June 12, 2024
Food & Drink, Guide,
From high-end takes to traditional go-tos, here are some of our favorite margs in Music City.
Taco Bamba
This DC-based taqueria chain’s Green Hills location is a welcome new addition to Nashville’s margarita scene. With a bountiful menu of margs, there’s something for every palette, but we love the Margarita Madre. Made with the resto's own mezcal, developed in partnership with Oaxacan mezcal maker, Rey Campero, it’s smoky, citrusy goodness. 4017 Hillsboro Pike, Taco Bamba
Bartaco
The eponymous Bartaco Margarita is a refreshing classic—Libélula Joven tequila, Combier Liqueur D’orange, agave syrup and lime juice. Looking to spice it up? No problem, just tell the bartenders you like it hot. Or go green with the Bartaco “Green” Margarita, which adds housemade green juice to the mix. (Dare we even call it a healthy serving of your daily greens?) Multiple locations, Bar Taco
Rosepepper Cantina
Come for the sign, stay for the margs. While the marquee out front always offers some wisecracking words of wisdom, locals know that the real draw at Rosepepper is the margaritas. The classic with Triple Sec and Rose’s lime juice—is always a crowd-pleaser. Make it Skinny with Cointreau and fresh lime, or opt for the El Fuego: El Jimador Silver tequila, Triple Sec, Rose’s lime juice and fresh jalapenos. Bring some friends and make any of the above a pitcher. 1907 Eastland Ave., Rosepepper Cantina
Pushing Daisies
This underground bar specializes in margaritas, so there’s truly not a bad marg on the menu. From toasted cinnamon and pomegranate to heirloom carrot and turmeric, Pushing Daisies knows how to spice up a margarita. But our favorite is the Guac is Extra—mezcal, cold-pressed avocado, ginger-soaked agave, mint, grapefruit zest and bubbly water. It’s a refreshing way to take a break from the Broadway heat. 570 Broadway, Pushing Daisies
El Fuego
This East Nashville oasis is a favorite for many reasons—it’s perfect for families, there’s tons of outdoor space, and, most importantly, they have $5.99 margaritas all day, every day. Their from-scratch margs with freshly squeezed lime, 100 percent agave tequila and orange liqueur hit the spot every time. 3917 Gallatin Pike, El Fuego
Mercado by Butchertown
This new Baja-inspired Wedgewood Houston spot comes from the team behind Butchertown, which means their smoked meats are on point. Add in Mercado’s incredible seafood offerings (including what’s served at Ramone’s Oyster Bar on the rooftop patio) and it’s a great spot to sip and savor all your favorites. And with a bar program designed to complement their taco- and tostada-centric menu, you know they’ve got great margaritas. Their house marg is a traditional treat, but we love their fruit-infused options. Mix it up with mango, strawberry or passionfruit and, on a hot summer day, order it frozen. It’s like taking a vacation in the heart of WeHo. 625 Hamilton Ave., Mercado by Butchertown
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
While this dimly lit cocktail den in East Nashville may not be your first thought when seeking out excellent margaritas, it should be. Their Concord Grape Margarita is a libation lover’s dream of a take on the traditional: Arette Reposado tequila, concord grape citric, spiced pear and lime stock make this an out-of-the-box beverage that shouldn’t be missed. 2950B Gallatin Pike, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
This downtown Mexican spot offers elevated takes on classics (think tiger shrimp fajitas with spicy garlic butter and short rib machaca enchiladas) and their margaritas are no different. You can’t go wrong with the classic, but we recommend the Spicy Skinny with Cuervo Especial Silver, Serrano Chile, agave and lime. Light and delicious! 530 Broadway, Blanco Cocina + Cantina
pH Craft Cocktails
This Wedgewood Houston cocktail spot offers a menu filled with clever takes on classics and new favorites that bring locals back time and time again. We can’t get enough of their pH Rita—Lunazul Blanco, lime and simple syrup made just right. But for a real treat, add a flavor and spice things up. Fresh options are available daily. 1249 Martin St., pH Craft Cocktails
Superica
The Gulch’s Superica offers a menu of street-style tacos and Tex-Mex traditional fare, but beyond its mouthwatering eats is a cocktail menu that makes it the perfect spot for a happy hour outing. Their long list of margaritas includes a rocks and a frozen version of the classic, but also flavor-forward takes on the favorite like the Ginger Margarita, which adds spicy ginger syrup to El Jimador Blanco and fresh lime or the Barrel Racer—Corazon Reposado, fresh lime juice, dill, agave nectar and (believe it or not) pickle brine. 605 Overton St., Superica
Photography by: Greg Powers. Taco Bamba's Madre Margarita is made with the resto's own Mezcal, distilled by restaurateur Rey Campero.