Before you head out to celebrate National Tequila Day (July 24) with shots, limes and salt, it’s time to learn how to finally do tequila right. From sipping tequilas to handcrafted cocktails, these awesome tequila bars across the U.S. will have you expanding your tequila horizons in no time.
Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, San Francisco, California
Tequila only has one true home in San Francisco, and it’s at the bar of Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in the Richmond District. Priding itself on offering one of the best selections of 100 percent agave tequilas in the entire country, Tommy’s features hundreds of tequilas and the largest tequila tasting club in the world (more than 7,000-members strong). In fact, owner Julio Bermejo was even named the U.S. Tequila Ambassador by the Mexican tequila-producing state of Jalisco. Locals and visitors alike swear by Tommy’s signature margarita, which is taken to the next level with ingredients like pure agave tequila, agave nectar instead of triple sec and fresh Persian lime juice.
Mayahuel, New York, New York
A handful of tequila bars throughout the Big Apple continually spar for the title of the city’s best tequila bar, but one winner that has continually managed to stand out above the rest is Mayahuel. Tequila fuels the cocktail program at this Mexican restaurant, owned by the same team that brought New York the speakeasy-inspired Death & Co cocktail lounge. At Mayahuel, you’ll realize tequila can be used for so much more than margaritas. Dozens of craft cocktails feature this agave spirit, including the Hawaiian War Chant (mezcal and blanco tequila with lime, orange, passion fruit and absinthe) and “The Hit or Miss” (pineapple-infused mezcal, jalapeno-infused blanco tequila, cilantro, lime and agave nectar). It’s safe to say you’ll never look at tequila the same way after a cocktail or two at Mayahuel.
TnT Tacos and Tequila, Austin, Texas
When it comes to getting your tequila on in the city of Austin, head to the bar at Tacos & Tequila. One of the biggest draws to this tequila bar is its cold tequilas on tap, featuring several infusions with flavors like raspberry and mint or chocolate, coconut and pecans. Opt for the infusion flight if you’re feeling adventurous, or go for the cheekier flights grouped by price point: coach, business class and first class. More than 100 tequilas are offered here, but if you don’t feel like tequila by the shot, try one of the specialty tequila cocktails. The widow-maker, for example, features tequila with green chartreuse and muddled avocado, while the cucumber jalpeño margarita is refreshing with a kick.
Pinche Taqueria, Denver, Colorado
What started as a humble food truck quickly grew a devout foodie following in Denver, which led to Pinche Tacos expanding into its brick-and-mortar home: Pinche Taqueria. With the permanent location came the ability to sell liquor, and Pinche Taqueria has since made a new name for itself as the city’s top tequila bar. The dozens of tequila selections here even grabbed the attention of “Bon Appétit” in 2012, earning Pinche Taqueria a nomination as one of the country’s best new restaurants. Expand your tequila knowledge here with a sip of a tequila aged in bourbon barrels or an añejo aged to perfection over three years.
Oyamel, Washington, D.C.
When a restaurant goes as far as to host an Annual Tequila and Mexcal Festival every March, you know their tequila offerings must be good. At James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Andres’ Mexican restaurant, Oyamel, even the tortilla chips are seasoned with Mexico’s most famous liquor. More than a half-dozen margarita varieties will ease you into the night, as well as a handful of craft cocktails featuring tequila in all its glory. If you’re ready to really appreciate this libation, though, don’t miss the tastings menu, where you can sip on a flight of blancos, rare tequilas or añejados, which are aged in oak. Need something to munch on while you sip? Try the queso fundido con tequila, which features cheese flambéed with the spirit.
(Main image: Didriks)
