Margarita at Casa de Pico (Courtesy)
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Best Margaritas in San Diego
If you enjoy margaritas or have always wanted to try one be sure to ask the server (or look at the bar) if they make their margaritas with tequila. If they say wine margaritas, do yourself a favor and order a cerveza (beer) instead.
In the world of margaritas, less is better. Some San Diego favorites are known for the bird bath sized margarita glasses. On a sunny San Diego day, these margaritas can actually be quite enjoyable however know that most of the liquid is coming from a sweet-sour mix, not the tequila.
The real margaritas is actually made of tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, and either Cointreau or triple sec. It is blended with some ice so that it is slushy. Most margaritas from the restaurants are either blended like a Slurpee or served on the rocks. You will be asked if you would like salt on the rim or not. If you are not on a sodium restricted diet, say yes to the salt because the salt imparts a certain flavor as the margarita passes your lips. Salud!
Casa de Pico (5500 Grossmont Center Drive)- It has been close to 5-6 years now that Casa de Pico relocated to the East County from Old Town. Many of the familiar outdoor furnishings and brightly colored patio umbrellas made the move as did the very large Margarita glasses! Casa de Pico took over what was once an El Torito restaurant and made it their own. Some would say that the new location has many advantages over the old, including new fixtures, a larger space, and much more parking.
Casa de Pico has always excelled at making good Mexican food with many different types of spice levels. Casa de Pico has always been known for its friendly service and colorful costumes and the tradition continues. If you want to go to a Mexican restaurant with all the pizzazz, then Casa de Pico is the place for you.
Casa Guadalajara (4105 Taylor Street, Old Town) - The sister restaurant to Casa de Pico is Casa Guadalajara in Old Town located next to the relocated BAZAAR DEL MUNDO. Casa Guadalajara is named after one of Mexico's largest cities located in the state of Jalisco. It is also known as the cradle of mariachi music - they are everywhere in this modern colonial city.
This restaurant in Old Town's San Diego is styled beautifully and features indoor and patio seating. The focus is on regional Mexican cuisine and the menu does a good job of explaining the dishes. The bar at Casa Guadalajara is a very popular place for Happy Hour because it features a free buffet of appetizers and drink specials. If you feel like getting some chips and salsa with a nice tall glass of Mexican beer, head over to the bar at Casa Guadalajara and then mosey on over to the restaurant.
Brigantine Restaurants (Multiple Locations)- The Brigantine's margaritas are served in a shaker which allows you to shake and serve for yourself. A delicious variation on the margarita is their delicious pomegranate margarita that completely masks the taste of tequila.
This very gringo sounding place also makes terrific fish tacos at their various locations. The fish is fried and garnished with sliced red cabbage, cheddar cheese, a special white sauce, and salsa. Pair this with an order of ceviche (marinated seafood with salsa)and you are good to go. The Brigantine has a very good happy hour that offers discounts on drinks but also the fish tacos and the ceviche.
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