Where To Find The Shire’s Best Margs
From classic to spicy and everything in between
El Rey, Cronulla
There isn’t much in life a good marg can’t fix. The hit of a salty rim, the citrus tang of a squeeze of lime, and a touch of slightly-smoky tequila, it’s a world-favourite OG cocktail that has been the subject of inventive iterations and unique twists.
It seems like just about every bar, pub and drinking hole has their own version these days, but any aficionado or enthusiast knows that not all margaritas are created equal. So to save disappointment, we’ve sipped our way through those on offer in the Shire, and curated a list of our favourites from 11 local haunts.
Where to find the best margs in the Shire
Blind Bear
Established in 2013, Blind Bear’s vibe is like that of an American saloon. Dark, moody and cosy, the team pour from a selection of craft beers and a catalogue of over 100 whiskeys from around the world - but they also make a mean marg. Choose from five different agave-based cocktails that honour the craft.
Our pick: Torreador
Cony’s
Serving up tapas-style share plates and churros to die for, Conys is a much-loved Cronulla establishment for good reason. Before you munch your way through the house chips and guac, a pick from Cony’s list of margs and cocktails is an absolute must.
Our picks: Cony’s Marg
Papa Js
Stone-clad and velvet-laden Papa Js delivers on exceptional service and an extensive share-style menu packed with flavour. Their drinks list is akin to a short novel - you could browse it for hours - but their margs come highly recommended.
Our picks: Crystal Marg and Cadillac Marg
El Rey
Built from a love of sun, fun and modern Mexican cuisine, it should come as no surprise that the El Rey team knows their way around a cocktail. Pick from their range of quality tequila served straight up if you’re game, but take note; their selection of margs cannot be missed.
Our picks: Grapefruit Paloma and Mango Mezcalita
Next Door
A proximity to North Cronulla Beach isn’t the only thing modern Australian eatery Next Door has to offer. Fun and fresh, you can expect a casual dining scene that blends the lines between cafe, bar and restaurant. And the best part? Well, divine margaritas of course!
Our pick: Majorie (The Apple Martini meets Margarita)
Alphabet St
You’ve probably heard all about Alphabet St’s famous Apple Martini, but did you know they also make a mouthwatering marg? Following in the footsteps of their Asian-fusion menu, the margarita is packed with flavour and just a little bit spicy.
Our pick: Chilli Coconut Margarita
Jensens
Light, leafy and inviting, Kareela’s Jensens restaurant was an instant favourite from the moment its doors first opened. With Josh Metcalfe as the appointed in-house cocktail connoisseur, it makes sense that Jensens has some of the best margaritas around.
Our picks: Caddy Marg
Sealevel
The “big sister” to Next Door, if you will, Sealevel is all kinds of sophistication plus the same dreamy North Cronulla beachfront situ. Their menu spotlights freshly-caught, high-quality seafood, and the drinks list is equally indulgent - especially the spicy marg twist.
Our pick: Senorita
Bobbys
Freshly-minted Bobbys has been a total hit amongst Shire-siders, who have fawned over its stunning interiors, beachside location and Euro-inspired menu. But we can’t talk about Bobbys without giving an honourable mention to their sunny, Sicilian-inspired margarita. Hear us when we say: this is one that will have you hooked from the very first sip.
Our pick: Sicilian Margarita
Salt Meats Cheese
Situated in the heritage-listed Banc Building, Salt Meats Cheese is a Cronulla institution loved for its delightful Italian menu of pasta, pizza and antipasti. Borrowing a classic from their Mexican friends, their drinks list features a classic marg, among other hits.
Our pick: Coconut Tommy
Low and Loftys
Neon lights and a tropical vibe, it’s impossible not to have a good time at Low and Loftys. On par with their low-and-slow, Texan BBQ-style menu is their fun and fresh drinks list, which stars mojitos, several spins on espresso martinis and, of course, margaritas.
Our pick: Smoke Jalapeño Marg
Posted: May 2024