Finding affordable craft cocktails in downtown San Diego isn’t always easy. Pizza on 5th changes that equation every Thursday with margarita specials that deliver quality tequila drinks at prices that make sense. From noon until 9pm every Thursday, this casual Italian restaurant transforms into margarita headquarters with $9 traditional, elderflower, and strawberry margaritas alongside their signature Po5 variations.
The Thursday lineup includes more than just margaritas. The $10 Po5 Cocktail anchors the menu, while $7 horchata shots provide a unique option you won’t find at most downtown bars. Every drink on the Tequila & Margarita Thursday menu stays under $11, which stands out when many downtown establishments charge $15-18 for comparable cocktails.
Why Thursday Margarita Deals Matter in Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego’s restaurant scene offers plenty of happy hours, but full-day specials are harder to find. Pizza on 5th runs their margarita promotion for nine straight hours, from lunch through dinner service. This extended timeframe works for different schedules – whether you’re grabbing a midday break, meeting friends after work, or starting your evening plans.
The restaurant keeps the same pricing all day. No early-bird windows or surge pricing. A $9 strawberry margarita costs the same at 12:30pm as it does at 8:30pm.
Making Margaritas Accessible
The pricing structure removes the usual downtown premium. Many cocktail bars in the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village charge $14-16 for margaritas. Pizza on 5th cuts that nearly in half while maintaining quality ingredients and proper proportions.
Four Margarita Styles Worth Trying
The Thursday menu features distinct margarita profiles:
- Traditional Margarita ($9): Classic tequila, lime, and triple sec blend that hits the standard markers
- Po5 Margarita ($9): The house signature variation with custom ingredients
- Elderflower Margarita ($9): Floral notes from St. Germain elderflower liqueur add complexity
- Strawberry Margarita ($9): Fresh fruit puree creates natural sweetness without artificial flavors
Each option maintains the same price point, so experimentation doesn’t cost extra. Try different styles across multiple visits or order a variety for your table.
Beyond Margaritas: The Complete Thursday Lineup
The specialty menu extends beyond tequila-and-lime combinations.
Featured Drinks
- Po5 Cocktail ($10): House specialty cocktail
- Horchata Shot ($7): Cinnamon and rice-based shot with cultural roots
The horchata shot provides a lower-alcohol option that complements the margarita selection. The $7 price point makes it an easy addition to any order.
Strategic Timing: Lunch Through Dinner Coverage
Starting at noon gives Pizza on 5th an advantage over evening-only specials. Lunch margaritas pair well with midday Italian fare, while late afternoon serves the after-work crowd. The 9pm end time means you can start your Thursday night here before moving to other downtown spots.
Nine consecutive hours of consistent pricing eliminates the need to watch the clock. Order when you arrive, not when the promotion window opens or closes.
Downtown Location Without the Downtown Markup
Pizza on 5th occupies a casual Italian restaurant space that prioritizes approachable pricing over trendy atmosphere. The focus stays on the food and drinks rather than premium ambiance charges. This approach translates to margarita deals that actually save money instead of slightly discounting already-inflated prices.
The downtown location provides walkable access from surrounding neighborhoods, hotels, and office buildings. Parking challenges exist like anywhere in downtown San Diego, but public transit and rideshare options work well for those planning to enjoy multiple margaritas.
Pairing Margaritas with Italian Cuisine
Tequila cocktails and Italian food create better combinations than you might expect. The citrus in margaritas cuts through rich pasta sauces and complements tomato-based dishes. Pizza crust benefits from the lime and salt rim palate cleanse between bites.
The elderflower margarita works particularly well with lighter fare like caprese salads or seafood pasta. Traditional margaritas match the bold flavors of meat-topped pizzas. Strawberry versions complement dessert courses.
Visit Pizza on 5th for Thursday Margarita Specials
Pizza on 5th serves Tequila & Margarita Thursday every week from 12pm to 9pm. The combination of extended hours, diverse margarita options, and consistent under-$10 pricing creates value that’s hard to match in downtown San Diego. Stop by for lunch margaritas, after-work drinks, or dinner cocktails – the same deals apply all day.