10Best: Top spots for top-shelf tequila
Tequila has grown up, says Chicago restaurateur Arturo Gomez. "It's much more than that aggressive hard shot. People are now paying premium prices for these spirits, drinking them over the rocks and neat." Gomez, a co-owner of ¡Ay Chiwowa!, a taco restaurant and bar with 90 tequilas on offer and fresh-made margaritas on tap, frequently travels the country seeking out notable Mexican eateries. He shares some favorite spots to sip tequila and its cousin mescal on this Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 16, with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
La Esquina
New York
While the front of this restaurant appears to be a taqueria, don't be fooled. Head to the back and if you have reservations, you'll gain entrance to a second hidden eatery with a dungeon-like dining area. "It's a dark, seedy, sexy tequila bar," Gomez says. "It's very, very cool. One of my favorite all-time places." esquinanyc.com
Tacolicious
San Francisco
This mini Bay Area chain offers a fresh California spin on Mexican street food. "The food is exceptional. They're bringing in a lot of local ingredients," says Gomez, who particularly likes the daily "T-lish" special, which offers a shot of tequila, a Tecate beer and a taco for $10. "It's a great concept. They're really finding their niche and groove. It's a home run." 415-346-1966; tacolicious.com
Cantina Dos Segundos
Philadelphia
This Philly spot balances great food and drinks, says Gomez, who is particularly fond of the Cadillac margarita made with Cointreau, guava and lime juice. "They have a very rich style," he says. "It's their own interpretation." 215-629-0500; cantinadossegundos.com
Little Donkey
Homewood, Ala.
This Birmingham-area restaurant-bar brings a Southern spin to Mexican food and drinks with smoked meats and house-made masa, although Gomez is particularly fond of the fish tacos. "It's very fun and the place is jam-packed," he says. His favorite drink: Tequila Mockingbird, made with pineapple, cardamom, agave nectar, lime juice and a touch of serrano pepper. 205-703-7000; thelittledonkey.com
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
Washington
While the regional food is as much an attraction here as the tequila, it would be a mistake to ignore the cocktail list, Gomez says. "It's not so much a taco-tequila type place, but a lot of what Mexico would want represented in its cuisine." But the drinks are inspired too, says Gomez, who swears by the Al Gusto cocktail with cucumber-infused tequila, St. Germain elderflower liquor, and lime, topped with sparkling Spanish wine. 202-628-1005; oyamel.com
Masa Azul
Chicago
When he's not eating at his own restaurant, Gomez will sneak over to this recently renovated Logan Square eatery, with an extensive assortment of mescal, a spirit with a smoky taste that's similar to tequila. "It has a powerful distinct flavor profile. It takes some imagination and innovation to bring those flavors together in a cocktail." His favorite: the Explorador, a souped-up pina colada made with tequila, mescal and pisco, a South American brandy. 773-687-0300; masaazul.com
Pinche Taqueria
Denver
You'll find authentic Mexican street-style tacos at this popular restaurant in a city with a growing Hispanic population. "The menu is authentic, the flavors are authentic," Gomez says. That applies to the drinks list, which includes mescals and some rare tequila. "It's playful, very interesting. You're seeing some experimenting with their approach." 720-502-4608; tacostequilawhiskey.com
400 Rabbits
Austin
This popular cocktail lounge focuses on tequila and mescal-based cocktails. "I like to start with one of their agave flights with a side of ice cold sangria and then move on to some of their more modern Mexican inspired cocktails," he says. One of his favorites: the Jengiber Y Mango made with reposado tequila, Cointreau, ginger syrup and a tequila soaked mango. 512-476-1320; 400rabbitsbar.com
Javier's
Las Vegas
This Aria casino restaurant offers traditional Mexican and Southwestern dishes complemented by imaginative cocktails, an extensive tequila list and hand-shaken margaritas. "It has dark woods, leather, lots of candelight—a very sexy design," Gomez says. "It's one of my favorites." 866-590-3637; aria.com
El Carmen
Los Angeles
While it's not hard to find good tequila in L.A., Gomez is partial to this long-popular and whimsical haunt, decorated with black velvet paintings and Mexican wrestling masks. "It has a great tequila list, quite large, but their food is not an afterthought," he says. With a popular happy hour, it can be hard to get in at times. "It's a landmark, very eclectic, and it's always packed." elcarmenla.com