Whether they are served frozen, flavored or classic as they come, here are the 10 best margaritas in Chicago.
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2101 N. California Ave. / Website
Tex-Mex aficionados are in for a treat at this Logan Square haunt, which showcases specialties like fried chicken tacos, crunchy beef quesoritos and truck stop nachos—plus classic, spicy and frozen margaritas.
Must-order: the Frozen Swirl, made with a swirling of the flavored Frozen Mezcal Margarita and the Classic Frozen Margarita ($14)
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1200 W. Webster Ave. / Website
This Lincoln Park spot serves up authentic fare from Sonora, Mexico, like shrimp ceviche, chimichangas, al pastor tacos and abodo chicken skewers, accompanied by signature margaritas by the glass and pitcher.
Must-order: the Lobo Loco, made with 100% blue agave tequila, cucumber, jalapeño and chile salt ($14 single, $49 pitcher)
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2800 W. Logan Blvd. / Website
Chef and restaurateur Diana Davila pays homage to her Mexican heritage at this Logan Square mainstay, offering hand-pressed heirloom corn tortillas, quesabirria, pescado con mole blanco, chile y sal negronis and signature margaritas.
Must-order: the Mi Tocaya Antojería Margarita, made with tequila blanco, freshly squeezed lime juice, orange liqueur, agave nectar ($15)
See also: The 9 Best Martinis In Chicago
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1726 S. Racine Ave. / Website
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 lobster empanadas.
Must-order: the Luna Premium Margarita, made with your choice of Casamigos Reposado tequila or Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Cointreau, lime, Herradura agave, optional flavor add-on ($17 single, $52 pitcher)
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904 W. Randolph St. / Website
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 Oaxacan taco platters, crispy flautas, carnitas nachos, margaritas, cocktails and spirit-free selections.
Must-order: the Cruz, made with Espolòn reposado, Grand Marnier, agave, fresh lime ($16 single, $64 pitcher)
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3358 N. Southport Ave. / Website
Sit patio-side, snag a salt-rimmed margarita and dig into tender chicken tinga, steak fajitas and chicken enchiladas at this Tex-Mex joint, situated along Lakeview’s buzzy Southport Corridor.
Must-order: the Classic, made with fresh-squeezed fruit juice, Piedra Azul, triple sec, agave, egg white, lime juice ($9)
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720 N. State St. / Website
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 tartar and chile relleno pair seamlessly with Mexican bebidas like sangria, craft brews and infused margaritas.
Must-order: the Tzuco Margarita, made with Astral tequila, Cointreau, cucumber, St. Germain, lime juice ($16)
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443 N. Clark St. / Website
Treat yourself to authentic Mexican bites and Mezcal-infused drinks at this River North joint, home to Michelada-flavored oysters, Puebla-style mushroom tinga, mocha-mole carne asada and fruit-forward margaritas, Amaro spritzes and martinis.
Must-order: the El Sótano, made with Cuentacuentos El Barro mezcal (espadín), Green Chartreuse, fresh sugarcane juice, lime, hoja santa ($16)
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Multiple locations / Website
This honky tonk bar and taco joint rolled into one offers crafty sips and eats like lions mane al pastor tacos, brussel sprout tostadas, crispy braised pork belly panza and crave-worthy margaritas.
Must-order: the spicy margarita, made with Pueblo Viejo Blanco, Gran Gala Orange Curaçao, fresh lime ($14 single, $56 pitcher)
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Multiple locations / Website
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.
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)
See also: The 5 Best Cosmopolitans In Chicago
Photography by: Joe Christensen/Getty Images
