Best Margaritas in LA

Everything in life deserves its time to shine, and that includes cocktails as well. February 22 is National Margarita Day. Pull up a seat to the bar, and use this as your opportunity to sample some of the best margaritas in Southern California. Here are a few bars in Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire that want you to pay them a visit.

Here’s our past list of Best Margaritas in Los Angeles. See which bars made the cut again.

There seems to be a debate about El Carmen’s status as a prime dive bar. No matter, it is a place were Hollywood and hipster types alike can agree that it is a Los Angeles staple. The velvet curtains guarding your entry, the Mexican wrestling mask on the wall, the burnt orange lighting–all of this sets the mood for a night of fun with over 420 kinds of tequila at your disposal. Specialty margaritas include the Cactus Fruit Margarita, Guava Margarita or Ginger Cilantro Margarita, but for the special occasion, the Classic Margarita will available for just $5 from 7:00 pm to close.

El Compadre knows just how to keep its loyal followers coming back for more. Pyrotechnics! The Flaming Margarita is the first thing most Angelenos will mention if you ask what to order. The firey cocktail has long been the restaurant’s claim to fame. If the flame alone doesn’t grab your attention, wait until you take your first chug. Just don’t get so tipsy that you forget to let the sparks die down before taking a sip. Challenge your friends to a Flaming Margarita showdown, and see who is the first to call a truce.

Casa Vega is the Sherman Oaks staple for anyone jonesing for a strong tequila cocktail. The old school restaurant is a favorite even for a few celebrities. This year, in celebration of National Margarita Day, certain special margaritas will be available for the usual happy hour prices. Try the house Casa Vega in its original flavor or with a hit of cranberry, the upgraded Cadillac Margarita with Cuervo 1800 and Grand Marnier, or the Blood Orange Margarita with Patron Silver and fresh blood orange juice.

The renowned Rick Bayless, best known for his expertise with Mexican food, has mixologist Steve Calabro at the margarita helm. They are offering a full margarita flight for just $15. One price allows you to sample a trio of sophisticated cocktails. The Market Margarita features cucumber, honeydew, Espolon Blanco tequila, and fresh lemon and lime juice. The La Dama Margarita starts with Tres Agaves Reposado tequila, spicy chiles, mango-flavored grenadine, fresh lime juice and a dash of tart pomegranate liqueur. The Alacran Margarita is the kicker with Sauza Conmemorativo tequila, Veev Acai, Torres orange liqueur, fresh limonada, and serrano-infused syrup.

El Matador has consistently received great reviews and accolades for not only its food but of course the margaritas. The bar boasts over 170 different tequilas, so you should have no problem finding your favorite. They offer margarita specials each month, including lighter margaritas for those who want to watch their waistlines while they order away. It just so happens that the month of February features the Skinny Margarita with fresh agave nectar, soda water, fresh lime juice and a specialty tequila. It’s just the right choice to toast the night away.

Casa Moreno is an Inland Empire neighborhood favorite. The restaurant received Inland Empire Magazine’s nod for Best New Restaurant of 2011. A full bar is prepared to pour you a margarita, on the rocks or frozen, with a big tequila punch. Any regular will tell you that the Casa Moreno Margarita is the house speciality. It is similar to the Cadillac Margarita, but made with Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur and an orange twist for supreme citrus flavor. Casa Moreno promises nothing but a festive evening with a night of low priced cocktails to celebrate. There is also a second location in Claremont, and the sister restaurant will offer similar special discounts for the occasion.

Chrystal Baker is a freelance food and events contributor. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own food and travel blog, Any and Everywhere.