Boca Chica, New York

Boca Chica - Heavy tequila gulping is best in an environment like Boca Chica. The East Village bar is bright and cozy, with a simultaneously chilled-out and tripped-out aesthetic: banquettes upholstered in animal print, skeletons dancing on Grateful Dead tapestry, a sizeable portrait of the Virgin Mary. Weekends buzz with a crowd looking to quell their appetites for Latin fare (be sure to save room for the flans). But weeknights are perfect for enjoying the head-lightening effects of strong fresh fruit margaritas or the no nonsense tequila selection. Kept at a conversation-friendly level, the music is a mix of salsa and Latin ballads with moments of pop flare. Because even lyric-less, remixed and sampled Shakira “makes a man want to speak Spanish.”