Great margarita in a grown-up atmosphere?

My father, after 70 years enjoying mostly beer and the odd glass of wine, suddenly discovered margaritas. (Fortunately he's now retired and no longer practicing medicine.) In any case, he's coming to town, and I'd love to take him somewhere for a terrific margarita, but not to a noisy bar full of young professionals and multiple TVs.

Can people point me to a relaxed restaurant that can lay claim to making excellent margaritas? (Needn't be Mexican or latin. Just a place where that particular drink is done well.)

Trite but true: Chilpancingo. Relaxed, comfortable, and probably the best Margaritas in town.

For a chill atmosphere and a stiff, respectable margarita, take him to Cafe Laguardia. It's chill in the way that pre-Castro Cuba is chill...dominoes, Buena Vista Social Club and guayabera shirts. Very laid back, mature, and not shrill like some Mexican places can be. I also think Chilpancingo is a decent option, but it's cavernous and a little cold, where LaGuardia is cozy and inviting. The place is almost comically dark--I find myself using the candle on the table to make out the menu--so that might be an annoyance for a 70 year-old man, but the cool dark leather couches amid the tropical decor in front of the fireplace look so appealing. I always promise myself that I'll come back and have drinks there. The tostones there are spectacular, and go so well with margaritas and mojitos, to say nothing of the Cubanos and medianoches. Keep in mind that they have live Cuban music every Tuesday night, which may be a plus or a minus for your dad.

Cafe Laguardia
2111 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago
(773) 862-5996.

Cooler,

Can't say I'm as big a fan of anything at La Guardia. I might need to give it another shot. My last experience was dismal but also over two years ago.

Maybe my problem is that the Cuban-Mexican mix is unnatural for me. Mea culpa. Though it is a very Chicago kind of restaurant. In terms of foods, flavors, and culture, the mix doesn't work because it is forced, facile and appeals to the Lincoln Parker who wants a burrito and a 'rita at all costs if he is in a "hispanic" restaurant. Cubans, at least in Tampa and Miami, never saw a taco until the 80's, and only then when Taco Bell took over. For me, Chinese-Cuban, quite literally, makes more sense.

Anyway, if you want a margarita (not the daisy) and nachos (not the nicknames) with your ropa vieja, I would suggest Cafe 28. Also a very comfortable place.

Que Rico! makes excellent margaritas and has delicious food as well. Their dining room is pretty and they also have a small patio for outdoor dining. High quality food, great margaritas (and sangria for that matter), and friendly staff. It's a nice atmosphere for guests and although they are usually quite busy it's definitely not too rowdy.

Que Rico!
2814 N Southport Ave (this is near the corner of Diversey and Southport)
Chicago, Illinois 60657-4111
Neighborhood: Lakeview/Wrigleyville
Tel: (773) 975-7436

Although most people think Adobo Grill is average for food, going out to just have margaritas and guacamole is terrific, plus getting a table for a 70 year old is a must.

My Mother (79/vodka) and I both enjoy Don Juan's in Edison Park. Good food,relaxed atmosphere and very decent Margaritas.

Don Juan's
6730 Northwest Hwy
Chicago

I'll concur on Don Juan's. Superb margaritas and food that ranges from well-made standards to interesting nuevo Latino.