by Caitlin Holroyd

Yeah yeah – the Back To School ad campaigns are in full force and people are already asking, “So, did you get much cottage time this summer?” But guess what, THE SUMMER IS NOT OVER!!! Until it is, you’ll find us sipping up as many margaritas as we possibly can. You should do the same. Take advantage of the last few weeks before September!!

Here’s our picks for the best margaritas in Toronto.

La Hacienda (640 Queen St. W.)
With plenty of greenery and pretty patio lanterns, La Hacienda is easily one of our favourite patios in the city and we love that their La Ha Margarita comes in portions perfect for sharing amongst friends! $7.95 per glass (a double drink), $19.95 for a 1/2 litre (three double drinks), $37.95 for 1 litre (six double drinks) and $49.95 for a pitcher (nine double drinks).

Margarita’s Fiesta Room (14 Baldwin St.)
Tucked away in Baldwin Village, Margarita’s is heavy on the kitsch – which is clearly why we love it. Their quirky patio is always a hotspot during the summer months and their margaritas come reasonably priced ($6.95 for 1.5oz) and served in adorable fishbowl glasses.  

Reposado (136 Ossington Ave.)
With a sleek and intimate interior, jazz music playing in the background, and margaritas made with a choice of 32 topnotch tequilas (ranging in price from $6 to $24 for 1.5oz) and real fruit juice, Reposado caters to the more mature Ossington crowd – so, uh, save this spot for classy girls nights or romantic dates. 

Dos Amigos (1201 Bathurst St.)
This Annex joint boasts a reputation for some of the best authentic Mexican food and drinks in the city and offers a whole menu page devoted to margaritas, covering everything from boozy to fruity in generous portions ($11 for 4oz). Their Sangria Margarita (Cueva tequila, wine, fruits, triple sec, fresh lime juice) is especially delicious. 

Hernando’s Hideaway (2 locations: 545 Yonge St. & 52A Wellington St.)
Basement locations always make us a bit weary but fortunately, there’s no sketch to be found at Hernando’s. What you WILL find here is a bright and colourful interior, delicious Mexican cuisine and damn good margaritas, including Catalina Peach (peach schnapps, blue curacao, Jose Cuervo tequila, fiesta lime), Cocorita (coconut and pineapple, Jose Cuervo tequila) and their award-winning El Presidente (infused with brandy).