CREDIT: Adam Larkey
Tequila is most often enjoyed in three ways in this country: inside a margarita, as a shot, and on those hilarious T-shirts you buy at the beach that seem to imply tequila is quite potent.
But tequila is obviously more than just T-shirt fodder; it's an exalted Mexican spirit that deserves our respect. And there are no better places in the country to enjoy it than at these bars, which house extensive tequila selections (or smaller, handpicked ones), and boast creatively delicious cocktails accompanied by just-as-delicious food.
Here are the 21 best tequila bars in America:
Masa Azul (Chicago, IL)
What's the deal: This tiny Logan Square Mexican joint has an impressive 50-plus tequila list, but what really makes Masa so masterful is their mezcal selection, which boasts almost as many bottles as their tequila, along with a sampling of sotol and bacanora. And they've mixed 'em all into carefully crafted cocktails like the Oaxacan Old-Fashioned (mezcal joven, tequila reposado, agave, mole bitters) and the Heart of the Dead (tequila blanco, blood orange, passion fruit, pomegranate, limonada, Sorel). Eats include tacos, tequila-infused ceviche, chipotle scallops, and fresh guac.
What you're drinking: Oaxacan Old-Fashioned
Mayahuel (New York, NY)
What's the deal: From the Death & Co. dudes, this tequila-focused speakeasy aims to put common misconceptions to bed, the way tequila put you to bed those 12 times in college. The East Village spot boasts a creative cocktail list that proves tequila isn't just meant for margs, with drinks like The Red Baron (mezcal, red peppers, basil, lemon, absinthe). Over 40 mezcals round out a focused bottle list.
What you're drinking: Ilegal Reposado
400 Rabbits (Austin, TX)
What's the deal: Named after an Aztec myth about the goddess of agave birthing a legion of rabbits who traversed the country spreading the gospel of intoxication, 400 Rabbits was conceived by a grandaddy of the Austin cocktail scene, and is connected to an Alamo Drafthouse theater, so the next-level tequila complements everything from first-run films to Big Lebowski quote-alongs. Agave flights explore the different regions and classes of spirit, while infusions and creative ingredients, like mole bitters, level up the signature cocktails. Mexican street-snacks, like grilled corn, ensure you won't go hungry.
What you're drinking: Tequila Terroir flight
Cantina Mayahuel (San Diego, CA)
What's the deal: A drinkery actually named for the Aztec goddess of agave, CM features more than 200 tequilas to choose from. The kitchen's open, so indulge your voyeuristic side and watch as your sirloin or carnitas tacos are prepared. The margaritas are top-notch, and the "herbal shots" are worth a gander as well, like the Fortitude with Fortaleza tequila blanco, maca root, and cocoa bean.
What you're drinking: Blood orange margarita
CREDIT: Big Star
Big Star (Chicago, IL)
What's the deal: Their tequila list may not be the longest, but 20-something options and a number of mezcals still makes Big Star a force to be reckoned with. Brought to Chi-town by James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Kahan, the honky-tonk dive has a killer outdoor seating area, margs with orange Curacao, an even-more-impressive whiskey list, and insanely delicious (re: James Beard-winning chef) tacos like the Al Pastor with spit-roasted pork shoulder & grilled pineapple, or the De Panza with crispy, braised pork belly.
What you're drinking: Big Star margarita
El Carmen (Los Angeles, CA)
What's the deal: Decked out with vintage Mexican wrestling paintings and movie posters, this dark and divey joint makes for a deliciously unique experience. The tequila list is vast (100+), and the menu features dishes like tequila shrimp and brisket nachos. Margaritas are the move here, though, with options like cucumber mint and the spicy marg that's kicked up with fresh jalapeños.
What you're drinking: Spicy margarita
Follow Thrillist on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Thrillist
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
