Update: Please visit our most recent best margarita list here.
Patio weather might be a little spotty as fall stumbles into Dallas. Rather than sweat through your pumpkin lager on the sunny days, we've compiled a list of the best places to get margaritas in this town. Because until those crisp breezes show up for long enough to pull out the hot toddys and Bailey's, the marg is still king in this city.
By neighborhood, here are our favorite places in town to get this cool, limey, tequila-y treat. All come equipped with salt and questionable decision-making.
Oak Cliff Gloria's Indulge in one of the best (and strongest) margaritas on a fun patio. Located just east of the Bishop Arts District in an old firehouse, this Dallas staple serves up tequila-forward margs for just $5 all day, every day.
Preston Hollow Meso Maya If Preston Hollow is your neighborhood, chances are the swarms of children during an otherwise peaceful brunch hour won't bother you. But grab a spot near the open garage doors on a weeknight, while your kids and everyone else's are at soccer practice, and order the avocado margarita.
Lakewood Mariano's The margarita was never about quality; it was about covering up the taste of bad tequila, which is why Mariano Martinez is a genius. When Mariano froze the margarita, earning a spot in the Smithsonian, he made a sinful treat even better.
Deep Ellum Black Swan Saloon It stands to reason that any good bartender should be able to make a good margarita. While some falter, Gabe and his staff at Black Swan Saloon deliver with infused tequila to boot. Occasionally, the bar carries tequila with traces of ghost chile. Good luck with that.
Downtown Wild Salsa Where to get a margarita downtown might be the biggest toss-up. On one hand, the Iron Cactus has great drinks and a solid rooftop. But the crowd can be a little high-octane. For this reason alone, Wild Salsa wins by a nose. The tequila selection at Wild Salsa is remarkable. If you want to cover up that taste, try the Wild-Rita, with pineapple and jalapeño-infused tequila or the Prickliest Pear Margarita that carries a tangy flavor from the ginger liqueur.
Uptown Stampede 66 by Stephan Pyles The margaritas at this Texas-themed bar are like science experiments. The Modern Star Canyon Margarita is made tableside with prickly pear fruit, lime, candied jalapeño and liquid nitrogen. Although this one is fun to watch, the Passion-Chile Margarita wins the flavor competition with its spicy-sweet combination.
Lower Greenville Blue Goose Strong and cheap: just how Lower Greenville likes it. I'll pay $4 for a frozen margarita any day. Add in the complimentary chips and salsa that accompany margarita orders at every restaurant in Texas and this trip to the Greenville Avenue patio reminds me to be grateful I live within Ubering distance.
