10 Best Places for Tequila in NYC
Summer in NYC is all about taking advantage of outdoorsy bars, rooftops, and our favorite summer drinks and cuisine: tacos and margaritas! For all of us who don’t have the time or money to go to the Hamptons every weekend, here is a list to make your Mexican staycation easy to navigate. Salud!
10. Zona Rosa (571 Lorimer Street – Williamsburg – Brooklyn)
Photo courtesy of zonarosabrooklyn.com
With its lively vibes and open second floor, this little Brooklyn gem made it to the list for its authentic flavors and fun ambiance. Nothing says summer like an open roof, bomb ass chips and guac and a list of margaritas featuring traditional Mexican favorites such as tamarindo.
Must try: The guanabana shot
9. Santos Anne (366 Union Ave – Williamsburg – Brooklyn)
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
With an adorable outdoor patio, inventive cuisine, and great live music, this little spot is a neighborhood favorite. Their house margaritas are only $9 and the drink list is as exciting as the French-Mexican fusion in its food.
Must try: Habanero-Lavender margarita
8. Cascabel Taqueria (1556 2nd Ave – Manhattan – UES) or (2799 Broadway – Manhattan – UWS)
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Corky, fun and super affordable. This little street style taqueria has locations in the upper east and upper west side. Cascabel has daily specials, dirt cheap happy hour and a tequila bar for days. Did I mention it is luchador-themed?
Must try: Watermelon-basil and Cucumber-cilantro margaritas.
7. Tacuba Cantina (35-01 36th St – Queens – Astoria) or (802 9th Ave – Manhattan – Hell’s Kitchen)
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
This lively Mexican spot has it all: mariachi, calaberas, all you can drink brunch and a daily happy hour until 7pm. The frozen margaritas are to die for and the ambiance is fun as all hell!
Photo courtesy yelp.com
Modern, trendy and dimly lit, this newcomer is already a NYC favorite. Singles flock to the bar area on a nightly basis. A bit pricey so definitely more of a special occasion spot, put on your best cocktail dress and check out their drink menu.
Must try: The Striptease
Photo courtesy of nymag.com
With a vast selection of tequilas, this LES staple has all you need to never leave the neighborhood: a trendy basement lounge, the most authentic Paloma in all of New York (they use real squirt like god intended), and a beautiful bar set up. Go on Thursday nights to enjoy latin tunes and some dancing.
Must try: Oaxaca Mule
4. Anejo (668 10th Ave. – Manhattan – Hell’s Kitchen)
Photo courtesy of facebook.com
Shared plates, tequila and Mezcal flights and sleek decor make this Hell’s Kitchen spot a favorite. Come thirsty as they have a large and interesting selection of tequila cocktails with ingredients such as mole bitters, lavender syrup, and Mezcal soaked cherries.
Must Try: Pimm’s Copita
3. La Esquina (114 Kenmare Street – Manhattan – Nolita)
Photo courtesy of thevanderlust.com
This speakeasy-style venue has been a local favorite for as long as its been around. Always reliable for its years of providing yummy street style tacos on the top floor and a sexy little restaurant and bar downstairs. The bar area is dark, intimate and overflowing with young professionals wanting to blow off some steam.
Must Try: The prickly pear
2. Casa Mezcal (86 Orchard St. – Manhattan – LES)
Photo courtesy of giltcity.com
Three levels of fun is what this Oaxacan style Mexican haven is described as. An art gallery, a botanic lab, and a restaurant are all part of what this fun concept has to offer. Ingredients like jicama, nopales and epazote will transport you to the little pueblos in Mexico. Miguel Aranda of Apotheke is responsible for their delicious and daring drink menu where you can enjoy any margarita with Mezcal if you prefer.
Must Try: The Sicario
1. Mayahuel ( 304 E 6th St – Manhattan – East Village)
Photo courtesy of nightout.com
Must Try: All 50 cocktails!
