Whether you're raising a glass for National Margarita Day, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, or simply enjoying a sun-soaked afternoon on the island, Catalina has no shortage of exceptional margaritas to discover. Here's your guide to the best spots in Avalon to sip, savor, and repeat.
1. Maggie's Blue Rose Right on Crescent Avenue, Avalon's lively front street, Maggie's handcrafts every margarita from scratch. Choose from the Coconut, Mango, or Watermelon Margarita — blended or on the rocks.
2. Coyote Joe's Just off front street on Catalina Avenue, Coyote Joe's signature drink is the Coyote Famous Margarita — a well-balanced mix of Sauza Blue Reposado, sweet & sour, Dekuyper triple sec, and fresh lime.
3. Luau Larry's Known for tropical classics like the Wiki Wacker and Mai Tai, Luau Larry's on Crescent Avenue also serves a classic Margarita — available in a generous 45 oz. glass if you're feeling festive.
4. Descanso Beach Club Tucked just past the iconic Catalina Casino at Descanso Beach, this open-air spot offers year-round beachside dining. Don't miss the Salty Verde Margarita or the Caliente Cucumber Margarita, made with Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila — a perennial visitor favorite.
5. Bluewater Avalon With a prime waterfront perch on Crescent Avenue, Bluewater Avalon is the place for craft margaritas with a twist. The Serrano Margarita features hand-crushed fresh serrano chili, while the Pilikia Margarita adds orange bitters. The Skinny Margarita is a crowd favorite for those keeping it light.
6. El Galleon Open for lunch and dinner on Crescent Avenue, El Galleon serves the Original Cuervo Margarita — Cuervo Tradicional Silver Tequila, fresh lime, and agave syrup — alongside a showstopping Frozen Mango Margarita with a little extra flair.
7. Three Palms Arcade At the Metropole Marketplace, Three Palms combines arcade games, skee-ball, and island-style bowling with a lively dining scene. Settle in on the patio with a margarita and make an evening of it.
8. The Naughty Fox For oceanfront drinks and snacks at the Bellanca Hotel, the Naughty Fox delivers with the Chili Mango Margarita — chili-infused silver tequila, mango, and house mix served with a tajín rim.
9. Catalina Charlie's Also on Crescent Avenue, Catalina Charlie's pairs burgers, tacos, and salads with a solid margarita lineup. The Spicy Margarita and Mango Margarita with tajín rim are both worth an order.
10. Topside by NDMK Operated by NDMK Fishhouse in the Catalina Conservancy Trailhead building, Topside offers stunning views and an inventive cocktail menu. The standout: the Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita, made with Jalapeño Ghost Tequila, prickly pear, and fresh lime juice.
Hungry too? Follow the Catalina Taco Trail for fresh fish tacos, carne asada, and more island favorites to pair with your margarita of choice.
