Our 5 Favorite Margaritas in LA

Today is National Margarita Day. Normally, we would say that the existence of such a holiday is ludicrous, but in this case we’ll make an exception given that some of the best nights (and worst decisions) of our lives have been fueled by this classic tequila-based cocktail. Besides, what better way to get over the hump this week than with one (or two or three) of our favorite margaritas in town? 

1. Red O -- Buyer beware: do not so much as take the first sip of your Red O margarita without first designating a) a driver, and b) a good friend, who will keep you from doing something you’ll later regret. Trust us on this one.  Tonight, Red O is offering a special margarita flight consisting of the Market Margarita, the La Dama Margarita, and the Alacran Margarita for $15. If you don’t trust yourself to drink a Red O margarita in public, worry not -- we’ve scored an ambitious recipe for the restaurant’s Marceta Margarita. 

2. El Carmen -- If variety is the spice of life, then it’s no wonder El Carmen has become an LA staple when it comes to the tequila-based cocktail given the restaurant boasts 420 different types of the spirit. Tonight, get a Classic Margarita for $5 from 7 p.m. to close. 

3. La Cabaña -- Fancier fare may continue its takeover of the Venice community, but few of those newbie spots can compete with this nearly 50-year-old classic Mexican joint. Food is cheap, portions are huge, and the margaritas have oft been voted the best in the city. A regular margarita is $6.50, while a pitcher (1 liter) goes for $22.75. If you can’t cab it all the way to Venice just to drink, try making La Cabaña's Original Margarita at home. 

4.  Casa Vega -- This valley spot may be famous for Jessica Simpson’s patronage, but it’s been around since 1956. If you happen to work over-the-hill, sneak out at lunch and get started early as Casa Vega’s offering an all day happy hour on margaritas, which will be priced from $5-$8. 

5. Chipotle -- With so many amazing options to choose from in LA (Las Perlas! Malo! Rivera!), it might surprise you that our final favorite margarita comes from a fast food joint.  How are we to resist a $3.75 margarita that’s actually the perfect mixture of sweet, sour, and Suaza, though? Not every Chipotle has margaritas on the menu, so call your location to confirm.

Finally, we haven’t yet tried the margaritas at Westwood newbie Casa Azul Cantina and so couldn't add them to our list, but there’s no time like the present as the restaurant will be offering specials all night long tonight.  Those of you who haven’t made it to Westwood since college can make Casa Azul’s Tamarindo Margarita at home by following this recipe.