Best Margaritas in Salt Lake City

One of the things we love about Salt Lake City is the access we have to amazing Mexican food. From on-the-go burritos to sit-down restaurants and everyone’s favorite all-night drive-thurs, there are plenty of delicious Mexican restaurants to choose from.

The only thing that can make our favorite Mexican dishes even tastier is the addition of the perfect beverage, and what is more perfect than a delicious margarita?!

To make sure we found the best margaritas in the city, we took it upon ourselves to do a bit of hands-on research. After tasting several margaritas around the city we are ready to share our five favorite spots.

Whether you are looking for a classic margarita on the rocks, a variety of flavors, a smoky marg made with mezcal, or a marg that will put you under the table - we found one for you!

Sol Agave SLC

There are not a lot of things that will get people from Salt Lake City to drive to Utah County, BUT for the last few years, the promise of a taste of Mexico at Sol Agave was worth the trip. While you can still get the amazing flavors of Sol Agave at the original Utah location in American Fork, you can also get the same amazing experience right here in Salt Lake City!

Sol Agave opened its Salt Lake City doors on December 31, 2023 - bringing the same elevated flavors of Mexican cuisine that had people braving I-15 South on a weeknight right in the heart of Salt Lake City. While the food is more than worth the visit (and easily earned a spot on our list of the Best Mexican Food in Salt Lake City), the margaritas are worth a visit all on their own.

The margarita menu at Sol Agave provides an assortment of flavors that reflect the same sophisticated and elevated flavors found in the food. Each made with organic lime juice and agave, plus a tajin rim (on most) each drink provides a perfect blend of bold and fresh flavors.

From savory blends like the Raspberry Chipotle, Grilled Piña (my favorite!), and Spicy Mango to sweeter options like the Watermelon & Basil or Tequila Blackberry, there is a drink for everyone’s taste buds. And, for those who want something classic - you can enjoy the simple flavors of a Cadillac Margarita or the house margarita. Whether you venture forward with a new flavor combo or stick to a classic, you truly can’t go wrong at Sol Agave.

Now, this may be about the best margaritas in Salt Lake City. However, Sol Agave has two exceptional signature cocktails that need a moment in the spotlight as well. The Sol Agave Old Fashioned and the Sol Agave Mexican Coffee are each a highlight on their own.

These two signature cocktails are not only meant to be enjoyed taste-wise, but also visually. Each cocktail is made right in front of you at the bar and includes herbal essences and a bit of a fire show. Truly a show for your eyes, ears, and mouth.

With so many flavors to choose from, put this restaurant (and bar) on your list of places to frequent on your downtown adventures. Whether you go for dinner and drinks or just for the drinks, every visit is sure to offer you a new taste of Mexico!

Cafe Silvestre

Cafe Silvestre is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in West Valley City that has been a staple in the community for decades. Originally, the restaurant had three locations throughout the valley, but today there is only one and we are grateful it’s still going strong!

This surviving location is owned and run by Gabrielle Morales, the granddaughter of the original owner of the restaurants. When Gabrielle and her husband took over the restaurant a couple of years ago they wanted to elevate the traditions that had made the restaurant a favorite for so many years.

Today, Gabrielle and Eric have created an amazing new menu that pays homage to the traditions of their families while also adding their own touch. Their dedication to providing the best ingredients and experience can be tasted and seen in every dish. Including the cocktails!

This traditional restaurant is our favorite in the valley for a classic margarita. Not only because of its simple and classic flavor but because of its visual appeal.

Every Classic Margarita served at Cafe Silvestre comes garnished with a fresh orchid and lime wedge and served in a beautiful antique-style glass.

If you want something chilled but without the rocks, then try the Patron Margarita. Made with Patron, Cointreau, fresh lime, and agave, this elevated margarita is simple, fresh, and sophisticated.

Whether you stick to the classic or step it up with the Patron, you can’t go wrong with a margarita any day of the week at Cafe Silvestre.

Taqueria 27

Ever since Taqueria 27 came onto the scene several years ago it has been a favorite in the valley. Known for its unique and delicious tacos, including the exciting new flavors for the Taco of the Day, your taste buds are sure to enjoy a trip to Taqueria 27.

The culinary geniuses behind this food menu know that nothing pairs better with tacos than tequila. Therefore, in addition to the variety of flavors that you will find in your food is the variety of margarita flavors to choose from.

If you are looking to take your flavor palette on an exciting new journey, then Taqueria 27 is the place to go.

From the Spicy Jalapeno-Melon Rita to the Smokey Ginger-Pear ‘Rita you will enjoy a combination of unique flavors that you will not find anywhere else.

Not feeling quite that adventurous? Don’t worry, Taqueria 27 has you covered with more familiar flavor pairings like their Strawberry Lemonade Rita or Classic T27 Margarita. And, don’t forget to ask about their Margarita of the Day (and if it’s Blood Orange, definitely say yes!).

Beyond the amazing variety of margaritas to choose from, Taqueria 27 gets an extra nod of approval because of its different locations.

With restaurants in Holladay, Downtown, Fashion Place, and even Lehi, it is easy to experience Taqueria 27 wherever you live in Salt Lake City.

Moreover, if you can’t stay and enjoy a cocktail at the restaurant you can pick up one of their to-go flavors and mix up a margarita at home. These take-home margarita mixes are also a great option for those who don’t drink or are sober curious. You get all the flavor without the alcohol.

De Los Muertos

If we could paint the perfect setting for sipping on margaritas it would include blue skies, sunshine, and patio seating. While no one can ever guarantee the blue skies and sunshine here in Salt Lake City, De Los Muertos can provide the perfect patio when those warm sunny days do show up.

Located off Wilmington Avenue in Sugarhouse,

De Los Muertos has a large patio that is perfect for sipping on margaritas any time of the week.

We love it for happy hour meetups after work or for day drinking on the weekends. When the days get longer and the weather stays warmer it is also a great choice for late dinners and drinks.

Whatever time of the week (or year) you decide to go, this restaurant has a delightful menu of margaritas to choose from.

If you love the smokiness of mezcal, we suggest trying the Mezcalrita.

Garnished with rosemary, it is a perfect blend of rich smoky, and warm earthy flavors.

For the more traditional margarita lovers, you can’t go wrong with the frozen margarita. These are served in a decorated clay mug, or Jarrito, to keep it frosty in any weather. So, there’s no rush to drink it before it melts.

In addition to these two traditional flavors, keep an eye out for the restaurant’s margarita of the day. You may also want to try their Berry Crush for a different take on tequila. Made with Don Julio Anejo Tequila, Blueberry, Mint, Grapefruit, and Orange Bitters, this cocktail is light and refreshing - a perfect patio drink.

Monarca

Located in Downtown Salt Lake City, Monarca offers an elevated and premier dining experience. The owners, Alfonso and Claudia, have built Monarca around the ideas of sharing modern Mexican cuisine while building community.

In contrast to the more casual settings of many Mexican restaurants in the area, Monarca is a lovely option for a more elegant night out. However, while the ambiance may differ from other restaurants, the quality and authenticity of the food are just as outstanding.

While we love the food at Monarca, we are most excited to head back to try out more of their outstanding cocktails.

Like Taqueira 27 and De Lost Muertos, Monarca also offers a Margarita of the Day. In addition, they have their in-house Monarca Margarita.

A perfect blend of Pasote Blanco, fresh lime juice, agave, and orange liqueur.

Want to try something new? Add Passion Fruit, Guava, or Prickly Pear to your Monarca Margarita.

While a flavor addition is one way to elevate a margarita, Monarca has another unique way - freezing your margarita right in front of you.

The Tableside Liquid Nitrogen Margarita begins with a classic blend of Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, agave, and orange liqueur. Then, it is frozen with liquid nitrogen under -321 degrees immediately before serving.

If you are looking for a Margarita experience then you must stop by Monarca.

El Chihuahua

If you have lived in Salt Lake City for any amount of time then you have probably heard of the infamous Duckie and Death Star drinks at El Chihuahua. These drinks are known around the valley and while they are not technically margaritas, we felt they deserved a place on this list.

El Chihuahua has been a staple of Mexican food in Salt Lake City since 1977. A family-owned business, it is a popular spot for regulars in the community looking for a delicious meal as well as those looking to get a bit of a buzz.

Even if you have not tried the popular Duckie or Death Star drinks at El Chihuahua you have probably seen pics or heard stories.

The Death Star comes in over a dozen flavor combos with a base of Rothchild Vodka, Everclear, and 151.

If you are feeling like the Death Star isn’t quite enough to get the party started then go for the Duckie. With rotating flavors and a base of Rothchild Vodka, Everclear, 151, and either Bud Rita, Mikes Harder, or Smirnoff Smash, the Duckie is limited to one per person.

While El Chihuahua is known for these two cocktails that will kick off any night with a bang, their classic margarita deserves a shoutout too. A simple marg made with Juarez Gold tequila, at $4.50 per drink you can’t go wrong adding one (or two) to your meal.

How to Order Margaritas in SLC

Whether you are looking to celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Salt Lake City with a cold margarita or grab a refreshing cocktail after work, Salt Lake City has plenty of options to choose from. However, keep in mind that most margaritas are served at restaurants and if you know anything about Utah Liquor Laws, that means you cannot order a marg on its own.

Unless you are ordering a margarita at a bar, you must order food with your drink.

Luckily, all of the restaurants we shared above are known for their delicious food as well as their drinks! Not feeling hungry enough for a full meal? We have a secret for you…

Just order a basket of chips and guacamole. Yes, chips and guacamole (or chips and salsa) count as food, and who doesn’t love a chip and cocktail combo? The exception to this is if you order a Duckie or Death Star at El Chihuahua. Due to the size of those drinks, there is currently a minimum food purchase of $12.

While Utah may have some unique laws when it comes to enjoying a drink, it doesn’t need to keep you from enjoying a cocktail. All you need to do is plan ahead and take a peek at the menus. We’re sure you can find something delicious to accompany your margarita of choice.