Union Market's Margarita Trail: Where to Find the Perfect Mix

In recent years, the Union Market District of Washington, DC has surged in popularity as not just a food destination, but a fully immersive cultural experience. Anchored at 1309 5th Street NE, this revitalized warehouse district now stands as a beacon for food lovers, creatives, and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Amid the artisanal cheese counters, globally inspired pop-ups, and design-forward boutiques, something deliciously citrusy is shaking its way to the top of every bar menu: the margarita.

Union Market isn’t just serving the classic lime and salt variety. Here, the margarita is a canvas, showcasing smoky mezcals, vibrant fresh fruits, chile infusions, and sparkling flourishes. The area’s top mixologists are finding new ways to honor tequila while pushing the boundaries of what a margarita can be. Whether you're a lifelong agave enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a well-balanced cocktail, Union Market offers a lineup of margaritas that is as diverse as the neighborhood itself.

If you're wondering where to begin your margarita exploration, we’ve curated a list of must-visit locations offering the best sips and scenes in the district. From sun-drenched rooftops to dark neon-drenched lounges, each spot promises something special in both glass and experience.

Bar Betsie

📍 1328 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
🔗 Bar Betsie

Bar Betsie is Union Market’s answer to old-school glamour with a playful wink. Located directly within the main market hall, this moody little bar draws you in with its warm red glow, draped velvet curtains, and dive-bar-meets-art-house energy. Think vintage wood finishes, intimate booths, and a soundtrack that flirts between indie rock and synth-pop.

The bar’s cocktail list leans heavily into tequila and mezcal, offering up a rotating selection of margaritas that reflect both seasonality and whimsy. On any given visit, you might find a hibiscus-lime margarita garnished with edible flowers or a spicy jalapeño-cilantro number balanced with agave syrup. Their bartenders aren’t afraid to get experimental, but the results are always well-crafted and bold.

Bar Betsie’s vibe is part speakeasy, part neighborhood hangout, and it’s perfect for a casual solo drink or a buzzy pre-dinner meetup. It's also one of the best places in Union Market for cocktail lovers to engage with creative bartending without any pretension.

Treehouse Rooftop at Hotel Nell

📍 411 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
🔗 treehouseunionmarket.com

Floating above the district atop Hotel Nell, Treehouse Union Market delivers a slice of Tulum-inspired paradise to DC. Wrapped in lush greenery, weathered wood, and gentle lighting, the space creates a breezy, upscale escape right in the middle of the city. The views of the skyline make it one of the most picturesque cocktail settings east of the Capitol.

The standout here is the Classic Rita, a clean and crisp blend of tequila, Cointreau, and fresh key lime juice. It's refreshing, tart, and perfectly proportioned. But the real draw might be Treehouse's unbeatable weekday happy hour, offering margaritas at just $8 until 7 p.m., a deal that's hard to match in this part of town.

If you’re into lounging with a view while sipping something simple and elevated, Treehouse will deliver. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, entertaining clients, or just wrapping up the workday, it’s a must-visit rooftop for any margarita fan.

El Presidente

📍 1255 Union St NE, Washington, DC 20002
🔗 elpresidentedc.com

For those who like their margaritas with a side of flair, El Presidente is the go-to. Located just off Union Market’s main strip, this vibrant neo-retro eatery brings the energy of Mexico City to DC’s northeast corridor. From its candy-colored interiors to its bold playlist and visually rich design, every detail is thoughtfully curated.

El Presidente’s cocktail program is all about agave spirits — tequila and mezcal take the spotlight in a collection of drinks that feel inventive but rooted in tradition. Their sparkling margarita, served exclusively during happy hour (3 to 6 p.m. daily), adds a fizzy twist to the classic, turning a familiar sip into something effervescent and celebratory.

The margarita menu here is complemented by an array of bar snacks crafted to pair perfectly with tequila, including tostadas, aguachile, and freshly made salsas. If you love bold flavors and even bolder design, El Presidente promises a feast for all the senses.

Serenata at La Cosecha

📍 1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
🔗 serenatadc.com

Serenata offers something a bit more introspective — a bar where every cocktail is a narrative rooted in Latin America’s vast culinary heritage. Located inside La Cosecha, the modern Latin American marketplace just a few blocks from Union Market, Serenata is both elegant and soulful.

Here, the margarita is not just a drink — it’s a journey. The bartenders create regionally inspired versions using fresh tropical fruits, rare bitters, and high-quality agave spirits. Expect variations featuring ingredients like tamarind, mango, or even grilled pineapple. The team’s attention to detail and dedication to cultural authenticity elevate every pour.

Unlike louder venues, Serenata exudes calm refinement, with clean aesthetics and an intimate bar that invites conversation. It’s an ideal stop for those seeking a meaningful connection to Latin American drink traditions while still indulging in the crowd-pleasing appeal of a top-tier margarita.

Ghost Bar DC (Seasonal)

📍 500 Penn St NE, Washington, DC 20002
🔗 ghostbardc.com

While not a year-round fixture, Ghost Bar DC earns a special place on this list for its sheer creativity. Open during spooky season (typically from mid-September through early November), this Halloween-themed cocktail experience is a ghoulish delight located near the heart of Union Market.

The space is decked out with cobwebs, candles, creepy wall art, and low lighting, making it feel like a haunted mansion party come to life. Their Pumpkin Patch Margarita — a mix of tequila, apple juice, triple sec, and ginger beer — is a seasonal twist on the classic that’s as playful as it is delicious. The sweet-tart flavor, spiked with warm spice notes, makes it a festive fall treat.

Ghost Bar offers a great reason to revisit the area in the cooler months and provides a distinctly different margarita experience that combines whimsy, flavor, and Instagram-worthy aesthetics. If you’re in town during Halloween season, this is a must-visit.

Crafting Your Margarita Journey

Union Market DC has cemented its reputation as one of the most eclectic and rewarding neighborhoods to explore in the city, especially for food and drink lovers. But within this vibrant district lies a particularly potent throughline: the elevation of the humble margarita into a cocktail worthy of celebration.

Each venue we’ve highlighted brings a unique interpretation of the drink, whether it’s the nostalgic, neon-soaked vibe at Bar Betsie, the breezy elegance of Treehouse’s rooftop, or the cultural storytelling behind Serenata’s creations. Together, they form a margarita trail that’s rich in flavor, setting, and spirit.

To make the most of your margarita tour:

• Start early to take advantage of happy hour pricing at Treehouse and El Presidente.
  
  
• Plan your visit around events or seasonal pop-ups like Ghost Bar DC for themed experiences.
  
  
• Visit venues within walking distance to explore multiple margarita styles in one afternoon or evening.
  
  
• Follow each bar’s social media for menu updates and specials.
  
  

In a city that’s often known for its political power and monuments, Union Market reminds us that DC also knows how to have fun. And what better way to experience that energy than one margarita at a time?

Cheers to the journey — and the next round.