Margarita Mania: Round 3

Tarascas

Readers sure got revved up during the semi-final round of voting on the city’s best margaritas. A Lincoln Park favorite tussled with a Near North Side standby, while a much-loved Logan Square spot put up a real fight with a hot Wicker Park hangout in a race that came down to the wire. Overall, more than 4,600 votes were cast and counted, and only two tequila-soaked, salt-rimmed faves remain. (Editor's note: Voting has ended.)

Tarascas International
The Macho Margarita, $18
You’ve gotta love getting that bang for your buck. And this whopping 45-and-a-half ounce marg is large and in charge. Opt for the classic lime, your favorite fruit flavor, or cool off on a hot summer day by sipping the frozen version on the sidewalk patio. Whichever way you order it, the half dozen shots of tequila and more than four shots of triple sec won’t disappoint.

Reader reviews:
"My fiancee and I always go to Tarascas. The meals are incredibly good and the margaritas are the best. … Tarascas is our place in Lincoln Park."—Freespirit

"Love, love the margaritas at Tarascas. I went there [and unfortunately] it started to rain and the indoors became very crowded. Looks like they were overwhelmed, but overall the staff did very well. … experience was great, the margaritas excellent and strong." —Taino

(Click here to leave your review of Tarascas.)

vs.

Salud Tequila Lounge
House margarita, $8
When it comes to the plain ol’ house margarita here, there’s no messing around. The Wicker Park bar features 100 percent agave tequilas, and that’s what you’ll get in your ’rita, also made with fresh lime juice and real agave nectar. Sip one on the sidewalk patio while you soak up the bustling neighborhood scene and you’re set for a long summer day.

Reader reviews:
"Please do yourselves the favor: a lazy summer evening on the sidewalk patio outside Salud. A couple appetizers, an entree, a couple of the finest margs and a shot of reposado [tequila]. You’ll walk out happier than you’ve been in a long time. A great experience. I loved it!" —Drover

"Salud is a delightful, intimate lounge with the most amazing tequila cocktail drinks. Those specialty mojitos and margaritas are delicious ... but pace yourself!" —Windy City Girl

(Click here to leave your review of Salud.)

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

Feeling salty?
If your favorite spots for margaritas didn’t make the cut, we want to hear about it! Click here to create your own Playlist highlighting spots that serve really tasty ’ritas.

[ Karen Budell is the Metromix nightlife producer. ]
kmbudell@tribune.com