It’s National Margarita Day—but this list largely would have been impossible if it weren’t for Jay Verdiales not only organizing the first Long Beach Margarita Week but inviting me as a judge. Verdiales and his crew at Oeuvre Creative Group–including Imani “ICO” Onyia and Vinny Martinez—chose establishments that “hand craft each of their margaritas and are places we believe offer an experience to locals and people visiting our city.”

In that spirit, I picked ten of my own favorites—some from Long Beach Margarita Week, some not. In no particular order…

Gaucho Beach

780 E. Shoreline Dr.

What kind of margarita?

Strawberry-basil margarita on the beach. Literally on the beach. It’s wonderfully balanced (as long as it’s made by Kandice) and the highlight of my judging at Long Beach Margarita Week.

Panxa Cocina

3937 E. Broadway

What kind of margarita?

The margarita that is an ode to the vag-lovin’ painting pioneer Georgia O’Keefe—because that’s its literal name: “Georgia O’Keefe.” It’s fruity, tart, sweet, balanced—with the city’s largest agave spirits selection at your whim (which we are celebrating with a $30 tasting of over 20 tequilas and mezcals for Long Beach Last Call, FYI. Get your tickets).

Viaje

5224 E. 2nd St.

What kind of margarita?

The “Mezcalito:” Using the other agave spirit as a base over tequila, this Espadín mezcal-meets-peach, habanero, and epazote is delightful—and comes from one of the city’s most underrated cocktail programs.

Padre / Mezcalero

525 E. Broadway

What kind of margarita?

The one loved by nearly every Californian: the perfect cucumber margarita—in a place that won’t be around for long.

The Grasshopper

136 E. Anaheim St.

What kind of margarita?

An amalgamation of blood orange and Montenegro that seemingly befits its soulful 70s vibe, The Grasshopper is a space that has become synonymous with solid cocktails.

Lola’s Mexican Cuisine

2030 E. 4th St. / 4140 Atlantic Ave.

What kind of margarita?

The perfectly pink type from a Long Beach staple. Their “Pink Guava Margarita” that includes coconut and, honestly, pure deliciousness.

El Barrio Cantina

1731 E. 4th St.

What kind of margarita?

The perfect classic margarita and its variations—all done with a specific taste (like chamoy-tajín rims) that defines it as one of the best (and the place which will host the Finale Party of Long Beach Margarita Week today from 6PM to 10PM).

The Bungalow

6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. #200

What kind of margarita?

Passion fruit-meets-Aperol margarita—annnnnnd the place which will host a massive ass opening party for Long Beach Last Call. Win, win.

Selva

What kind of margarita?

The challenging one: A savory, chartreuse-meets-smoked salt concoction that is unlike any margarita you’ve had and certainly not everyone’s cup of tea.

The Social List

What kind of margarita?

“El Tigre:” Where tequila and mezcal meets passion fruit and chile de arbol, this cocktail is wildly bright, with hints of smoke and heat. (This will also be home to Long Beach Last Call’s queer-centric event and partnership with the Good Luck Vinyl Club, where we will host a vinyl listening session to Madonna’s “Erotica.”)

Wait–you mention “Long Beach Last Call.” What is it?

After the success of my restaurant week last year during August, Long Beach Food Scene Week, bar owners and tenders rightfully asked: “What about a week for us?”

So I decided to oblige and present Long Beach Food Scene: Last Call, a ten-day long celebration of Long Beach’s amazing bar culture, it’s even more amazing workers, and the industry that often goes without recognition as one of our city’s largest economic and social drivers. 

Thanks to my collaborators—Scott Lennard of RNDC and Chris Lewis of Nosotros Tequila y Mezcal—we’ve created some 15 events across the ten-day span on Last Call. To say the least, we’ve worked our asses off and we hope you’ll come out and celebrate with us (that is, if we make it to Day 10 alive).