Florence’s Best Mexican Happy Hour

l’Margaritaio, Via dell’Anguillara 70/R, Florence.. Open 5:30 pm – 2 am daily.

Frozen margaritas in sugar-rimmed glasses adorned with pineapple slices, piles of tortilla chips covered in cheese and guacamole, walls lined with Mexican street art. The city filled to the brim with world class Italian fare does not sound like the home of this scene, yet somehow l’Margaritaio has been flourishing in Florence.

This underground gem specializes in Mexican happy hour, doling out generous portions of nachos, gooey quesadillas, and an endless variety of drinks that will transport you to tropical scenes.

This little restaurant shines at all times of the night, but the happy hour makes l’Margaritaio stand out. Running daily from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, it is perfect for hungry and thirsty people who are also adhering to a budget.

Drinks cost €4.50 during happy hour, including a generously poured frozen margarita, with 31 flavor options that can also be combined. From the traditional lime margarita to more exciting flavors like almond milk or pear, margarita purists and those looking for something new will find a drink for them.

The options don’t end at margaritas, though. Classical cocktails are offered, as well as six types of pina coladas and fresh mojitos made with either rum or vodka for the same price as the margarita. The types of mojitos are almost as vast as the margaritas, from strawberry to ginger and honey. Their “most famous mojito” is the licorice mojito, and is wildly different than the typical drink with lime and mint.

Care is put into everything served, from the homemade sour cream, to the guacamole made of avocados purchased and peeled daily. Hungry guests can dig into a plate of nachos with toppings from ground spicy chorizo sausages to Pico de Gallo, a chopped tomato onion-coriander salsa; 6 euro for a small that is still big enough to share, or €10  for a large, better to share with a table of people.

Quesadilla is something that cannot be missing from a Mexican menu: warm corn tortillas filled with meat, cheese and vegetables. Paired perfectly with homemade salsas from the bar, this dish brimming with cheesy goodness is a must-have.

If diners still have room after sipping on mojitos and munching on tortilla chips, dessert is also served. l’Margaritaio specializes in a sweet quesadilla filled with Nutella and cream, and is sure to end the night on a sweet note.

The bartender and owner, busily seen constantly making margaritas from open to close, sought to solve his own frustration that real margaritas and Mexican food is largely absent in Florence. The crew at l’Margaritaio works hard to provide the freshest and most authentic experience possible, and it shows.  (annikka oelhafen)