An Insider’s Guide to Midwest Nightlife: Tequila Bar Edition

As tequila's popularity continues to rise, Milwaukee has become a haven for enthusiasts seeking unique and exciting experiences.

In this blog, we aim to be your trusted companion as we navigate the Midwest’s best tequila bars, unveiling their distinctive offerings, signature drinks, and ambiance. Whether you're already a tequila enthusiast or a curious newcomer, join us as we delve into the Midwest's tequila bar scene and uncover its hidden gems.

Must-Try Tequila Cocktails

While exploring the tequila bars of Milwaukee, several must-try tequila cocktails will elevate your tasting experience. Every bar will craft cocktails with a specialty. Here are some popular choices to indulge in:

Margarita

A classic tequila cocktail that needs no introduction. Combining tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and tangy concoction. Visit Tequila Haven for their signature Margarita, crafted with premium tequila and freshly squeezed citrus.

Paloma

This delightful cocktail combines tequila, grapefruit soda, and a splash of lime juice for a citrusy and bubbly sensation. Check out Agave Lounge, whose Paloma features a unique twist with a dash of jalapeño for a subtle spicy kick.

Mezcal Mule

A tequila-based version of the popular Moscow Mule. Swap vodka with smoky mezcal, add lime juice, ginger beer, and garnish with a sprig of mint. Head to Casa de Tequila for their Mezcal Mule served in a traditional copper mug.

Spicy Margarita

This spicier take on the traditional margarita will take you to a sunny, beachy location. It's made with tequila, fresh lime juice, orange juice, and a slice of jalapeno. Spicy margaritas taste like carefree days spent in the sun.

Tequila Sunrise

A vibrant and visually stunning cocktail, blending tequila, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine. Visit The Agave Lounge for their version, where they enhance the cocktail with a hint of vanilla extract, providing a subtle sweetness.

Tequila Tasting Tips

To fully appreciate the nuances of tequila, it's important to approach the tasting process with intention and a few essential tips:

Know the Types

Familiarize yourself with the different types of tequila. Blanco (silver) tequila is unaged and offers a vibrant, pure agave flavor. Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a few months, imparting a smoother and slightly oaky taste. Añejo tequila undergoes longer aging, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.

Observe the Color and Clarity

Pour a small amount of tequila into a clear glass and examine its color and clarity. Blanco tequila should be clear, while reposado and añejo tequilas will have varying shades of gold and amber due to barrel aging.

Engage Your Senses

Begin by assessing the aroma. Swirl the tequila gently in the glass to release its fragrance. Take a moment to identify the notes of agave, citrus, herbs, or other aromas.

Taste and Savor

Take a small sip and let it roll over your palate. Notice the initial flavors, whether it's the sweet, earthy agave or the subtle influence of barrel aging. Pay attention to the texture and mouthfeel as well.

Evaluate the Finish

The finish refers to the aftertaste that lingers once you've swallowed the tequila. Notice the finish's length and intensity, whether smooth, lingering, or abrupt.

Use a Flavor Wheel

Consider using a tequila flavor wheel as a reference guide to identify specific flavors and aromas. This can help you articulate and deepen your understanding of the tequila's characteristics.

Best Tequila Bars in the Midwest

The Midwest is home to several exceptional tequila bars catering to tequila enthusiasts' discerning tastes. Here are some best bars worth exploring:

La Piña - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

La Piña is the top-ranked Tequila bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The ambiance at La Piña is nothing short of enchanting. The lively atmosphere of the cozy bar buzzes with energy, creating a welcoming haven for tequila enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. This is also a great place for a date night.

La Piña is located at 1801 S 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI, and takes pride in its tequila selection and cocktail menu, offering an impressive assortment of premium brands and rare gems. They craft cocktails that can make you feel confident in going beyond the beer menu of Milwaukee. La Piña is famous for its unique menu and is known for having "the best margarita." Additionally, La Piña hosts weekly events such as trivia night, making it a great spot to spend time with friends and family while enjoying handcraft cocktails.

Barrio - Minneapolis, Minnesota

In the center of downtown Minneapolis, there is a lively, casual restaurant and tequila bar called Barrio that specializes in chef-driven Latin cuisine and has a seductive bar vibe. Made-to-order guacamole, fresh salads, tortas, tacos, enchiladas, and tamales, all made from scratch, are what Barrio is famous for.

More than 100 different tequila kinds, inventive cocktails, artisan beer, and wine are featured on the vast beverage menu.

Cantina Laredo - Chicago, Illinois

Cantina Laredo delivers authentic Mexican food and drinks made with only the finest ingredients and is housed in a magnificent stone and glass freestanding edifice at the intersection of the State and Illinois. When patrons enter the busy eatery, they are greeted with mouthwatering salsas, free tortillas, and chips prepared in-house.

Enjoy Cantina Laredo's hallmark service, Traditional made-to-order guacamole, which now includes Seasonal Specials, while sipping specialty beverages!

Sangrita Saloon - Indianapolis, Indiana

The first bite of prepared prawns, steak tacos, or stewed steaks will impress you. It makes sense to order delicious buuelos, churros, and fruitcakes. Start your dinner with a decent tequila, beer, or strawberry margarita. Here, you may get excellent fresh juices like lime or Americano.

Choose from inside or outdoor sitting. Customers enjoy the cool service offered here. At Sangrita, reasonable prices are to be anticipated. You will undoubtedly enjoy the festive mood and elegant decor.

Mercadito - Chicago, Illinois

It is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city, serving authentic food and unique tequila and mezcal cocktails. It is situated in River North. Popular Mexican delicacies our culinary experts prepare include classic tacos, fresh salsa & guacamole, ceviche, esquites, and more.

Zocalo Tequilaria - Cleveland, Ohio

They work hard to deliver the highest quality Mexican food in a lively and festive setting, from fresh salsa to slow-roasted carnitas. Discover a one-of-a-kind Mexican restaurant and tequila bar that can only be found on East 4th Street.

Insider Recommendations for Nightlife in Milwaukee

In addition to Milwaukee's best tequila bar, La Piña, Milwaukee offers a diverse nightlife scene that caters to various tastes. From nightclubs to cocktail bars, explore these insider recommendations for a well-rounded experience:

Red Maple MKE

Street art from Japan coexists in this bar with a vintage Brew City tap in a pleasant, cozy way. Red couches and waving kittens surround the belly-up bar, thousands of flowers hanging from the ceiling, stunning paintings of dragons and peacocks, and a wide variety of drinks.

A Cherry Blossom Old Fashioned, a Japanese Mojito, a 'Seven Spice' Japanese Bloody Mary, sake bombs, ciders, and a variety of Japanese whiskies and beers are just a few of the exclusive Japanese-themed drinks Red Maple sells. Along with popular macro tap drinks, local craft beer, and spirits will also be widely accessible.

Joe Cats

Since 1978, Jo-Cats has been regarded as one of Milwaukee's top bars. It is situated on Brady Street, in the center of the Eastside. Whether you want to dance upstairs on our second-level patio, play darts, or enjoy the slot machines. The wildest and most entertaining pub in Wisconsin is Jo-Cat's Pub.

Room Seven

Room Seven nightclub is the ultimate destination for those seeking a vibrant social atmosphere, where they can indulge in dancing, mingling, and savoring exquisite cocktails and top-notch bottle service. This chic and relaxed establishment boasts a complete bar with a great drinking menu, a spacious dance floor, enticing hookahs, and a cozy patio adorned with a captivating fire pit, providing the perfect ambiance for gathering and reveling in winter nights.

In addition to the allure of Room Seven, it also hosts the world-renowned Summerfest, a grand annual music festival held on the city's picturesque lakefront. Celebrated for its remarkable lineup of esteemed artists spanning a vast array of musical genres, Summerfest has earned its reputation as one of the largest music festivals globally. This extraordinary event captivates music enthusiasts from near and far, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the melodies and rhythms that resonate with the soul.

The Lost Whale

If you're in the mood for laughter, catch the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, a multi-day event showcasing local and national comedians. In addition to the vibrant comedy scene, Milwaukee boasts the captivating atmosphere and delectable menu of the Lost Whale Bar. Situated in the heart of the city, this hidden gem offers a stylish and comfortable environment where you can indulge in mouthwatering dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. With its enchanting ambiance and unforgettable flavors, the Lost Whale Bar promises to be a delightful destination for comedy enthusiasts and food lovers.

The Best Margarita in Milwaukee

From the diverse selection of tequilas to innovative cocktails, having a drink at La Piña is the perfect way to end the day. Enjoy a happy hour with friends, tequila flights, or a trivia night on a Wednesday. Milwaukee and the rest of the Midwest are full of vibrant nightlife, but whatever you do, don't forget to stop at La Piña to try the best margarita in Milwaukee. Your taste buds will thank you.