Best Margaritas in Central Austin?

[toripowell]

I'm new to Austin and want to marg my way through town. I love that this place is packed with good food and drink but if I don't start small and basic I'll never figure things out. I know all about Mexican martinis, but let's stay focused here. Margaritas. I need real lime, I need to avoid W 6th, and I need to stay in central Austin. Please help me. I've been to Guero's and Trudy's already, so what's next???

[toripowell]

Tonight I tried Cedar Door. The waitress told me they just got the machine to do their Mexican martinis frozen, so I got one (salted) and was pretty into it. However, they tasted a little mixed-based. Just reporting back.

[kasrg1]

I do not know if this is central enough for you...but try Jorges on Hancock. (Right off Mopac). Ask them to make it handmade. Enough said!

[gulch]

Welcome to Austin and try to"Keep Austin Weird!" Guero's Taco Bar on S Congress doesn't mess around. Original handshaken, tart and pure. Second best, down the street South Congress Cafe, owned by Trudy's has a frozen varietal that will sneak upon you. Opal Divines is boasting pure agave tequila, agave nector and lime, haven't tried it out yet. Ranch 616 makes a pretty solid one too. Have fun and stayed hydrated in between.

[Donko]

Check out Z Tejas on W. 6th - west of Lamar, (I hope this doesn't fall w/in the area that you need to avoid!). I'm normally not too into frozen margaritas, but I do love their Fruit Infused. A prickly pear margarita is sometimes available, which is really tasty. The shrimp tostadas are a nice accompaniment to the drinks. If you're at the north location near the arboretum, try the cornbread...

If you haven't tried Baby Acapulco's on Barton Springs yet, you must. It's a right of passage for Austin newcomers. The first time I was there, I had two before needing to go to the bathroom. When I tried to get up from my table, I could barely stand! Some say that the purple ones are the strongest (don't you just love how restaurants in town can still serve a margarita called "Purple"?), but I think that they're all pretty equal...The food is mediocre at best, but at least get an appetizer. It's good to have something solid in your stomach

Anyways, good luck.

[cibodivino]

The quest for a great margarita is an elusive one. Personally, I am constantly disappointed by the margaritas served in Austin. The best I have found is at Fonda San Miguel. The best margarita in Texas, imo, is Soluna in San Antonio.

[LakeLBJ]

Matt's El Rancho is a must for margaritas. Grab a large Bob while you're there.

[mkwng]

Want something different? Chilango margarita at El Chile (orange/chile blend). Or the Avocado margarita at Curra's. I also like the margaritas at Maudie's and Manuel's.

There's also a thread on this here - http://www.chowhound.com/topics/429415

[coco_beware]

I like the huckleberry ones at the Roaring Fork.

[yehudimenuhin]

Ranch 616's house marg is yummy, tart and strong. 100% agave tequila, real lime juice. Short glass with coarse salt.

Also, they do a fancy one with a Del Maguey mezcal floater. And they're famous for their Ranch Water (marg with topo chico), but I'm not a huge fan.

90% of the time I go there, it's just to drink margs at the bar.

[toripowell]

Thanks, everybody. Tomorrow's Friday and I get to test your advice!!

[paulaustex]

Go down and have a mad dog margarita at the Texas Chili Parlor. Sign the release and order a bowl of XXX while you're at it. Pick up a copy of Guy Clark's Dublin Blues and sing along afterwards. Welcome to Austin.

[pogo]

Seconding the Chilango at El Chile. I also like their prickly pear margarita, but only advise it if you have a sweet tooth.

Also, the margarita at Santa Rita on 38th (where the food is mediocre, at best) is outstanding! You have to order a special one on the drink menu -- I forget what it's called, maybe tradicional? -- but it's made with but Goodflow lime juice, and is just right! Not too sugar-y, chemical-y sweet, but full of lovely cold tequila and sour, sour lime.