Ah, margaritas. We never have to wait for National Margarita Day (February 22) to enjoy them, but the deals that come with it never hurt. No matter the day, when you get a real margarita craving, this is the list for you. We asked our staff where they love to grab a glass or a pitcher, and this is what they shared.
Adelitas Cocina y Cantina
Where: 1294 S. Broadway, Denver
The Lowdown: We’re going to be real with you — whether it’s taco Tuesday or not, Adelitas is often packed. But, it’s for a reason. The margaritas are strong, without an artificial syrup in sight. You don’t have to wait for National Margarita Day for great specials, either. Every Monday, margaritas are two for one.
Comida Cantina
Where: 3550 Brighton Blvd., Denver; 2501 Dallas St., Aurora; 721 Confidence Dr., Longmont
The Lowdown: You can’t go wrong with any margarita or cocktail at Comida. All of the citrus is freshly squeezed or juiced, and the menu goes beyond your classic margarita. One of our favorites is the Agua de Jamaica Margarita ($7, glass / $26 jar) with Olmeca Altos Plata, hibiscus, agave, orange, lemon and lime. It packs a punch, but goes down easily — a seriously dangerous combo.
Dos Santos
Where: 1475 E. 17th Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: If you like your margarita a little on the sweeter side, head to Dos Santos for the Tommy’s House Margarita ($7) with Arette Blanco, fresh lime and agave. While we’re partial to the Coin-Style ($9) with Pueblo Viejo Blanco, Cointreau, fresh lime and agave, you may want to reach for that house margarita on National Margarita Day — they will be $5 all day.
El Camino
Where: 3628 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: El Camino switches up its margarita selection with rotating house-infused margarita specials for $6. While you can score a house margarita for $4 anytime, we suggest asking about the current special flavors. One of our writers can’t get enough of the pineapple-infused tequila with a chili salt rim.
El Jefe
Where: 2450 W. 44th Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: Head to Sunnyside to El Jefe if you’re craving a little spice. The $6 La Casa margarita can by made spicy for one extra dollar, or you can go all in with the Jalapeño Piña ($9) with Milagro Reposado, muddled jalapeño, grilled pineapple puree, lime and agave — it can be made smoky for $1. On National Margarita Day, the team is hosting a complimentary Casa Noble tasting from 5:30 to 7:30 and serving $6 coconut, strawberry or jalapeño-infused margaritas.
La Loma
Where: 1801 Broadway, Denver
The Lowdown: When you’re downtown, it’s hard not to sneak into La Loma for a fishbowl margarita ($9). Even the house margarita only uses 100 percent blue agave and natural citrus blends, and you can add more flavor — like strawberry, prickly pear, mango and peach — for $2.
Las Delicias
Where: 439 E. 19th Ave., Denver and four others
The Lowdown: This was recommended by a staff writer with seven exclamation points. The team recently hired a new executive chef with a more fine-dining background who’s bringing a new flair to the menu, with the drinks to match.
Lola
Where: 1575 Boulder St., Denver
The Lowdown: Lola has always been a staff favorite, and it’ll be no exception on National Margarita Day. Coin-style lovers, this one’s for you. Specials include $1 El Charro Blanco Coins, $2 El Charro Reposado Coins and $3 El Jimador Anejo Coins. There will also be a margarita-making demo from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Los Chingones
Where: 2634 Larimer St., Denver
The Lowdown: Finally, what would a margarita list be without Los Chingones? The house margarita — called “Los Marg” ($8) has Exotico Blanco, LOS house-made sour mix and a salt rim. For $2 extra, make it skinny (tart with only tequila and lime juice) or coin-style (with tequila, citronge, agave and lime juice). For National Margarita Day, deals include $6 shots of Milagro Silver, $5 Milagro Pineapple Pops and $8 Milagro Silver Margs.