"If life gives you limes, make margaritas."
-Jimmy Buffett

*Originally published August 4, 2020:

Looking for a fun day trip this summer or fall and love to drink margaritas? You might want to try this "Margarita Mile" road trip through Durango (it's 2.1 miles, to be exact). The Western Slope has quite a few top-shelf margaritas to bring any tequila lover or newbie into Margaritaville.

This could be done as a date on a hot summer afternoon, or maybe a fun girls' trip for the weekend; either way, check out these four local watering holes that make up the "Margarita Mile" map. As always, drink responsibly and either walk or pick a designated driver!

1. San Marcos Mexican Restaurant

21832 Highway 160 W., Durango

Featured on the Visit Durango website, San Marcos Mexican Restaurant is the starting point for this tequila-tasting adventure and is known for its delicious tacos, great atmosphere, and hit-the-spot margaritas. Open daily at 4 p.m., the margaritas and grub are a perfect way to kick off a margarita tour, or fill your belly with takeout for a nice night at home. 

2. Tequila’s Family Restaurant

948 Main Avenue, Durango

The next stop is Tequila’s Family Restaurant, which leads us to believe they take their margarita game seriously, just based on the name alone. With some drool-worthy seafood dishes and all-time favorites like nachos and enchiladas, Tequila’s will satisfy both your food and drink cravings. Happy hour here offers $5.25 house margaritas, $2 beers, and 50 percent off appetizers. Tequila's is currently open for takeout orders, margaritas included.

3. Los Amigos Del Sur Mexican Restaurant

835 Maine Avenue #106, Durango

Courtesy of Los Amigos Del Sur Mexican Restaurant (Facebook)

Featured in the Durango Herald, this local eatery has colorful and tasty margaritas that include watermelon and cucumber. It's a local favorite and for good reason! The food menu is impressive, and all of it goes very well with that pretty-as-a-picture margarita they serve! Los Amigos del Sur is currently open for dine-in service as well as delivery and carryout—and yes, the specialty, freshly-squeezed beverages are included. With everything from breakfast to dessert, this is one grub stop that will not disappoint. 

4. Nini’s Taqueria

552 Main Avenue, Durango 

Nini’s Taqueria is all about frozen and fruit margaritas. They also offer delicious food and are open for dine-in as well as takeout. With a featured house-made monthly salsa and delectable frozen margaritas, they are a perfect addition to the Margarita Mile. 

5. Switchback

741 Main Avenue, Durango

Switchback offers margaritas of the spicy variety, and they're delicious. Mexican-style street food and a great atmosphere make this a local favorite on the Margarita Mile. The fresh blueberry margaritas look exactly what our summer needs. Open for dining in, extended patio seating, and carry out. 

6. Gazpacho Restaurant

431 East 2nd Avenue, Durango

Courtesy of Gazpacho New Mexican Cooking y Cantina (Facebook)

Though this is the last stop on our tour, this cantina-style eatery certainly is not the last by any means. With a "No BS Patron" margarita and the "La Hermosa," with Colorado-based Suerte Tequila Reposado, how could they be? They serve up traditional recipes and flavors both in the glass and on the plate. Currently, Gazpacho is open for dine-in service, Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m, and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. They are also offering takeout and curbside. 

Do you know of any other margarita places that should be on our list? Let us know your favorite place for this perfect summer beverage in the comments below.