Best Bets
Best margaritas
Fritz Hahn | Updated 10/20/2009
Whether you prefer your margaritas to be served with the classic salted rim or as a frozen, swirled treat, these bars deliver the best around.
Ceiba
Washington, DC
The "Margarita de Casa" is a reliable favorite, and the various flavors -- pomegranate, mango or tamarind -- are not cloyingly sweet. The restaurant's "Traditional Margarita," made without extra flavors, is only $5 from 3 to 6 p.m. and again from 9:30 to close Monday through Saturday.
Austin Grill - Chinatown
Washington, DC
Austin Grill's crowd-pleasing margaritas, served in oversized glasses, rarely disappoint, especially if you order the frozen "Swirlie," which mixes strawberry and lime flavors, or the straight-up Cadillac on the rocks.
Cactus Cantina
Washington, DC
A dazzling array of margarita options are available here, but many regulars opt for the Frozen Swirl -- half strawberry, half regular margarita -- served in a frosty mug. (Note: These are the same margaritas served at sister restaurant Lauriol Plaza, only without the extra-long wait for a table.)
Cafe Atlantico
Washington, DC
On a wildly inventive cocktail menu, Atlantico's simple, incredibly refreshing margarita is one of the stars.
Caribbean Breeze
Arlington, VA
While the Ballston restaurant does a roaring trade in mojitos, don't overlook the tasty "Pomegrande" margarita.
Casa Oaxaca
Washington, DC
Whether you go for the house margarita or take it upscale, Cax Oaxaca's drinks will not let you down.
Oyamel
Washington, DC
Chef "Jose Andres' personal favorite," an upscale mix topped with lime juice and a blast of "salt air," heads the list of crowd-pleasing cocktails. Dozens of tequilas are available for sipping.
Red Rocks Cafe and Tequila Bar
Centreville, VA
With around 100 different tequilas and dozens of flavor options for margaritas -- grape or passion fruit? -- the menu at Red Rocks is an adventure.
Rosa Mexicano
Washington, DC
Some rave about the sweet/tart flavor of the Frozen Pomegranate Margarita, but traditionalists will also find drinks to praise, including La Clasica, which is made with fresh agave nectar.
Tia Queta
Bethesda, MD
The Bethesda restaurant's Special Margarita -- denoted on the menu as "The Very Best" -- is best enjoyed on the restaurant's rooftop. Other flavors, including strawberry and peach, are also available.
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