10 Places to Drink Great Tequila in the Twin Cities

Barrio St. Paul has been around since 2009 and its unmatched tequila is as impressive as it ever was. If a line up of well over 100 tequila and mezcal options make your head spin, opt for a flight chosen either by brand or type of liquor, like the Extra Anejo flight of Don Julio Real, Herradura Suprema and Patron Burdeos flight. Soak it all up with a made-to-order guac and house-made tortilla chips.

Image credit: Barrio Tequila Bar

Nico’s sun drenched patio is ready for the masses, as is the well endowed tequila list. Try the newest addition to the menu, the refreshing Sour Sally, created by craft tequila and margarita specialist Simeon Phelps. The concoction marries Tequila blanco, house squeezed grapefruit juice, habanero bitters, agave, fresh lime and a red wine float.

Image credit: Nico's Facebook page

Betty Danger’s has chosen the curious term Mexampton (a combination of Mexican cuisine and haughty East Coast attitude) to describe their offerings, which include several Hail My Alma Mater Margaritas. The Yale is a nod to the Southwest includes prickly pear while the Dartmouth teams Reposado Tequila with Fresno peppers and fresh cucumber just in time for warmer weather.

Image credit: Joy Summers

Let’s hear it for daily happy hour. Tinto’s offers great deals on drinks and appetizers every day from 3 to 6 pm, as well as 16 ounce house margaritas all day every day for just five bucks. The Paloma, one of Mexico’s most beloved refreshments, is perfect for spring, with Reposado tequila, agave nectar, grapefruit Jarritos, orange bitters and lemonlida, a housemade lemon lime concoction.

Image credit: Tinto's

Sonora Grill is known more for their addicting caramelos- simple Sonora style tacos- but their signature margaritas are not to be missed. The Hermosillo is just sweet enough with homemade hibiscus syrup accompanying Sauza Signature Blue Tequila, Pierde Almas Mezcal and fresh orange and lime juices. Get a handful of pork guajillo caramelos on the side, just $2.50 each during their daily happy hour.

Image credit: Sonora Grill

This patio is packed when the weather is warm. There aren't many better places to grab a seat and a couple margaritas in the Lyn/Lake neighborhood. The tequila list is handily broken out by three tiers depending on how fancy or low brow the drinking requires.

The restaurant might be best known for the pricey, though fabulous table-side guacamole, but the tequila is priced right on point. The most top shelf of the tequilas here are carefully sourced and tough to find. For the more budget conscious cocktailer - happy hour goes from 4 to 7 p.m. daily and includes an entire pitcher of margaritas.

Image credit: Rosa Mexicano

If you haven't yet had these tacos, it's time to get yourself over to Stadium Village's Bar Luchador and find out what all the raves are about. While there, tuck into the tidy tequila list. What it lacks in length and breadth, this tequila selection more than makes up for in quality.

Image credit: Yelp