Best Margaritas In Chicago
The basics of a margarita include tequila, triple sec and lime juice. But the best margaritas in the city include a bit more than just that. All of these margaritas are available at Mexican restaurants and can be ordered whether the weather is warm, or not!
Big Star
1531 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-4039
www.bigstarchicago.com
From its award-winning tacos to their pack-a-punch margaritas, this Wicker Park restaurant from Paul Kahan does everything top-notch (but if it's raining, you just won't get to enjoy their expansive patio). Start your meal off with some chips and salsa while you imbibe on either their classic margarita or their Big Star margarita. Both are made with Lunazul Blanco tequila, orange curaço and lime, but you'll only get a bit of mezcal with their Big Star version. The classic margaritas also come in a pitcher, if you're willing to share.
Cesar's Killer Margaritas
2924 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 296-9097
www.killermargaritas.com
This Lakeview restaurant markets itself as having killer margaritas, hence the name. For starters, patrons have plenty of options, much more than just on the rocks or frozen. Choose between 10 flavors (including guava or blood orange with passion fruit & pomegranate) and pick whether you want salt or sugar on the rim. But the choices don't end there! You can also add Midori or Grand Marnier. No matter what kind of margarita they craft for you, it'll go perfectly with Cesar's enchiladas, costillas, fajitas and so much more.
Cocina Tarascas
2585 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-2595
www.cocinatarascas.com
Go big or go home with the margaritas at this Lincoln Park Mexican restaurant, their bulldog-rita clocks in at 32 ounces. Not big enough? Order their Jumbo-rita, which is a whopping 45 1/2 ounces!! (Pitchers and regular sizes are available, too). While you can "build your own" with the Jumbo-Rita with a plethora of tequila options, Cocina Tarascas offers a variety of cocktail options too, including a Sangria Swirl, all for $10.
Related: Most Unique Margaritas in Chicago
De Cero
816 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 455-8114
www.hellotacos.com
This West Loop hot spot may be best known for their tacos (mmm, duck confit), but they also have a wonderful array of margaritas made with blue agave tequila, crushed fruit and house-made sour. The flavors range from the more traditional, like strawberry mint, to the more exotic, such as the pineapple jalapeno. There's earthy margaritas, like the cucumber, to sweeter margaritas, like mango con chile. While these margaritas can be enjoyed on their own, easily, make your meal complete with the tacos, as well as the duck nachos.
Frontera Grill
445 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-1434
www.rickbayless.com
Chef Rick Bayless, and his chefs, make the best Mexican cuisine in the city. At his Frontera Grill restaurant, pair the award-winning dishes with top-notch margaritas. The cocktail menu features a few options, including a classic margarita as well as more creative twists on the sweet drink. But want to go all out? Order the Splurge Margarita. This drink has a price tag of $35, but with ingredients like Riazul anejo tequila, Cognac-infused Pineau des Charantes, and, drumroll please, goldleaf, this margarita is truly a delicious splurge.
Related: Best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago
Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.
