Salt or Sugar?: Memorable Margaritas in Long Beach
SoCal weather makes margaritas a must, then again, they work just as well in rain, sleet and snow. Yeah, anytime is a good time for a margarita, and Long Beach knows how to have a good time!
From classic pours to fruity, spicy and smoky versions, the city offers plenty of ways to enjoy arguably the world’s favorite cocktail. Add lively cantinas, waterfront patios and beachside settings, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to raise a glass. There’s just one question: salt or no salt?
EL BARRIO CANTINA
El Barrio Cantina (1731 E 4th St) brings a modern, lively take to Mexican dining on Long Beach’s Retro Row, pairing tacos, seafood, shareable plates and Japanese culinary influence with a tequila-and-mezcal-focused bar. Margaritas are central to the experience, with generous pours and creative combinations. Options range from traditional to fruit-forward and chile-kissed variations. The cocktails match the restaurant’s energetic, social atmosphere and make El Barrio a strong margarita stop.
GAUCHO BEACH
Gaucho Beach (780 E Shoreline Dr) brings a relaxed, beachside Argentine and Latin-inspired menu to the waterfront, with steaks, empanadas, seafood and shareable dishes served overlooking the ocean. Its margarita lineup includes a strawberry-basil margarita and a smoky mezcal version, plus a spicy Infierno Margarita made with habanero-infused tequila. Drinks emphasize fresh ingredients and distinctive flavor combinations rather than sweetness, making Gaucho Beach a good choice for margarita drinkers who like creativity and heat.
FUEGO AT THE MAYA
Located inside The Maya (700 Queensway Dr), Fuego pairs Latin-inspired cuisine with a polished resort atmosphere, open-air seating, firepits and sweeping waterfront views. More than just a hotel bar, this social lounge space serves the classic Fuego Margarita, plus spicy, mango and strawberry variations and a flight for sampling several. Fresh and flavorful, the drinks balance citrus, tequila and fruit. With views of the Queen Mary and Long Beach skyline, margaritas here are made for leisurely sipping with a view.
ZARAPE COCINA & CANTINA
Zarape Cocina & Cantina (4702 2nd St) brings a contemporary feel to Belmont Shore, with a scratch-made Mexican menu. Its margarita selection is extensive, to say the least, with a dozen distinct creations. The choices include skinny, Cadillac, jalapeño, tamarind, passion fruit, mango and watermelon, with such tastebud bending ingredients as pasilla chile reduction and charcoal. It’s a flavorful menu with enough range to satisfy both traditionalists and adventurous sippers.
TEQUILA JACK’S
Tequila Jack’s (407 Shoreline Village Dr) is a classic waterfront Long Beach cantina, serving Mexican favorites, seafood, fajitas and tacos alongside an expansive tequila selection. This lively space is a natural setting for going large, as in, very large margaritas. Choices range from a house margarita and hand-shaken Cadillac to blended fruit versions, a spicy Ghost Margarita and cucumber-jalapeño variation. Served in generous 20-ounce schooners, the margaritas are built for lingering over the harbor views.
LOLA’S MEXICAN CUISINE
At Lola’s Mexican Cuisine (4140 Atlantic Ave/2030 E 4th St), the margaritas are almost as much of a draw as its much beloved food. The menu is constantly evolving, with sweet, spicy and seasonal creations ranging from Spicy Watermelon to Blood Orange, Chile Mango and Tamarind Mezcal. The bright, festive restaurant serves contemporary Mexican cooking based on family recipes, with a welcoming patio that makes it an especially good spot to settle in with a margarita and stay awhile.
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