Among the many things I appreciate about Mexican culture are its food and language, so the diminutively named Mamita’s Family Mexican Restaurant gets kudos on both counts.

While not everything sampled made it to the best-ever category, many items came close … very close. As for the name, there can never be too many ways to say mom.

This is a large, vibrant, colorfully decorated establishment. The menu is extensive with the predictable and some surprise offerings. For example, the variations surpass the choice of protein and red or green sauce. Here, there is an array of preparations, fillings and toppings that help raise the bar on such standards as enchiladas, tacos and burritos. Also, Mamita’s has a choice of poblano or sweet mole; often it’s just one.

Combination plates are the way to go when wanting to try different items and here there are several possibilities. The Mucho combo ($16.25) offered a choice of three items out of seven: enchilada, taco, burrito, relleno, tamale, tostada and quesadilla.

We ordered chicken mole enchilada ($1 upcharge for the mole vs. red or green sauce), tamale and chile relleno. This was a lot of food!

The battered and fried chile relleno was impressive. It was exactly what a relleno should be: crispy, gooey and slightly pungent. This was smothered in green chili full of cubes of tender pork, diced chiles and onions.

Our server said the sweet mole, rather than the poblano mole, was his favorite, so we opted for that. In truth, though, all moles have an element of sweetness, and Mamita’s was perhaps more saccharine than most. The corn tortilla was filled with shredded chicken that was a bit dry, so I was glad for the sauce.

The shredded pork-filled tamale was overshadowed by the amount of masa (corn meal). I like a better ratio. I was grateful there was plenty of green chili on the plate.

Under the chimichanga category, the toppings go beyond guacamole and sour cream — although those are options with the Original ($16.25). In fact, there are seven other chimi choices from which to choose. We selected the Mexicana ($19.25), pieces of tender, well-seasoned steak encased in a crispy, tightly wrapped flour tortilla coated with queso and dotted with pico de gallo.

Occasionally, chimichangas lose their crunch well before reaching the last bite. That was not the case with the Mexicana. Still, this was not a completely successful dish thanks to the queso. Yes, it was creamy, and the pico added color and a small amount of piquancy, but it was on the bland side. We missed having guac and sour cream toppings but are glad to know they are available next time.

Chips and house-made salsa were served soon after we were seated. Most entrees are served with rice and refried or black beans.

Mamita’s was festive, service was attentive and the noise level was never overwhelming. There was even an employee offering to make animal balloons, whether kids were at the table. We passed.

Mamita’s Family Mexican Restaurant

Mexican cuisine for dining in or carryout.

Location: 3020 New Center Point

Contact: 1-719-596-5200; www.mamitasmexicanrestaurant.com

Prices: $9.25 to $29.25

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday

Details: Credit cards accepted. Alcohol. Wi-Fi. Patio.

Favorite dishes: Chili relleno and tamale.

Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available