When it comes to a Mexican food lunch on the cheap and the quick, most people automatically think of the Taco Bell drive-thru.

But, for those who have a little more time and slightly more green, Rosa’s Mexican Grill — located on the northwest corner of University and Mesa drives — is a much tastier option.

Upon settling into the cozy eatery — decked out in bold Mexican art, Spanish tiles and more color than a box of Lucky Charms — patrons are given a big basket of warm, perfectly salted tortilla chips, homemade chunky red salsa and tomatillo salsa. (Ordinarily, I would single out one salsa as being the better of the two; but in this case, the sweet red sauce and the tangy tomatillo are equally delicious. It would be like choosing between chocolate and vanilla.)

And while I opted for an iced tea to drink, I noticed many of those around me — including a good number of business-types — were enjoying Coronas and margaritas with their lunches. My first thought was, of course, ‘I wonder where they work.’ My second thought naturally being, ‘I wonder if they’re hiring.’

That seems to be the thing about Rosa’s. The ambience is so festive and fun that you can’t help but indulge in a strawberry margarita (or a 56-ounce pitcher of strawberry margaritas) — even at noon on a Wednesday.

And as for the food, it didn’t disappoint.

Although you could easily blow a 10-spot on one of Rosa’s house specialties, you can just as easily get by with one of the taco plates, priced from $4.99 to $5.69.

I opted for the deliciously unusual salmon taco ($5.69), topped with sweet mango salsa and cheese and served with rice and beans.

Everything on my plate was fabulous — and filling, too. (Good thing I skipped the margarita, as that would’ve left me too full to do anything but sleep.)

The verdict: Sure, the drive-thru is great the day before payday when you’ve only got 79-cents — the cost of a bean burrito — to your name. But the rest of the time, Rosa’s rocks.