After scientists revealed UFOs were actually full-grown tortillas, people everywhere filled swimming pools with guac and beans to catch and dissect the floury creatures. Nab a tender, baby disc with today's Groupon: for $15, you get $30 worth of upscale Mexican cuisine at El Barrio in Grandview-Woodland. The value of the Groupon is $35 if redeemed Tuesday–Thursday. El Barrio is a lively, inviting Mexican restaurant that hushes hunger with beautifully presented dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients. As live jazz feeds eager ear drums, dig into carne a la plancha, eight succulent grilled ounces of British Columbia free range flank steak soaked in achiote and pineapple juice and topped with a house chipotle sauce ($16.95). Or match a margarita ($7.25) with Pastel Azteca–tiers of tortillas, melted cheese, spinach, and crema fresca ($15.25). Cocktails ($7.25) and desserts such as flan de caramelo ($6.25) or Ibarra chocolate crème brûlée ($8.95) sweeten mouths like a kiss from a goodhearted witch. El Barrio also has gluten-free options.

Reviews

El Barrio was featured in the Vancouver Sun and on Straight.com. Eighty-seven per cent of more than 180 Urbanspooners like them, and Yelpers give them a four-star average.

• The mole reverberated with the flavour of Mexican chocolate and the chicken was tender and juicy. – Mia Stainsby, Vancouver Sun
• My partner and I love this restaurant, as have the various family members and friends we've taken along to try it. The food is delicious and authentic. – Tess, Urbanspoon