Wine Bars will always be essential to any bustling Metropolis…but tequila is putting its stamp on the market. The act of slurping down blended margaritas and downing shots of Cuervo will never be a thing of the past (thank God!), but lately, many people are realizing that you can sip sophisticated and fine-aged tequila, minus the morning headache. Drinking quality tequila is very similar to tasting a first-rate cognac or bourbon. There is much more complexity to the flavors, often characterized by vanilla, citrus, pepper & spices, or butterscotch. Genuine tequila is only made in distinct and remote regions of Mexico, and the old-school producers, such as Herradura and el Jimador, Don Julio, Corzo, 7 Leguas, Gran Centenario, and Casa Noble (just to name a few) take great pride in their end result.

Identifying Tequila:

Silver, Blanco, or Plata – not aged, clear

Reposado – aged two months to a year, in oak barrels

Añejo – aged one year or more

Extra Añejo – aged for three years or more

Tequila Bars are rapidly becoming the new trend, and LA is embracing it with full force. Nowadays, there are even Tequila Sommeliers, or a Tequilier! Here is just the tip of the iceberg that Los Angeles nightlife has to offer in the vast world of premium agave.

El Carmen
8138 W Third St
W Hollywood, CA 90048
(Cross Street: Crescent Heights Blvd)

-With more than 400 choices of tequila to choose from, this chic, kitschy bar offers a sampler tequila platter, allowing you to try numerous, and contrasting styles. This is the late-night scene for young and old Hollywood alike…cocktail of choice, the Mexjito (tequila-based mojito, yum!).

L’Scorpion
6679 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
(Cross Street: Las Palmas Ave)

-This gothic-style lounge offers more than just a trendy, after-hours scene. The vibe is actually welcoming and the staff knows their tequila (over 100 premium-labels to choose from). DJ’s are spinning Latin and 80’s grooves, and the pitchers of margaritas are circulating. Don’t forget…Happy Hour is everyday 6-8pm!

El Toro Cantina
5368 Wilshire Blvd
LA, CA 90036
(Neighborhood: Park La Brea-Miracle Mile)

-More of a family-friendly, meet your buddies, go on a first date kind of atmosphere, all rolled into one. The agave is constantly flowing, whether it’s in the form of shots or cocktails (Tequila Sunrise please), and the Mexican tapas are delicious!

Pink Taco
10250 Santa Monica Blvd, #220
Century City, CA

-It’s the scene to be seen. This is more of a party vibe, definitely trying to be hip, fashionable, and charismatic, but behind all the hoopla they actually have a great selection of tequila (more than 100).

Malo
4326 W Sunset Blvd
Silver Lake, CA 90029
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

All tequilas here are pure blue agave and there are over 150 of them to choose from. No shot glasses here; at Malo tequila comes neat, in a whiskey glass, and at room temperature (like a good bourbon).

Mucho Ultima Mexicana
903 Manhattan Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

-Very expensive, high-end Mexican restaurant, and the tequilas are solely top-of-the-line. Beautiful bar, flirty late-night feel, and the homemade cocktails (Key-Lime Margarita anyone?) will have you in between the sheets in no time.

The Spanish Kitchen
826 N La Cienega Blvd
W Hollywood, CA 90069

-A very popular restaurant, but did you know they also offer “tequila school”? Every Wednesday night at 7pm (make reservations) you can immerse yourself in the history, the culture, and the wonder that is tequila. On any night of the week you can taste at the bar (4 samples of tequila are about $20-$40). The menu is loaded…and you will be too!