National Margarita Day - here's 8 spots to enjoy a margarita in Bristol

National Margarita Day - here's 8 spots to enjoy a margarita in Bristol

Posted on: 20 Feb 2024

On Thursday (22 February) it's National Margarita Day! So, to celebrate, let's take a look at eight of the best bars and restaurants for margaritas in Bristol - with a couple of special mentions. 

 

The margarita cocktail is a classic and refreshing drink made with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, and is often served with a salted rim. Its tangy and citrusy flavours make it a popular summer tipple, but - strangely - the drink's national day of celebration is in deepest, darkest February.

 

So, why not relieve the winter blues by heading down to your local Mexican restaurant, or one of Bristol's various clandestine bars and enjoy a truly classic cocktail this Thursday?

 

Cargo Cantina | 15 Cargo 2, BS1 6ZA

 

What better place to enjoy a classic Mexican cocktail than in an establishment serving food from the region? Situated in the buzzing dockside food quarter of Wapping Wharf, Cargo Cantina is a cherished taco bar inspired by the cantinas of Mexico City. In addition to fresh Mexican street food, Cantina serve a wide range of margaritas with flavours ranging from hibiscus to mezcal, Picante to the beloved classic - in addition to frozen margaritas!

Flight Club Bristol | 41 Corn St, BS1 1HT

 

Next on our list, we have Flight Club Bristol, the Corn Street bar that combines Social Darts with top-notch cocktails and delicious food. This National Margarita Day, the bar has partnered with Patrón to create four fresh twists on the classic cocktail. Paying homage to the tequila-based tipple from now until Sunday 17 March, you’ll be able to indulge in Passion Fruit Picante, Vanilla Expresso Margarita, Mango and Elderflower Margarita and Orange Blossom Margarita - delicious!

Sidney & Eden | 198 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, BS7 8NU

 

One of Gloucester Road’s hidden gems, Sidney & Eden is located a short distance away from the road’s hustle and bustle in Bishopston. As well as a vast array of craft beer taps, amazing wine and weekly comedy, drag, karaoke, film nights and live music in the basement, they also boast a vibrant cocktail featuring all the classics - including margaritas! - and delicious specials.

Crying Wolf | 37 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JY

 

Crying Wolf was built “as a love letter to Bristol” and has since become a staple of the city’s cocktail scene. Using suppliers, brewers, farmers and distillers from the local area where possible, the team have crafted a delicious cocktail menu that caters for all kinds of tastes. Whether you’re looking for a classic Old Fashioned, a house offering such as Black Cherry Negroni, or a delicious non-alcoholic option, this is the place for you.

Viva La Mexicana | 149 East St, Bedminster, BS3 4EJ

 

Situated in Bedminster, South Bristol, Viva La Mexicana is a cosy little restaurant combining traditional Mexican dishes with Tex-Mex flavours. Offering veggie and vegan options as well as free karaoke in any language, there is also a wide variety of cocktails to indulge in - don’t miss this chance for a wonderful evening in a cosy family restaurant.

The Milk Thistle | Quay Head House, Colston Ave, BS1 1EB

 

Next up we have the sister bar of Hyde & Co, The Milk Thistle. A clandestine venue for the discerning drinker spread across four floors just a stone’s throw from the city centre, punters will marvel at the stunning architecture, eclectic decor and exceptional cocktails. The bar’s regularly changing cocktail menu is jam-packed with unique concoctions as well as classic cocktails - including three varieties of margarita!

Filthy XIII | 208 Cheltenham Rd, St Andrew's, BS6 5QU

 

A multi-award-winning cocktail bar, combining classics with modern techniques, this Stokes Croft venue is the perfect place to kick back with a lychee martini and enjoy a throwback hip-hop playlist. The cocktail menu changes monthly with offerings such as a ‘cognac cobbler’ (cognac, Palo Cortado, kiwi, apple, lemon) or a ‘bamboo shoot’ (Empirical Soak, manzanilla sherry, green banana, pineapple) as well as mouth-watering margaritas.

BANK | 107 Wells Rd, Totterdown, BS4 2BS

 

The second South Bristol venue on our list, BANK is an independent restaurant located in the heart of Totterdown. With an ever-changing seasonal menu and an excellent wine list, BANK boasts an array of house cocktails such as ‘Mint Eastwood’ (coconut, rum, sugar snap, mint syrup, acid blend, absinthe), Cherry Halliwell (tequila, strawberry, cherry & cinnamon syrup, acid, Aperitivo Co!, Turin, Soda) and more.

Special mentions:

 

Chido Wey | 25B, Central Hall, Old Market St, BS2 0HB

 

Chido Wey is a venue that would have appeared on our main list if it was not for the fact that it is closed for refurbishment on National Margarita Day - reopening on Sunday 25 February. A chilli restaurant serving carefully sourced Mexican food and drinks in a bright, artful setting, Chido Wey’s winter cocktail menu features mojito and sangria jugs, bloody Marias (vodka, tomato, chipotle, lemon), sotol sunrise (mezcal, lime, pineapple, habanero) and more, as well as expertly mixed margaritas.

Hyde & Co | The Basement, 2 Upper Byron Pl, BS8 1JY

 

If you’re not a fan of a Margarita but this article has left you a little thirsty, Hyde & Co may well be the place for you. With a reputation for award-winning creative cocktails, this is one of Bristol’s original speakeasy cocktail bars, hidden in plain sight, just off Clifton Triangle. Inspired by the bars of New York City, this basement venue has a unique atmosphere and an adventurous cocktail menu jam-packed with crazy creations - browse the full selection here.

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Article by:

Stanley Gray

Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.