The History of Tia Margarita
Over 60 years ago, two couples — Alex & Virginia Hobbs and John & Myrtle Holbrook — took a chance on opening their own place. Alex and John, long-time bartenders around town, found a neighborhood bar with back rooms available, and Tia Margarita was born.
They were lucky to hire Alejandro Espinosa as chef, and he developed a classic northern Mexican menu that, along with a great bar scene, made Tia Margarita an instant success.
Virginia's husband and partners died too young, but in 1975 she brought her daughters Penny and Helen into the business to continue the family atmosphere Tia Margarita was known for. One of the most notable achievements of the original four partners was creating a restaurant with no particular target demographic. Truly everyone felt welcome and fit in — families to singles, all embraced by the warmth of the place.
Virginia continued running the Tia with great pride and joy until her passing in 2006. Now her granddaughter Jennifer Corwin proudly operates Tia Margarita, continuing the cherished family tradition.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023, Tia Margarita continues as a great neighborhood Mexican restaurant where customers become friends, and the original goals of providing good food and cocktails at a good value in a fun and welcoming atmosphere are carried on.