A Margarita made without love is just tequila and lime juice

Here They Are...

The Best of 2008 for Top "Independent" and "Chain" Margaritas!

	Independent  Margaritas
1	The Lime, San Diego, CA - Back on top where they belong - the Lime continues to deliver the goods in an understated environment out in San Diego. We still recommend the "Super Premium" margarita (Casa Vieja Blanco is the base, the rest is a well guarded secret). One warning - quality varies greatly by bartender - ask for the owner.
2	Consuelo's Mexican Bistro, Santana Row, San Jose, CA.  Great tequila bars have great staff - period. This is a place where the bartenders demonstrate knowledge and passion for what they do. A favorite of ours? Whatever the bartender like to make - you can't fo wrong.
3	Matteo's Salsa Loco, Bethany Beach, DE. When you want to excel at something, practice makes perfect. Matteo's focus on the Tres-arita (Tres Generationes and Grand Marnier) has led to a consistent high quality margarita.  This little seaside retreat has grown into one of the best margarita locations in the country.
4	Los Sarapes, Chalfont, PA It's hard to stay #1 two years in a row, likely because expectations are so high. We returned to Los Serapes quickly in 2008 to revisit the "Margarita de la Casa" (spanish for 'house margarita') which had been such a great surprise in 2007. It was still very good - the best value on our entire list - but not the knock out winner. Los Serapes may be hard to find on the map, but we think they will keep working to make it worth the trip.
5	La Viva, Chijmes, Singapore  Across from an major landmark, La Viva sits on the famous Victoria Street nestled among several dining spots. We were dubiuous, as many spots in Singapore now advertise margaritas. Our bartender was modest, but delivered an outstanding drink. Given the consistent heat and humidty, we consider La Viva an oasis.
6	Tres Agaves Mexican Kitchen, San Francisco, CA A winner in 2007, Tres Agaves returns this year. Using "agave nectar" instead of traditional mix (like PF Changs), this is a place that takes it's margaritas seriously. It's best to order directly from the bartenders if you want to maxmize the experience.
7	Capital City Grill, Baton Rouge, LA  Forget Bourbon street in New Orleans, you can't get a good margarita in that tourist trap. But City Grill offers up real southern hospitality. Our Don Julio margarita, with blanco, grand marnier and sweet and sour was spot on. We also sampled some local drinks that made us glad we stick to reviewing margaritas.
8	Blue Agave Club, Pleasanton, CA  There is no better setting for a margarita than outside in the cool California evening at the Blue Agave. With a robust tequila bar and waiters who tell you what kind of margarita you are having, this is a great place to chill. We enjoyed a Herradura Anejo with Cointreau.
9	Adobo Grill, Chicago, IL  If you are going to put your name on a drink it better be good. The "Adobo" margarita lives up to the promise. Using Herradura Blanco, Gran Torres and mix (with the option of a floater of del Maguey Chichicapa) it lets you know you are in a town that's serious about drinking.
10	El Vez, Philadelphia, PA  Caution is required when ordering in this super-hip restaurant in Philly. The standard margaritas rely on Jose Cuervo Gold, a major dissappointment. However, our bartender used Siembre Azul as the base for ours (available on the menu) and we found it to be a solid offering. Here's hoping El Vez gets as committed to their margaritas as they are to their food.