Maracas Mexican Restaurant**

Festive Mexican kicks off the fiesta in Fort Lauderdale.

The Corn Bizcho from Maracas Mexican Bar and Grill. Photo: Joshua Prezant

By Rochelle Koff

It’s a “fiesta every night” at Maracas – or at least it hopes to be. The restaurant boasts a different theme daily, whether you want to celebrate your birthday or sip $2 margaritas. If you don't want to party, arrive early when the music videos are barely audible, servers have time to dote and you can simply load up on inexpensive Mexican fare and cheap drinks.

Ambiance
Tip your sombrero to designer Brenda Starr (aka Robert Tabor) for the turquoise vinyl tablecloths, multicolored walls and curtains, strings of red chile-pepper lights, a jeweled cactus and bold art.

What Worked

Tasty guacamole with pico de gallo, cilantro and lime
“Holy Mole” chicken tamales were flavorful, but more corn masa than meat
Quesadillas packed with grilled shrimp and Jack, Cheddar and queso fresco and served with zesty pico de gallo and sour cream
Sides of fluffy rice and refried beans

What Didn’t Work

Un-sizzling fajitas
Wimpy veggies
Chewy steak
Pollo relleno rolled with overpowering huitlacoche (a corn fungus often called Mexican truffle)

Maracas Mexican Bar & Grill: 3001 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-537-2002. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. daily; bar open until midnight Sunday-Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday, 3 a.m. Saturday. Prices: Appetizers $5.95-$12.95, entrees $9.95-$15.95, specialties $11.95-$15.95, desserts $3-$6, Sunday brunch $14.95 (with unlimited frozen margaritas, mimosas or bloody marys).

FYI: Theme nights include Margarita Madness ($2 a drink) and DJ Scott Mann Monday, all-you-can-eat (special menu) Tuesday, poker night Wednesday, birthday celebrations (beads, singing, cake and more for $10) Thursday, all-night happy hour and DJ Johnny Quest Friday. Full bar (no outside wine). Parking lot and complimentary valet. DS, MC, VS.