Like a phoenix, Casa Vallarta has risen from ashes. After the Celtic Tavern had burned down last year, the new family-style Mexican restaurant took its place on 45 Belmont Street in Northborough. It is a sign of freshness as it sits youthfully on Route-9. The family-oriented restaurant shows its vivacity through its customers: it always seems to be busy seeing as it is open from 11:00AM to 10:00PM Monday through Sunday.

Casa Vallarta’s youthful energy is also apparent through its atmosphere. Upon walking in, it becomes immediately  clear that the place is a hot spot. Customers fill the waiting area, as the aroma of spicy food fills the room.

Upbeat music plays as guests are quickly seated. Mexican rhythms compliment the authentic menu choices. Even the menu is colorful with its array of food. With offerings including salads, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, American dishes, and vegetarian options, it’s hard to choose just one thing.

However, you’ll be glad you chose just one item. After the attentive wait staff bring over your meal, you’ll be amazed to see how much food you really get. A Casa Vallarta Burrito comes with a meat of your choosing with a chile verde sauce, refried beans, red mild sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and sour cream, on top of the free tortilla chips you get when you sit down.

All the ingredients come together in the burrito with a kick. The red mild sauce adds flavor to the burrito without making it too spicy. Another bonus, nothing fell out of my burrito. I am notorious for spilling the contents of my burritos. Because it is a sit down, family-style establishment, I could eat my burrito with a fork, a little unconventional compared to fast food chains (thanks Chipotle).

The only downside to the experience is the price. With all the food served, it would make sense that it would be moderately priced. For a group of four people, our total was $79.91. Not awful, especially if you were to go with your family. But if you’re looking for cheap food with less quality, clearly this isn’t the place for you.

Overall, the experience was good- good service and good food. It is a fun place to eat with family and even friends. If you’re looking to go somewhere local on a Friday night, I would recommend here.

Seeing as Casa Vallarta is one of the few authentic Mexican restaurants in the area, if you’re friends haven’t already mentioned it to you, you’ll want to try it.