¡Viva la Margarita!

See next week's food challenge at the bottom of this column, comment below and enter to win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant. For more rules and details, see the  guidelines.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's independence day. September 17 ("Grito de Dolores") is actually the date that commemorates the start of the Mexican War of Independence. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the unlikely victory of the Mexican army against French forces who had better equipment and outnumbered the Mexican troops twofold. This battle took place near Puebla in 1861, and is only an important holiday in Puebla and, for whatever reason, the U.S.

Because the margarita is the most popular tequila-based cocktail in the U.S., it seemed fitting to celebrate the two together. No one agrees on where the margarita was invented and who it was named after, though it was probably named after a woman named Margarita, or many women named Margarita. It's possible that it was developed concurrently in various places, from Texas to Tijuana to Mexico City to Ensenada.

In honor of both the mystery woman and Cinco de Mayo, I decided to try a margarita at three area bars with no criteria except that they've never been featured in a Showdown before. Because the margarita is so ubiquitous in the United States, any bar should be able to mix up this tasty tequila cocktail. 

, 9630 Willow Ln, Mokena

Post Game is a popular Mokena sports bar that seems to mostly sell beer, so I didn't have high hopes for their margarita (ordered on the rocks with salt), despite the cactus on their logo. I was pleasantly surprised by the drink, however. It was tart, refreshing and the rim had plenty of salt.

The good: Nicely balanced tart (but not too sour) mix combined nicely with a subtle tequila flavor.

The bad: I watched the Sox lose to the Yankees while I drank it.

, 17 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort

I liked that the margarita at Stray Bar is served in a traditional margarita glass, but disappointed that it did not have enough salt. Bartender Dana has a special recipe for her margarita on the rocks that's quite delicious. However, the house tequila has an earthy, somewhat smoky flavor reminiscient of mezcal (which, unfortunately, I dislike). 

The good: A clever mixologist creates a tasty cocktail.

The bad: The distinct house tequila gives the drink an unpleasant aftertaste, requiring an upgrade to a premium tequila.

, 2390 E Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox

The classic margarita at Chili's is like a mug of liquid lime candy. There's no discernible tequila flavor, it's delicious and only $3 Sunday through Thursday. 

The good: The classic margarita at Chili's could double as both a beverage and a dessert.

The bad: It's a bit on the sweet side.

THE WINNER: Post Game Pub offered the best margarita of the three. It was nicely balanced and had a crisp but not overpowering tequila flavor. 

Looking for local eats? Do you disagree with our taster? Head  over to your local Patch Places food and dining directory. Find new spots, read reviews and even post a your own reviews on the profile pages.

• Frankfort establishments
• New Lenox establishments
• Mokena establishments

May is National Salsa Month, and we invite your suggestions for Lincoln-Way's best salsas to compete in next week's Chowdown Showdown.