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Legend has it that the margarita was first introduced in the 1940s in the El Paso/Juárez region, and then introduced to the rest of the world. The story goes like this — in 1942, a now-legendary bartender named Pancho Morales mistakenly created the drink after a woman ordered a Magnolia at a bar in Juárez known as Tommy’s Place.

This new creation spread through the southwest and helped immensely speed up the importation of tequila in the states with its widespread popularity. With the origin of this story being located so close to El Paso, it’s only logical that we can boast of having some of the best margaritas around.

The margarita has since become a staple item in bars, restaurants and environments alike. From sweet and refreshing to tangy and spicy, the margarita is a classic choice of beverage. Across El Paso, you can find countless variations of the margarita, either on the rocks or frozen, and one is sure to become your new favorite. To help you on your search, we’ve provided a list of some of the most respected and highest-quality margaritas in town found at iconic and family-owned restaurants.

Taconeta
Recognized as a 2024 James Beard semifinalist, Taconeta is doing all things right when it comes to delicious food and special beverages. Established in July 2020, Taconeta has a short but outstanding history in El Paso’s food scene. From overcoming obstacles stemming from the pandemic, Taconeta has become a familiar Mexican cuisine restaurant in the Borderland. Order a Jamaica, Mezcal or Hibiscus margarita – each made with precision and craft, served with salt and lime rims.

Casa Pantera
Grab a bar seat and settle in at Casa Pantera, a rising favorite in the Five Points neighborhood in Central El Paso. The Oaxacan-inspired, Mexican chophouse is a one-of-a-kind eatery. Guests are welcome to enjoy an oasis-like environment with menu items including a chilled seafood tower, tomahawk steaks, pollo al carbon and signature cocktails like the casa margarita and the frozen blood orange margarita.

L&J Cafe
As one of the oldest family-owned establishments on this list, it’s only fitting that L&J Cafe serves some of the most well-respected food and drinks in town. With enchiladas that are to die for, it’s widely agreed that L&J is a cornerstone for quality Tex-Mex meals in El Paso, including immaculately made classic margaritas. If you don’t try an L&J Cafe margarita at least once, you’re seriously missing out.

Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey's
The “Texas-sized” margarita from Los Bandidos de Carlos and Mickey's says all that you need to know about it in its name. Limited to one per customer, this massive margarita takes on both classic, as well as bold flavored recipes, with big results. Enjoy it with their fresh chips and salsa and impressive bar.

Malolam
Malolam takes it up a notch with a few margaritas that are nothing short of exceptional. By exceptional we mean they evade the usual margarita requirements. The Mint Jamaica Margarita pairs fresh hibiscus, mint and fresh limes. The full-flavored drink sets the mood for Malolam's inventive tacos, street dogs and tortas.