Pursuing the perfect margarita has never been a personal priority. I’m not exactly the type to ingest fruity drinks, regardless of alcoholic content. I’m pretty much a beer and hard cider guy.

The exception is whenever I eat Mexican food. Although there are numerous fine Mexican beers, I usually opt for a margarita when dining in a Mexican restaurant.

So when a friend and I went to Gallo de Oro Family Mexican Restaurant in Bothell this past Sunday night, we didn’t realize what a treat we were in for.

We decided to get fruity margaritas. There were several options listed on the menu. You could get a standard one ($4), a “grande” for 25 cents more, or you could get one with Jose Cuervo Gold tequila ($5). I asked our server what the difference was, and he said the cheaper margarita was made with a cheaper brand of tequila, although he didn’t specify what brand. So we went ahead and went for the pricier Cuervo one.

Our server brought our drinks before our meals arrived. I got a raspberry one, and she had blackberry, two of several flavors they have available.

With one sip it was clear to me – Gallo de Oro makes the best margaritas ever, and I’ve traveled in Mexico and grew up in the desert southwest, where Mexican food and margaritas are as much a part of the culture as inferno summers and 35 SPF sunscreen.

These margaritas had rich flavor with a perfect tequila mix. They were also nice and thick, and garnished with a bit of whipped cream. If we didn’t have to drive later, we would’ve each ordered another one.

The margaritas were the perfect compliment to our dinner. She ordered chicken and beef fajitas ($10.25), and I opted for tacos al carbon ($10.50). Our server recommended some of the other chicken, beef and seafood dishes, saying they were the house specialities, as opposed to the traditional standards (burritos, enchiladas, etc.). All of the entrees were moderately priced.

We weren’t disappointed. Both of us were pleased with the taste and textures of the meats and vegetables, although I thought the rice was a tad dry. Our server also brought my friend more tortillas (a $1.15 charge for a side of tortillas) for her fajitas quickly after she asked for them.

My entree, meanwhile, was outstanding. The three tacos were wrapped in two flour tortillas and garnished with a slice of beefsteak tomato sprinkled with cheese and sauce. I ended up eating the tacos with a knife and fork.

The atmosphere itself was nice. Booths have high-backed seating, giving patrons welcome privacy. Outdoor seating overlooking Woodinville Way was available, but with hot (by Puget Sound standards) temperatures, we opted to eat in the air conditioned interior. A nice touch of decor was a small banner for soccer club Chivas, Mexico’s most popular club and one of its most successful.

Needless to say, my friend, who lives in Kirkland and loves Mexican food, was pleased to find a place just a few miles from her house that is outstanding.