Whether they’re served frozen, flavored or classic as they come, these are the 12 best margaritas in Chicago.
Bar Sótano
Treat yourself to authentic Mexican bites and Mezcal-infused drinks at this River North joint, home to Michelada-flavored oysters, Mexican Paella, carne asada and fruit-forward margaritas, Amaro spritzes and martinis. 443 N. Clark St.
Must-order: the Epazote Aloe Margarita, made with Lucy Pistolas mezcal, Mijenta blanco tequila, Chareau (aloe liqueur), Epazote-chile tincture, lime, agave ($17)
Big Star
This honky tonk bar and taco joint rolled into one offers crafty sips and eats like lion’s mane al pastor tacos, Brussels sprout tostadas, crispy braised pork belly panza and crave-worthy margaritas. Multiple locations
Must-order: the spicy margarita, made with Pueblo Viejo Blanco, Gran Gala orange curaçao, fresh lime, agave ($14 single, $56 pitcher)
Cesar’s Killer Margaritas
This family-owned bar is known for its tasty Mexican cuisine (think sizzling fajitas, chile relleno dinners and mini burritos) and tempting margaritas. Visit to peruse a full menu dedicated to margaritas and explore flavor offerings like cherry, blueberry, banana, guava and more. 2924 N. Broadway
Must-order: the Corazon, made with tequila, blood orange, passion fruit, pomegranate ($16 single, $19 mega, $38 pitcher)
Cruz Blanca Brewpub
A collaboration between Cuban-born entrepreneur Manny Valdes and Texas brewmaster Jacob Sembrano, this West Loop taproom is a must-visit for multi-regional Mexican staples like barbacoa tacos, crispy flautas, carnitas nachos, margaritas, cocktails and spirit-free selections. 904 W. Randolph St.
Must-order: the Cruz, made with Prolijo Blanco, Grand Marnier, agave, fresh lime ($16 single, $64 pitcher)
La Luna
With a warm, vibrant atmosphere and a lineup of Latin-inspired specialty cocktails (think margaritas, palomas and micheladas), this Pilsen eatery puts a contemporary twist on traditional Mexican favorites with salsa flights, beer-battered tilapia tacos and chile relleno-stuffed empanadas. 1726 S. Racine Ave.
Must-order: the Luna Margarita, made with your choice of Mezcal Amaras Verde or Milagro Blanco tequila, Cointreau, lime, agave, optional flavor add-on ($15)
Lonesome Rose
Tex-Mex aficionados are in for a treat at this local fave, which showcases specialties like fried chicken tacos, crunchy beef quesoritosand truck stopnachos—plus classic, spicy and frozen margaritas. 2101 N. California Ave.; 5310 N. Clark St.
Must-order: the Frozen Swirl, made with a swirling of the flavored frozen Mezcal margarita and the classic frozen margarita ($14)
Mercadito
Since 2008, this River North hot spot has specialized in authentic Mexican cuisine, serving indulgent dishes like crispy flautas, al pastor-style branzino, brisket tacos and Tajin-topped esquites. The eatery’s drinks are not to be missed, from the curated tequila flight to refreshing, salt-rimmed margaritas. 108 W. Kinzie St.
Must order: the Spicy Mango-Rita, made with Mi Campo tequila, mango, habanero, fresh lemon juice ($16)
Mi Tocaya Antojería
Chef and restaurateur Diana Davila pays homage to her Mexican heritage at this Logan Square mainstay, offering hand-pressed heirloom corn tortillas, lobster enchiladas, heritage pollo con mole poblano, sangria and signature margaritas. 2800 W. Logan Blvd.
Must-order: the Mi Tocaya Antojería Margarita, made with tequila blanco, freshly squeezed lime juice, agave nectar ($15)
Old Pueblo Cantina
This Lincoln Park spot serves up authentic fare from Sonora, Mexico, like shrimp ceviche, chimichangas, mahi-mahi tacos and abodo chicken skewers, accompanied by signature margaritas by the glass and pitcher. 1200 W. Webster Ave.
Must-order: the Lobo Loco, made with 100% blue agave tequila, cucumber, jalapeño and chile salt ($14 single, $56 pitcher)
Parlor Pizza Bar
Satisfy your craving for both Neopolitan-inspired pizzas and refreshing margaritas at this neighborhood pizzeria. Heat things up with a “Hot Chix” slice topped with Nashville hot chicken, spicy pickles and lime garlic aioli. Or if meatballs are your jam, opt for a slice of “Great Balls of Fire” with pepperoni, meatballs and giardiniera. Multiple locations
Must-order: the Don’t Be A Prickly Pear margarita, made with Pueblo Viejo Blanco tequila, Cointreau, sweet prickly pear fruit, lime ($14 single, $40 pitcher)
Tuco and Blondie
Sit patio-side, snag a salt-rimmed margarita and dig into tender chicken tinga, skirt steak fajitas and chicken enchiladas at this Tex-Mex joint, situated along Lakeview’s buzzy Southport Corridor. 3358 N. Southport Ave.
Must-order: the Classic, made with fresh-squeezed fruit juice, Piedra Azul, triple sec, agave, egg white, lime juice, optional flavor add-on ($9)
Tzuco
Chef and owner Carlos Gaytán (the first Mexican chef to win a Michelin star) melds Mexican fare with French culinary techniques at this upscale Mag Mile hot spot. Offerings like Mayan ceviche, steak tartare and chile relleno pair seamlessly with Mexican beverages such as sangria, horchata martinis and infused margaritas. 720 N. State St.
Must-order: the Tzuco Margarita, made with Cuervo Tradicional tequila, Cointreau, cucumber, St. Germain, lime juice ($16)
