City Cast DC logo
Display ad for Primary and Special Elections; June 16, 2026

The Best Margaritas In DC

Posted on August 15, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

A selection of different margaritas from Paradiso.

A selection of different margaritas from Paraiso. (paraisotaqueria/Inatagram)

Whether you like it spicy, slushy, sour, or foamy (?), here are the best spots in town to raise a salt-rimmed glass.

El Chucho: Jerimiah’s Blood & Smoke

All of El Chucho’s margs are stellar, but this one with mezcal, habanero, and blood orange really can’t be beat. All tequila drinks are 20% off on Tuesdays. (Columbia Heights, $12)

Made with coconut and strawberry syrup plus fresh lime, this margarita sounds odd but is absolutely fire. They also have one of the best happy hour deals in the city. (Capitol Hill, $11)

Paraiso: La Clásica Margarita

No bells and whistles are needed at this mezcalería. Reader Katherine D. says, “They keep it simple with fresh lime and few ingredients, but it’s incredibly tangy and flavorful.”  (Capitol Hill, $13)

Israel’s Matador marg at Tequila & Mezcal.

Israel’s Matador marg at Tequila & Mezcal. (Sussanna Broun/City Cast DC)

Republic Cantina: Frozen tap marg

Great for frozen margs, they always have their classic and a fun rotating frozen flavor on tap. (Truxton Circle, $12)

Tequila & Mezcal: Israel’s Matador

Mezcal + pineapple + hibiscus + habanero = the most refreshing (and colorful) marg you can get in the District. (Columbia Heights, $14)

Oyamel: Salt Air margarita

This classic-style marg has 'Salt Air' foam on top, with a hint of lime and pomegranate. Allegedly, it’s José Andrés' personal favorite. (Penn Quarter, $15)

Share article

Hey DC

Get smart about D.C. with our news roundup and analysis.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.
Display ad for Primary and Special Elections; June 16, 2026

DC's Best

See All

The latest in DC

DC Politics

Transcript: City Cast DC's Interview with Kenyan McDuffie

I'm wondering, looking at the city now, as a kid growing up as you did in a neighborhood like Stronghold… better place now?

City Cast's Michael Schaffer interviews Kenyan McDuffie on Monday, April 28. (City Cast DC)
Local NewsMay 27

As D.C. Weighs Budget Cuts, Families Fear Loss of Youth Mental Health Support

Under the proposed budget, D.C.'s sole mental health crisis team for kids would be shuttered — part of a broader slate of cuts that would...

The John A. Wilson Building in Washington, D.C. Under the proposed budget, D.C.'s sole mental health crisis team for kids would be shuttered. (Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
DC PoliticsMay 22

Transcript: City Cast DC's Interview with Janeese Lewis George

You know, I think a lot of the things that we had when I was a young person, are a lot of the things we need to just reinvest back in.

City Cast's Michael Schaffer interviews Janeese Lewis George on Wednesday, May 20. (City Cast DC)
Local NewsMay 22

Poll: Even After Everything, Washingtonians Are Optimistic

More than 50 percent of respondents to a City Cast poll said they were hopeful about the city’s future.

Rowhouses in the Bloomingdale neighborhood in Washington, District of Columbia, on September 14, 2020. (Photo by Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
AnnouncementsMay 22

Alyssa Fowers Joins City Cast DC as Data Reporter

City Cast DC is undergoing an unprecedented expansion of its local newsroom, hiring a team of journalists to create original reporting ab...

DC, ExplainedMay 21

The Summer of EDM is About To Hit D.C.

Fueled by new venues and social media, EDM is having a resurgence in D.C.

Chris Lake at the Project GLOW Block Party April 18. (Courtesy of Project Glow)
DC PoliticsMay 20

City Cast DC Poll: Lewis George Leads for Mayor; Ranked Choice Could Boost McDuffie

The first citywide poll of District voters shows that neither candidate has a majority in the mayor’s race. McDuffie is the leading secon...

Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George. Lewis George holds a narrow lead over McDuffie, according to a City Cast DC poll. (
Local NewsMay 20

At Malcolm X Park, The Fountain’s Repairs Bring Joy – and Politics

The $16 million park renovation is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to repair defunct D.C. fountains ahead of America’...

The Malcolm X Park fountain has been repaired after many years. The $16 million park renovation is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to repair defunct D.C. fountains ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. (Emma Uber/City Cast DC)