Top 5 margaritas

Updated 12:07 PM Monday, March 15, 2010

We couldn't get out to sample all of them, but take comfort in the fact that we had more margaritas than any two people ever should have to drink over two weeks in April.

In fact, our lime-to-blood ratio had to have been off the charts. We're sure that one more margarita could have required extensive treatment for "Lime" disease, but we knew when to say when.

Using a combination of reader suggestions and our Lounge Lizard intuition, we set out to find the best margaritas in town. If you've ever ordered a margarita, you know they can be about as different as snowflakes in a snow storm. The same basic ingredients apply — tequila, triple sec and margarita mix — but somehow they all end up tasting completely different.

And here are their picks for the top five:

1. Elsa's

Basics: 3618 Linden Ave., Dayton, (937) 252-9635; 1216 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, (937) 294-9210; 6318 Far Hills Ave., Kettering, (937) 439-3897
Why it rates: Kapow! This is rocket fuel that burns in a good way. Served in a nontraditional rocks glass, this is one of the best margaritas we've had — a treat from beginning to end. This flavor fiesta is one not to miss.
Cost: $6.50 for Elsa's legendary Bad Juan margarita, which is actually a really, really good Juan.

2. El Meson

Basics: 903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton, (937) 859-8229, www.elmeson.net
Why it rates: Served up in a heavy glistening glass with a good mix of ice, this is the way a margarita should look. And with a full, well-rounded fresh flavor of sweet lime that obviously did not come from a mix, it's just how a margarita should taste. It's strong enough to make a point, but not overwhelmingly. Its fresh, tart lime flavor gives a nice twist to the classic margarita recipe.
Cost: $7 for the Meson Margarita.

3. Abuelo's

Basics: 2420 N Fairfield Road, Dayton, OH 45431, (937) 426-0570, www.abuelos.com
Why it rates: This margarita looked exactly like the picture on the table, and how often does that ever happen? Sophisticated yet understated, this drink knows it doesn't have to put on a show to impress. Fruity and refreshing this is a perfect back porch/hot day beverage with strong, bold flavors but nothing overpowering. Savory and balanced, this margarita is actually better than the Patron hand-shaken margarita that sells for $8.95. A great choice and a great value.
Cost: $4.95 for the 14 oz. La Grandeza Margarita

4. Laredos Cantina and Grill

Basics: 1020 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville, (937) 610-3456
Why it rates: Standard margarita, garnished simply with a lime. Order the larger 16 oz. portion for a better presentation. Salty (and not thanks to the rim), the Grand Marnier and lime counters the amount of salt in the drink nicely. Offering a good balance of tart and sweet with the liquor hiding in the background — always there but not in your face about it.
Cost: $4.75 for the regular Texas Margarita.

5. Pepito's

Basics: 3618 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, (937) 293-3777; 2412 Catalpa Drive, Dayton, (937) 277-1476
Why it rates: Served in a traditional glass with a classic margarita look, this is a triple threat of sour, sweet and smooth. It has a good kick while still maintaining its fun, fruity side.
Cost: $5.50 for the classic margarita.

— Alexis Larsen and Craig Schrolucke, the Lounge Lizards

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