Nightlife

Where to get a margarita (or two) in Tempe, Arizona

Frozen or on the rocks, we love all margaritas

I’ve had my fair share of margaritas in all their glorious forms (on the rocks or frozen, with salt or sugar, and house or specialty). I recently ventured out on the streets of Tempe to find the best margaritas around. You’re welcome.

Most popular in Arizona, you’ll find each place has their own tasty version of Prickly Pear Margarita. I usually order one to see how pink it is going to be. You’ll notice the color can vary – from blush pink all the way to electric pink. I personally look for the pink that is MOST Instagrammable. #millennial #doitforthegram

Another trend you will find is a spicy margarita, whether it be habanero, jalapeño or chili. They are tempting because they are delicious and dangerous at the same time. Keep in mind, that these spicy margaritas aren’t for the faint of heart. As for me? I L-O-V-E spicy.

Here’s a quick roundup of the best margaritas in Tempe.

Illegal Pete’s 

525 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (623) 233-4311
Illegal Pete’s is a fun place with incredible patio space to knock back a few margaritas. The Coin-Style margs are made with Pete’s Patrón—Patrón Reposado selected by Pete himself—and the House margs are $1 off during happy hour from 3-6 p.m. every day. I personally love to pair their Chicken Quesadilla with any margarita because it allows me to reach all my food pyramid needs.

Social Hall

715 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 747-3851
This local hub serves great food and craft cocktails inspired by Latin America and the U.S. When I can, I hang out at Social Hall with friends on the patio to enjoy drinks around the fire pits. This spot is also filled with photo-ops, including lounging on the hammocks outside or under the iconic “vibes” neon light against the palm wallpaper. I recently tried their Spicy Strawberry Margarita and loved it so much that I had two…but who’s counting?

Illegal Pete’s – photo credit/permission @illegalpetesmill

Snakes & Lattes Tempe

20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 361-6644
Drinking…games…drinking games?! Snakes & Lattes in Downtown Tempe is a game haven with more than 1,000 board games from cards to strategy (a one-time game fee per day gets you unlimited access to their games). They also specialize in blended margaritas. We highly recommend trying the Mango marg. Delish! We’ve spent hours here because it has a cool atmosphere, two pet-friendly patios and array of food and beverage options. They do offer a great selection of local beers, wines on tap and even ciders are on rotation. Their ever-changing selection of adult beverages makes it a place you have to try monthly, if not weekly.

Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant

Arizona Mills | 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 838-9610
1706 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 838-1005
The margarita options are almost endless here. Choose from Blackberry Citrus, Strawberry Mango, Caribbean Blue and the Cilantro Mango Cucumber, a combo of 1800 Silver Tequila, muddled cucumber, cilantro, mango puree and chili powder, shaken to perfection. They also offer a Skinny Margarita that’s under 100 calories. And, that’s just the beginning of the full list.

Tacos and margaritas at Snakes and Lattes Tempe
Snakes & Lattes Tempe – photo credit/permission @snakesandlattestempe

Culinary Dropout

149 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 240-1601
The knock-you-off-your-feet Cali and Tay Skinny Margarita from Culinary Dropout encompasses Corazon Blanco Tequila, serrano spiced agave, fresh lime and chili dusted rim. Enjoy your beverage while lounging on the oversized patio with corn-hole games, ping pong tables and live music on the weekends – all illuminated under twinkling lights!

Loco Patron

222 S. Mill Ave. #115, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 699-0922
Loco Patron offers incredible taco and margarita specials and has a great patio for watching ASU sports! The Carlos Margarita is a must-try. This marg is made up of Don Julio Reposado, three fresh-squeezed limes, Grand Marnier float and a salted rim. It doesn’t get fresher than that! You can also choose one of their other great margaritas, like the Limon y Chile or the Mango Habanero.

Barrio Queen

Tempe Marketplace | 31 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 912-4052
Located at Tempe Marketplace, Barrio Queen has a massive patio and beautiful mural welcoming you to the restaurant. With a dozen margaritas to choose from, you’re sure to fall in love with tequila or at least find a new way to love it. Try the Sparkarita Margarita for something fun and fresh – made with Milagro Reposado Tequila, Delirio Reposado Mezcal, lemon juice, Azunia Agave, Velvet Falernum and garnished with a grilled lemon wheel. Need I say more?

Beer Margarita drink at Loco Patron
Photo credit/permission Loco Patron Tempe

Sunbar Tempe

24 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 687-8409
If you are a kombucha fanatic or just want to try a fun new drink, the Sunbar Margarita is something you need to get your hands on. A margarita is already an amazing cocktail on its own but adding fizzy, fermented watermelon wonder kombucha to it? Talk about refreshing! It’s just the perfect afternoon drink for the upcoming hot days ahead. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself on their spacious outdoor patio.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub 

Tempe Marketplace | 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. #1041, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-2920
Margaritas + Shopping? Yes, please! Let Thirsty Lion Gastropub at Tempe Marketplace quench your thirst for the finer things. Their Signature Blood Orange Margarita is an exceptional twist on a classic drink. P.S. it’s so pretty! Blood Orange is also very Arizona of us to have — citrus is one of our specialties. If you haven’t seen (or tasted) a blood orange, do it. ASAP. It’s nice to walk off the food and drinks afterwards by strolling through The District at Tempe Marketplace. Here, you’ll find lots of shopping, places for a sweet treat or go bar hopping at other eateries. Earn those calories!


Margarita at Sunbar Tempe
Sunbar Tempe

Ghost Ranch

1006 E. Warner Rd. #102-103, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 474-4328
I’m obsessed with Ghost Ranch. The décor and the food are exploding with gorgeous colors. I recently went there with a group of friends and tried their oh so delicious Prickly Pear Frozé (pictured). You read that right… Prickly Pear Frozé is that perfect drink blending a quality blanco tequila with rosé, prickly pear and lime. When the team at Ghost Ranch described it to me… I about died and then quickly demanded it. “It’s a frozen margarita that fell in love with a glass of cold rosé and had the most perfect, well-balanced, cocktail baby.” Tell me that does not make you want to try this very photogenic drink!! I dare you.

Pedal Haus Brewery

730 S. Mill Ave. #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 314-2337
Voted one of the “15 Best Patios in Phoenix” by azcentral.com, Pedal Haus is a cool place to hang out from the inside out. Their Haus Margarita features Sauza Blue Weber Agave Tequila, Haus made sweet & sour, orange liqueur, and a half rim of salt. Get one for $1 off during their happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in addition to select Haus Beers and well drinks. I usually go hard on their appetizers because select starters are $1 off, then I get a marg to round out the meal. After work or on the weekend, I’ll often find myself lounging in the fold up patio furniture around the fire pit with great friends. Don’t mind if I do.

Ghost Ranch in Tempe
Ghost Ranch – credit/permission @monicagoesshow

Gertrude’s at Desert Botanical Garden

1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008 | (480) 719-8600
A sprawling, shaded patio nestled in the beautiful desert, you’ll find Getrude’s located at the Desert Botanical Garden. Whether you’re heading into the Garden or just wanting to enjoy a wonderful meal, you must try their oh-so-vibrant Dragonfruit Margarita! We love the gorgeous color and the flavors are so refreshing. Don’t forget about their Rosé Sangria if tequila isn’t your favorite!

drinks at Desert Botanical Garden
Getrude’s – photo credit/permission @jeanieann

Someburros 

1314 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 446-8226 
101 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 839-8226
With its counter-service, colorful décor and ample seating, this is a great spot for foodies who love Mexican food. Enjoy the Vasquez Family’s time-tested recipes and perfected fresh-made margaritas. Need to take your food to go? No problem! Order traditional or strawberry margaritas TOGO (must order food with alcohol purchase).  

Here’s a list of where to get a margarita in Tempe:

  • Illegal Pete’s *has great extended patio
  • Social Hall *has great patio
  • C.A.S.A. Tempe *has great patio
  • Snakes & Lattes Tempe *has great patio
  • Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant *has great patio at South Tempe location
  • Culinary Dropout at The Yard *has great patio
  • Loco Patron Tempe *has great patio
  • Barrio Queen *has great patio
  • Sunbar Tempe *has great patio
  • Thirsty Lion Gastropub *has great patio
  • Ghost Ranch
  • Pedal Haus Brewery *has great patio
  • Gertrude’s *has great patio
  • Fuzzy’s Taco Shop *has great patio
  • Los Reye de la Torta
  • Casa Reynoso
  • Maskadores Taco Shop
  • Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup

Reminder: Please drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive. These are recommendations of places to enjoy great Margaritas, not necessarily featuring National Margarita Day specials. Call restaurant for more information about their current specials.

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