Best Margaritas in Phoenix and Scottsdale

The Valley's Best Margarita Scene

A great margarita is one of life's simple pleasures, and Phoenix and Scottsdale take the craft seriously. Whether you want a perfectly balanced classic on the rocks, a spicy tajín-rimmed variation, or a frozen mango blend on a 110-degree afternoon, the Valley delivers. Here are the best spots to raise a glass across Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Barrio Queen — Multiple Locations

Barrio Queen has built a well-earned reputation as one of the best margarita programs in the Valley. Their house margarita uses fresh-squeezed lime juice and quality tequila — no premix, no shortcuts. The rotating seasonal specials are worth asking about: past menus have featured hibiscus, tamarind, and cucumber-jalapeño variations that have become cult favorites. The Old Town Scottsdale location is especially popular for happy hour crowds.

Old Town Pour House — Scottsdale

In the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Old Town Pour House is a reliable destination for well-made margaritas with a great patio. Their margarita selection spans classic lime to more adventurous options, and the bar team knows their agave spirits. It's a solid choice before or after exploring the Old Town Scottsdale dining and entertainment district, and their happy hour pricing makes it even better.

Culinary Dropout — Scottsdale and Phoenix

Culinary Dropout is known for its irreverent, fun approach to food and drink, and the margarita menu matches that energy. Their frozen options are legendary in the summer — the sort of drink that makes surviving an Arizona July feel possible. The Scottsdale location is lively and loud in the best way, with a sprawling patio and a bar that takes its cocktail program seriously without being pretentious about it.

Postino Wine Cafe — Phoenix and East Valley

Postino is primarily known as a wine bar, but their margarita is an underrated gem that appears on the cocktail menu at most locations. Using fresh citrus and high-quality tequila, it's balanced and refreshing — especially on their shaded patios. The pairing of a Postino margarita with their famous bruschetta boards is a Phoenix lunch tradition worth adopting.

Mezcal Margaritas: The Smoky Alternative

Phoenix's bar scene has embraced mezcal in a big way, and mezcal margaritas have become a menu staple at serious cocktail bars across the Valley. The smoky, complex character of mezcal gives the classic margarita formula a completely different dimension. Several bars in the Phoenix arts district near Roosevelt Row specialize in agave spirits and rotate through small-batch mezcals that make for exceptional margaritas.

Tips for Margarita Hunting in the Valley

• Always ask if the bar uses fresh lime juice — this single factor separates good from great
• Happy hours (typically 3–6pm) are the best time to try new spots at lower prices — see Valley happy hour listings
• Spicy margaritas with tajín, jalapeño, or habanero are a Valley specialty — worth trying at least once
• Frozen margaritas are genuinely refreshing in summer heat and not a lesser choice — embrace them from June through September
• Pair your margarita crawl with West Valley happy hour spots for a full evening itinerary

Plan Your Night Around Great Drinks

The best margarita experience in Phoenix or Scottsdale usually involves a great patio, food worth eating, and a lively atmosphere. Check this weekend's events on ZonaHaps and build your evening around the best the Valley has to offer — drinks included.