Legend has it that the margarita was first introduced in the 1940s in the El Paso/Juárez region, and then introduced to the rest of the world. The story goes like this — in 1942, a now-legendary bartender named Pancho Morales mistakenly created the drink after a woman ordered a Magnolia at a bar in Juárez known as Tommy’s Place.
This new creation spread through the southwest and helped immensely speed up the importation of tequila in the states with its widespread popularity. With the origin of this story being located so close to El Paso, it’s only logical that we can boast of having some of the best margaritas around.
The margarita has since become a staple item in bars, restaurants and environments alike. From sweet and refreshing to tangy and spicy, the margarita is a classic choice of beverage. Across El Paso, you can find countless variations of the margarita, either on the rocks or frozen, and one is sure to become your new favorite. To help you on your search, we’ve provided a list of some of the most respected and highest-quality margaritas in town found at iconic and family-owned restaurants.
Taconeta
Recognized as a 2024 James Beard semifinalist, Taconeta is doing all things right when it comes to delicious food and special beverages. Established in July 2020, Taconeta has a short but outstanding history in El Paso’s food scene. From overcoming obstacles stemming from the pandemic, Taconeta has become a familiar Mexican cuisine restaurant in the Borderland. Order a Jamaica, Mezcal or Hibiscus margarita – each made with precision and craft, served with salt and lime rims.