2019 Chain Winners

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  1. Tommy Bahama. Yes, they have restaurants and serve margaritas. We love the one in Hawaii but mostly frequently the one in New York. And, yes, the margaritas are great. We like the Baja Margarita with Sauza Commemorativo with Grand Marnier. PS – if you are shopping in the NYC store you can ask for one at checkout!
  2. Ritz Carlton. Okay, you are sitting in a Ritz Carlton and drinking a margarita – things are good. Ask for the house margarita.
  3. Roy’s. A Hawaiian chain that always get’s it’s margaritas right. We are not a fan of the specialty “Jalapeno Margarita”, just get a traditional or Cadillac. They have great tequilas available, no need to burn your mouth. Quality here is always excellent in all locations.
  4. PF Changs. Thank you PF Changs for dropping the tequila flight and returning to Organic Agave Margarita. Light, slightly sweet and always cold, this is a simple go to drink. While you may not think of it first, it’s actually a great compliment to many of the dishes on the menu.
  5. Chilli’s. Right from the beginning, Chilli’s has been committed to the margarita. Others have jumped on board, but Chili’s keeps quality high through continued focus (when you make a lot you get good at it) We suggest an upgrade to the platinum or Cadillac as the house tequila can be a little rough. As a chain, Chilli’s has the most consistent quality we have found – so the bartender training ensures success.
  6. Jose Cuervo Tequileria. As airlines crack down on comfort animals, we suggest the comfort drink. Grab a bar stool and get a good 1800 margarita. Please do NOT get the house here, but focus on the 1800 version. It gets the job done.
  7. Tio Juan’s Margaritas Restaurant. Good solid margaritas, as one would hope given the name. We like the Naked lime best, with Hornitos, and it’s a less calories for us. Have it with their Mexican corn and you almost feel like you are south of the border.
  8. On the Border. Speaking of which, this chain also provides solid margaritas. Try the Mexican Mojito, which we still view as a margarita gone metro.
  9. Margaritas. A northeastern chain that serves as a safe port in a sea of terrible margaritas. We suggest the Silver Star Margarita with Hornitos Plata Tequila, triple sec and elderflower liqueur.
  10. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. We kept them on this year out of a loyalty, but this is a plea to management to improve their offerings. They’ve gone back to the house brand for all margaritas and it’s not a good decision. These tequilas are made with 50% sugar, like Jose Curevo, and will lead to a major headache. Their “top shelf” combines their blanco and gold, which is actually the same tequila although one adds carmel coloring. Please Jimmy, if you are reading this, come back and set things right with the booze in the blender!!!