10 Excellent Cincinnati Spots For Sipping Margaritas

Condado Tacos
195 E. Freedom Way, Downtown; 3329 Vandercar Way, Oakley
Condado’s build-your-own taco concept first took Columbus by storm in 2014 before opening their first Cincinnati location on The Banks in April 2019 and expanding with an Oakley eatery in November. Their delicious housemade margaritas have also gotten the stamp of approval from the taco and tequila loving masses of the Queen City. Go for the standard house margarita or choose one of nine other flavors, from prickly pear and muddled jalapeño to pomegranate and blood orange.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Gomez Salsa Cantina
2437 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills; 107 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
What once began as a humble walk-up window for fueling Washington Park lunch dates and satisfying the post-last call cravings has blossomed into a haven for all salsa-adjacent fare in both Over-the-Rhine and Walnut Hills. Gomez’s house-made margaritas and cocktails are the best way to wash down a Turtle — a Frankenstined burrito wrapped around rice and beans, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, meat, veggies, cheese and a crunchy tostada and sealed with a layer of crispy cheese.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Nada
600 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
This Downtown mainstay is a colorful tribute to cocktails and tacos both on the walls and on your table. Start off with a classic Nadarita aka their house marg, or kick it up a notch with one of their creatively flavored craft margaritas. The La Bomb-A mingles reposado tequila with fresh lime, blood orange and habanero syrup, and the Summertime Sabbatical pairs blanco tequila with fresh lime, cucumber and watermelon. Spice seekers can opt to heat up the libations with a jalapeño-infused tequila. Last spring, Nada upgraded its menu with herbaceous twists and revamped tacos, like the caramelized cauliflower taco with garlic-whipped goat cheese, scallion, marcona almond and fresno pepper. Pair a few tacos with a margarita and some good company, and try your best to save room for dessert.
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Mita's
501 Race St., Downtown
Chef Jose Salazar is a continent away from his mamita and the hand-cranked mill she used to grind corn for arepas and empanadas, but his restaurant, Mita’s, is a tribute to her spirit and to Spanish and Latin American food. Their bar also happens to make some of the best margaritas in town. A simple concoction of tequila, citrus cordial and fresh lime, it’s a timeless tribute to the well-loved refreshment. The El Luchador adds in ginger and jalapeño for a spicy twist, or try the zero-proof pineapple margarita for a fruity, booze-less libation.
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Bakersfield OTR
1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
Bakersfield OTR has been a hot spot for tacos, tequila, whiskey, PBR served in a glass boot and old-school Western ambiance since 2012. Frequently touted as having some of Cincinnati’s favorite margaritas, Bakersfield serves them the old fashioned way with fresh-squeezed lemon and lime. Stick with the classic house margarita, try flavors like pineapple and orange hibiscus or swap out tequila for mezcal for a smoky twist on this crowd favorite.
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Frida 602
602 Main St., Covington
Tequila and mezcal come first at this Latin-leaning MainStrasse spot. Served in cute, salt-rimmed cactus glasses, their margaritas start with Frida Kahlo Tequila and fresh-squeezed citrus; flavor options include Passionfruit Punch and Smokey Prickly Pear. Named for the legendary Mexican painter herself, expect to enjoy rounds of cocktails and tacos a-la-carte surrounded by vibrant flare and colorful touches.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

La Mexicana
642 Monmouth St., Newport
A short trek across the Ohio River into Newport will land you at La Mexicana, possibly the most dependable one stop shop for a wide-ranging menu of inexpensive Mexican eats and truly enormous margaritas. Whether you like ‘em frozen, on the rocks and with or without salt, a large marg takes two careful hands to hold and will only set you back $12.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Taqueria Mercado
100 E. Eighth St., Downtown; 6507 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield
After being in the game for 30 years, you’d be right to think Taqueria Mercado knows a thing or two about Mexican food: they’ve been gracing customers with classic family recipes, house-made desserts and specialty drinks since 1990. Margaritas start at just $6: Try fun flavors like jalapeño, peach and pineapple or choose a classic house version, frozen or on the rocks.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Tostados Grill
3500 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum
This Columbia Tusculum dive is a casual spot for Mexican and American eats, neighborhood hangs and big-ass margaritas. Get a round of liquid courage in before their ever-popular karaoke starts.
Photo via Facebook

Veracruz Mexican Grill
3108 Price Ave., Price Hill
Family-owned and operated since 2010, this informal spot in the Incline District recently underwent an expansion — including the addition of a full bar — adding space for even more customers to be treated to house-made ingredients and Mexican and Guatemalan specialties. An ice cold cerveza could suit you just fine, but just as refreshing are their massive margaritas, poured in cute glasses dressed with salt rims, limes and paper umbrellas.
Photo via Facebook