A homemade Mexican dish takes more than just tender care, a domesticated mariachi band, and a roof fashioned out of corn tortillas. Give a friendly home to orphaned salsas with today’s Groupon: for $7, you get $15 worth of tasty Mexican fare at Guacamaya’s Mexican Restaurant in Bartlett.

The cheerful family that birthed Guacamaya's prides itself on flavorful south-of-the-border fare that comes cooked to order. A favorite is the gargantuan El Zarape platter ($9.95), which sports a savory heap of broiled fajita meat, onions, and bell peppers draped with melted white cheese, rice, charro beans, and corn or flour tortillas. The tilapia fish tacos ($9.95) please the sea-slanted, and patrons harried by rigid taco and burrito algorithms may wish to try the pupusas ($7.99 for three), plump pancakes stuffed with a tasty cheese or pork center and served with smoky charro beans and any of the warm, zesty homemade salsas. Guacamaya’s gastronomic engineers prepare each item with tender care, and if they have the ingredients, they’ll whip up any plate your customizable heart desires. Thanks to a BYOB policy, you’re spared both the expense of drinks and the worry about a menu lacking bottled armadillo tears.

Tasting a true home-cooked meal doesn’t require a life of windowsill pie burglary. Guacamaya’s fortifies its familial spirit with a suburban brick exterior flanked by white-paneled windows; bright green and yellow walls inside reflect the colorful dishes, giving eyebuds something to drink in once bellybuds are sated.

This Groupon is valid for dine-in only.

Reviews

Guacamaya's has been featured on GoMemphis.com, and 100% of eight Urbanspooners recommend it:

• With Edgar serving and his wife and mother cooking, the family atmosphere was a given, and likely the reason that the good food follows. – Jennifer Biggs, GoMemphis.com
• So far every dish I've tasted, I've liked. – L, Urbanspoon