It’s the summer of drink holidays (the last few weeks have graced us with national mojito, daiquiri and piña colada days). But for National Tequila Day July 24, bars and restaurants in Chicago are not only offering deals and drink specials, but also throwing whole parties and dinners in honor of the Mexican agave liquor. So drink up. All deals are for Tuesday, July 24, unless otherwise mentioned.
1500 N. Wells St., 773-966-0404
Head to Old Town for National Tequila Day food and drink deals including $2 tacos, $4 shots, $5 margaritas, $25 margarita pitchers and $3 Coronas.
201 N. Morgan St., 312-888-9485
Drink $10 cucumber margaritas (usually $14) and $6 el Jimador tequila shots all day. Normal happy hour will run 3:30-6 p.m.
508 N. State St., 312-955-0014
River North’s Cantina Laredo is offering design-your-own tequila flights from July 20 to 24. Pick from any three joven (young), reposado (rested) or anejo (aged) tequilas or mezcal for $15.
180 N. Morgan St., 773-831-9696
In West Town, drink $9 classic and flavored margaritas and $8 ice shots (Casamigos, Herradura, el Jimador, Patrón and more).
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-4322
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Want to keep the holiday spirit alive? Frontier will host an El Tesoro Tequila Night on July 26 at 6 p.m. For $69, attendees (21+) can try tequila samples with a mobile spice bar and rimming station. A Mexican-inspired menu will include elotes, duck and al pastor tacos, carne asada and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance at thefrontierchicago.com.
2934 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-770-0700
Beginning at 5 p.m., drink refreshing $8 regular and frozen margaritas and $4 Coronas and el Jimador shots in Lakeview.
108 N. State St., 312-795-4444
On July 24 starting at 6 p.m., explore a tequila tasting with food pairing and craft cocktails for $45. Tickets: latinicity.com
1925 W. Cortland St., 773-489-0738
Head to the Near North Side for Lottie’s Pub’s Tequila Fest con Tacos y Elotes on July 24 from 6-9 p.m. $25 gets you 1/2 ounce tequila samplings and a Mexican street food buffet (think tacos, quesadillas, elotes and nachos). Tickets must be purchased in advance at lottiespub.com.
3509 W. Fullerton Ave., 765-426-6657
In honor of National Tequila Day, head to the free Chicago edition of the Tortilla Awards, hosted by Chef Aarón Sánchez and Tequila Cazadores.
Contestants include Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill), Brian Enyart (Dos Urban Cantina), Daniel Espinoza (Anomar), Ivan Resendiz (VPT Restaurant), Evelia Roman (El Comalito) and Julie Warpinski (Big Star). The winner will leave with the title of best Chicago tortilla maker.
Mixologist Elizabeth Mickiewicz (of the new Free Rein) will create a Cazadores cocktail to pair with the dishes. RSVP: tortillaawards.com/chicago
431 N. Wells St., 312-212-5566
Patrón Tequila is hosting a takeover for the holiday at Pink Taco. Taste the tequila-cured salmon carpaccio with tequila reduction ($11) as well as Patrón margaritas with Silver, Repo, Anejo and Platinum tequilas (ranging from $9-$15) and shots (from $7-$13). There will also be a special grilled orange margarita ($14).
2306 W. Foster Ave., 773-271-4794
From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on July 24, get down to a DJ spinning top-40 Latin beats and indulge in drink specials including $2 tequila shots, $3 Coronas, $4 palomas and $5 margaritas.
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1638 W. Belmont Ave., 312-453-9397
Enjoy $5 tequila shots, (Milagro, Don Julio, Libélula and Maestro Dobel) as well as $2 margaritas and $1 walking tacos from 5 to 8 p.m.