Joe Vera’s is a veritable Provo institution.

As long as we can remember, there’s been a Joe Vera’s Mexican Restaurant in Provo. The restaurant’s Facebook page says Joe Vera’s has been providing Utah County with delicious Mexican food for over 30 years. There is certainly stability in the brand.

We decided it was time for another visit to Joe Vera’s and stopped by on Saturday evening. The restaurant had a good crowd, but all in all, things seemed relatively calm for a weekend evening.

The main dining room has nice open feel — probably due to a combination of fairly high ceilings and the full glass windows along the front that allow you to freely peer out onto the hustle and bustle of Center Street. In addition to the main room, there are two additional smaller rooms and some tables upstairs as well. The wall where we were seated featured some interesting carved-wood paintings. Additional decorations included serapes and blankets.

Our server was prompt in bringing us a basket of complimentary chips and salsa, which immediately earned our good graces. It is often said that chips and salsa are a good indicator of a Mexican restaurant. All we know is these were some of the finest we have had in Utah County — and beyond. The chips were fresh, thin and extremely tasty. The salsa came in two different bowls for our party of four and was a perfect sweet and tangy blend, in a non-spicy way.

The initial serving of chips quickly vanished, and second was brought to our table — no questions asked. That’s how we like it! Our server even brought a mini-carafe of salsa so that we could replenish the dwindling supply in the bowls. We could have easily built an entire meal around the chips and salsa — and kicked ourselves later for not having the foresight to order a side a guacamole for further deliciousness.

While it was difficult to leave the chips and salsa behind, eventually our main courses arrived, requiring what was left of our appetites. Fajitas is one of our personal favorites, and this order acquitted itself nicely. The sizzling plate arrived with grilled beef, onions and green and red peppers, accompanied by five small flour tortillas. The order came with a full plate of garnishes, including refried beans with melted cheese, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and tomatoes.

My wife may have varied and distinct tastes, but whenever we eat Mexican, it is done so with the knowledge that she will order chicken enchiladas. It’s her go-to order. She enjoyed the Joe Vera’s version, which came smothered in green sauce. She ordered them in a combo, which also featured a beef tostada. The crisp tostada was piled with refried beans, cheese, shredded lettuce, guacamole, rice, tomatoes, sliced olives and sour cream.

Our 5-year-old was content with his kids’ meal order of chicken strips and fries — and who could blame him as they were both very good.

Our 13-year-old ordered a soft-shell burrito which seemed pretty standard, including rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole and sour cream.

There comes a point in many dining experiences where the conversation tends to wane as everyone becomes more fully invested in their meal. It was at that point Saturday when it dawned on me that there was festive Mexican music playing. Now, certainly I was aware of this on a subconsious level before then, but what was enjoyable was that Joe Vera’s seemed to have found the perfect level of volume. The music was available for ambiance purposes — and it is especially important at Mexican-themed diners — but it was not loud enough to be overbearing, annoying or hinder normal conversation. We liked that.

We also couldn’t resist trying the Rockslide Brownie for dessert. The soft, chewy brownie came topped with ice cream, and caramel and chocolate sauce. With four spoons constantly scooping in, its survival time was limited. But it was great while it lasted!

It’s easy to see why Joe Vera’s has been around so long.

Joe Vera’s Mexican Restaurant

Where: 201 W. Center St., Provo

Prices: $5.99-$14.99

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Info: (801) 375-6714, www.joeverasrestaurant.com