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 to decide where to celebrate. Cheers!
Don Jose’s Grill (2722 Williams Blvd, Kenner): This local, family-owned restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes and is known for its top-shelf and premium margaritas. The staff treats you as family, and the restaurant is kid-friendly.
El Gato Negro (Multiple Locations): With locations in Lakeview, Historic Gretna, and 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 Paso Mexican Grill (Multiple Locations): If you are in the mood for a marg, there’s a good chance there’s an El Paso Mexican Grill nearby. Our Northshore moms love the fruity frozen varieties! Check out the frozen Peach and Passionfruit mix below from a fellow New Orleans mom!
Felipe’s Taqueria (Multiple Locations): With multiple locations in New Orleans and on Metairie Road, you are sure to find a Felipe’s Taqueria nearby. We are told that their hand-squeezed frozen margarita is amazing! The atmosphere is always enjoyable, and while you are there, try their award-winning tacos. They also have locations in Florida and Massachusetts.
George’s Mexican Restaurant (1461 North Causeway Blvd. – Mandeville): Grab a group of friends and order one (or more) of the drinks pictured below and some guacamole prepared tableside. Pictured below are the rocks on the left, the mojito in the middle, and the frozen margarita on the right.
Juan’s Flying Burrito (Multiple Locations): This establishment has four locations within the New Orleans area and is known for its Creole-style and 100% de agave margaritas. They have a fun and busy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Try their Mezcal Margarita!
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.
Los Jefes Grill (3224 Edenborn Avenue, Metairie, and 467 Hickory Avenue, Harahan): This restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican dishes made from scratch, but it also hosts $5 House Margaritas all day on Tuesdays and many other events. Not sure what to get? Try the Margarita Flight containing three different margarita flavors!
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.
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. Might we recommend the very refreshing Watermelon Mint Margarita to wash it down?
The Rum House (3128 Magazine St.): We know the name can be misleading, and while they do know their rum, they also know their way around tequila! Try their Three-Hour Tour with a Sol Lager upside down in a margarita, resulting in a one-of-a-kind shipwreck!
Habanero’s Cuisine (Multiple locations): Urban Mexican cuisine in a fun and lively atmosphere. They have multiple locations in Covington, Madisonville, Slidell, Metairie, & Luling. We are told that their Spicy Mezcalita is a must-try!
Zocalo Cocina Mexicana & Cantina (2051 Metairie Road): Easily located on Metairie Road, Zocalo is a favorite among those in the area. They have a great happy hour menu consisting of delicious margaritas, and delicious flautas, and nachos. A favorite from our team is the Spicy Jalapeno Margarita. Enjoy bottomless margaritas every Thursday from 4-9 p.m.
Barracuda (Multiple Locations): This is a favorite among our team, and besides their delicious margaritas, they all rave about the broccoli tacos! It’s a crowd-pleaser among adults and kids. They have locations in Uptown New Orleans, Algiers, & Baton Rouge. Check their website for happy hour!
RUMBA Island Inspired Cuisine and Rum Bar :: RUMBA is a great atmosphere and often has live bands. Their drinks are great, and so is their food. While they offer several delicious drinks, try their Sweet Heat Margarita or the Prickly Pear Margarita!
El Pavo Real :: They have a ton of beverage options, including a frozen watermelon margarita! And don’t forget the chips and queso!
Mr. Tequila :: In addition to their traditional margaritas, they offer a jalapeno margarita, a swirl margarita, a skinny margarita, their very own Mr. Tequila Margarita, and an El Cantarito, which is Mexico’s most famous cocktail that combines a variety of fresh-squeezed citrus juices with Tequila Cazadores Reposado
Bar NOLA: Bar NOLA provides high-quality craft cocktails and delivers locally! Besides the delicious and obvious margarita, they have an expansive menu that guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser! Make sure to check out their seasonal menus. We can picture sipping these craft cocktails year-round from the pool, tailgates, and holiday gatherings. Oh, and don’t forget they deliver!
While we are older and wiser than our once weekly 3-for-1 happy hour 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. Enjoy large margaritas and mixed drinks for the price of a small every day, all week long from 3 pm–6 pm (Happy Hour prices excluded on certain holidays). Just make sure your babysitter has taught you how to download the Lyft or Uber app first!
Did your favorite margarita in New Orleans make our list?
