It’s hot outside. You’re sweating, losing precious salt. All you can think about is getting your sticky hands on a refreshing, salt-rimmed margarita. (And maybe a glass of water on the side … but let’s focus on the margarita, shall we?) While a jumbo marg isn’t always the cheapest option on the drink list, you can find some good deals if you look hard enough. In fact, we’ve got one for every night of the week.
Monday
Five bucks can’t even get you two gallons of gas anymore, but a five spot can snag you a delicious margarita at Zocalo (358 W. Ontario St. 312-302-9977). The River North spot’s tasty concoction combines Herradura Blanco tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice; order it up or on the rocks. Zocalo’s margaritas are usually $8, so you save the $3 for the pump — or for a splurge on a tasty trio de guacamole ($10), an appetizer flight that includes traditional guacamole; rojo guac, with roasted onions and roasted red jalapeno salsa; and fruta, mixed with papaya, guava, manzano chiles and walnuts.
Tuesday
If you’ve got a taste for tequila but ordering multiple margaritas makes you feel self conscious, go for the Macho Margarita at Lincoln Park’s Tarascas (2585 N. Clark St. 773-549-2595). You only need one of these bad boys to take the edge off — it’s a whopping 45.5 ounces. Get $4 off any Macho — frozen varieties include strawberry, raspberry, mango, peach, guava and lime — on Tuesdays. (Machos vary in price, depending on the tequila you choose; regular price for the house version, made with Jose Cuervo tequila, is $15.) Soak up the alcohol with the carne asada entree, served with a bonus chicken enchilada smothered with mole sauce ($17).
Wednesday
On hump day, Fiesta Mexicana (2423 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-348-4144) offers margarita pitchers made with Juarez Silver or Gold tequila for $15; flavored margarita pitchers go for $16. Pitchers are regularly $22 and $23, so you’re saving more than 30 percent. Planning back-to-back margarita nights? Snag the same deal Tuesdays at Fiesta Mexicana’s Uptown location (4806 N. Broadway St. 773-769-4244). At both locations, you can pair your pitcher with the house specialty, Guachinango Entomatado, a whole red snapper served with tomato sauce, onions and jalapeno slices ($16.95).
Thursday
On Thursdays, head south to Geno Bahena’s new restaurant duo, Delicioso Restaurant and Sabroso Grill (10468 S. Indianapolis Blvd. 773-374-6089), for $7 margaritas. Usually priced from $10 to $12 (depending on the tequila you choose), these margaritas come in peach, mango, strawberry or lime flavors, as well as New World Passion Fruit, a recipe inspired by the movie “Like Water for Chocolate.” If you save room for food, you can sample fish, chicken or duck in verde mole ($16.50), one of the “seven famous moles” of Mexico’s Oaxaca state featured at Delicioso. If you sit on the Sabroso side, choose from one of nine tacos, each under $4.
Friday
It’s time to kick back and let the weekend roll on in. What better way to start unwinding than with an authentic Mexican meal paired with a great drink special at Pilsen’s Picante Grill (1626 S. Halsted St. 312-455-8500)? On Fridays, buy two alcoholic beverages and get the third free (per person). (The special includes margaritas, of course, but you can order a variety of drinks.) The house margarita ($8) is made with Pepe Lopez tequila. Flavored margaritas include mango, strawberry, pineapple and a blend of the three. Our pick for dinner: chicken, steak or shrimp fajitas ($12.95-$14.95) sauteed with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions and cilantro, served with tortillas, beans, rice, sour cream and guacamole.
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metromix@tribune.com
