Margaritas
Classic, frozen and mezcal-spiked: the Chicago bars and cantinas that take the margarita seriously.
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Cesar's Killer Margaritas
A longtime Lakeview party spot with a huge list of flavored margaritas and mix-and-match rims. It's more fun than fancy, and that's the point.
Bar Sótano
Rick Bayless's basement agave bar beneath Frontera, pouring some of the most creative margaritas in the city.
Lonesome Rose
A Tex-Mex hangout with a rooftop, where a frozen margarita and a plate of queso make the afternoon.
Cruz Blanca Cervecería & Taquería
Rick Bayless's casual brewery-taqueria on Randolph Row, with sharp margaritas and shareable Oaxacan tlayudas.
Osito's Tap
A cozy Little Village cocktail bar from the family behind Moreno's Liquors, pouring a serious reposado margarita and other agave drinks.
La Luna
A handsome Pilsen Mexican spot whose classic margarita, with tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime, is about as balanced as they come.
Big Star
A honky-tonk taco bar with a huge patio. The easy, fun pick for visitors.
Chicago's margarita scene
With one of the largest Mexican communities in the country, Chicago has no shortage of great margaritas. They range from perfectly balanced classics in Pilsen to frozen patio pitchers and creative agave cocktails at dedicated mezcal bars.
Styles to know:
- Classic: tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime, on the rocks. It's the best test of a bar.
- Frozen: blended and built for patios and summer afternoons
- Spicy and creative: chile-infused tequila, chamoy and tajín rims, and seasonal fruit
- Mezcal: tequila's smoky cousin, great in a margarita or sipped neat
Good to know: ask what tequila they use. The best bars pour 100% agave.
Pair your margarita with some of the city's best tacos, or see cocktail bars for more.