Along with the many taquerias and fantastic tacos on offer in Chicago, we have our thriving Mexican population to thank for an abundance of wonderful places to enjoy a top-notch margarita all year round.
Though today Latin culture, art, and heritage particularly prospers in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village, there are exquisite margaritas found all over the city and we have here rounded up some of the very best.
Whether you choose to enjoy them by the glass or by the pitcher here are 10 spots around Chicago serving some of the best margaritas in town.
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 of them with some of Antique’s homemade tacos and you’ve got yourself 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)!
📍 You can find Antique Taco at 1360 N Milwaukee Ave and 1000 W 35th St., Chicago
2. Big Star, Wicker Park
We couldn’t come up with a list of the best margaritas in town without including Big Star in it. 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!
📍 You can find Big Star at 1531 N Damen Ave and 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) then 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.
📍 You can find Federales at 180 N Morgan St., Chicago
4. La Vaca, Pilsen
If you’re on a budget then La Vaca is the place to go. All margaritas are $12 single and $28 a pitcher. With options like lime, passion fruit, spicy mango, pepino, and more there are plenty of options but we definitely recommend you try the mouthwatering strawberry-jalapeño and tamarindo margaritas.
La Vaca also now 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.
📍 You can find La Vaca at 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, then Las Fuentes is the place to go. 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!
📍 You can find Las Fuentes at 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. Their totally delicious combo of a classic margarita and their prickly pear mezcal one 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)
Find Lonesome Rose at 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, agave their margarita tradicional ($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).
📍 You can find Mercadito at 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 while there are plenty of other more common options in the Mango Margarita ($13), Passion Fruit Margarita ($12), and Hibiscus Margarita ($13).
📍 You can find Del Toro at 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 their 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, but for an extra $2 you can add a little spin to the classic by changing up its flavor to avocado, black cherry, passionfruit or prickly pear!
We recommend trying their frozen version for an extra refreshing drink!
📍 You can find Tuco and Blondie at 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 and industrial decor with vibrant murals offering a reliable and uplifting Pilsen hideout.
Margaritas Frescas at La Mejikana set you back just $10 and come in a range of flavors including Pineapple, Coconut, Strawberry, Cucumber, Watermelon and Lime.
📍 You can find La Mejikana at 1820 S Ashland Ave., Chicago
[Featured image courtesy of Federales]