Tequila began with shots and kept going with margaritas. It has now progressed to sipping them neat. Originally, tequila was made to be sipped and not knocked back with a slice of lime so it has come full circle. 

The Chicago bar scene is diverse, with an entire list of bars and restaurants paying an ode to tequila. So whether you’re looking to sip on tequila, enjoy it in a cocktail, or just take a shot with a side of lime, here are some of the best spots in Chicago serving everything tequila.

Blue Agave Tequila Bar & Restaurant

Blue Agave Tequila Bar & Restaurant outdoor patio, source: Facebook

Whether you’re a tequila lover or not, the list of over 200 tequila brands at Blue Agave is a must-see. Serving up an array of Mexican small plates, a wide selection of tequila, and some delicious margaritas - this spot has a little something for every tequila enthusiast. We recommend the frozen margarita with a side of nachos and guacamole. 

Where - 579 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Timings - 3:30 pm to 10 pm (Tuesday to Friday)
12 pm to 10 pm (Saturday)
12 pm to 9 pm (Sunday)
Closed on Monday 

Del Toro 

Cocktails & beer at Del Toro, source: Facebook

Owners Everardo & Andres Garcia were born and raised in Pilsen in a strong traditional Mexican family. Their love for hospitality and bringing Mexican food to the neighborhood began at their family’s F&R Liquors and ignited the birth of Del Toro. A classic Mexican eatery serving your ideal comfort food like tacos, antojitos, tortas, and more. The bar features a selection of tequila and mezcal, along with a variety of cocktails, craft beers, and a few wines. For a taste of the tropics, try the Mango cocktail, made with 3G Reposado, mango juice, agave nectar, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice. 

Where - 2133 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Timings - 4 pm to 11 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Closed on Monday 

D.S Tequila Co.

Cocktails at D.S Tequila Co., source: Instagram

Located in the heart of Lakeview, D.S Tequila Company is a contemporary casual, full-service, tex-Mex restaurant and bar. The menu features gourmet à la carte tacos, cooked-to-order burgers, quesadillas, giant salads, and a wide assortment of appetizers to share. While the emphasis is on tequila and frozen cocktails made with tequila, the drinks menu also boasts more than 14 drafts, and over 50 bottled and canned beers that change with the season. We love the signature, D.S Margarita! Stop by over the weekend when the bar features Chicago’s top DJs until 2 am Fridays, and 3 am Saturdays. 

Where -  3352 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Timings - 11 am to 11 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
11 am to 1 am (Friday and Saturday)

La Vaca Margarita Bar

La Vaca, source: Facebook

Get ready for an overflow of delicious margaritas with a modern twist on authentic Mexican cuisine. La Vaca also features other classic cocktails like the Mojito, Paloma, Michelada, and more. If you’re a margarita person, then the $28 pitcher is worth the bucks. You can also try out different tequilas from their selection. 

Where - 1160 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Timings - 11 am to 2 am (Everyday)

Havana Grill

Havana Grill, source: Facebook

Home to many different tequilas, the Cuban and Pan-Latin resto-bar features Blanco, reposado, and Anejo tequilas. Not sure what you want to drink? Order a signature Havana Grill tequila flight. Each flight offers different tequilas that complement each other in flavor, color, intensity, and mouthfeel. Flights consist of three 3/4 oz. samples of different tequilas. You can also indulge in their many cocktails, from Margaritas to Mojitos, and even a tequila-based old-fashioned. 

Where - 412 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Timings - 12 pm to 9:30 pm (Monday)
12 pm to 10 pm (Tuesday to Thursday)
12 pm to 1 am (Friday and Saturday)
12 pm to 9 pm (Sunday)

Takito Kitchen

Takito Kitchen outdoor seating, source: Facebook

Situated in Wicker Park, Takito Kitchen is a seven-year-old taco joint featuring Mexican-inspired cuisine with fresh ingredients & complex flavors, along with handcrafted margaritas; a 100% gluten-free menu & freshly squeezed juice margaritas. We love the strawberry margarita during the summer. For something more flavorful, try the Tamarindo Cilantro Margarita, made with tequila, house cordial, and cilantro. 

Where -  2013 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Timings - 5 pm to 8:30 pm (Monday to Wednesday, and Sunday)
5 pm to 9:30 pm (Thursday)
4 pm to 10 pm (Friday)
11 am to 10 pm (Saturday)

Estereo

Estereo, source: Facebook

While Estereo is known for its coffee and brunch scenes, the real fun begins at night when the bartenders and their bar tools come out. Indulge in their selection of tequila and tequila-based hand-crafted cocktails.   Accompany them with your favorite tunes on the jukebox. We recommend their signature tequila cocktail made with Cascahuín & Lunazul Tequilas, Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit, Lime, Maldon Sea Salt, and Carbonation.

Where - 2450 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Timings - 5 pm to 1 am (Monday to Thursday)
12 pm to 1 am (Friday to Sunday)

Header Image: Tequila cocktails at Estereo, source: Facebook