Tequlia-centeric Eateries & Bars in North County San Diego
With San Diego being so close to the Mexican border, having good quality tequila available is a no brainer. So, even though San Diego is currently known as the Beer Capital, we are starting to be known for our tequila as well. Our region’s newest tequila- and mezcal-centric restaurants and bars are offering a world of tequila begging to be sipped.
Tequila is made from blue agave plants grown only in Mexico, and known for it’s smooth, smokey flavor. Tequila is graded in quality and price by how long it’s aged.
The first major tequila distillery was established in Jalisco Mexico in the 1600’s when the Spanish explorers created a substitute for their fruit-based brandies.
Here are some of the best spots in North County San Diego to expand your knowledge and your taste buds with our favorite agave-based spirit.
Barrio Eat Mexican – Tequila List
Barrio Eat Mexican in downtown Carlsbad Village has over 100 Award-Winning, Artfully Crafted Tequila’s Perfect for Sipping & Sharing with Good Friends.
Death By Tequila
A Baja restaurant and tequila bar in the heart of downtown Encinitas. Where locals gather after dark to sip handcrafted cocktails and savor a Smugglers List of fine tequila and mezcal.
Tacos & Tequila Tour
Scavengers San Diego Beer & Adventure Tours offers a brand new tour “Agave Adventures”. Buckle-up and enjoy the ride in our vintage Swiss Safari Vehicle.
Learn about the difference between the different types of agave spirits and the processes in which they’re made. Taste Tequila, Mezcal while enjoying some of San Diego’s best tacos
100% Agave. 100% Great Time.
Jalisco Cantina, Oceanside
Barrel Republic owner Dave Pike opened Jalisco Cantina in Oceanside last year. It is a 50-seat tequila bar and restaurant which features more than 75 varieties of tequila and mezcal. The bar also sells the spirits in flights, where patrons can sample three different brands of tequilas or mezcals.
Campfire
Campfire in Carlsbad, California, has enthusiastically taken on the challenge to deliver nostalgia by way of its road trip-focused cocktail menu which of course also includes delicious tequila. Some of the favorites are:
Cheetos-inspired Flamin’ Hot cocktail is essentially a spicy, roasted corn Margarita that’s made with blanco tequila, lime, Campfire’s roasted corn espelette syrup, and a Flamin’ Hot spice blend rim.
Flamin’ Hot Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz. Roasted Corn Espelette Syrup*
- .75 oz. Lime Juice
- Flamin’ Hot Spice Blend**
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake, and strain into a rocks glass coated in Flamin’ Hot Spice Blend.
Another Campfire favorite Tequila Cocktail:
The “Aloe Black” Tequila Cocktail @ Campfire Carlsbad – PourMan
Califino – Tequila Shop
Califino’s tequila awarded “The Best Tequila” in 2020 is handcrafted using 100% ultra-premium blue weber agave, each aged in its own unique process and barrels.
Tequila Types:
Purely Unaged
Crystal clear, vibrant bright color. Fresh, clean, crisp scent. Sweet hints of vanilla, herbal, sweet lime citrus taste. Smooth, full body, refreshing finish.
Aged 12 months in American Oak Barrel
Golden, light-amber color. Warm, fresh oak barrel scent. Sweet vanilla, warm buttery spice taste. Light, smooth with a creamy honey finish.
Aged up to 36 months in American Oak Barrel
Golden, amber color. Lightly toasted barrel, silky caramel scent. Deep hints of baked agave, toasted almond taste. Warm, full body, deep toasted oak finish.
For tequila lovers check out instagram’s very own: Tequilajunkie
This article was written by Cherimarie Poulos founder/owner of Carlsbad Food Tours.
Eat Like a Local!
Carlsbad Food Tours offers a 3 hour guided walking tour, featuring food and wine tastings from local eateries, while sharing insights into Carlsbad’s art, history and architecture.
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