A selection of tequilas behind the bar at Mama's Cantina. Photo source.
Among the bevy of bottles behind the bar, tequila is near and dear to many hearts, palettes, and celebratory occasions. The cultural and regional significance and painstaking production process behind the Mexican-made blue agave spirit lends the finished product a distinct, high-demand flavor that is just as enjoyable straight from a snifter as it is mixed into a margarita.
From unaged blancos to barrel-aged reposados, extended barrel-aged anejos, ultra barrel-aged extra anejos, smoky mezcals, and beyond, Seattleites can (no… must) cozy up to these spots’ robust tequila lists and keep the soul-warming grownup refreshments coming all fall, winter, and year long.
Agave Cocina & Tequilas | 100 Republican St #100 | 206-420-8195
With two locations in Lower Queen Anne and Issaquah and more than 160 tequilas to its name (the self-proclaimed largest selection in Washington State), Agave Cocina & Tequilas is somewhat of a holy grail for folks seeking the spirit of the hour. The tequila menu branches off into extensive sub-lists of blanco, reposado, anejo, extra-anejo, and mezcal options. Having trouble choosing? Order any of eight curated flights with three tequila varieties in each tasting. If you’re partial to mixed drinks, margaritas and cocktails are also available. Pro tip: Visit on a Tuesday for $3 tacos and half off all tequilas (though, food-pairing wise, you’re in good hands any day of the week, with an assortment of happy hour small plates from soups and salads to dips, taquitos, and bacon wrapped jalapenos).
Hecho | 7314 Greenwood Ave N | 206-588-1919
Look no further than North Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood for street-style Mexican cantina fare crafted with a Northwest stroke… and more than 80 tequilas to wash it all down. Choose from a variety of blanco, reposado, anejo, and extra-anejo tequilas and mezcals -- all 25% off during daily happy hour. Put ‘em down neat or sip a specialty margarita. Handmade tortillas and salsa push any order over the edge (and sop up your spirit of choice).
Mama's Cantina | 2234 2nd Ave | 206-728-6262
Though this Belltown spot offers a full bar, its 70+ tequilas and mezcals are the true stars. Honduras native Chef Jenny Izaguirre brings an LA food truck twist to Latin classics -- including going all-in on killer pork dishes amped up with a weekly whole roast pig. If you’re near Pike Place and looking to throw back a few adult beverages, Mama’s menu is worth wandering a few blocks north.
Photo credit: Stephanie Forrer.
Senor Moose | 5242 Leary Ave NW | 206-784-5568
Senor Moose is known for their authentic Mexican food, but their tequila list is also quite respectable! About a dozen of their signature cocktails contain tequila as well. Enjoy a sipping tequila, or imbibe on a tasty cocktail with a tequila base.
