Though coveting thy neighbor's wife or underground sprinkler system is beyond the pale, longing for a mouthful of his cuisine is an understandable desire. Today's Groupon satisfies desires to eat from the table of our nation's neighbor: for $10, you get $20 worth of south-of-the-border fare and beverages at Maracas Mexican Bar & Grill on North Federal Highway.

Maracas draws in hungry diners thanks to playful menus stocked with traditional and unconventional Mexican cuisine. Commence dinnertime chewery with an appetizer of chicken flautas, which feature shredded chicken rolled into crispy tortillas and snuggled under a blanket of avocado, cotija cheese, lettuce, and sour cream ($6.95), or opt to begin with Mexi egg rolls ($6.95), which successfully blend Mexican and Chinese culture without the emergency-room visits associated with fireworks-stuffed piñatas. Surf seekers can sup on aquatic options such as camerones mojo, which partners sautéed jumbo shrimp with guajillo peppers, tomato, and lime ($17.95), while those with a taste for turf can order a meat feast of bisteak y papas ($16.95), a Mexican take on steak frites topped with cilantro lime butter. Fajitas come in varieties ranging from achiote grilled chicken ($13.95) and spiced tofu ($12.95) to blackened tuna ($15.95) and are served atop sizzling platters that have been tempered in the molten waters of Mexico's lava lakes. A lunch menu is available to battle daytime cravings, and a Sunday brunch ($9.95)—with an all-you-can-drink option available for an additional $5—helps worker bees enjoy their last few hours away from the paperwork of the hive.

Potent, freshly fruited margaritas and a litany of other libations help Maracas quench the thirsts of even the most energetic hat-dancers. Enjoy your Mexican mouthcation while ensconced in the bright colors and festive décor of the restaurant's vibrant interior, or head for the 100-seat outdoor café, where you can flaunt your gastro-satisfaction in the faces of hungry sparrows.

Reviews

Maracas Mexican Bar & Grill won 2009 Best of Citysearch awards in the categories of Best Dessert and Best Fort Lauderdale Restaurant. Maracas also gets a three-star average rating from Yelpers, with some divided opinions of the food and service, but overall approval of the party atmosphere.

• Aside from the over the top fun, colorful, and festive atmosphere, the menu is quite diverse and the food is very fresh. Prices are reasonable and if you are a 'normal' eater, you will have left overs too! – Colleen R., Yelp