Julie Ann Vera Pericos deserves props for its menu selection and noteworthy drinks.

With so many things springing up in the Stone Oak/Sonterra area, it's hard to keep up with them all. Every time you cruise around that area, there's a new restaurant to try. Pericos caught our eye because of its brightly-colored and welcoming exterior. The inside is even prettier, with bright colors and art, an open and airy dining area and a very appealing bar area. The menu is extensive and moderately priced, and the service was excellent. And we ate three bowls of the salsa!

WHAT: Pericos Mexican Cuisine

WHERE: 1439 E. Sonterra, (210) 402-6006; 10820 Bandera, (210) 684-5376; pericosgrill.com

HOURS: Sonterra location: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; Bandera location: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday

TASTE SENSATION: Again, the salsa must be mentioned (which is a good thing because Pericos' slogan is “Because life tastes better with salsa.” Catchy!). It's flavorful and spicy but not too overwhelming. The menu is extensive and with everything you'd expect to find at a good Mex restaurant and a few unique things, such as the Beef Empanadas. The Enchiladas de Queso were quite tasty, and the Steak Salad was a (Points-friendly) surprise, with a generous portion of fajita steak on a large salad. And it's always great to have another breakfast-food option what with the ever-present long lines at the short list of breakfasty-places (there can never be enough breakfast!).

TUMS-WORTHY: The tortilla chips are OK though slightly greasy and cold on our most recent visit. The tres leches cake, again, was mediocre at best. It was moist and juicy, but could've been just a tad sweeter. Minor grievances, yes, but important ones in a Mex restaurant!

THE 210 TAKE: Overall, some good stuff, and very nice to have another “pleasant place to go for drinks and/or dinner” option. Not too stuffy, but definitely serviceable for a date or to take out-of-town visitors. And the drinks are YUMMY. The sangria rocks (it's $2 all day on Sundays), they make a mean (and correct) michelada, and definitely try the Parrot Tail. It's a fruity drink with the magic ingredient of Hpnotiq (pronounced hypnotic), a liquor concocted with vodka, cognac and a blend of fruits ..... it's girly-drink heaven.

Julie Ann Vera | 210SA