Updated from the June 2022 Dining Guide.
Avo Modern Mexican
Why we love it: Flavored salt rims, sugar rims and house-made syrups, including pistachio, lavender, mango and habanero, take these margs to the next level. Virgin versions, non-alcoholic pina coladas and a tequila take on the classic old fashioned ($13) offers something to every type of drinker. Try this: The Avo-Rita ($13) uses a house-made mix, pineapple, agave, Espolon Blanco, Cointreau, jalapeno, avocado and a lime salt rim to tiptoe close to perfection. 2058 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-331-6961, avoohiocity.com
Barroco Arepa Bar
Why we love it: Arepas (South American sandwiches on corn maize dough) are the draw, but visit on Tuesdays when $6 margaritas are offered. Try this: Pineapple jalapeno margaritas ($12) feature a house-made sour mix.Various locations, barrocoarepabar.com
Blue Habanero
Why we love it: This Gordon Square spot specializes in street-style tacos and handcrafted margaritas. Along with a selection of Mexican beer on tap, the restaurant boasts a collection of more than 50 tequilas perfect for mixing into margaritas or sipping straight. Try this: The blackberry mint margarita ($13) is muddled with gold tequila. 6416 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 216-465-1818, bluehabanerocleveland.com
Barrio Tacos
Why we love it: Complete with 50-plus tequilas and more than 10 different takes on the classic margarita, this regional chain headquartered in Cleveland holds monthly margarita specials concocted by 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, lemonade, Patron, Cointreau and Cazadores Reposado.Various locations, barrio-tacos.com
Cozumel
Why we love it: This low-key dinner spot has a drink for every palate, from top-shelf concoctions to draft beer. Each location boasts weekly drink specials, including jumbo margs and sangria bottles. Try this: Rimmed with Tajin salt, the all-natural margarita ($14.50) is made with agave nector; fresh-squeezed lime, lemon and orange; and your choice of tequila.Various locations, cozumel.us
Don Tequila Bar & Grill
Why we love it: This funky Mexican joint is our suburban go-to for traditional margaritas and authentic, approachable entrees. If you're feeling crazy, share the 84-ounce tower margarita ($39.99) with friends. Try this: Get a physics lesson from the Coronitas ($12.99), in which an upside-down mini beer slowly seeps into a strawberry or lime margarita. Various locations, dontequilabarandgrill.net
El Carnicero
Why we love it: For nine years, this tamaleria, Momocho's casual Lakewood sister, has provided an approachable menu of Mexican fusion dishes, such as vegan tamale tater tots ($6) and flautas ($20). A dozen margarita flavors make for great tasting flights. Try this: The 16-ounce margarita to go ($20), offered in flavors such as honey-ginger and hibiscus, is perfect for takeout — just shake and pour.16918 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-3415, elcarnicerolakewood.com
Ghost Pepper Taqueria & Tequila
Why we love it: Inspired by America's hippest taco joints, this roja-tinted eatery is a transformative taco experience with neon decor, spicy bites, more than 50 top-notch tequilas and 18 handcrafted cocktails. Try this: The jalapeno-cilantro margarita ($9) offers a signature spicy kick and homemade sour.1282 W. Bagley Road, Berea, 440-625-6015,
ghostpeppercle.com
Johnny Mango World Cafe & Bar
Why we love it: Freshness is key to this classic Ohio City restaurant’s fresh pineapple, mint mango and cucumber margaritas ($7.50). “We get all of our produce at the West Side Market,” says owner Shelley Underwood. Try this: The Napoleon ($8.50), served straight up in a martini glass with Cazadores Reposado, Grand Marnier and Cointreau, is not for lightweights. 3120 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, 216-575-1919, jmango.com
La Fiesta
Why we love it: With recipes passed down from when the restaurant first opened in Cleveland in 1952, La Fiesta takes pride in offering authentic Mexican food and drink such as simple street tacos ($10), tamales ($14) and, of course, margaritas. Bring your friends and grab a pitcher for $48. Try this: If you're growing sick of traditional lime margaritas, the Paloma ($10), a handcrafted grapefruit cocktail made with tequila and lime juice, is a happy cousin of the classic margarita. 783A Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, 440-683-1014, lafiestacleveland.com
Mojo World Eats & Drink
Why we love it: Owner-chef Michael Herschman revamped his beloved Lopez on Lee two years ago, pushing forward the global cuisine and fresh margaritas that made us fall for its predecessor. Try this: The cucumber margarita ($13) is a refreshing way to tell mom you're eating your veggies. 2196 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-9000, mojocle.com
Momocho
Why we love it: Since opening Momocho more than a decade ago, chef and owner Eric Williams has created more than 12 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 ($11), made with local honey and fresh grated ginger and rimmed with black ant salt. 1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-694-2122, momocho.com
Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar
Why we love it: Since setting up shop on the East Ninth Street pier with a prime view of downtown six years ago, Nuevo has offered guests an extensive drink menu using fresh juices and top-notch spirits. Try this: The blueberry basil margarita ($15) with Jose Cuervo tradicional blanco, cointreau, blueberry, lime and basil. 1000 E. Ninth St., 216-737-1000, nuevomodmex.com
Taco Tontos
Why we love it: The Kent State classic presents a fresh menu of fun, scratch bites and delicious house margs at its Lakewood spot. Try this: The pineapple habanero margarita ($9) is made with house-infused habanero reposado, Patron Citronge and muddled orange.13321 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-4479, tacotontos.com
Tres Potrillos
Why we love it: They provide visitors with a unique dining experience while they dine on authentic Mexican cuisine. Ingredients are fresh. Food is made to order. The laid-back atmosphere gives Clevelanders a casual, family-friendly option for delish food and refreshing drinks. Try this: The raspberry mint margarita ($13), made with muddled fresh raspberries and mint, squeezed fruit and gold tequila. Various locations, trespotrillosmexicanrestaurant.com
Now, time for dinner. How about some pizza from Cent's Pizza & Goods, Edison's Pub and Harlow's Pizza?
