#1 El Conquistador in Silver Lake

Few cocktails are as satisfying as an expertly crafted margarita. I’ve been known to forgo a basket of chips, salsa and tacos in favor of the technicolor, fluorescent margaritas at El Conquistador in Silver Lake. They pack a thirst quenching wallop.

I don’t know if I’m a connoisseur, but I know what I like–potent, tasty and less syrupy/sugary, these are my top 5 Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo.

#1 El Conquistador

I’ll admit it. There’s really no other reason to go to El Conquistador other than to partake in their margs. These are the best I’ve tried and I’ve never known anyone to be able to drink more than 1 1/2 at a sitting. Don’t even get me started on the Cadillac margs. Ordered one, finished 1/3. 3701 W Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake

#2 Amigos in Pasadena

#2 Amigos

My only reason for trying Amigos was to sample their highly buzzed about margs. OMG these were potent! While more syrupy than Conquistadors, the net effect was exactly the same. Ordered a Cadillac, finished 1/3. Try: Chili verde plate, rice and beans. 1076 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena

#3 Barragan’s

Located in Echo Park, Barragan’s frozen and on-the-rocks margs are delicious and cost effective. What gives their margs extra points is that the food is not half bad–if you know what to order. Stick to Mexican classics and skip anything doused in fluorescent cheese. Try: Carne asada tacos, chorizo, queso fundido. 1538 W. Sunset Blvd. Echo Park

#4 Malo in Silver Lake: Cucumber,  Mango Mint and Strawberry Jalapeno

#4 Malo

Winner of the most creative, yet effective and delicious margs goes to Malo in Silver Lake. Their custom crafted margs run the gamut from spicy, sweet to savory. Their classic marg on the rocks is one of my favorites. Try: Potato tacos, carnitas tacos, mole. 4326 W. Sunset Blvd. Silver Lake

#5 Mexico City

I know what you might be thinking, Mexican food–let alone margaritas, in Los Feliz? Yep, that’s what I thought too. Dropping the boom on more “authentic” establishments in Highland Park and Boyle Heights, this eatery makes awesome margs that are only enhanced by delicious food. Try: Mole poblano, sopes, queso fundido with chorizo. 2121 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz