Barrio
Why we love it: Complete with 50-plus tequilas and more than a dozen flavor options, this Dia de los Muertos-inspired restaurant holds monthly margarita specials conceived by the staff. “If it works and we love it, then we put it on the menu,” says Heather Wilde, operations and beverage director. “We just have fun with it.” Try this: The Marigold ($9) is made with strawberry-pear puree, limeade, Patron Citronge and Cazadores Reposado. Various locations, barrio-tacos.com
Johnny Mango
Why we love it: Fresh is the key to the Ohio City restaurant’s fruit margaritas — think pineapple, mint-mango and cucumber. “We get all of our produce at the West Side Market,” says owner Shelley Underwood. Try this: Served in a martini glass, the Napoleon ($7) mixes Cazadores Reposado, Grand Marnier and Cointreau. 3120 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, 216-575-1919, jmango.com
Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar
Why we love it: For six years, this downtown taco bar has offered guests an extensive drink menu to sip alongside the view of downtown Cleveland. The margaritas use fresh fruits and juices as well as a variety of liquors and spirits. Try this: The blueberry maple margarita ($14), made with Mi Campo Resposado, triple sec, maple syrup, blueberry, and lime. 1000 E. Ninth St., 216-737-1000, nuevomodmex.com
Momocho
Why we love it: Since opening more than a decade ago, chef and owner Eric Williams has created more than 24 flavors of margaritas, such as hibiscus, blood orange and pomegranate. “The margaritas are treated like a food recipe,” says Williams. Try this: The honey-ginger margarita ($9), made with local honey and fresh grated ginger, and rimmed with dried black ants and black lava salt. 1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-694-2122, momocho.com
Taqueria Junction
Why we love it: Tucked away in Olmsted Falls, this restaurant collaborates with customers on some of its margaritas. “We want to think outside the box and make something that the customer wants,” says owner Nicole Fenstermaker. Try this: The Mexi ($9) fuses jalapeno lime tequila, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeno, sour mix and triple sec. 8154 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, 440-793-6700, taqueriajunction.com
Check out our Best of Cleveland-winning margarita from Avo Modern Mexican.
