight is only available at Uptown, Plaza and Highland Creek.

Go deeper: Que Onda opens soon with a second-floor balcony and new menu in Plaza Midwood

Dos Caminos

Sip on this: The "Queen City Margarita," exclusive to the Uptown Dos Caminos, is made with Casamigos blanco tequila, charcoal agave syrup, lime juice and Tajin ($16).

Stop by: 601 S. Tryon St., on the ground floor of the Ally Center, near Starbucks and Salata.

Go deeper: Dos Caminos opens in Uptown

Matador

Sip on this: The Matador has 11 different margaritas on its menu. Play it safe with the house marg ($12), or switch it up with the blackberry habanero — your choice of mezcal or tequila, added to triple sec, blackberry habanero purée, lime and a Tajin Rim $13.

Stop by: 1215 South Blvd.

Go deeper: Mexican restaurant chain The Matador opens in South End inside former firehouse

Maiz, Agua, Sal (MAS)

Sip on this: The frozen margarita, made with El Jimador blanco, orange liqueur, lie and agave ($13).

Stop by: MAS is located at 1018 Jay St., part of the Lower Tuck development, near Not Just Coffee.

Go deeper: Tortilleria and agave bar with skyline views opening in west Charlotte

Condado Tacos

Sip on this: With four house margaritas plus specialty margaritas, Condado offers something for every tequila lover. If you can’t decide, go for their house flight — it includes any three flavored mini house margs.

Stop by: 1536 Camden Road

El Thrifty

Sip on this: Keep it classic with El Thrifty’s house margarita ($12).

Stop by: 1115 N Brevard St.

Que Fresa

Sip on this: Try the house margarita made with gold tequila, triple sec and house-made ginger citrus in a glass ($8) or a pitcher ($29).

Stop by: 1500 W Morehead St.

Go deeper: New Mexican restaurant Que Fresa opens in west Charlotte in former Picante spot

RuRu's

Sip on this: Go for the house marg.

Stop by: 715 Providence Road

Cabo Fish Taco

Sip on this: The 12 margaritas on the menu fall into three categories: classic lime, sweet & fruity and top-shelf.

• For a classic marg that won’t hurt your wallet go with El Cheapo. Or, mix it up with the Azularita; it’s blue and made with Sauza Extra Gold Tequila, Blue Curacao, Pineapple juice and house mix.

Stop by: 3201 N Davidson St. (NoDa); 11611 N Community House Road (Ballantyne)

Bakersfield

Sip on this: They’ve got five margaritas on the menu, including their version of the classic, plus fancier options like the Mezcal Margarita and the Cranberry Ginger Margarita.

Stop by: 1301 East Blvd.

Taco Mama

Sip on this: There are 15+ margarita options, available in a 16oz cup or a pitcher.

• Flavors range from pomegranate to jalapeño to cucumber.

Stop by: 2452 Park Road

Three Amigos

Sip on this: The house margarita is made with El Jimador Blanco, Triple Sec and fresh-squeezed citrus. You can also purchase a half gallon of marg mix to make at home.

• Pro tip: They have margarita specials every Friday.

Stop by: 2917 Central Ave. 

Paco's Tacos and Tequila

Sip on this: Try one of their two best sellers: the Margarita with No Name ($10) with El Jimador Blanco 100% blue agave tequila, fresh juices and house sour, or the Pineapple Mint Margarita ($11), with pineapple and mint-infused Lunazul Blanco, house sour and pineapple juice shaken with mint leaves and topped with Sprite.

• For $1, you can try any marg with their infused tequilas, like three-pepper or pineapple-mint.

Stop by: 6401 Carnegie Blvd.

Puttery

Sip on this: The Standoff is made with Patron Silver tequila, Patron Citronge, Ancho chili, pineapple and lime.

Stop by: 210 Rampart St.

Bargarita

Sip on this: Bargarita in NoDa boasts six craft cocktails on its menu and a "Barg Tower," which serves four people for $38.

• Plus, it has daily specials including "Margarita Mondays," with $6 Hotniyos Margaritas and "Tequila Tuesdays," with $1 off all tequila.

Stop by: 3221 N Davidson St.

Superica

Sip on this: Of their seven margarita options, we recommend The O.G. ($10) if you’re looking for a classic marg.

Stop by: 101 W Worthington Ave in South End and 4223 Providence Road in Providence Park

Spindle Bar

Sip on this: Spindle Bar has a house margarita ($12) that’s made with Blanco tequila, lime, agave and sea salt — add a mezcal float for $1.

Stop by: 1115 N Brevard St inside Optimist Hall

Go deeper: Everything you need to know about Optimist Hall

Velvet Taco

Sip on this: It’s called The Kick-Ass Margarita, and it’s made with Lunazul premium blanco tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. Get it on the rocks or frozen.

Stop by: 1601 E Woodlawn Road (Park Road Shopping Center); 2170 Hawkins St. (South End)

Sabor Latin Street Grill

Sip on this: Choose between the Amigos Marg with house tequila, Triple Sec and lime or the Sabor Marg with 1800 Silver, Gran Marnier and lime. Get the Amigos Marg for $6 on Saturdays.

Stop by: Sabor has 15 Charlotte-area locations, including South End, NoDa, Elizabeth and Ballantyne, Davidson and Pineville to name several. Check out the closest to you here.

Go deeper: Check out our other food and beverage guides like Best Brunch, Best Restaurants, Best New Restaurants of 2023, Best Bars, Best ice cream

Editor's note: This story was first published in Feb. 2023 and last updated July 23, 2024.