Whether they’re served frozen, flavored or classic as they come, these are the 12 best margaritas in Chicago.
Whether they’re served frozen, flavored or classic as they come, these are the 12 best margaritas in Chicago.
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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, Mexican Paella, carne asada and fruit-forward margaritas, Amaro spritzes and martinis.
Must-order: the El Sótano, made with Bozal Ensamble Mezcal (Espadín, Barril, Mexicano), 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, Brussels sprout tostadas, crispy braised pork belly panza and crave-worthy margaritas.
Must-order: the spicy margarita, made with Pueblo Viejo Blanco, Gran Gala orange liqueur, fresh lime ($14 single, $56 pitcher)
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2924 N. Broadway / Website
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.
Must-order: the Corazon, made with tequila, blood orange, passion fruit, pomegranate ($16 single, $19 mega, $38 pitcher)
See also: The 9 Best Martinis In Chicago
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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 barbacoa tacos, 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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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 chile relleno-stuffed empanadas.
Must-order: the Luna Premium Margarita, made with your choice of Don Julio Reposado Tequila or Amaras Espadin reposado Mezcal, Cointreau, lime, Herradura agave, optional flavor add-on ($17)
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2101 N. California Ave.; 5310 N. Clark St. / Website
Tex-Mex aficionados are in for a treat at this local fave, 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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108 W. Kinzie St. / Website
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.
Must order: the Spicy Mango-Rita, made with Astral Blanco, mango, habanero, fresh lemon juice ($16)
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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, lobster enchiladas, heritage pollo con mole poblano, sangria and signature margaritas.
Must-order: the Mi Tocaya Antojería Margarita, made with tequila blanco, freshly squeezed lime juice, agave nectar ($15)
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1200 W. Webster Ave. / Website
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.
Must-order: the Lobo Loco, made with 100% blue agave tequila, cucumber, jalapeño and chile salt ($14 single, $49 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)
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3358 N. Southport Ave. / Website
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.
Must-order: the Classic, made with fresh-squeezed fruit juice, Piedra Azul, triple sec, agave, egg white, lime juice, optional flavor add-on ($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 tartare and chile relleno pair seamlessly with Mexican bebidas like sangria, horchata martinis and infused margaritas.
Must-order: the Tzuco Margarita, made with Astral tequila, Cointreau, cucumber, St. Germain, lime juice ($16)
See also: The 5 Best Cosmopolitans In Chicago
Photography by: Joe Christensen/Getty Images
