2 for $25: John's Tex-Mex

You can probably get two meals out of the Large Burrito with Chicken ($6). (Credit: Katharine Sidelnik)

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John's Tex Mex Eatery

2 people, 1 restaurant, 25 bucks

Meals for people with big appetites and small wallets

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It could have been because my stomach was grumbling for hours and I'd been craving Mexican food for days, but my recent lunch at John's Tex-Mex Eatery (formerly Taco John's) in the South Wedge was total pleasure. Cool atmosphere, huge portions, cheap prices and delicious entrees — now that's what I call my ideal "combo meal."

The mood

Festive yet laid-back. I felt comfortable the minute the heavy, old screen door slammed behind me (it's a summer thing). Bright colors, tile tables and floors, mounted skulls and horns for decoration, quirky murals and an inviting outdoor patio.

The food

My friend, Heather, who joined me for a relaxing work break, has visited here quite a bit and recommended we start with the House-fried Tortilla Chips, which we requested with a side of Mexican Mush ($3 for the pair). The crisp chips were thick enough for the chunky mush, a flavorful, stewed blend of black beans, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices. We'd gotten through less than a quarter of the dish when our meals arrived.

Heather ordered the Large Burrito with Chicken ($6), which was wrapped with rice in a flour tortilla and came with four fillers of her choice: cheese, tomato, corn and black olives. This may have been the largest burrito I've ever seen. Heather's husband likes to eat half and bring the rest home to reheat and enjoy on a bed of lettuce. She said this particular burrito was more seasoned than usual — the chicken, especially, had a nice kick — and didn't require her normal dose of hot sauce.

At the risk of using too many superlatives, my Quesadilla ($6.75) was one of the tastiest I've ever eaten. The restaurant was out of "un-beef" (a vegetarian version of ground beef that I wanted to try), so I went with the tender, shredded pork. This thing was thick (with lots of cheese — a huge plus) and served with salsa on a grilled tortilla and a side of sour cream. I purposely saved half the meal for late-night leftovers. An inspiring finishing touch: recycled take-home containers.

The drinks

Soft drinks ($1.70), coffee ($1.35) and bottled water ($1). Nearly a dozen beers, eight of them from Mexico ($3 to $3.50); wines ($3.50 to $8.50) and mimosas ($13 for a 1-liter carafe or $2.75 a glass).

The damage: $20.51

Next time ...

I can't imagine not ordering the Quesadilla again. But the Spinach Salad also looked mighty appealing ($7): spinach, tomatoes, red onions, olives, corn, roasted red peppers and crumbled tortilla chips, served with guacamole and an ancho-citrus dressing.