Pictured above: Cantina Louie

Yes, we realize that margaritas are typically associated with Cinco De Mayo — but we’re here to change that. A really good margarita is a staple on most restaurant/bar menus and with the days warming up and St. Patrick’s Day almost here, why not celebrate a drink that never goes out of style. Here are the best places to get a margarita on Amelia Island. Cheers!

Cantina Louie

Cantina Louie serves delicious “Mexican Street Food” and their full bar features Mexican beer, wine and classic cocktails. However, it’s the margaritas that everyone wants with a variety of flavors to choose from. For a drink to warm you inside and out, try the Spicy Watermelon Margarita made with jalapeno infused tequila, watermelon juice, agave and fresh lime juice. After one or two of these, your ability to make friends at the bar triples.

960062 Gateway Blvd

Coquina

Located at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Coquina is an oceanfront al fresco restaurant inspired by the island’s Spanish roots. It’s where salt not only lines the rim of your margarita glass but also hangs in the air. Speaking of which, the Blood Orange Margarita is their specialty made with Casamigos tequila, blood orange syrup, blood orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. It’s amazing and so refreshing. The view isn’t bad either.

4750 Amelia Island Pkwy

The Decantery

The Decantery is one of those establishments that does all drinks well. ALL drinks are their specialty and margaritas are often what’s featured. Sip on a Hibiscus Margarita and feast on one of their delish charcuterie boards. Hibiscus adds the perfect mix of fresh and floral with a little bit of tartness thrown in. All of this while lounging on comfy couches in a cool historic building. It’s all about the vibe.

117 Centre Street

Mezcal

Mezcal is new to the downtown dining scene and tequila is not only poured here, it’s served in some of their tasty cuisine. It’s safe to say these folks know how to throw a margarita together. In fact, they claim to have the best margarita in town and I’m pretty sure they’re right. Traditional, spicy, fruity, tart… you get the picture. Or, the pitcher. They serve them that way, too.

302 Centre Street

Pepper’s

Pepper’s Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar is a family-owned restaurant in the heart of downtown Fernandina. If you’re craving a really good margarita, this is the place to be. They have an extensive tequila collection so if you’re a tequila snob, chances are they have exactly what you’re looking for. Sit on the outdoor patio overlooking Centre Street and enjoy a tasty margarita served frozen or on the rocks. The people watching is pretty good, too.

530 Centre Street

Salty Pelican

The Salty Pelican is proof that you don’t have to be a Mexican restaurant to serve a really good margarita. Watch a photo-worthy sunset over the Fernandina Harbor with a dozen oysters, peel & eat shrimp, and the Ultimate Margarita served classic, with blackberry, blood orange or hibiscus. Made with Olmeca Altos tequila, grand marnier, agave nectar, fresh lime, and house-made sour mix, this is a seriously good margarita.

12 N Front Street