One could say that Joe Vera’s is a veritable Provo institution. Indeed the restaurant’s Facebook page says it has provided Utah County with delicious Mexican food for over 30 years. One thing Joe Vera’s has learned over that time period is to make some unbelievable chips and salsa. We could have made a whole meal out of this complimentary combo alone. When the main courses arrived, we also enjoyed the fajitas, chicken enchiladas and a tostada. We topped the whole meal off with a Rockslide Brownie for dessert. The brownie came topped with ice cream, and caramel and chocolate sauce, and was a perfect cap to our visit.

— 250 W. Center St., Provo, (801) 375-6714, www.joeverasrestaurant.com

Big Bones Barbecue

This Spanish Fork restaurant is a great place to take the whole family. Service was friendly and the owners greeted several customers by name, giving the restaurant a down-home family vibe. The various barbecued meats were, of course, a highlight of the visit — especially the ribs tips, barbecue chicken and the Texas Teaser sandwhich — but we found ourselves enthralled with the unique and tasty sides. For example, we loved the corn nuggets, which featured sweet corn in a creamed mixture inside of a nugget. We also enjoyed the BBQ beans, the cole slaw and the fresh french fries.

— 934 E. 800 North, Spanish Fork, (801) 804-7547. bigbonesbarbecue.com