Here's five of NYC's best margaritas that will have you saying olé!
Best Tequila Selection: Los Feliz—Don't you dare take a shot of one of Los Feliz's near-150 types of tequilas and reposados—they urge you to slurp them slowly to really appreciate the flavors. The space resembles a Gabriel García Márquez novel, with three floors that make for a Mexicana-type odyssey. The Papi Grande margarita, with two shots of Cazadores Blanco tequila, is a real doozy!
109 Ludlow Street (between Delancey and Rivington streets); 212-228-8383
Best Cross-Cultural: Bozu— This Williamsburg Japanese tapas place is known for mixing and matching, but the wasabi margarita is to die for, with a simple salted rim and a creamy wasabi finish.
296 Grand Street (between Havemeyer and Roebling streets); Brooklyn; 718-384-7770
Most Famous: Mayahuel—From the same crew that manages Cienfuegos and Death and Co., Mayahuel ups the margarita ante by ditching the triple-sec and adding infused flavors like agave and celery bitters (Stone Raft, $13) or sugar cane and an absinthe rinse (Barrio Viejo, $14). Sip wisely and pace yourself, these are potent drinks.
304 East 6th Street (at 2nd Avenue); 212-253-5888
Most Authentic: El Paso— Even downtown-junkies can brave the 1 train to head to Spanish Harlem for El Paso's tasty flavored margs. Stay traditional ($7.95), or venture to pomegranate or cactus pear ($10.95) for a sweeter treat. Since you are up so far north, stay for dinner: It's worth the trip.
237 East 116th Street (between 2nd and 3rd avenues); 212-860-4875
Spiciest: Taco Chulo—This Williamsburg hipster haven is a great watering hole in general, but skip the regular drinks and have a margarita de pepino ($10). The cucumber-infused tequila and spicy chile de arbol is a delicious hot/cold sensation that is refreshingly drinkable.
318 Grand Street (between Marcy and Havemeyer streets), Brooklyn; 718-302-2485
R29 DEAL:
Who doesn't like to get crunked for less? So, skip the happy hour specials, 'cause this one lasts all night! Stop by Taco Chulo to get one of their tastiest drinks, the Margarita de Pepin (cucumber-infused tequila, triple sec, and chile de arbol, garnished with cucumber), for half-off. That's $5 instead of $10! Just mention Refinery29 (valid until 09/03/10). See you there....