How many Mexican restaurants are there in Utah County? I think trying to guess is like trying to guess the number of candies in one of those contests with a huge jar of jelly beans. So deciding where to go when you are craving Mexican food is hard. It’s difficult to pick one place over another when you have a smorgasbord of options.

So how does one restaurant stand out over another? How do restaurants find a way to catch your eye amid the slew of options?

Perhaps by sharing its building with a Wafflery? (That’s right; I just made up a word). Or perhaps by letting you write on the walls? Or maybe a Mexican restaurant can find a way to stand out of the crowd by having top-notch organic ingredients that it is proud to tell you where they came from. Maybe the restaurant can list on its website the farms where the meats come from so you can feel good about what you are eating, and how the ingredients were bred and prepared. Not to mention, you can know what underlying companies you are supporting and their local roots.

These are solid reasons that drive many people to selecting Mountain West Burrito as their Mexican restaurant of choice in Utah County. Add in numerous vegetarian and vegan options, and it attracts even more health conscious and ingredient-oriented foodies. And what brought the Lunch Ladies there this last week? The taste, the flavors, and the price!

We headed up the hill and were quickly in line, taking in the hodge-podge of pictures, sayings and random collage art that cascades the walls. The artsy, casual tone gives a modern, “All are welcome-here” type feel. And since Mountain West Burrito likes to keep its options simple, it is able to handcraft its meals, yet not keep customers waiting. We were enjoying our food in a matter of minutes!

Here is what we went with:

Sylvia: Salad with Pork Carnitas & Roasted Veggies — $8

Yes, yes, I am still attempting to be good about what I eat, and it is paying off, yippee! I had checked out the menu online before going so I would be sure to make a smart choice, and it turned out to be super delicious, too. I opted for the fresh salad made with Romaine lettuce, loads of crispy veggies, plus the yummy pork carnitas. All topped with pico de gallo and a really nice vinaigrette. All the flavors in this salad were super satisfying.

Jennette: Chicken Quesadilla — $5

I decided on the chicken quesadilla today. The quesadilla came without any extras, but that is OK, it didn’t need anything else. The chicken was grilled to perfection, made with a delicious white cheese, and the tortilla was so fresh and tasty that I could’ve enjoyed another tortilla! If you are looking for a light lunch I recommend getting the quesadilla. And yes, there was Diet Coke; I give it three and 1/2 stars out of 5.

Gabby: Pork Carnitas Nachos — $7, plus guacamole and sour cream — $1

So I ordered nachos at a Mexican restaurant; are you surprised? But what can I say? They are a staple for me. These nachos came with black beans, pico-type salsa, Monterey Jack cheese and shredded, tender pork. I opted to get guacamole and sour cream added on for a buck, and man was it worth it! The pork was delicious, smoked and flavorful, but it was the guacamole that really stole the show for me. The generous heap of cool, fresh, delicious guacamole, contrasting the other ingredients was so delectable that I honestly am craving it just writing about it! It was a perfect 10! Can’t wait to go back and order a side of gauc. Yum!

Lyndsi: Mountain West Burrito Veggie Burrito — $5, plus guacamole — $1

I am not one that normally orders burritos, but I figured since it was in the restaurant’s name I should try it. I was anything but disappointed in my decision and walked out with no regrets. My burrito was full of rice and black beans. There was also a perfect amount of cheese, salsa, and my added guacamole. It was simple, but the flavors worked perfectly together inside the homemade tortilla. If you are eating vegetarian they have two options on the menu — the basic vegetarian that I got, and a roasted vegetable which I bet is just as awesome. This is a perfect local spot that focuses on quality, great-tasting food.

A mouth-watering lunch, starting from quality organic ingredients, topped off with great chit chat among my fellow Lunch Ladies, made for a valued lunch hour.

And as always, you’ve got to love the chance to support local restaurateurs, as well as local farmers and ranchers. Well done, Mountain West Burrito!

Mountain West Burrito — 1796 N. 950 West, Provo. Open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Closed Sundays.