Cantinas are lively meeting places where patrons can relax over a cold beverage, hire charming space pilots to smuggle you through interplanetary blockades, and play darts with Wild Bill Hickok's ghost. Experience the supernatural and galactic camaraderie of the cantina with today’s Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of burgers and southwestern comfort fare at Calico Cantina & Café.

Located on the original Route 66 and with 45 years of restaurant experience between its owners, the Calico Cantina satisfies satiation seekers with hearty helpings of rustic comfort foods and swift, friendly service. Famished farmhands and ravenous ranchers can take a seat and scour the menu of southwestern standbys available to meet any omnivore's needs. Rev eating engines with a preliminary plate of sliders topped with cheddar and grilled onions ($7.99) or beef taco fingers, corn tortillas wrapped around taco filling and cheese ($6.99). Diners try their hand at culinary construction with customizable burgers ($7.99), made from Vernon's prime beef and outfitted with their choice of edible accessories such as smothered chili, bacon, or guacamole ($0.50 to $0.95 each). Placate vocal stomachs with comfort-food platters, such as battered pork chops with mushroom gravy ($9.99) or New Orleans–style grilled catfish and vegetables ($12.79), the meal General Andrew Jackson ate before defeating the French Canadians in Super Bowl XLIV.

Guests take a load off in the ranch-style dining room under exposed wooden beams and textured walls covered with cowboy portraits, while bartenders tend to bar tenants by pouring beers and mixed drinks under the illuminated metalwork fixtures. On mild days with zero chance of rain or ginger-ale downpours, diners can season dishes with a liberal dose of fresh air on Calico’s adobe patio, warmed by an open clay hearth and scored to the sounds of ornamental stone fountains.

Due to Calico Cantina & Cafe closing, starting April 25 this Groupon is redeemable at Prime, a butchery and delicatessen. It is located at 6855 4th St. NW , Suite C in Los Ranchos.

Reviews

Three Yahoo! Locals give Calico Cantina & Café an average of five stars, and 67% of Urbanspooners like it:

• Good green chile, green chile cheese grits, pancakes, and bakery items. Huge portions are served (at least for breakfast when we have dined) and we do not leave hungry. – ScooterJoey, Urbanspoon
• One of our favorites: Great Food and atmosphere. Large variety of both New Mexican entres as well as American Delights. – A Yahoo! Local reviewer on 02/18/2007