We all know when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, but when life gives you limes, its margarita time. As the weather begins to warm up, there are plenty of restaurants offering optimal eats and refreshing drinks to help us stay cool, and what better choice than a fruity and tangy margarita? Whether you like them classic or spicy, we’ve rounded up the very best spots to grab a margarita in the Hamptons.
See also: 5 Local Buzz-Worthy Beers To Sip Out East
33A Main St., East Hampton / 631.329.2583 / Website
A little birdie once said something very true to us, Blue Parrot makes a mean margarita. Although the restaurant is only open for the summer, this beloved local joint is offering casual eats and refreshing cocktails perfect for the season. Whether classic or frozen, the Dirty Bird margarita leaves its drinkers squawking for joy with its fruity and flavorful nature. Some other stellar options are the Spicy Watermelon made with jalapeno-infused Silver Tequila and the Cadillac paired with tangy orange juice. Here, “the bird” is truly the word.
74A Montauk Highway, Amagansett / 631.267.5709 / Website
Known as an East End celebrity hot spot for a multitude of reasons, Coche Comedor is bringing authentic Mexican eats right to your seat. With an extensive list of fruity margarita flavors, including sour cherry and tamarind, they offer “the largest tequila and mezcal list on the East End,” making it a must-try location. Be sure to try the Christmas in Mexico, which comes with cranberry-infused Rejon Blanco Tequila, Combier L’Original, fresh lime and agave syrup. After grabbing a drink from the bar, order some of the freshest seafood from the raw bar, including local littleneck clams and oysters on the half shell.
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32 Lighthouse Road, Hamptons Bays / 631.410.3209 / Website
The only thing better than admiring the spot’s breathtaking views of Shinnecock Bay is doing so with a margarita in hand. Located in the Inn Spot, this gem took Hamptons Bays by storm last summer and was well-praised among margarita lovers. Crash Cantina specializes in the quintessential components of traditional and non-traditional Latin American cuisine, including mezcal, tacos, ceviche and more. On top of their extensive tequila and mezcal options, marinate on a homemade margarita available in fun fruity flavors like mango, passionfruit, tamarind, pineapple and hibiscus. In true island spirit, they are open only for the summer, but you should still “Crash” this “Cantina.”
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2 Main St., Sag Harbor / 631.800.8226 / Website
Taco in one hand, tequila in the other. All day every day, you are guaranteed to have a “Mex-cellent meal” at this American taqueria in the heart of Sag Harbor. The restaurant’s killer menu is something to taco-bout, with hearty and healthy choices ranging from asado chicken, Baja fish and even vegetarian options like halloumi and Impossible chorizo. When it comes to drinks, K Pasa has everything you need from their classic or spicy “Pasa-rita,” or branch out to try “Hamptons Fave” packed with ginger and hibiscus. Come experience “what’s up” and cheer with locals who love tacos, tequila and spice in their lives.
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83 Main St., Westhampton Beach / 631.288.5252 / Website
Move over, Margaritaville; Margarita Grille is the spot to be. Its laid-back but lively atmosphere makes it an ideal Westhampton Beach destination, where fun menu items like red, white and blue crispy shrimp tacos can be paired with any of its 11 margarita variations. Some like it sweet, and some like it hot, and luckily, the Patron pineapple and strawberry jalapeño options cover both areas. As for those looking for a lighter option, try the skinny or Patron skinny with zesty lime and agave nectar to still get that boozy buzz.
28 Maidstone Park Road, East Hampton / 631.329.3663 / Website
Get ready summer lovers, Rita Cantina will be reopening again for the sunny season. This modern coastal Mexican cuisine restaurant operated by father-son duo Eric and Adam Miller is open is providing the ambiance and vibes perfect for every family or friend outing. Nestled in the Springs of East Hampton, they provide delectable plates like fluke ceviche to Oaxacan fried chicken and serve a stellar drink setup that can be best enjoyed under the restaurant's canopy of vintage yellow umbrellas. Besides the classic margarita, indulge in one of their funky flavors like a refreshing cucumber or a tropical beachy pina coco. Bright decor meets bold tastes, creating this one-of-a-kind hot spot.
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4 S. Elmwood Ave., Montauk / 646.450.2557 / Website
After taking inspiration from Rrose Selavy, Marcel Duchamp’s female alter ego, and their unlikely friendship with Salvador Dali, Sel Rrose opened its doors in 2019 and has been successful ever since. Open seasonally, this Montauk masterpiece highlights French cuisine in its applaudable menu featuring savory small plates and meals like hamachi crudo and a six-hour brined chicken. Aside from their rendition of the classic margarita is one worth ordering, the East End’s watering hole is taking a twist on the salty sip. The Margarita Pamplemousse fuses Altos tequila, Combier Pamplemousse, Amargo-Vallet, lime and agave, making this cocktail certainly worth a shot, literally.
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62 Jobs Lane, Southampton / 631.283.2800 / Website
For a casual drink paired with tons of locals and live music, we love Southampton Publick House. This is the perfect spot for the whole family, as the extensive menu of favorites such as wings, salads, burgers, shrimp, ribs and pasta ensures something for everyone to munch on. Go all out and pair the classic margarita with a dessert such as chocolate layer cake or New York-style cheesecake for a night of true indulgence. If a margarita is not speaking to you, do not fear! The cocktail menu has plenty of other alcoholic “M” drinks such as mules, martinis and the classic Manhattan.
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87 Sunset Ave., Unit A, Westhampton Beach / 631.684.9635 / Website
While great bartenders might make whipping up the perfect margarita look easy, it is a lot harder than you would think. This is why we like to let Hamptons Aristocrat do all the work for us. Farm-to-table catering company Hamptons Aristocrat is a favorite among locals for their excellent service, delicious food and great drinks. Next time you’re hosting the next big get-together for groups of up to 30 people, opt for the Backyard Taco Bar or the Taqueria Dinner Party for delicious margaritas and plates such as lobster nachos, chili marinated pear steak or tuna tostadas.
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43 Canoe Place Rd., Hampton Bays / 631.594.3544 / Website
“Get here fast, then take it slow” is the island motto and way to go at RUMBA. This colorful and lively rum bar found its’ home on Shinnecock Bay and serves a unique combination of island-inspired food mixed with reggae. Besides the impressive rum cocktails and reserve rums, their margaritas are not to skim over with flavors like prickly pear and mezcal mango chile. Pair your drink with your favorite taco, salad or burger, and you will be transported right to the sandy beach.
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35 Shore Road, Shelter Island Heights / 631.749.2001 / Website
Nothing could make a sunset on the beach better than sipping on a one-of-a-kind cocktail with a loved one. With just 20 suites and only operating during the summer season, this famed hotelier crafted by André Balazs is the Shelter Island sweet spot to spend a surreal weekend. One of our favorite cocktails is the Gimme Shelter, which is crafted iwth Dos Hombres mezcal, ginger, lemon, pineapple and a chili salt rim. Be sure to also try the Summer Fling or the Prince Charlie. Plus, the lunch and dinner menu has a killer raw bar and decadent entrees like a whole branzino or grilled rack of lamb. Lay into luxurious living and let go of those work worries at Sunset Beach.
Whether you’re craving a quick and casual pitcher shared among friends or a tequila-filled night out on the town, these margaritas are sure to please.
Photography by: PHOTOGRAPHY BY: K PASA PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND; COCHE COMEDOR PHOTO BY ANTHONY CAUSI; RITA CANTINA PHOTO BY ERIC STRIFFLER PHOTOGRAPHY; BLUE PARROT PHOTO BY KATCHI PRITCHET AND MICHA BENNETT
