Best of Boston

1999 Best Margarita

East Coast Grill & Raw Bar

The essence of a perfect margarita is in its simplicity: fresh lime juice, a dash of orange-flavored liqueur, and top-shelf tequila (we prefer gold). Any joint that junks up a fine shot of tequila with that presweetened sour mix just doesn’t know what it’s doing. That’s far from a problem at the East Coast Grill, which does it all perfectly. Purists prefer their ‘ritas on the rocks, with salt on the rim. But during an August heat wave, we’ll happily endure the Grill’s chilled take on tradition.

1271 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-491-6568,