The Rest of the Best: Houston's Top 10 Margaritas

By Katharine Shilcutt Fri., Dec. 16 2011 at 7:00 AM

Photo by Troy Fields

The choices are endless at El Gran Malo.

2. El Gran Malo

Of course a place that specializes in tequila infusions should have great margaritas, and El Gran Malo makes its bizarre blends with aplomb. There are standards, of course, like a strawberry that tastes like fresh preserves. But be adventurous here: Try a pecan-infused margarita for a warm, Texas twist or a golden beet blend if you're feeling brave.

Set your sights on Hugo's for Sunday Funday with this buffet and a couple of tableside margaritas.

1. Hugo's

This year's Best of Houston® winner gets points for its tequila selection alone -- which features more than 40 choices, counting its bottles of mezcal. Sommelier Sean Beck dreams up exciting twists on the classic cocktail, like El Sueño Profundo with smoky mezcal, but it's the standard Hugorita for $7.50 that we like best. Created with Sauza Silver, Hiram Walker Triple Sec, simple syrup and fresh lime juice, it's mixed tableside. We also love the Y Porque No margarita for only $5 during its weekday happy hours.

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Tags:

Best of Houston, cocktails, margaritas, top ten

We Recommend

Fuegodelmar

Spanish Village gets my vote! Nothing like those chards of icey-limey goodness.And the place has soul, having hosted celebs and hollywood pass-thrus alike.

MallRat

I am loving Don Julio's (on Westheimer in the old La Strada location) $0.99 house margaritas M-F from11-7.

Sean Beck

Thanks for the love and kind words. We are thrilled to be part of Houston's vibrant landscape. While this city may not have a dominant cuisine, we do have a dominant drink... the margarita. So many great spots in this city, including bars and non-Mexican restaurants, put out fantastic versions. We are thrilled to be included in such a collection. Keep drinking Agave everyone be it Tequila, Sotol or Mezcal.

Tracy

Thank you Katharine!!! Merry Christmas

Terry Alexander

Northside represent! In order of preference:

Alicia'sHacienda IsabellCasa Imperial

Macayo's gets an honorable mention. Simply because they have the most potent margarita's on my end of town but they add "Angry Juice" to them. I don't drink them anymore as they turn me into an asshole.TA

Lauren

Hugo's, El Gran Malo, TQLA, and original Ninfa's are all good margaritas. Chuy's--sorry, I don't get it. But Maria Selma DEFINITELY deserves to be on this list. Their house margaritas are great, and their premium ritas are out of this world. Plus less expensive than most others, esp. at happy hour.

Katharine Shilcutt

I must be the only person who's yet to be swayed by Maria Selma. I need to give that place another shot, it seems. As for Chuy's... Their Texas Tinis and the New Mexican-style margaritas with Hatch chiles? Heaven. Smooth, spicy heaven.

Lauren

Here's my advice, for what it's worth: Try the ultimate margarita. Top-shelf tequila and fresh juices for $8, or $5 for happy hour and all day on Mondays. Then skip the fancy stuff on the menu and get some fish tacos on their home-made corn tortillas. $9 for three tacos (you can mix and match, other types are good too, but the fish ones rock).