Put the Work Day Behind at 5 Great Places for Margaritas in the Twin Cities

Minnesota may be one of the country's northernmost states, but you can get some great margaritas that will take you south of the border. Check out some of our favorite Twin Cities spots for these delectable drinks:

You can't go wrong at a restaurant named after one of Mexico's most legendary figures. Along with traditional margaritas, Pancho Villa serves varieties made with organic tequila, Grand Marnier, jalapeños and cucumbers, or raspberry liqueur. Enjoy a fruit-flavored Villarita topped with an upside-down Coronita. With two-for-one margaritas all day long Monday through Friday, Pancho Villa may be the best deal in town!

Boca Chica bills itself as "The Mexican Experience," and the tasty margaritas live up to that high standard. Get a designated driver and head over to try the Viuda Negra, or "Black Widow," which is made with 100-proof 1800 Black Label Tequila. House margaritas are only $4 during Happy Hour, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Live mariachi bands provide musical entertainment on the fourth Saturday of each month.

At Tinto, one of the hippest, most vibrant restaurants in the Twin Cities, you know they mean business when your margarita is served to you in a pint glass. Tinto's upscale margaritas include the house special made with apple brandy, agave nectar and house-infused habanero mix. Feel like a real VIP when you dine at the exclusive Tasting Table, where $30 gets you a generous sampler of the top dishes along with a front-row seat to the inner workings of the restaurant.

4. Barrio 
235 E 6th St
Saint Paul
651.222.3250

You'll find yourself going back to Barrio to try each one of the 10 different margaritas, including the blood orange-flavored Macho Camacho and the Black Diamond, finished off with a touch of sea salt. If you like your tequila neat, choose from more than 100 varieties stocked behind the bar or sample a $10 tequila flight during the daily Happy Hour. The menu features scratch-made small plates like crab empanadas that are perfect for sharing.

An Irish pub might not seem like an obvious place to find an iconic Mexican drink, but users of Foursquare ranked the margaritas at Patrick McGovern's in their top five. Instead of burritos or tacos, pair your drink with one of the restaurant's signature roasted turkey sandwiches. The three-tiered patio, with fireplace, waterfall and retractable roof, is one of the most popular dining areas in the Twin Cities.

Blended or on the rocks? Cast your vote in the comments!