A trio of margaritas handcrafted by Mama's Cantina in Belltown. Photo source.
Margaritas: They’re essentially the patron saint of many happy hour sessions, girls nights out, date nights, and otherwise celebratory occasions. These margarita-slinging Seattle spots serve them up strong, ice-cold, and always refreshing.
Cactus | Multiple locations
A fixed list of seven margaritas (plus five more signature frozen options exclusively available in Bellevue… including slushy margarita shots called Machitos) grace the menu at Cactus’ five Seattle-area locations. Variations range from classic to fruity to spicy, smoky, or skinny (yes, margarita bliss can be achieved at only 144 calories). Alternatively, take advantage of the limited-time featured margarita: Pueblo Viejo blanco tequila, lime, orange, star anise, and a touch of sweetness from aguamiel.
Mama's Cantina | 2234 2nd Ave | 206-728-6262
Mama’s in Belltown is serving ‘em up blended and on the rocks. The house frozen margarita features Lunazul tequila and is available in peach, watermelon, or mango. Other options include a classic sweet, sour, and salty rendition, a jalapeno fusion, and Mama’s mezcal or Cadillac margarita. All are best with a plate of tacos on the way.
Poquitos | 1000 E Pike St | 206-453-4216
Apparently you can’t have too much of a good thing, because pumpkin spice (good thing #1) and margarita tastiness (good thing #2) play surprisingly well together in Poquitos’ gutsy seasonal special. If you’re all pumpkined out, opt for the classic house margarita, Jala-piña (jalapeno meets pineapple), Coco-rita, grilled pineapple masterpiece Piña Express, Cilantro-infused refresher, or any of several takes on a purist margarita.
Señor Moose | 5242 Leary Ave NW | 206-784-5568
Besides its authentic plates, this Old Ballard Mexican mainstay offers six margarita choices, including a house margarita with all the essentials plus a splash of orange juice, two reposado margaritas, and a strawberry and pineapple variation.
Tutta Bella | Multiple locations
Surprised to see a Neapolitan pizzeria included in a roundup of margarita hotspots? Tutta Bella’s European adaptation, the Margarita Siciliano, plays up the bare essentials (El Jimador Blanco tequila and fresh lime juice) with cranberry juice and Italian spirits (Aperol, an Italian aperitif, and Solerno liqueur made from Sicilian Sanguinello blood oranges). Check it out in Wallingford, South Lake Union, Columbia City, Bellevue, or Issaquah… Because maybe it’s about time you enjoy a margarita with a wood-fired pizza or plate of pasta.
