Some people make New Year's resolutions. Not us. We're getting a start on summer with a Cinco de Mayo call to action: No more margaritas malas! Here are our picks for Chicago's best margaritas.

Best traditional margarita
Where: Maiz
Price: $6.75
Why we love it: Because, when it comes to the best things in life, if they can't be free, we'll settle for simple-like Maiz's back-to-basics house margarita. And because it's the only margarita on this Humboldt Park restaurant's menu; to that we say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Made with fresh lime juice, 100-percent agave Sauza Hornitos and a fistful of thick ice cubes, unless you tell them otherwise, this marvelous marg sports salt on the rim of its sturdy, fishbowl-like glass. That's it. Nothing fancy, but truly refreshing. Especially when paired with one of owner-chef Carlos Reyna's traditional, but slightly off-the-beaten-path, recipes.

Best flavored margarita
Where: Platiyo
Price: $6-$7
Why we love it: Because Platiyo, which made its rep serving credible Mexican cuisine with contemporary flourish, is the one place that can pull them off. Usually, there's something too "Real Housewives of Orange County" about flavored margaritas: They're much too sweet and consumed by middle-aged women who are much too tan. The flavors here aren't always terribly exotic--raspberry, mango--but the fruit is fresh, and the tequila's generous without being overpowering. Each Saturday, the spot introduces a 'rita of the week. When the fruit blends get a little twisted (strawberry-mango; mango-pineapple; pineapple-orange), you'll wonder how you can ever go back to plain-old lime.

Best martini margarita
Where: El Nuevo Mexicano
Price: $9
Why we love it: Because X-Rated Fusion Liqueur's blend of vodka with blood orange, mango and passion fruit juices adds extra kick to a premium tequila treat-one that already sends tingles down our spines and gets us feeling naughty. And because we can't think of a sexier way to start out a night--or to end one (wink, wink)--than with a cherry sitting seductively at the bottom of our pink drinks. It doesn't hurt that the friendly staff at this cozy spot mixes your cocktail tableside, often leaving you a shaker full of extra sips.

Best margarita in the least expected spot
Where: The Matchbox
Price: $6.25
Why we love it: Because who knew such a righteous 'rita could come from a bar with absolutely no interest in Mexican cuisine? Because it tastes like a glass of liquid summer. And because we can always squeeze out a few more drops. Thick and creamy with a sugared rim, a curlicue garnish and a "secret sauce," this cocktail-style sipper comes with a shaker of leftovers. We feel no shame in turning that sucker every which way to shake out every last bit. What, is it wrong to lick the glass?

Best post-parade margarita
Where: La Justicia
Price: $7.50
Why we love it: Because the best way to keep the party going is with this Little Village spot's two-shot special, the Double El Jimador Lime Margarita. Because you'll feel enlivened sipping it in a vibrant restaurant with hand-painted murals and a huge colored-glass chandelier while listening to rock en espanol on the jukebox. And because El Jimador tequila's nice and smooth, and Jusitica's house-made margarita mix is on the sweet side, so that second shot really makes for a perfect flavor balance. If two's too many, opt for the $4.50 single-shot version.

Best bring-'em-to-their-knees margarita
Where: El Barco
Price: $6.84
Why we love it: Because a tequila shot with a margarita chaser's a quick way to say adios to your inhibitions and "Aye, mamacita!" to your inner bad girl. And because the Tequila Rose strawberry cream liqueur has a hint of tang and tastes like melted ice cream. How could you not fall for the Margarita a la Lewinsky, not to mention El Barco's playful attitude? If you're feeling adventurous, raise the stakes and kick the Pepe Lopez to the curb: Choose from more than 300 other tequila brands, some of which are hard to find outside of Mexico.
Or try: The Margarita a la Bush ($6.84). Get your mind out of the gutter! This one comes with a shot of Presidente tequila.

[Julia Borcherts, Karen Budell, Chris LaMorte, Matt McGuire and Jennifer Wehunt contributed to this story.]
metromix@tribune.com