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. Learn about its tastier uses with today’s Groupon: for $10, you get $25 worth of authentic Mexican fare and drinks at el Azteca Restaurant on State Boulevard.

Enchilada, nacho, burrito, taco, chimichanga, and quesadilla options are abundant on el Azteca’s lunch and dinner menus. Evening diners line stomach pantries with fresh guacamole ($5.79) or chicken mole ($8.39) before stocking shelves with soft flour tacos ($5.79 for two with mesquite chicken) and tamales ($6.79 for two with beef and pork). El Azteca’s signature Benji burritos, gigantic creations stuffed with meat, lettuce, diced tomato, and a dab of sour cream then baked slathered in cheese and a homemade sauce, can be created with veggies or 10 types of meat during dinner ($7.99–$12.59). Chip lovers crunch barbecued nachos with smoked pulled pork ($11.49, large) or a plate of nachos locos with jalapeños and spicy chile con queso ($7.99, large). Evict spices from your esophagus with a soft drink ($1.89) or cocktail made with one of el Azteca’s more than 100 tequilas.

Inside el Azteca, expect to find a cheerful atmosphere with yellow tongue-and-groove walls and plenty of small tables inviting intimate conversations or cross-table thumb wars. An outdoor deck offers guests a breath of fresh air, a chance to try out that new 10-gallon hat, and an ideal opportunity to practice simultaneously eating and talking to clouds.

Reviews

TripAdvisors give el Azteca Restaurant an average of 3.5 owl eyes. Seventy-one percent of more than 60 Urbanspooners recommend it.

• The food isn't your typical mexician/texmex. It's different and full of interesting flavors. – saavik13, TripAdvisor
• One of the best, if not the best! The fideo soup is incredible, we always get it. – Nancy, Urbanspoon