Tico Mexican Restaurant / Tapas Bar / Tequila Bar

Back Bay, Boston –

Nothing works quite like a margarita for warming up coworker relations, which may explain the perpetual stream of hip young colleagues loosening their ties at exotic tequila bar Tico.

One of celebrity chef Michael Schlow’s outposts, the venue features a décor inspired by all things Spanish, Mexican, and Southwestern, with bold orange and purple hues, star-like black metallic chandeliers, and oversized murals of clouds and cowboys.

During the day, scores of suits pop in for a networking lunch, sitting at one of the wooden tables scattered throughout the dining room, or at the chef’s table, which grants a front-row view of the open kitchen.

The post-work rush hits promptly at five, and this time the same suits head to the yellow backlit bar for specialties like the blood orange margaritas. The scene gets more diverse toward week’s end, when students in hoodies, trendy regulars, and tourists in everything from t-shirts to designer duds all drop by to relax on plush maroon cushions and try one of the over eighty tequilas available.

A cozy patio, meanwhile, provides a more private space for chic couples and groups of friends to hang out and nosh on gourmet small plates.

A colorful spot for working stiffs to let their hair down, Tico is well-loved for being a more casual option in an ultra-sophisticated area, without sacrificing sophistication. At least until that second pitcher.