‘Southern Living’ Poll Ranks Joe T.’s Margaritas as the Best in Texas

We may take it for granted that one of our very own Fort Worth institutions is not just a tourist attraction but the real deal when it comes to a certain cold libation.

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Having lived in Texas off and on for many years, I’ve come to understand the meaning of being humble. We might have it good, but we don’t brag about it, right? Texans let their actions and products speak for themselves in lieu of any gloating. Well, I’m about to break that rule just for one article. We, and I mean Fort Worth, have some of the best of the best when it comes to western style, hospitality, tranquil open spaces, and yes, Margaritas.

According to the readers of Southern Living magazine, Joe T. Garcia’s ranks numero uno in the Lone Star State for its cold Latin-inspired libations. For 89 years, this Fort Worth eatery has been serving up family meals and cold Margaritas to locals and visitors alike. On any given day, this family-run restaurant serves hundreds of these potent salt-rimmed libations at lighting speed to its thirsty throng of patrons.

Another aspect that makes the Margaritas at Joe T.’s a fun staple of this legendary Fort Worth culinary hot spot, is the fact that people can order one while waiting in the restaurant’s famously long line.

As for the methodology behind this auspicious Cowtown honor, Southern Living magazine explains that its voting process was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers. This survey asked these consumers to rate their favorite places across the South, which was fielded from July 12 to August of 2023. According to Southern Living’s website, they had well over 20,000 respondents. Some of the categories on “The South’s Best 2024” list include the best cities, best road trips, and even the best museums and historic landmarks. And surprise, surprise, Joe T.s landed under the food and drink category.

Besides their potent Margaritas, Joe T.s also offers a series of citrus-laced drinks infused with flavors like sweet strawberry served frozen. Order it skinny or top shelf, either way this cold drink is sure to refresh anyone looking for respite on a hot North Texas day.

And when we say anyone, we mean anyone. Besides its lush patio, authentic Tex-Mex cuisines served family style and yes — it’s margaritas — Joe T.s is also a place to see and be seen. Everyone from Sir Paul McCartney, to Michael Jackson have graced the hallowed tables at this Fort Worth eatery, which has a capacity to seat as many as 1,000 customers on any given day. Not bad for a restaurant that started out with only six tables in 1935. Over the years this quaint Fort Worth culinary staple, founded by Joe T. Garcia and his wife, affectionately known as Mamasuez, eventually took up the entire block of North Commerce Street.

Today Joe T.s is run by the founders six grandchildren, keeping this family tradition alive.

“We pay tribute to our grandparents by living out their dreams,” Lanny Lancarte, CEO and president of Joe T. Garcia’s told Southern Living. “The love and care they poured into each dish was evident in every bite.”