As a mom living in the heat of Florida, probably eating far too many tacos (is that actually possible though?), and definitely always craving chips and salsa or queso, it should come as no surprise that I love a good margarita. With homage to a popular children’s book…
I would drink a margarita frozen,
I would drink it on the rocks.
I would drink it with a friend,
I would drink one with a fox.
I would drink it with a lime,
I would drink it with salt.
I would drink it in the open,
I would drink it in a vault.
I’d drink a margarita here,
I would drink it over there,
I would drink a margarita literally anywhere.
Lucky for you, I’ve taken one for the team and done the leg work of finding the best margaritas in Jacksonville. We have no shortage of places with delicious margaritas, and if you keep reading, you, too, can have the inside scoop.
La Nopalera (multiple locations)
If you love a margarita that is heavy on the tequila and light on the other ingredients, La Nopalera is your place. They have a few flavor options, but the traditional lime ones are my favorite — specifically their frozen margaritas. At some of the locations (particularly the one on Hendricks Ave. in San Marco), the margs are always buy one, get one free (BOGO)! With how strong they are, you only need 1–2 before you will probably need an Uber. But if you go to the one in San Marco, you can avoid the Uber by walking across the courtyard to Mayday for a delicious ice cream treat.
Iguana on Park (Avondale)
Do you love a good vibe and aesthetic while enjoying your margaritas? If so, Iguana on Park located in Avondale is for you! Iguana on Park has amazing options — from their “Iguana on Park” to their Blood Orange option, their margs are refreshing and always a great choice — especially on Margarita Mondays when they’re $4 off. Looking for something to order while you’re there? They have delicious chips and guacamole (which they make tableside), and their chorizo and potato empanadas are *chef’s kiss.*
READ: Cinco de Mayo: The Ultimate Taco Feast (Recipes)
TacoLu (Jacksonville Beach)
This high-energy Jacksonville Beach staple has a fierce following, and their margaritas are no exception. Rumor has it that the owner, Don, has trekked to Mexico on more than one occasion in search of a wide variety of tequilas to make TacoLu‘s margaritas top-notch. Don’t forget to spin the wheel there where patrons can potentially win a free shot of a high-end tequila… or water. A Jax Mom staff favorite is the Aperol Skinny marg, which is basically all the flavors of summer in a salt-rimmed glass.
One Night Taco Stand (Mandarin)
One Night Taco Stand became a lifeline and favorite during the COVID lockdown because they were selling their oh-so-tasty margaritas in the form of gallons to-go. And don’t you fret, dear reader, because they still offer this necessary perk today. They have multiple flavor options, happy hours and deals, and bonus: mouthwatering chips and queso to snack on (or scarf down) while you savor your choice of margarita.
Flying Iguana (Neptune Beach)
Flying Iguana is the sister restaurant to Iguana on Park and is equally delicious. My notes above on Iguana on Park also apply to this recommendation, but I will add that their Spice of Life (spicy marg) is incredible and most certainly worth a try. The best part of visiting Flying Iguana is that you can visit our beautiful beaches for a post-drink hot girl walk.
READ: Quest for Queso: Finding the Best Cheesy Dip in the 904
Gemma Fish + Oyster (San Marco)
Newer to the restaurant scene in Jacksonville, Gemma provides a beautiful and upscale environment for dining and enjoying a delightful beverage. Whether you’re downstairs or dining on their covered rooftop area, they have the best spicy margarita that I’ve ever had. Spicy margaritas aren’t for everyone, but they are definitely for me (and maybe you?).
Chili’s (multiple locations)
Hear me out, ladies. It’s a tale as old as time and a song as old as rhyme… but my lord, it is incredible! Their house margaritas are delicious, and their Coronoaritas (for those of you who love a good adventure in a cup) are a surprise to the taste buds. At Chili’s, they always have a $6 margarita of the month and they have a steal of a happy hour. To be set for the day, combine their happy hour with an app — chips and salsa (they have my favorite chips ever) and a triple dipper as your entree. Order this and thank me later because you, like Pam, from The Office, will feel so great that you proclaim that you “feel God in this Chili’s tonight.”
More-Than-Honorable Mentions
Tequila, salt, and lime… oh, my! There are only so many margs a mama can drink, but you should definitely add these to your margarita bucket list.
Bartaco (Five Points): This chill Five Points spot serves upscale street tacos and a variety of margaritas and specialty cocktails in a coastal, relaxed environment. Try the “green” margarita made with house-made green juice!
Beach Bowl (Jacksonville Beach): If you ever only have one margarita inside a legit bowling alley, let this one be it. The Jala Up In Yo Lane Margarita is a must.
Cantina Louie (multiple locations): This fun Mexican cantina features several locations throughout Northeast Florida and has even more margaritas on the menu. So many different types — you can thank us later. And be sure to check out their daily specials!
Casa Maria Tequila Bar & Grill (Jacksonville Beach): The locally owned Casa Maria serves up authentic Mexican fare and a variety of delicious margaritas. Trust, the Luxury Margarita is as top-shelf as it sounds.
Casa Marina (Jacksonville Beach): This historic Jax Beach hotel and restaurant has some great happy hours, and their classic marg comes spicy, skinny, or straight-up.
Midtown Table (St. Johns Town Center): This one might be surprising, but it’s true. The margaritas served up at this Italian-inspired establishment — owned by the Medure Brothers, mind you — are a must-try.
Oaxaca Club (Jacksonville Beach): Inspired by authentic Oaxacan cuisine, Oaxaca Club is perfect for a date night or moms’ night out — and their six different margaritas won’t disappoint.
Sandbar (Jacksoville Beach): This beachfront gem offers the best ocean views (and refreshing margaritas) in a casual setting.
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar (St. Johns Town Center): After shopping, take a seat at this outdoor restaurant and pair their Blood Orange Margarita with the house-made chips and guacamole.
Cheers and happy margarita tasting, mamas! If you ever need a date to try out some of these places, I am 100% your gal.
Where do you like to go for the best margaritas in Jax? Tell us in the comments!
