Mmmmmm, Margaritas! It’s Cinco de Mayo, y’all, and if you haven’t already scarfed down some chips and salsa and a taco or two, you still have time. We hope you’ll take this list of our favorite watering holes with you as to decide where to celebrate. Cheers!
Casa Boregga (1719 Oretha C. Haley Blvd.): Open along the Oretha Castle Haley corridor, this Mexican hot spot is kind to tourists and locals alike. A little too small for the little ones to join in the fun, it’s a great place for a mom’s night out. Try the Cadillac Margarita for a blood orange twist on the classic.
El Gato Negro (Various): With locations in Lakeview, the Warehouse District, or the French Quarter you can enjoy their authentic cuisine and varied riffs on margaritas in the atmosphere that best suits your spirit. We recommend the Pineapple Cilantro Margarita. It’s fruity and herbaceous and sure to impress.
El Mesquite Mexican Grill (516 Gretna St.): If you can’t make it out today, don’t worry. The folks at El Mesquite in Gretna will be celebrating all weekend long with live music and drink specials. This place is perfect to take the whole family, so grab a seat in their over-sized courtyard and place an order for their Frozen Strawberry Margarita.
El Paso Mexican Grill (Multiple Locations): If you are in the mood for a marg, there’s a good chance there’s an El Paso Mexico Grill nearby. Our Northsore moms love the fruity frozen varieties!
George’s Mexican Restaurant (1461 North Causeway Blvd. – Mandeville): Grab a group of friends and order a Margarita by the Pitcher and some guacamole prepared tableside side.
Johnny Sanchez (930 Poydras Street): When John Besh and Aaron Sanchez come together to bring Mexican cuisine to New Orleans, you get Johnny Sanchez. Share the queso fundido with a few friends and cool off your palate with a Tamarind Pear Margarita.
La Casita (634 Julia Street): A tiny space with big flavors and a great little courtyard, La Casita is a must try if you haven’t ventured to their Warehouse District location yet. And, while it’s not a margarita, per se, we are taking some poetic license and suggesting the smoky and spicy Dia de la Muertos.
Lago’s (2660 Florida Street – Mandeville): Inspired by their perch near the lake, Lago brings fresh ingredients, seafood, and Mexican flavors together for a great experience. Try the Skinny Margarita for a light but flavorful version of the original.
Mi Mamacita’s (2345 Florida St): With a great patio set up for live music, Mi Mamacita’s is a favorite for our Northshore mommas and their ones alike. With prices as reasonable as theirs, you can’t order anything but the Frozen Top Shelf Margarita.
Mizado (5080 Pontchartrain Boulevard): Start Cinco de Mayo early with Mizado’s ten cent margarita lunch specials. If you can’t get away, don’t worry – happy hour is from 2-6. It’s a New Orleans Mom’s blog favorite in part because of the delicious fare, but let’s be honest it’s the Cucumber-Jalepeno Margarita is what keeps us coming back for more.
Velvet Cactus (6300 Argonne Blvd.): Another family friendly option that includes an expansive and inviting outdoor patio is what you’ll find at Lakeview’s Velvet Cactus. We like to order the Family Grill Platter that very easily feeds three to four people (even the pickest one!) for $44. Might we recommend the very refreshing Watermelon Mint Margarita to wash it down.
While we are older and wiser than our once weekly 3-for-1 happy our attending selves, there is still no margarita that holds a candle to those at Superior Grill on St. Charles. It may be the sentiment talking but somehow, Superior will always hold a special place in our New Orleans girl hearts. For ole times sake – go ahead and get yourself a 3-for-1 Superior Margarita. Just make sure your babysitter has taught you how to download the Lyft or Uber app first.