The Best Margaritas in Scottsdale

We've planned 150+ bachelorette weekends, birthdays, and girls trips across Scottsdale, which means we've spent a suspicious amount of time "researching" the best margaritas in Scottsdale on behalf of our clients. Someone has to.

Most roundups hand you 40 restaurants and call it a guide. That's not a recommendation, that's a phone book. So here are three we actually order from, again and again, when we're out with a group or scouting a spot for a client. One spicy, one customizable, and one that's technically a Paloma but we're counting it.

Half the fun of a Scottsdale weekend is the route between the drinks. We've built bachelorette weekends that string the right margaritas, the right reservations, and the car in between into one trip that runs itself. More on that below, but first, the picks.

Best spicy margarita: Pyro

Our number one is the Calamansi Margarita at Pyro. Quick honesty: it sits in the greater Phoenix metro, not Scottsdale proper, but it's close enough and good enough that we send people anyway.

It's beautifully made and dangerously drinkable, with just enough heat to make you want a second before you've finished the first. The room itself reads luxury, which is why it's earned a spot on our shortlist for client date nights and small celebrations. Go during Social Hour for the better price.

Why we recommend it: it's the most polished spicy margarita on this list, and the setting does the work if you're trying to impress someone.

The tradeoff: it's a drive from Old Town, so it's a poor fit if your group is bar-hopping on foot.

Best margarita for groups in North Scottsdale: Mochilero

In North Scottsdale, Mochilero is our pick when the group can't agree on anything. The menu runs deep on margaritas, and the staff will happily build you a skinny spicy version, which is how we order it every time.

The vibe is worldly and laid-back, which makes it easy for a bigger table. It's our go-to for an afternoon reset after shopping at Scottsdale Quarter or Kierland Commons.

Why we recommend it: customization plus happy-hour pricing makes it the most group-friendly spot here.

The tradeoff: it's North Scottsdale, so it's out of the way if your weekend is anchored in Old Town.

Best margarita in Old Town Scottsdale: The Canal Club

Tucked inside The Scott Resort and Spa in Old Town, The Canal Club gets our third spot. The order is the Letter to a Friend, which is technically a Paloma, but there's tequila in it, so we're calling it close enough.

They also pour a genuinely good spicy margarita. The Cuban-inspired lounge feel makes this one of our favorite recommendations for a girls weekend or a low-key staycation, since you can stay right where you're drinking.

Why we recommend it: it doubles as a hotel, so it's the easiest "drink and don't drive" option for a bachelorette base.

The tradeoff: it's a resort bar, so expect resort pricing and a quieter scene than a full Old Town night out.

Planning a girls weekend around the drinks?

If you'd rather not be the one tracking happy hour times and booking the table, that's the whole job. We map Scottsdale girls weekends around exactly this kind of crawl, from the best margaritas to the best espresso martinis in town. Tell us what you're celebrating and we'll handle the route.

If you try one of these, tag Girl About Town and tell us what you ordered. Cheers!

FAQ

What is the best margarita in Scottsdale? Our top pick is the Calamansi Margarita at Pyro for its balance of heat and craft, though it sits in greater Phoenix. For a spot inside Scottsdale, Mochilero's customizable skinny spicy margarita is our favorite.

Where can I get a spicy margarita in Scottsdale? Mochilero in North Scottsdale will build a skinny spicy margarita on request, and The Canal Club in Old Town pours a strong spicy option too.

Where's a good margarita spot for a bachelorette in Old Town Scottsdale? The Canal Club inside The Scott Resort and Spa is our go-to, since you can stay at the hotel and skip the drive home.