As soon as winter begins morphing into spring, my craving for margaritas commences. The refreshing drink—my fave is frozen strawberry—takes me to the beach, even when I’m seated firmly on a patio swarming with people.

La Sandía, a Mexican kitchen and tequila bar, has two outposts—one in Northfield Stapleton and the other at Park Meadows—but the latter offers an all day, every day happy hour that my friends and I can’t resist.

Energetic Latin music greets you on your way up to the tequila lounge, where the open space features long wooden tables for large groups, four-top bar tables, a lengthy bar, and a hodgepodge of patio furniture with brightly colored, comfy cushions.

When I arrived at 6 p.m. on a recent happy-hour excursion, I was surprised to see the lounge already jam-packed with working folk and a few large groups celebrating birthdays. Still, it didn’t take long for our four-person group to be seated amidst a loud din of friends chatting away.

The friendly waitstaff and extensive happy-hour menu are good distractions, and I was soon miles away, relaxing on that sandy beach with my prickly-pear-blueberry margarita, a bright, not-too-fruity combination of el Jimador tequila, sour mix, and fresh blueberries. Add free baskets of chips and salsa (a chunky, fresh blend of fire-roasted Roma tomatoes with just the right kick of spice) that keep coming, and you’ll find it hard to leave.

Happy hour at the Park Meadows location runs daily, from 4 p.m.-on in the bar and upstairs lounge.

Cocktails, wine, and sangría are $5; beer is $3. All appetizer specials, from mahi ceviche to nachos, cost between $3 and $6.

8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree, 303-586-5511 and 8340 Northfield Blvd., Unit 1690, 303-373-9100

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.