7 Sensational Margaritas That’ll Have You Doing the Happy Dance!

Written By: Kaylin Waizinger Best OC Patios Margaritas

With September temps still hovering in the mid-80s, we’re feelin’ thirsty! To quench our cravings, we sampled several margaritas across Orange County to find the best and most spirited sips. Each of these cocktails can be made with Milagro Select Barrel Reserve silver, reposado, or añejo—a line of ultra-premium tequilas made with the highest quality mature agave plants. From south San Clemente to northside Costa Mesa, these festive drinks are totally worth the splurge. After all, when life gives you limes (or a heat wave), just add tequila!

Marg my words: it’s happy hour.

1 | Descanso Restaurant

Must-Try Marg: Bad Hombre

Photography Provided By: Anne Watson

Head to Descanso Restaurant in Costa Mesa for some of the best margaritas in town! This modern taqueria serves authentic Mexican flavors and hand-crafted cocktails on their outdoor patio. With options from the traditional Paloma with simple syrup, lime and grapefruit to the spicy Bad Hombre with pineapple juice, agave, lime, serranos and seasonings, you can’t go wrong. And if you’re feeling fancy, level up your marg with Milagro tequila!

Descanso Restaurant
1555 Adams Ave, Ste 103
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.486.3798

2 | South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar

Must-Try Marg: Tamarindo

With two locations in downtown San Clemente and beautiful Laguna Beach, this Spanish-colonial concept serves upscale eats and creative cocktails in a historic, local setting. Order a Tamarindo margarita made with Milagro silver tequila, ancho chile liqueur, tamarind, housemade sweet ’n sour and garnished with a Tajin-chamoy rim. Plan a date night and dine al fresco on San Clemente’s quaint El Camino Real or in Laguna overlooking the coast. Now that’s romantic!

3 | Carmelita’s Kitchen Best OC Patios Margaritas

Must-Try Marg: Cilantro Cucumber

Nestled near Rancho Santa Margarita Lake in the Mercado del Lago center, Carmelita’s Kitchen crafts some of the best margs in OC! From fresh favorites like the blanco and Cadillac margaritas to innovative sips like the strawberry jalapeño and grilled pineapple and chile, the options are endless. Grab a seat on their outdoor patio and delight in breezy lakeside views and fantastic food and drink.

Carmelita’s Kitchen
31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.709.7600

4 | Playa Mesa Best OC Patios Margaritas

Must-Try Marg: Jamaica

Photography By: Dan Dobi

Voted OC’s Best Margarita in 2019, Costa Mesa’s Playa Mesa is an ideal spot to enjoy margaritas al fresco. Pair the award-winning Jamaica margarita with the restaurant’s authentic Mexican cuisine, and you’ll be right where you hoped you’d be—in your happy place. The best part? On Tuesdays, tacos are $3.50, and craft margaritas are $8 all day!

Native Knowledge: Playa Mesa has an extensive selection of over 50 premium tequilas and smoky mezcals.

Playa Mesa
428 E 17th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949.287.5292

5 | Coyote Grill

Must-Try Marg: Coyote

Photography By: Ed Visions

Photography By: Ed Visions

This casual spot in Laguna Beach offers locals a taste of Baja on a dreamy ocean-view balcony. Choose from a long list of anejos, reposado and silver tequilas to customize your marg! We recommend the Coyote margarita with a splash of Milagro—but make it skinny for $1 with fresh agave and lime juice. If you came with your crew, order a pitcher of Coyote margaritas for $30.25 and sip with your friends.

Native Knowledge: On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island from the balcony.

Coyote Grill
31621 Pacific Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.499.4033

6 | The Deck Best OC Patios Margaritas

Must-Try Marg: Silver Surfer 

Photo By: Dhrumil Desai

When it comes to al fresco dining, The Deck in Laguna Beach had it mastered way before the infamous pandemic hit. This beachside hot spot is located on the sands of the Pacific Edge Hotel and is the destination for open-air eats. Sip on a Silver Surfer margarita—crafted with Milagro silver tequila, agave nectar, ginger and cilantro—and pair it with the new seafood tower that comes with fresh lobster, king crab, shrimp, tuna and oysters.

The Deck
627 Sleepy Hollow Ln
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.6700

7 | Hendrix Restaurant and Bar Best OC Patios Margaritas

Must-Try Marg: Salty Surfer 

This contemporary restaurant in Laguna Niguel dishes up delicious rotisserie meats, seafood, steak and cocktails in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The Salty Surfer marg is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Place your order to go or have it delivered to your door to safely enjoy at home.

Native Knowledge: Apart from the delicious dinner and happy hour options, Hendrix Restaurant and Bar offers weekend brunch with favorites like the lemon ricotta pancakes and the granola-crusted French toast.

Hendrix Restaurant and Bar
32431 Golden Lantern
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949.248.1912