Business Details
14 Years
experience
Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Tequila in Sausalito & San Jose
Copita Tequileria y Comida was founded in 2012 through a spirited collaboration between renowned chef Joanne Weir and restaurateur Larry Mindel. Our establishment began as a playful bet over margaritas during a Mexican vacation, evolving into a celebrated dining destination that blends authentic Mexican flavors with Northern California's culinary innovation. With locations in Sausalito and San Jose, we offer an immersive experience featuring handcrafted tequila cocktails, traditional Mexican dishes, and thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect our passion for hospitality.Our team combines decades of expertise in fine dining and Mexican cuisine, ensuring every guest enjoys exceptional service and memorable meals. The original margarita competition may remain unresolved, but our commitment to quality and authenticity has made Copita a beloved fixture in both communities.
Services
Mexican Cuisine
Tequila Cocktails
Private Events
Rooftop Bar
Happy Hour
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer award-winning margaritas crafted by a celebrated PBS chef.
- Our menus feature authentic Mexican recipes with Northern California ingredients.
- Our locations combine vibrant Mexican design with modern California aesthetics.
- We provide rooftop dining with panoramic views in San Jose.
- Our team has decades of combined experience in fine dining hospitality.
Services
Mexican Cuisine
Our kitchen crafts traditional Mexican dishes using authentic recipes and fresh local ingredients. The menu features regional specialties like tacos al pastor, mole negro, and handmade tamales. Each dish is prepared with techniques passed down through generations while incorporating Northern California's seasonal produce.
Tequila Cocktails
We offer an extensive tequila selection featuring over 100 premium brands. Our signature margaritas use house-made agave nectar and fresh citrus juices. The cocktail menu includes classic palomas, micheladas, and innovative creations developed by award-winning mixologists with decades of experience in Latin American spirits.
Private Events
Our venues accommodate special occasions from intimate dinners to large celebrations. Both locations feature dedicated event spaces with customizable menus and beverage packages. The Sausalito location offers waterfront views while the San Jose rooftop provides urban skyline vistas. Our event coordinators specialize in weddings, corporate functions, and cultural celebrations.
Rooftop Bar
The San Jose location features a rooftop bar serving casual taqueria fare and signature cocktails. Open-air seating provides panoramic views of the South Bay area. The space includes a lounge area with live music performances and a full tequila tasting bar featuring rare and aged varieties unavailable elsewhere in the region.
Happy Hour
Daily happy hour specials include discounted cocktails, house-made tortilla chips with three salsas, and traditional Mexican street food. The Sausalito location offers waterfront sunset views while the San Jose rooftop provides extended evening hours. Special pricing available during designated time slots at both locations.
People
Joanne Weir
Managing Partner
Celebrated PBS chef and James Beard Award winner with over 30 years in culinary education. Author of 14 cookbooks including 'Tequila: a guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails and Bites.' Brings expertise in Mexican cuisine and spirits to Copita's menu development.
Larry Mindel
Propietario
Veteran restaurateur with 40 years in the industry, founder of Il Fornaio restaurant chain. Combines Italian fine dining experience with passion for Mexican culture. Oversees operations and hospitality standards across both Copita locations.
Questions
What inspired Copita's creation?
Copita began as a friendly margarita-making competition between chef Joanne Weir and restaurateur Larry Mindel during a Mexican vacation. Their mutual passion for tequila and Mexican cuisine led to opening the first location in Sausalito in 2012.
What makes your margaritas special?
Our margaritas use premium tequilas, house-made agave nectar, and fresh-squeezed citrus juices. The recipes combine traditional Mexican techniques with Northern California ingredients, creating balanced flavors that have become our signature offering.
Do you offer private event spaces?
Yes, both locations feature dedicated event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. The Sausalito location offers waterfront views while the San Jose rooftop provides skyline vistas with a full-service bar and customizable menus.
What are your operating hours?
Sausalito: Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm, Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. San Jose: Mon-Thu 5pm-9pm, Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm with rooftop bar extensions.
Do you serve traditional Mexican dishes?
Yes, our menu features authentic Mexican cuisine including tacos al pastor, mole negro, handmade tamales, and regional specialties. Dishes use traditional preparation methods while incorporating fresh Northern California ingredients for enhanced flavor profiles.
What tequila options are available?
We maintain an extensive selection of over 100 premium tequilas, including rare and aged varieties. The menu features blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas from small-batch producers, with tasting flights and cocktail pairings available for enthusiasts.
