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Giddy up those horses, strap on the spurs and head out to the trail — the Pearland Margarita Trail that is! Pearland’s exciting restaurant community delivers in spades when it comes to renditions of this iconic drink. The margarita, which was cited by Texas Monthly as the unofficial cocktail of Texas, was originally a simple, three-ingredient drink of blanco tequila, curaçao liqueur and fresh lime juice. 

Today’s ’ritas know no bounds and the variants include skinny (less sugar), Cadillac (with a Cognac-based orange liqueur float), Tommy’s (agave nectar in place of curaçao) and innumerable culinary-inspired concoctions showcasing ingredients such as blood orange and ghost chilis. So whether you prefer your marg frozen, on the rocks, classically served up, salt, no salt, Tajín or not, this list of Pearland bar-tops and cantinas is sure to point you in the right direction for National Margarita Day and beyond. All aboard! 

Celaya, 3234 Broadway: Established on February 18, 2003, this mom-and-pop Tex-Mex eatery just celebrated its 22nd year in business. It’s known for its all-day breakfast and as a great place to watch the game. Celaya’s daily bar specials include $2.99 house margs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Order your margaritas by the glass, liter or pitcher, and upgrade to premium calls including Don Julio or Patrón for just $10 a glass. 

El Caudillo, 3625 South Main: Aiming to revive some of Mexico’s most meaningful dishes with a back bar showcasing over two dozen tequilas and nearly 10 margarita variations, El Caudillo is the spot. Try the house namesake ‘rita shaken with smoky mezcal, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice or something more adventurous such as the frozen watermelon marg. 

Emma’s Mex Grill, 5096 Broadway: This long-standing Pearland Mexican restaurant features an expansive menu of Tex-Mex favorites as well as regional Mexican dishes including Pozole Verde and cochinita pibil. Emma’s additionally features over a dozen margaritas on the menu served in a variety of ways including frozen, rocks and shaker-style. One standout is the Barrel Select Margarita prepared with Mendieta Family reserve Patron Reposado, fresh lime, agave nectar and Cointreau, served shaker-style. Opt for other quality cocktails such as the Paloma Tradicional, the Hand Crafted Mojito, or a classic Piña Colada to get you in the swing for the featured occasional live music.

Fiesta Viva Mexican Street Food, 3525 South Main: The recently rebranded Daiquiri Express promises “More flavor, more fun, more Mexico! “ as it shifts its focus from over-the-top New Orleans-style frozen daiquiris toward authentic street tacos and margaritas. The Cantarito made with tequila, grapefruit and orange juices, served in a traditional clay mug, sits comfortably beside La Pinche Sancha, a spiked mangonada finished with chamoy, Tajín and Mexican candy. Looking to start a party? Try the Bulldog, an oversized frozen margarita garnished with a full, upside down Corona bottle. 

Gringo’s Cantina, 2202 Broadway: The original location of the Gringo’s chain and its most successful to date, this Pearland institution has been filling bellies and whetting whistles since 1993. Now, that’s a lot of tequila! The robust beverage program at the Cantina features variations on the salty-limey theme such as the electric blue Grand Gusano Margarita shaken with Don Julio Blanco and finished with gummy worms. Agave abstainers will appreciate the X-R, a vodka-based version with blood orange and passion fruit, while deal-seekers will fawn over the happy hour specials which run Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and include a frozen or on the rocks The Caddy (Gringo’s’ version of the Cadillac) for just $7.88.

Hometown Sports Bar & Grill, 1853 Pearland Parkway: This laid-back, sports-themed joint known for its burgers, pool tables and, occasionally, live music, also offers classic margaritas made with Espolon tequila. On National Margarita Day on Saturday, February 22, they are a mere 5 bucks! Enjoy alongside the chopped ribeye street tacos, sliders or the aforementioned burger. There’s also often an over-the-top monthly burger special.  

Iguanas Ranas, 2536 South Grand Boulevard:With the recent reopening in a new location, this Pearland favorite shows no sign of slowing down. Its comforting brand of Tex-Mex cuisine is the perfect match for the many margaritas on the menu, including the Cucumber Jalapeño Rita, an exciting blend of blue agave tequila, orange juice, cucumber and jalapeño. Opt for an early ’90s throwback experience by pairing the crispy taco salad in a tortilla shell bowl with the Italian Margarita, a nearly forgotten classic, shaken on the rocks and topped with amaretto liqueur. 

La Casita, 18043 County Road 127: Having been in Pearland for over 80 years, Mr. and Ms. Castillo operate this long-running, cozy Tex-Mex favorite with a family atmosphere that’s evident the moment you walk in. A favorite for large groups and family celebrations, the margarita program features local, in-season ingredients, whether it’s local Texas watermelon, hibiscus flowers (aka Jamaica) and satsuma. 

Moreno’s, 2407 West Parkwood: With a full bar and relaxing patio, Moreno’s specialty is fun, flavored margaritas. Experiment with any number of flavored liqueurs and syrups from its expansive back bar such as strawberry, green apple and more. Happy hour is the move here with $5 and $10 house margs available Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and all day Saturday.

Taqueria Los Agaves, 3305 East Broadway: Serving the cities of Pearland and Pasadena for over 20 years, Luis and Christina Leon’s passion of sharing the flavors of their home in Jalisco is ever present. Order a mango, strawberry or traditional lime margarita here by the glass or half-gallon bag, and be sure not to miss the chamoy and Tajín rimmed Mexican classic Mangonada. 

Taqueria Mi Pueblito, 9607 Broadway: Featuring street-style tacos prepared with handmade tortillas and delicious, authentic ingredients in over 16 varieties, this local taco stop promotes regular weekly specials such as Taco Tuesday and Seafood Wednesday. With a happy hour running from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the creative mix of traditional and inventive agave-based cocktails will have you coming back for seconds. The well-stocked bar provides all of your premium tequila favorites and more. Be on the lookout for one-off seasonal and holiday-themed variations. 

Torchy’s Tacos, 2800 East Broadway: This national chain, which started as an Austin-based food truck, has been causing quite a stir since its arrival in the region in 2011 with trendy and cleverly named tacos and bowls. Helping wash down items like The Hipster or Tipsy Chick is a succinct yet laser-sharp margarita campaign centered around 100% blue agave tequilas and fresh lime juice. We’re swiping right on the Mexican Candy Margarita, a full-glass variation of the popular nightclub shot bearing the same name, shaken with Don Julio Blanco, Grand Marnier, watermelon, Tabasco and Tajin.

A trip to Torchy’s will also support its philanthropic endeavors, as the company regularly donates tacos, time and resources to causes including cancer research at MD Anderson, childhood enrichment at Make-A-Wish Foundation and addiction recovery at Phoenix House.

Alex Gregg