It's summer, so getting your celebration on before the weekend isn't unheard of (oh, and, yeah, it's LA--we like to celebrate!) which is why if you enjoy tequila, you should be ready to honor the south of the border beverage import tomorrow. Who knew tequila had its own National Day? But it does, and we'd like to encourage you to partake in the festivities (while drinking responsibly, yo!).

If you are in the environs of the South Bay, your best bet is to stop by Ortega 120, a recently opened restaurant in Redondo Beach that specializes in tequila--after all, its name comes from the 120 types of tequila stocked behind the bar. No, seriously. LAist was down there for their grand opening party recently, and sampled their delicious house margarita, and also some shots of specialty tequilas, including one from Patron that is coffee-flavored. If you are a serious enthusiast, we're told Ortega 120 will give you a leather-bound tasting journal to record your tasting notes and also keep it behind the bar for you until your next visit.

But if you're just looking to try out some tequila, they're launching their three-tequila flights on Thursday, and will continue to offer them on Thursdays from tomorrow on. They also have an extensive menu of tequila cocktails to sample. Oh, and food. Our favorite bite was one that was featured a few weeks ago in an Eye Nosh nab: The Tacos de atun Crudo (Ahi poke style blue fin tuna, roasted corn, fresh mango, cilantro, roasted red peppers, chile oil, guacamole, in a crisp taco shell). The menu is full of homestyle Mexican specialties from multiple regions.

Ortega 120 | 1814 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach | (310) 792-4120

Other ways to celebrate National Tequila Day:
Try a drink or two from Malo's Tequila Cocktail Menu
Make yourself a mango margarita (and some mango salsa)
Pair a burrito with a shot of tequila at El Tepeyac

Tequila Shot photo by dearbarbie via Flickr