It’s Labor Day weekend, officially the end of calendar summer. And yet, it’s still hot as balls out, which calls for a very cold drink. Here are a handful of places slinging some of our favorite frozen margs at relatively approachable prices. Margaritas not your ministry? Check out our favorite frozens instead.
De Nada Cantina
The elevated taqueria in the Govalle neighborhood does a solid frozen marg, with both a classic and a seasonal option to accompany the top-notch, chef-driven Texas taqueria fare. They’re strong, flavorful, and come in cute branded cups that you can take home as a souvenir.
4715 E. Cesar Chavez, denadacantina.com
Enchiladas Y Mas
The unapologetically not hip, refreshingly blue-collar Tex-Mex stalwart was briefly lost to us in 2020. Thank the margarita and cheesy enchilada gods that it reopened that same summer. The frozen marg here is legit: boozy, good texture, smooth, and cheap.
1911 W. Anderson Ln., enchiladas-y-mas.com
Vamonos
Among the best to be had on the northside, this marg has excellent texture every time, is boozy without being overpowering, and has a great balance of ingredients. You’re never getting heartburn from this frozen marg.
4807 Airport Blvd., vamonos-texmex.com
Julio’s Cafe
Established in 1983, Julio’s is a Hyde Park institution. Their frozen margaritas are some of the cheapest and best in town. It’s a classic recipe, with a consistent creamy frozen texture; the alcohol isn’t too assertive, but it doesn’t taste weak, either, which speaks to Julio’s deft balance of ingredients.
4230 Duval, juliosaustin.com
Maudie’s
Maudie’s is OG Tex-Mex of the highest caliber, and their frozen margs are excellent. With six locations strategically situated around Austin, you’re probably not more than 15 minutes from one. The margs here have great texture, and are boozy but balanced. Paired with some of the best chips and queso in town, you’re most of the way to a complete meal.
Multiple locations, maudies.com
Cheko’s
This Brentwood stalwart offers a respite from the onslaught of gussied-up mediocrity, 107-degree heat, and traffic, and their frozen margs have crushed it for more than a decade. Cheko’s margs are classic and no-frills, with a solid texture that is definitely an attitude adjuster without being overwhelming. Margaritas are the lifeblood of this town, and Cheko’s is a vital artery.
1304 West Koenig Lane, gotchekos.com
Baby A’s
Scoff if you want, margarita snobs, but this is one for the history books, and it’s such a mind eraser that it must be documented. The secret ingredient in the Famous Purple Rita is rumored to be Everclear, not that it matters, as this brew is powerful. There’s a reason you can only order two.
Multiple locations, babyacapulco.com
Taco Cabana
Do you want a margarita that costs less than a sawbuck? Look no further than Taco Cabana. The San Antonio-based chain launched their “Margarita Headquarters” in 2022, offering 12 flavors of margaritas across its Texas locations (not all flavors are available in all markets). The drinks are Lunazul-based and include lime, mangonada, green apple, coconut, and pineapple.
Multiple locations, tacocabana.com
This article appears in September 1 • 2023.