National Margarita Day ’21 is on February 22, and that means tequila lovers from across the Ocean State will be on the hunt for the best margaritas in Rhode Island.
Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of options; little Rhody is widely known as a foodie and craft cocktail destination, and that includes serving up some of the tastiest margaritas in New England.
Whether you’re looking for the best margaritas in Providence or Newport, want that perfect classic margarita or something with a twist, here are some of the best spots in Rhode Island to try right now:
If we’re missing any of your favorites, message us on Facebook or Twitter or email us at yurnewengland@gmail.com.
If you’re spending the day at home, try this simple recipe for the perfect classic margarita.
Cheers!
Bandidos Mexican Restaurant
88 Broad St., Cumberland
(401)724-0342
http://bandidosri.com/
Bandidos was started by two long time friends who met while working in a Mexican restaurant in Massachusetts and eventually decided to go into business together.
You’ll be served authentic Mexican food from a staff that focuses on making you feel at home, and their house made margaritas earn rave reviews from enthusiastic regulars.
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Casa Margaritas
200 Gooding Ave, Bristol
(401) 396-8933
http://www.mycasamargaritas.com
This family-owned and operated cantina was established in 2013 and offers the freshest margaritas in the East Bay, plus an extensive menu that includes fresh guacamole, ceviche, caso fundido, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and chimichangas.
For dessert you’ll have choices like tres leches cake, flan, fried ice cream and churros.
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Chilangos
447 Manton Ave, Providence
(401) 383-4877
https://sites.google.com/view/chilangos/home
Chilangos is a hidden gem that you may not be familiar with but it’s become a neighborhood icon since it was established in 1986 by offering some of the most authentic Mexican food in Providence.
Their fresh margarita offerings include favorites like guava and mango, or if you’re in the mood for something different you can try one of their agave Old Fashioneds.
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Condesa Restaurante Mexicano
970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield
(401) 349-3935
721 Quaker Ln, West Warwick
(401) 828-1005
https://condesarestaurant.com/
With two locations in Rhode Island, this family owned restaurant features made-from-scratch Mexican dishes in a fun & unique setting. The menu is highlighted by items like ceviche, Cabo fish tacos, burritos, special entrée dishes and vegan selections.
Their full bar offers a variety of hand-shaken margaritas and a wide selection of beer, sangria and custom bebidas and this year they’re offering a fantastic take home special for National Margarita Day.
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Diego’s
11 Bowens Wharf, Newport
(401) 619-2640
https://www.diegosnewport.com/
116 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown
(401) 619-1717
https://www.diegosmiddletown.com/
192 Wayland Ave., Providence
401-865-6222
https://www.diegosprovidence.com/
Diego’s and their bodega in Middletown are Aquidneck Island staples with a wide variety of margaritas ranging from their Upgrade Margarita and Spicy Paloma to the delicious Bride of Carlos.
They recently opened a new location in Wayland Square, so fans in Providence can save the Uber fair and enjoy Diego’s close to home.
Diego’s offers a great selection of cerveza cocktails, mojitos, tequila flights, a terrific Bloody Mary featured on their Sunday brunch menu and more. Their authentic vibe & friendly staff guarantee you’ll have a ton of fun.
At Diego’s, there’s definitely something for everyone.
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Dolores
100 Hope St, Providence
(401)409-2075
http://dolorespvd.com/
Dolores was started in 2019 in Providence’s Fox Point neighborhood by the Meza family of El Rancho Grande fame.
They feature contemporary and regional Mexican cuisine from the Mixteca region of Puebla and Oaxaca, drawing inspiration from its many types of Moles, sauces and stews.
The cocktail program is led by Marco Meza, a longtime crowd favorite at El Rancho Grande known for his amazing margaritas & craft cocktail skills.
At Dolores, the beverage program focuses on México’s artisanal agave distillates, offering craft cocktails that are a compliment to the cuisine.
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Don Jose Tequlia’s
351 Atwells Ave., Providence
(401)454-8951
https://donjosetequilas.com/
Don Jose Tequila’s is probably the best known Mexican restaurant on Federal Hill; their menu is based on fresh local ingredients and traditional family recipes.
With their impressive tequila bar, Don Jose Tequila’s is a must visit for margaritas the next time you’re on The Hill.
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El Rancho Grande
311 Plainfield St, Providence
(401)275-0808
https://elranchogranderestaurant.com/
Started in 2007 by Maria Meza & her family, this popular neighborhood spot features a cozy atmosphere with traditional Mexican dishes at an affordable price using only the most authentic ingredients possible, often bringing in hard-to-find food products directly from Mexico. (Insider tip: try the Tinga Poblana, you’ll be glad you did.)
In normal times, there’s usually a wait to sit at their small but well curated bar. Their margarita’s are among the best in the state and are accompanied by a creative craft cocktail menu that’s updated seasonally.
Going to El Rancho is like visiting Mama Maria for dinner at her home – don’t be surprised if she offers to do a Tequila toast with you!
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Figidini Wood Fire Eatery
67 Washington St, Providence
(401)808-6886
http://www.figidini.com/
Submitted by our friend David Dadekian of eat drink RI.
Admittedly, we didn’t even think of Figidini for this list of the state’s best margaritas; partially because when we think Figidini we mostly think mouth watering, wood fire grill pizza, but mainly because we’ve never actually had one of their margaritas. (How embarrassing.)
If eat drink RI says they should be on the list, who are we to argue?
Frankly, if their margs are even close to as tasty as the pizza and other grill offerings (not to mention their amazing craft cocktails), you should drop everything, go Downcity and send us your margarita review. It’s officially at the top of our to-do list.
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Los Andes
903 Chalkstone Ave, Providence
(401)649-4911
https://losandesri.com/
Los Andes’ Peruvian & Bolivian cuisine doesn’t exactly match the other Mexican restaurants on the list but that doesn’t preclude the Providence hot spot from making our list by mixing some of the best margaritas around, headlined by their signature Los Andes Margarita.
If you’re looking for something different, try some of their traditional Peruvian and Bolivian offerings like a caipirinha or bamboleo to complement their fantastic menu.
One thing’s for sure, you’ll never go home hungry from Los Andes.
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Mi Guatemala
1049 Atwells Ave, Providence
(401) 621-9147
www.miguatemalarestaurantri.com
If you’ve driven by this colorful restaurant and always wanted to check it out, what are you waiting for?
Mi Guatemala pairs delicious Guatemalan cuisine with a tasty lineup of “bebidas mixtas”. They’ve been pouring delicious margaritas for over 25 years & they definitely know what they’re doing!
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Milagro Café Stonington
142 Water St, Stonington, CT
(860) 535-8178
https://www.milagrocafe142.com/
Ok, we’re breaking the rules a bit by crossing the border, but the Milagro Café, located in the heart of Stonington Borough, is worth the trip. If you haven’t been to the area before, you’ll enjoy the quaint seaside town with amazing views.
Milagro’s food menu is simple but delicious, with fresh salads, soups and tacos, but they are well known for a huge assortment of tequila that helps with making quite possibly the region’s best margaritas.
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Perro Salado
19 Charles St., Newport
(401)619-4777
https://www.perrosalado.com/
In Rhode Island parlance, Perro Salado is located where “La Petite Auberge used to be”; just a stone’s throw from the White Horse Tavern and around the corner from Broadway.
Perro retains the warmth and charm of the colonial house it was originally intended to be and, while their food is delicious (don’t pass up those sticky ribs!!), they are adored by locals and tourists alike for their fresh cocktails, especially their house margaritas. (We recommend a spicy blood orange or the cilantro-jalapeno margarita).
In the winter, try and get a seat in the back bar and stay warm by the small fireplace. When the temperatures rise they offer outside dining on their festively lit patio.
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Tortilla Flats
355 Hope St, Providence
(401)751-6777
http://www.tortillaflatsri.com/
Tortilla Flats is currently closed and it looks like they won’t be ready for National Margarita Day, but no list of Rhode Island’s best margaritas would be complete without them. (Don’t worry, they’ll be reopening soon. Check their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/TortillaFlatsFans)
This East Side staple serves Tex-Mex and Cajun fusion fare, and their bar menu including a variety of cocktails, sangria, beer, and an abundance of tequila selections.
Everything at Tortilla Flats is made fresh, including the margaritas; and since “The Flats” draws customers from around the state there’s a good chance you’ll bump into someone you know.
It’s like the Tex-Mex version of Cheers, donde todos sabe tu nombre.
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