After Spring Break I decided that the ballers (and Julie) should set out on the most noble endeavor of rating all of the mexican establishments in Tuscaloosa on their margarita quality. Selfless, I know, this project will provide knowledge and assistance for generations to come. We drew a map, found out happy hour times and established a four pepper ranking scale. One pepper- sick nasty stick with water. Two peppers- didn't hate it, didn't love it. Three peppers- bring me another. Four peppers- El Rincon gloriousness. We have trudged through an embarrassing amount of chips and salsa, suffered through dry chicken, requested the peppers and onions that were sadly missing, and consumed an ungodly amount of glorious tequila calories. I'll give you a rundown of where we have visited thus far:
1. Pepitos on the strip- home of the "free squeezed lime margaritas." This claim I can vouch for because as I waited for the sketchy bathroom I saw like Pepe juicing limes like there was no tomorrow. The three dollar price is pretty standard but the size is smaller than El Rincon's. Although tasty and delicious there wasn't that initial punch we were expecting. Notice I said initial. Because we felt like we were cheating on mr rincon we only purchased one and headed down the road to the our old faithful mexican joint. As we were walking the initial punch that was missing definitely made itself know. Score: 1 initially, 2 with aftershock.
2. Don Rafa's- interestingly enough we learned about this hidden gem in our baptist church. With a much smaller selection, margs can be purchased in a small size for $3 or a large for $6. The best thing about this place is the food but make sure Don knows exactly what you want to order or you could be stuck with an odd smelling tortilla boat when you are expecting a delicious pile of peppers and onions. Score: 3 peppers; delicious taste, smaller size.
3. Margarita's Grille- that sketchy yellow building off McFarland. If you looking for a rocking atmosphere keep on driving. We went on a Tuesday because that is when they decide to half off their beverages (I'm not going broke for this mission) and walked into what seemed to be family night. Not to be deterred we ordered us a round. Margarita's Grille offers the widest variety- raspberry, strawberry, pina colada, vanilla? The price is the same but the punch is not. The chicken was also found to be dry. Margarita's Grille its time for a name change. Score: 2.5; props for the selection.
4. El Rincon- the gold standard, the holy grail of margarita's and our personal favorite thus far. What bad thing can be said about our ever faithful Mr Rincon? They have the most happy hours and the coveted blue margarita- the strongest of the bunch as admitted by our waiter. Might I recommend a frozen strawberry/mango or a blue/mango aka a bango for those in the know. Mr Rincon has been there during rush misery and for HESI celebrations. Score: 4 peppers, they never let you down.
We're halfway down with the margarita marathon with Lupe's, Los Tarascos, Los Calientes and Jalapenos remaining. Our amazing map can be found outside of the squirrel palace for reference. You don't have to thank us... its our selfless senior gift.
