In my opinion the perfect summer cocktail is a margarita. They aren’t too sweet, they are refreshing, and they are just so yummy. There is also no better day to have a margarita than on Cinco De Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo, (Fifth of May) also called Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, holiday celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of a military victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III. 

So there is no better way to celebrate than with some Mexican food and margs! Y’all know I love any reason to celebrate, and Cinco De Mayo has turned into quite the popular holiday here in the states.

I wanted to round up all of my favorite places to grab a margarita! If you want to make your own, check out my favorite easy recipe here!

Britt’s Favorite Places To Sip On A Margarita

Bien Trucha – Geneva, IL

To start off the list, and to be frank this is hands down my favorite restaurant ever… BIEN TRUCHA! This gem of spot is in the heart of downtown Geneva, and is honestly the best Mexican food around. My personal favorite margarita here is the Fresona – fresh strawberries, lime, orange liqueur, exotico blanco. This is a bold statement, but this is my favorite margarita ever!

Be sure to eat here as well, the guacamole of the day is always a great choice. They choose an in season fruit to pair it with. Also a trip to Bien Trucha is not complete in my book without some queso fundido de camaron – melted chihuahua cheese, pan seared shrimp, red onion, cilantro-serrano sauce and tortillas. It is heaven honestly!

El Jefe – Aurora, IL

If you are looking for the vibes that Tulum, Mexico give, then El Jefe is for you! The decor is simply a 10/10. It truly feels like you are transported to Tulum and a total party vibe. There is a DJ, music videos playing on the TV’s, and neon signs everywhere. This is the place to be on Cinco De Mayo. Go big or go home with their El Jefe Margarita – a hand shaken speciality made of premium tequila, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, epazote simple syrup and agave nectar. This was literally the size of my head!

Quiubo – Naperville, IL

Looking to celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Naperville? Quiubo is the place for you! It gives off very city vibes, low lighting, intimate feels. If you are wanting an upscale Mexican place, look no further. This is a great date night if you are looking to dress up a little. They are also the same owners of Bien Trucha, so you know that it is good then! The Ensueño – pineapple, lime, caribbean orange liqueur, oaxacan rum blend, prickly pear-guava seltzer- is my drink of choice here! It is so refreshing! But if you are looking strictly for a margarita I also love the Pepino – cucumber, lime, orange liqueur, exotico blanco, tajin.

Bar Chido – Downers Grove, IL

Near my new neighborhood, I have quickly found that Bar Chido in Downer’s Grove will be my new go to spot! I have been here a few times and each time it is just so so good! My go to marg is their strawberry basil. The fresh strawberries truly make it one to not miss out on!

Don’t skimp on the food at Bar Chido either. I will forever thank my cousin Natalie for introducing me to their Crunchwrap – beef picadillo, queso dip, spicy crema, avocado salsa, pico de gallo, lettuce. It puts Taco Bell to shame every time. Also their elote is topped with a dusting of flaming hot Cheetos. Need I say more?

Altiro Latin Fusion – Aurora, Wheaton, Geneva, IL

Owner and executive Chef Roberto Avila knows what he is doing when it comes to his three locations of Altiro Latin Fusion. When it comes to their margaritas, they are all made with fresh fruit so you know each one is better than the next. When a restaurant uses fresh fruit in their cocktails, it really makes a difference in my eyes! My go to margarita here (besides the strawberry – I feel like I have shared enough strawberry margs LOL) is Ala Piña – fresh muddled pineapple, fresh lemon, reposado tequila, pineapple-chipotle ice cube. It is just WOW!

Also don’t leave Altiro without trying their Papa Brava – basque seasoned roasted potato wedges, chipotle-avocado aioli, topped with a sunny side egg. I don’t know what they put in the aioli, but I swear it is addicting!

Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Oakbrook, IL

In the heart of Oakbrook, Blanco Cocina is new to the neighborhood. Find your true bliss with tacos and tequila here. Not only do their offer tequila flights (yes you read that right) – their margaritas are extremely yummy! I loved the Strawberry Habanero – sliced strawberry, arbol, habanero, chili lime salt – but you’ve been warn it has some kick to it! But also the Green Daisy – blanco tequila, spicy jalapeno, pineapple, agave, mint – is super tasty as well!

They also have happy hour Monday – Friday 3- 6 p.m. in the bar, and you know we love a happy hour!

Salsa 17 – Arlington Heights, IL

Salsa 17 wins for the best outdoor eating. It is in this adorable little alleyway with the cutest lights and you just feel happy. So I 10/10 recommend making a reservation outside. But besides their AMAZING table side guacamole which you must get every time, their margaritas are top notch! My go to here is a frozen combo margarita. I do half Princess Peach – peach puree. lillie juice sabrosa strawberry, strawberry puree, lime juice – and half Sabrosa Strawberry – premium tequila, strawberry purée, lime juice. Which combined together makes for the most delicious frozen strawberry peach margarita. But if you prefer on the rocks the La Pasion – passion fruit puree, pineapple juice, splash of Midori is a great option.

Well now I hope you are all ready to celebrate Cinco De Mayo, and I am off to get myself a nice margarita and some guacamole!

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