On the rocks, frozen or straight up. With or without salt on the rim of the glass. In traditional lime flavor or in a range of other fruity options. No matter how you take your margarita, few drinks say “tropical getaway” quite like this cocktail conveying a strong beach-y vibe and featuring tequila, orange liqueur and (usually) lime juice.
The next time you and your Myrtle Beach area vacation crew are looking to fiesta with a refreshing margarita or two, head for one of these four Grand Strand establishments known for doing the ’rita right:
Fiesta Mexicana – Boasting a menu filled with authentic Mexican flavors and creative twists dreamed up by chef Gabriel Hernandez, this family owned and operated restaurant off North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach puts its focus on fresh Mexican fare. And, of course, when guests are looking to wet their whistles, a full bar serving an array of drinks is also available to wash down all of these tempting treats. Popular drink favorites include margaritas, mojitos and chamoyadas, plus an impressive selection of tequilas. The wide-ranging margarita variations available here include traditional margaritas, tropical margaritas (available in mango, pineapple, black cherry, strawberry, peach and more), the Cadillac Margarita (with Grand Marnier added), the Jalapeñorita, the Margarona (with a small-sized Corona inserted upside-down) and more. Check out the full lineup of food and drink options available at fiestamexicanacantina.com.
ART Burger Sushi Bar — This charming, locally owned cafe in downtown Myrtle Beach delivers beauty across the board — it boasts sweeping oceanfront views and doubles as an art gallery spotlighting local artists’ works. The diverse menu here features a long list of thick, juicy artisan burgers and a range of creative sushi rolls, most with art world-inspired names. The bar here serves up wines, beers, sake and a range of specialty cocktails that includes just one margarita option — but it’s definitely worth going out of your way for. Called the Sweet Heat Margarita, it features Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, organic agave syrup, muddled blueberries and sweet & sour mix. Take in the full ART Burger Sushi Bar menu at artsushibar.com.
Abuelo's — Found at Myrtle Beach’s Coastal Grand Mall, this eatery — part of a national chain sporting the tagline “America’s #1 Mexican Restaurant” — started in Texas and now serves 13 states. The menu features a range of delicious, made-from-scratch Mexican favorites like chimichangas, fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and Mexico City-style tacos (which are offered with both traditional fillings and more unique ones like brisket, firecracker shrimp and sea bass). The specialty drink lineup includes mojitos, sangrias, and a range of margarita offerings like traditional margaritas, cerveza ritas, agave margaritas, sangria-margarita swirls, and fruit margaritas with choices including raspberry, strawberry, mango and peach. Check out all the Abuelo’s signature drinks at abuelos.com.
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville — Located at Myrtle Beach shopping/dining/entertainment hot spot Broadway at the Beach, this laid-back eatery founded by the beach- and boat-loving crooner found in its name serves up a selection “Burgers in Paradise” — including ones “with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes,” sandwiches, salads, and heavier entrees like seafood, fajitas, ribs and steak. In the margarita department, the restaurant’s name and the way-larger-than-life giant blender (and the frozen concoction it will render) show what a big attraction the drinks are here. The margarita menu’s lineup includes the Uptown Top Shelf Margarita with Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and a house margarita blend, all topped with a Gran Gala Orange Liqueur float; the Perfect Margarita with Margaritaville Gold and Silver Tequila, triple sec, Bols Orange Curaçao and lime juice; and the Last Mango in Paris with Margaritaville Last Mango Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liqueur, cranberry juice and a house margarita blend — just to name a few. Fruity variations include the Blueberry Pomegranate Margarita, the Watermelon Margarita and the Tropical Fruit Margarita. See ’em all at margaritavillemyrtlebeach.com.
After scratching your margarita itch at one of these top Grand Strand establishments, head back to your comfortable accommodations at The Cottages at North Beach Plantation to rest up for another day of adventure in the Myrtle Beach area — or pamper yourself with the impressive list of luxurious amenities found on-site at the resort property. Book your North Myrtle Beach escape today, and start making plans to soak in all of the best that the Grand Strand has to offer.
