Excellent Places to Drink Tequila in D.C.

Best flights, best selections, best mezcal bars, and more

by Octavia Silva Apr 28, 2016, 10:03am EDT

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Pepita Cantina

| R. Lopez

by Octavia Silva Apr 28, 2016, 10:03am EDT

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching, which is always an excuse to tear up the town by drinking tequila. While D.C. is no stranger to bars promoting tequila shots, generic margaritas, and the like, it's also home to some serious tequila destinations as well.

This map highlights several of those places. It also focuses on bars that specialize in related agave-based spirits, and just throws in a few atmospheric picks for tequila-sipping in Washington. Fun facts: Arlington is a particularly strong neighborhood for tequila aficionados, with Fuego Cocina, Don Tito, and the new Pepita all sporting impressive selections of the spirit. Still think tequila is made for shooters? Keep Chupacabra in mind, a bar that offers them for $5 on Tuesdays — including a free taco.

Have a different favorite bar for tequila drinking? Share other picks in the comments. And those who exclusively stick to margaritas, get ready — Eater will update its monster margarita map next week.

—Additional reporting by Missy Frederick

Banana Cafe and Piano Bar

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Banana Café a destination for where to find coronaritas – huge margaritas with Coronas coming out of them. Does anything more need to be said?

500 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 543-5906

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Cantina Marina

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The reason Cantina Marina is a good place for tequila-drinking is more about the setting it offers than the tequila itself. The river-adjacent breeze and views make anyone there feel like they somehow took Maine Ave. SW directly to Key West, FL.

600 Water St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

(202) 554-8396

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Chupacabra Taqueria

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Chupacabra is the home of "Tequila Tuesdays," where a $5 shot of tequila earns the diner a free taco.

822 9th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

(202) 505-4628

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Don Tito

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This Clarendon bar opened with more than 60 tequilas on the menu (not to mention a massive roof deck).

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3165 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 672-5381

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El Centro D.F. 14th Street

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If their extensive tequila-tasting menu is any indication, El Centro (multiple locations) is an essential spot to try tequila in DC. Vertical tastings, horizontal tastings, micro tequila tastings, premium tastings and house-infused – something for everyone that leaves no stone unturned or buzz unprovoked.

1819 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20009

(202) 328-3131

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Espita Mezcaleria

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Mezcal is any spirit distilled from fermented agave and tequila is one varietal that falls under this category. Therefore, Espita would be a swell place for someone with a seasoned tequila palate to explore beyond what he/she is used to. Flights are offered showcasing elder agaves, raicillas, madrecuishe and ensambles. The restaurant isn't lacking in tequila offerings, either.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 621-9695

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Fuego Cocina y Tequileria

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Fuego is good for sitting around and drinking tequila, as they offer flights of three different tequilas for $13. The impressive list includes tequila blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo and especial.

2800 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

(571) 970-2180

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Masa 14

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Masa 14, beloved for both its tequila selection and its rooftop, is another source for tequila flights and tastings in Logan Circle.

1825 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 328-1414

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Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

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Oyamel’s menu takes you through the Oaxaca, Morelia and the Distrito Federal areas of Mexico with their drinks. Seven different margaritas highlighting complex flavor combinations and nine cocktails creatively featuring mezcal or tequila entice any thirsty individual. Just pick one — they all boast José Andres’ seal of approval.

401 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 628-1005

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Tico DC

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If a restaurant lists “tequila” as a menu item in its homepage, it is definitely something that they take seriously. Tico proudly carry 140 types of tequila and challenge anyone to “drink 88 tequilas in a given 8-month period.” If someone rises to the challenge, they will receive special privileges and gifts.