Make no mistake, in Texas, a margarita will always be our drink of choice. Here, we raise a glass to the 10 best Ritas around Houston.
Pico’s Shaker margarita.
ARNALDO RICHARDS’ PICOS RESTAURANT
Pico’s has got you covered with delicious bites from seven regions of Mexico, sweet sips and oh, so cozy interiors to match. Dubbed “the birthplace of the Shaker margarita,” it’s a no-brainer that their margarita selection is iconic. If you want something tried and true, The Classic is an old-school blend of Don Julio silver, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and agave; but, if you’re feeling adventurous, check out Mr. Blue—a fun blend of El Jimador Blanco, blue curacao, Jalisco orange and blue agave nectar. 3601 Kirby Drive, picos.net
Armandos house margarita
MAXIMO
A new addition to Houston’s culinary scene, Maximo offers a mouthwatering selection of tacos, small bites and, of course, margaritas. Lounge in a booth decorated with crushed velvet and enjoy a refreshing ‘rita among the cacti. We recommend the Vampiro, a unique blend of tequila blanco, tomato, pomegranate, lime and truck sauce. If you’ve been craving a slushy, look no further than the Frozen Maximo with blanco tequila, agave, lime and your choice of extra flavor ranging from mango to jalepeño. 6119 Edloe St., West University Place, maximo-htx.com
Pico’s Ruby Lalo margarita is the perfect pink drink
VERDE GARDEN
Enter through Verde Garden’s iconic green gates and explore its savory Tex-Mex cuisine and a selection of over 250 agave and Mexican spirits. Tommy’s Margarita is sour and tart with tequila blanco, lime, orange and agave, while the Serpent is full of flavor with reposado tequila, grapefruit, lime, chile de arbol and aromatic bitters. Alongside an expansive frozen drinks list, all margaritas are made-to-order so you can craft a drink that’s just right for you! 2817 W Dallas St. Building C, verdegardenhtx.com
ARMANDOS
Wondering where to spend a night on the town? Armandos will make sure you’re well-fed and ready to dance! With chic interiors, warm lighting and a rich selection of Tex-Mex bites, you’ll enjoy a drink in style. The refreshing Green Juice margarita features Arette Blanco tequila, cucumber juice, mango, lime, agave and a tajin salt rim. Looking to stay out late on a Thursday night? Good thing Armandos is open until 1 a.m. every Thursday night! 2630 Westheimer Road, armandosrestaurant.com
The Warwick’s signature Warwick margarita.
NINFA’S
Make no mistake: this is the original Ninfa’s where the tradition of “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo’s Tacos Al Carbon now known as Fajitas, became a Tex-Mex staple. In the history of Tex-Mex cuisine, Mama Ninfa is a legend, and this restaurant serves what is said to be “the best Mexican food in Texas since Texas was in Mexico!” Of course, these iconic bites are best served with a margarita on the side. With 12 options to choose from (yes, 12), you simply can’t go wrong, but we highly recommend ordering a pitcher of The Original Ninfarita for the table. Multiple locations, ninfas.com
CYCLONE ANAYA’S
You better arrive hungry and thirsty at Cyclone Anaya’s! The menu, chock full of heart bites, is not the only thing that’s jumbo-sized—your margarita of choice is, too! Indulge in the refreshing flavors of a classic margarita with The Casa Rita, made with Casamigos silver, Grand Marnier, lime, lemon and agave nectar. Order frozen or on the rocks, with salt or tajin on the rim, and if you’re ready for a fun night, go for the jumbo! Multiple locations, cycloneanaya.com
EL TIEMPO
If you’re on the hunt for the best margarita in Houston, look no further than El Tiempo! With multiple locations in the Houston area, this restaurant prides itself on the impeccable customer service instilled by founder Mama Ninfa. As for the Rita options, we’ll leave you to decide between rocks or frozen. Multiple locations, eltiempocantina.com
ESCALANTES
Where personal touch makes the difference, this vibrant and upscale Houston dining experience is a Mexican staple. Flavor is close to Escalantes’ heart, so much so that the guacamole is made on the spot to capture every added spice! This local phenomenon has two locations in the Houston area and is a staple for large parties. On the drink front, except nothing less than flavorful (and festive) margarita options, like the Supremo with Don Julio 1942 añejo, Cointreau, agave nectar and fresh lime juice, and the Spicy Mango made with Cazadores Blanco, Naranja, agave nectar, muddled mangos and jalapeños, mango puree, fresh lime juice, chamoy and a tajin rim. Multiple locations, escalantes.net
THE WARWICK
The Warwick is a feast for the senses with stunning vistas, lavish decor and a culinary scene that will make your taste buds tango. You can start your night at the lively bar and then soak up the stars on the posh patio. And let’s not forget our go-to drink order: The Warwick Margarita. These sips are sweet and strong, with Reposado tequila, Giffard Caribbean pineapple liqueur, pineapple juice, lime and a Tajin rim. 5888 Westheimer Rd, warwickhouston.com
EIGHT ROW FLINT
Patio season is here, and Eight Row Flint is waiting for you! Sitting in the heart of the Heights, its cozy and chic white building (complete with string lights) boasts indoor and outdoor seating—perfect for both afternoon sips or an oh-so-sweet nightcap. As for its margaritas, take your pick of rocks or frozen, or (for a particularly refreshing ‘rita), go with the watermelon mezcal made with mezcal, orange liqueur, clarified lime juice, watermelon hibiscus syrup and salt. 1039 Yale St, agricolehospitality.com
Photography by: From top, Photos by: BECCA WRIGHT; KIRSTEN GILLIAM; BECCA WRIGHT; RAYDON CREATIVE
