A tortilla makes a handy mouse pad, an acceptable patch for stiff denim jeans, and, if you draw a face on it, an ideal companion on fishing trips. But there are many other uses for it, as today's Groupon proves. For $15, you get $30 worth of Mexican cuisine at Abuelo's. This Groupon is valid at the eatery’s Bartlett location.

Mexican cuisine’s signature spices help create the first spark on a blind date or the spicy excitement of a night out with friends. Cozy up to someone as intense as cumin-coated chiles within the courtyard-like interior of Abuelo’s, where column-flanked archways divide seating sections into intimate nooks, with private booths tucked away in the glow of wall sconces. Lean back and twirl an imaginary conquistador 'stache while perusing the battle plans, which bear a suspicious resemblance to the menu. A wide variety of enchiladas ($8.99–$10.99) and fajitas ($9.99–$14.99) are available for savory grasping. Properly begin your delicious journey with a mountain of layered dip ($6.49), a stratified feast of chile con queso, roasted chiles, guacamole, refried beans, seasoned ground beef, sour cream, and diced tomatoes. To balance the indulgent dip with a fresh, light lunch that doesn’t skimp on taste-bud stimulation, try the tilapia Veracruz ($9.49), sautéed with shrimp, scallops, tomatoes, roasted poblanos, and olives. Dessert will cleanse spice-saturated palates with traditional sweets such as flan ($4.99) and margarita pie with tequila sauce ($5.49).

Although Abuelo's has a number of locations scattered throughout the country, each one dedicates itself to supporting its local community. The friendly staff at Abuelo’s uses only the freshest produce in their meals, including their house-made salsa. Today's Groupon is valid for lunch or dinner at this Mexican villa of victuals; hungry lunchers can add a queso or guacamole to their meal for free between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday–Friday. There's no purchase limit for today, so load up on Groupons, roll them into a soft taco shell, and bring your ravenous friends along for a few feasts and subsequent parking-lot siestas. You may use one Groupon per table of four, which gives you an excuse to return again as part of your salsa-drinking and biathlon training.

Reviews

Three Yelpers give Abuelo’s three stars, nine TripAdvisors give it 3.5 owl eyes, and Citysearchers give it 4.5 stars. Seventy-seven percent of Urbanspooners like it.

• The atmosphere is serene, with a handpainted sky ceiling in the main dining area. High backed booths afford diners privacy. The menu is a blend of tex-mex style with more rural/coastal dishes. Big portions and nicely presented meals. Service is usually very good. It can get crowded during peak times, so expect a wait if you go at those times. – Jesse C, Urbanspoon
• Anytime I am in Memphis, this is where I go to eat. They have some of the best Mexican food I have had. We vacationed in Costa Rica a few years ago and the food at Abuelo's reminds me a lot of Costa Rica. Abuelo's has great guacamole dip and salsa. – alimel, Citysearch
• We have been 5 or 6 times and everytime [sic] the food has been excellent. Service is great and price is more than reasonable. We recommend Abuelo's to everyone. – jcates20, Citysearch