It’s official. You were overcome by margarita mania last Monday after we asked you to pick the city’s top-ranking ’ritas from a bracket of eight. After more than 500 votes, four tequila-spiked treats advanced to the next round. (Editor's note: Voting in this round has ended.) Next Monday, we’ll present the final round, and then it’ll be your job to crown the champ.

(Don't see your top-ranking 'ritas in the competition? Click here to create your Playlist of your favorite spots for margaritas. We'll highlight our fave playlists each week.)

Tarascas International
The Macho Margarita, $18
The 45-and-a-half-ounce house margaritas here will knock your socks off—there are six shots of Montezuma Silver tequila alone in these colossal cocktails. Stop in on Tuesdays, when the giant marg is $4 off, and grab a seat on the sidewalk patio, steps away from the Clark Street action. (Click here to leave your review of Tarascas.)
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Blue Agave
House margarita, $8.75
The bustling Viagra Triangle may not be in your direct sightline when you’re seated on the sidewalk cafe (it’s tucked away on Maple Street), but who really cares? After one of the potent 16-ounce house margaritas—we swear it’s the "secret ingredients" that send us over the edge—you’ll have other things on your mind. (Click here to leave your review of Blue Agave.)


El Cid 2
Large house margarita, $8.75
The sidewalk cafe at this Logan Square fave is great for people-watching, but the back patio is where the real action is. In warm weather, the secluded garden practically begs you to kick back and stay awhile—we dare you not to order a second (or third) frozen margarita out here. (Click here to leave your review of El Cid 2.)
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Salud Tequila Lounge
House margarita, $8
This Wicker Park spot is located on busy Milwaukee Avenue, but the sidewalk cafe is off the main drag so you can sip your ’rita in peace. Salud has a top-notch tequila selection, and bartenders aren’t about to mess things up with sub-par mixers. Even the basic house ’rita gets a dose of fresh lime juice and real agave nectar. (Click here to leave your review of Salud.)

>> Click here to read more on the Elite 8 Margaritas.

Rank your ’ritas
We want to hear about your favorite spots for margaritas. Click here to create your own Playlist highlighting spots that serve ’ritas that really get you going. We’ll run our favorite reader Playlists in RedEye next week.

[ Karen Budell is the Metromix nightlife producer; M. Kathleen Pratt is the print editor. ]
metromix@tribune.com