Along with the many taquerias and fantastic tacos offered in Chicago, we have our thriving Mexican population to thank for an abundance of wonderful places to enjoy top-notch Chicago margaritas all year round.
Though today Latin culture, art, and heritage particularly prosper in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village, there are exquisite margaritas found all over the city. We have rounded up some of the very best whether you enjoy them by the glass or the pitcher, head straight to these places for the best margaritas in Chicago.
1. Antique Taco, Bridgeport
Antique Taco’s margaritas are as original as they are refreshingly delicious! Their rosemary margaritas ($12/$33 quart) offer an uber-fresh twist on the classic marg that will keep you going back for more.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, we suggest trying their guava coconut margaritas ($11/$36 quart). Pair either with some of Antique’s homemade tacos, and you’ve got a killer combo! At Antique, you can also get your rosemary margaritas to go in both individual or pitcher sizes.
Pro tip: Try their Blueberry Basil Margarita ($12/$36)!
📍 1360 N Milwaukee Ave
📍1000 W 35th St., Chicago
2. Big Star, Wicker Park
We couldn’t come up with a list of the best margaritas in Chicago without including Big Star. A total classic of the Chicago outdoor dining scene, Big Star has had its signature margaritas on its menu since 2009.
Whether you choose to have them by the glass ($12) or by the pitcher ($48), their delicious combo of tequila, Marie Brizard Curaçao, Gran Gala Orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice make them a great choice for cooling down on the patio in summer or snuggling up with some midweek motivation during the colder months!
📍 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago
📍3640 N Clark St, Chicago
3. Federales, West Loop
If you’re looking to enjoy some killer margaritas while throwing tequila shots at a bell (yes, Federales has a tequila bell you get to throw ice shot glasses at), we suggest going to Federales.
This lively bar offers a wide variety of margaritas, from the classic one ($12) and a mango-flavored one ( $12) to a spicy watermelon margarita that comes with an extra kick ($14). We suggest pairing these with their signature tequila-lime shrimp tacos ($4.5) for an extra shot of tequila.
📍180 N Morgan St, Chicago
4. La Vaca, Pilsen
If you’re on a budget, La Vaca is the place for a margarita in Chicago. All margaritas are $12 single and $28 a pitcher. Plenty of options include lime, passion fruit, spicy mango, Pepino, and more, but we recommend you try the mouthwatering strawberry-jalapeño and tamarindo margaritas.
La Vaca also has a second brick-and-mortar location in Lincoln Park in addition to its original in Pilsen!
Pro tip: La Vaca Margarita Bar tends to fill up very quickly, so make sure to make your reservation ahead of time.
📍 1160 West 18th Street, Chicago
5. Las Fuentes, Lincoln Park
Talking of Lincoln Park, the affluent North Side neighborhood is also home to one of our favorite patios in Chicago by the name of Las Fuentes. I’m sure many reading this will have kicked back with a margarita and listened to the trickle of the Las Fuentes fountain on more than one occasion.
If traditional Margaritas are what you seek, Las Fuentes is the place to go for the best margarita in Chicago. The family-owned restaurant has been serving Chicagoans traditional Mexican food since 1982, and they sure know how it’s done.
Whether you choose to go classic with their “Especial Margarita” made with Grand Marnier, tequila, and fresh lime juice ($12) or edgier with their “Smoked Sombra Mezcal Margarita” with Grand Marnier and mezcal ($15) Las Fuentes’ drinks are bound to satisfy all your margarita cravings!
📍 2558 N Halsted St, Chicago
6. Lonesome Rose, Logan Square
Can you get anything more refreshing than frozen margaritas? The answer’s yes; you can get Lonesome Rose’s frozen swirl margaritas in Chicago. Their delicious combo of classic margarita and prickly pear mezcal will cool you down even on the hottest days!
But if you’re looking for other options, Lonesome Rose’s got you covered with their Call Margarita ($13) featuring Siete Leguas Blanco and Pueblo Viejo Reposado Tequila and their Spicy Margarita ($11) with tequila, curaçao, agave, lime and an intriguing spicy tincture ($11). You can also get all Lonesome Rose’s margaritas in pitcher size ($38-$61)
📍 2101 N California Ave, Chicago
7. Mercadito, River North
If you’re a traditionalist when it comes to your margaritas, then Mercadito is the place to go. Made with hornitos blanco, grand Marnier, lime, and agave, their margarita traditional ($15) is a fantastic version of the classic drink, perfect to pair with any of their yummy tacos!
We suggest pairing it with their carnitas de puerco tacos ($16.50).
📍 108 W Kinzie St, Chicago
8. Del Toro, Pilsen
Everardo and Andres Garcia are the minds behind this beloved Pilsen spot. With 14 signature margaritas, there is plenty to choose from, all ranging from $12-$14, including the unique Berry Jalapeño Margarita at $13, which comes with 3G Blanco, Cointreau, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, jalapeño, syrup, and lime.
The Jalapeño margarita at $12 is a simpler option with just 3G Blanco, Cointreau, jalapeño syrup, and lime. At the same time, there are plenty of other more common options in the Mango Margarita ($13), Passion Fruit Margarita ($12), and Hibiscus Margarita ($13).
📍 2133 S. Halsted, Chicago
9. Tuco & Blondie, Lakeview
Tuco & Blondie sure knows how to please a crowd when it comes to margaritas. This Mexican eatery fuses two of everyone’s favorite ingredients, avocado & tequila, to create fabulous margaritas.
Served by the glass ($11) or by the pitcher ($36), Tuco makes its classic margaritas with Piedra Azul, Triple Sec, Agave, and Lime Juice. Still, for an extra $2, you can add a little spin to the classic by changing its flavor to avocado, black cherry, passionfruit, or prickly pear!
We recommend trying their frozen version for an extra refreshing drink!
📍 3358 N Southport Ave, Chicago
10. La Mejikana, Pilsen
La Mejikana is another Pilsen establishment where you’re guaranteed to find a solid margarita. The casual Mexican spot combines a rustic feel with exposed brick, industrial decor, and vibrant murals offering a reliable and uplifting Pilsen hideout.
One of the places for the best margarita in Chicago, Margaritas Frescas at La Mejikana sets you back just $10 and comes in a range of flavors, including Pineapple, Coconut, Strawberry, Cucumber, Watermelon, and Lime.
📍 1820 S Ashland Ave, Chicago
11. Bless Your Heart, River North
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Bless Your Heart blends Southern Charm with a little sass, an ambiance combining old-school Dolly with today’s popular space cowboy aesthetic. The menu features an extensive cocktail list in mason jars, but their drinks are one of our favorite margaritas in town. The house margaritas include Centenario Tequila, Agave simple syrup, and citrus, the perfect for a boozy afternoon.
📍 601 N Wells St, Chicago
12. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, West Loop
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has landed in the West Loop, and it’s not your ordinary restaurant. The front of the restaurant brings a delectable menu, ranging from classic tacos to cheesy quesadillas to delicious and, most importantly, some of the best local margaritas. However, once you’ve devoured your tacos and slurped margaritas, head down the narrow hallway to the speakeasy in the back that turns into a club later on in the night.
📍 912 W Randolph St.
13. Texan Taco Bar, West Loop
A few Tequila bars in Chicago have captured our attention, and Texan Taco is one of them. This is the perfect Saturday hangout with friends. The restaurant features an extensive list of tequila and mezcal options, but our favorite involves a frozen mixture. Grab a glass (or pitcher) of the Agave Margartias; if it’s really hot, the frozen Agava Margartia is at your fingertips.
📍 942 W Randolph St, Chicago