The Top Places to Get a Margarita in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Lush tropical, jungle vibes set the scene at Baresco in Pompano Beach. Steps from the beach, this restaurant combines vibrant flavors with creative mixology to curate a margarita menu brimming with classics and remixes, like Don’t Guac the Boat. This bold creation blends Lunazul Reposado tequila, creamy avocado puree, and a savory cordial of green onion and cilantro with Ancho Reyes Verde and pickled red onion juice.  

Bar Rita in Fort Lauderdale is one of the hottest places to be on a Taco Tuesday. This colorful two-story haunt offers tasty bites like truffle street corn guac, steak and chorizo queso fundido, and tacos that pair well with a margarita. Choose between a pitcher if you’re with friends, or opt for a single glass so you can try multiple. Top sellers range from the Rita’s Original to Frozen Pineapple Jalapeno to the Spicy Strawberry Spliff. The latter blends fresh strawberries, Hornitos Plata, jalapeño, and fresh lime poured in a half Basil-habanero rim with a CBD Infusion.

If you ask a local about the Southwestern restaurant Canyon, they will mention ​The Famous Prickly Pear Margarita. This margarita features hornitos reposado infused with prickly pears, triple sec, and house-made sour mix. Enjoy it in the main dining room, or head to the back speakeasy, Rio’s, for an intimate, moody setting. 

This familiar Mexican hotspot has been a local favorite since 1979, serving authentic cuisine. A must-try is the Carlos & Pepes World Famous Margarita (fresh-squeezed citrus mix and Hornitos tequila) or the Monster Margarita, which is double the fun and flavor. This hotspot offers dozens of tequila options to make your own or another favorite, like coconut lychee or watermelon basil. 

This Mexican spot first started in Miami before coming north and has the perfect mix of Mexican food, great vibes, and an airy atmosphere. While the food is worth coming for, Coyo Taco features creative margaritas like the Coyo Draft, the frozen Redbull, and the half-gallon premium Coyo margarita, perfect for sharing among friends and family. 

El Camino is not only a beautiful Mexican restaurant on the famed Las Olas Boulevard, but it’s considered one of the best spots for happy hour in downtown Fort Lauderdale. El Camino offers an early bird happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. and a late-night hour from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. featuring $6 margaritas and an epic margarita menu everyone raves about. Enjoy flavors like pineapple coconut and guava habanero, and pair it with $3 select tacos and other happy hour bites. 

This beautiful bohemian hotspot is a mainstay in Wilton Manors and serves authentic Mexican cuisine in bright, vibrant digs. The over-the-top margaritas, like the What the Duck, are just as impressive as the colorful facade. What the Duck is a mango jumbo margarita with frozen blue curacao and a rubber duck animal on top. There are also classics to fit everyone’s taste buds. 

If you’re looking for a refreshing margarita after a day at Fort Lauderdale Beach, check out Lona Cocina and Tequileria. This modern cantina is home to many tequila and mezcal-based drinks, and with a direct view of the ocean, it doesn’t get any better. Try one of the bestsellers, the Pasion Picante, which blends Hiatus Blanco, 400 Conejos Mezcal, Cointreau, morita chile, and passionfruit. It has just the right amount of fruity vibes and heat. 

Las Olas Boulevard is home to a few tasty Mexican spots, but Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar is an OG for good reason. This Lauderdale local hotspot has been dishing out Mexican fare and delicious drinks to hungry locals and visitors alike, treating them to the famous tableside guacamole that’s best paired with the Rocco Rita, made with Teremana Blanco, orange liqueur, and house-made sour mix. 

Another great happy hour spot to enjoy rounds of margaritas is TacoCraft. The Mexican hotspot’s daily deals (except for Taco Tuesdays) run from 3 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close, featuring $5 margaritas and half-off tequila. If that’s not tempting enough, you’ll get hooked once you try the jalapeño cucumber marg—21 seeds cucumber jalapeño, muddled jalapeños, fresh lime juice, and a sugar rim. 

Wilton Manors became much more colorful with the arrival of Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar a few years back. This vibrant space is home to a lineup of tasty libations worth checking out. From the lively notes of a classic strawberry margarita to the fiery El Diablo, a spicy concoction made with 400 Conejos Mezcal, spicy honey, and muddled serrano peppers, there’s something for everyone.