Adobe Gila'snt, Rosemont

Sometimes lizards have great margarita recipes. At least Adobe Gila's mascot and mythological founder—a gila monster decked out in a scarf and sombrero—has one worth crossing the country for. Fortunately, its restaurants in Ohio, Orlando, and Chicago make it so nobody has to travel too far. In each location, these frozen drinks take center stage, with Gila mixing up more than a dozen varieties. Beneath the soft glow of neon signs, frozen strawberry, raspberry, and lime margaritas fill 64-ounce mugs, which patrons can take home once they drain. Meanwhile, giant, fishbowl-sized cocktails allow for lessons in sharing—as do chips, salsa, and made-to-order guacamole. 

Other Mexican dishes complement the drinks—namely sizzling fajitas with chargrilled chicken fish—but the menu also makes sure bargoers overcome by more local cravings find plenty of wings and burgers. And Adobe Gila's goes a step beyond the traditional watering hole, too. On the last Friday of every month, the team throws what they call the "world's largest happy hour," when the restaurant transforms into a giant party with live music, DJs, karaoke, and requisite smiling.