Visitors are sometimes taken aback to find stunningly authentic, richly flavorful house-made moles, chile verde, carnitas, and other self-described "killer Mexican" dishes in Salt Lake City, and especially in a rambling old yellow-brick building on the other side of I–15 from Downtown. But the lines out the door attest to the longstanding adoration of the Red Iguana, which in addition to doling out great food also serves first-rate premium margaritas, good Mexican beers, and delicious and free salsa and chips. If the crowds have you feeling blue, try the satellite outpost, Red Iguana 2, which is just two blocks away and has many more tables.

Founded by the Cardenas family in 1985, Red Iguana is still a family-owned and operated eatery with daughter Lucy Cardenas and her husband, Bill Coker, now at the helm. With two restaurants and a fast-casual eatery in Salt Lake City, this multi-award winning establishment is known for its Mexican cuisine packed full of flavour and lively atmosphere. The menu is impressive with an array of items — many of which are family recipes — from soups and salads to enchiladas to egg dishes and everything in between.

Utahns may not see eye-to-eye on some things, but we can all put politics aside and agree that Red Iguana is the city’s most beloved Mexican food restaurant. A local favorite since the mid-‘80s, this colorful restaurant has not one but seven varieties of mole on the menu, including a must-try Mole Coloradito with Mexican chocolate, pine nuts, and fresh poblano over carnitas. The Cardenas family behind Red Iguana also serves killer Mexican cocktails from a Paloma to a sour-sweet Tamarindo marg.

So when he told me about Red Iguana, a casual Mexican place that’s “quite possibly the most famous restaurant in the state,” I went directly from the airport. He wasn’t wrong: There was a crush of people standing on North Temple under a weathered red sign. A host at a podium outside was ruthlessly informing a party of 15 that because their whole party wasn’t present, they could not be seated and no, their table wouldn’t be held.

It's non-negotiable: You may not leave town without a visit to the legendary Red Iguana, easily the best Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake City. Their Oaxacan dishes attract such long lines, they had to open a second location two blocks away. No less iconic is the deli empire Caputo's, a must for Italian sandwiches (try the Old School) plus cheese, charcuterie, dry goods, and a frankly astounding selection of craft chocolate bars.

Red Iguana has been making some of the city’s best Mexican food since opening in 1985. Both its downtown locations are right by the airport, so it makes for a great stop if you just touched down and sipping a margarita is more important than unpacking. They have six signature mole sauces—spice lovers will enjoy the habanero-spiked mole amarillo, while the mole negro and mole poblano lean sweeter.

-Red Iguana (not to be confused with Blue Iguana) is a little west of downtown and an utterly splendid place for Mexican food, with mole being a specialty. It's a short cab or bus ride from downtown. There's also an ice cream place, Leatherby's, across the road from there that's worth stopping in for dessert.

Both Red Iguana and its sister restaurant Red Iguana 2 serves some of the best Mexican food in town, but a little-known fact is the decently-sized patio available for diners at Red Iguana 2. The patio is almost completely covered and feels almost like it’s inside, but if you’re looking for a fun patio vibe when the weather’s bad or you don’t want to be in the direct sunlight, then Red Iguana 2 is your move. Red Iguana is known for their mole dishes, and our favorite of them all is the Puntas de Filete a la Nortena—a top sirloin tip dish made with sauteed bacon, jalapeno strips, and onions, all served on top of their delicious can’t-get-anywhere-else almond mole.

Founded by Ramon and Maria Cardenas in 1985, and now run by their daughter Lucy Cardenas, Red Iguana is a heavyweight in Utah’s fine Mexican cuisine. If you have five or more friends with you, you may even want to get a reservation as it's completely normal for a long line to assemble outside its doors during dinner time, and you don’t want to get caught shivering in the December invierno or melting in the July inferno. Red Iguana is so popular they have two locations open with a seven-minute walk from one another, and yet another location a ten-minute drive away in City Creek mall.

Lucy Cardenas and her husband, Bill Coker, took a gamble when they opened restaurant No. 2 a hop, skip and a jump away from the original Red Iguana, which was famously documented by The New York Times in 2011. Their roll of the dice certainly paid off—Red Iguana swelled to more than 150 employees to meet demand. The recipes draw inspiration from various regions of Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. and are prepared with fresh chilies, cinnamon, garlic, cumin, onions, cilantro, dried fruit and vegetables (their famous mole alone boasts more than 70 ingredients).

Red Iguana, a traditional Mexican restaurant, has long been a highly-regarded spot, earning rave reviews for its food and service since opening in 1985. Meanwhile, burger lovers will want to stop by Crown Burgers, a local chain established in 1978 famous for its charbroiled quarter-pound patty topped with Thousand Island dressing, lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese and cured pastrami. And for a more upscale experience, Valter's Osteria receives high marks for its modern Italian cuisine, tableside service and its warm and welcoming staff.

736 W North Temple St & 866 W S Temple St | Open starting at 11 AM, Monday – Sunday Perfect for families because: Red Iguana 2 offers more elbow room for families, but both locations welcome kids with a festive atmosphere and Utah's most celebrated Mexican food. Taco Tuesday just found its new home. Why parents will look forward to it: The legendary mole sauces have earned national recognition for good reason—don't leave without trying at least one (they offer a sampler plate for the indecisive).

One of the most lauded restaurants in the state is possibly one of the most popular Mexican joints in the whole west, Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana. What looks from the outside like a hole in the wall is a well oiled Mexican food making machine and a destination for every traveling musician, celebrity, everyday tourists and of course, the locals. This is authentic Mexican food and Red Iguana’s specialty is their moles in seven different varieties, and available for take-out too.

Her food finds included roasted veggie tacos at the Blue Iguana; acorn squash linguini at Oasis Cafe; crisp fried bean curd simmered in tomato sauce at Cafe Trang; potato gnocchi at Caffe Molise; lentil soup at Cedars of Lebanon; Kung Pao Tofu at Ever Green House Cafe; a creamy Greek feta and tomato sandwich at Frank Granato Importing Co.; hummus and baba ghanoush at Mazza; spaghetti squash Florentine at the Singing Cricket; and dark chocolate mole at the Red Iguana.

Red Iguana • Locals speaks about the hearty portions of "killer Mexican food" with reverence, and through the decades, word has spread across the country, especially among musicians, who always seem to mention the Utah institution while onstage. The restaurant's burritos, enchiladas and tacos are worthy items, but it's best to skip directly to the mole section of the menu. These complex sauces are prepared in-house, with fresh ingredients and family recipes.

If you're craving Mexican cuisine, Red Iguana is your go-to spot for affordable, vibrant flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. This beloved local favorite has been serving up authentic dishes for decades, making it a staple in the Salt Lake City dining scene. Imagine diving into their renowned Mole Poblano, rich with complex spices and a hint of chocolate, or perhaps savoring a plate of Tacos Don Ramon, bursting with savory fillings and fresh toppings.

Have an authentic Mexican experience at Red Iguana boasting a homely and comfortable setup with traditional Mexican delights to satiate your cravings. The house-made corn tortillas and moles are beyond comparison, and the restaurant has three downtown locations in the city. Try their delicious tacos and burritos, or go for the Puntas de Filete a la Nortena made with sirloin tips tossed in jalapeño strips, bacon, fresh tomatoes, onion, and almond mole.

One of Salt Lake City's most popular restaurants, The Red Iguana draws queues of waiting customers - stretching as much as half a city block from their door - during peak dinner times. Given the restaurant's authentic cuisine, imported straight from Mexico, the wait is definitely worth it. However, if you eat at the Red Iguana during lunch time, you can enjoy the same incredible food, and often avoid the queue entirely.

There is no shortage of options for Mexican food in the beehive state, but, the top of our list is Red Iguana. You won’t find any real “TexMex” at Red Iguana which may scare off some people, but for authentic, delicious and filling Mexican food, Red Iguana can’t be beaten. There are also plenty of options, especially when it comes to their famous Mole, a sauce and marinade that has many different flavors and recipes.

A Salt Lake City favorite since 1985, Red Iguana has long been considered one of the best restaurants in the area, regardless of genre, for a while. In non-pandemic times, the line to enter the iconic location on North Temple usually wraps all the way around the building. It got to be so popular that the owners opened a second location, simply named Red Iguana 2, just a couple of blocks away on South Temple in 2010.

While there are Red Iguana locations scattered throughout SLC, you will want to visit the original location on West North Temple Street to enjoy the most authentic experience at the city's most famous Mexican restaurant. This restaurant has been serving its infamous Moles since 1985 and visitors and locals alike love to dine at the O.G. location to soak up the flavor and atmosphere of this beloved establishment.

The scene: The Red Iguana sits on a busy commercial street in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City, close to downtown and most of the big hotels. It is freestanding, with a large parking lot on one side and a creepy shuttered motel on the other. The restaurant appears as a simple storefront, but it is much deeper than it looks, with several hidden dining rooms holding scores of diners.

If you’re a Mexican food enthusiast, visiting Red Iguana will have you instantly planning your return to one of the many SLC restaurants. It was started by Ramon and Maria Cardenas in 1958 and has had a cult following, continually winning awards throughout the years. Red Iguana features an extensive list of Mexican recipes, which include some household favorites made with homemade tortillas.

Mexican, Downtown Red Iguana starts off this list because it is — without a doubt — the first place you should eat when you’re in Salt Lake City. It was famous in Utah well before it gained national attention on Food Network’s Diners, Dive-ins & Drives or made any national best of lists. Thankfully there are now two locations (both on the west side of downtown) and both are always packed.

After two days of voting, the local restaurant with the most votes and securing the No. 1 overall seed is Red Iguana. The pick, in my opinion, was predictable as it's one of the first places recommended to outsiders when looking for a local restaurant in Utah. The remaining No. 1 seeds are Mo' Bettahs, R&R BBQ and Moochies — tough competitors and some of the favorites in the state.

Red Iguana has been serving some of the best Mexican food in town since opening in 1985. It’s right by the airport, so it makes for a great stop if you just touched down and sipping a margarita is more important than unpacking. They have six signature mole sauces—spice lovers will enjoy the habanero-spiked mole amarillo, while the mole negro and mole poblano lean sweeter.

If you are in the market for some amazing and authentic Mexican food while in Salt Lake City, then look no further. The Red Iguanais a legendary hot spot in SLC that has been serving locals and tourists since 1985. The Red Iguana was started by husband and wife Ramon and Maria Cardenas, and since opening nearly 40 years ago they have won several local and national awards.

There is a reason for the line stretching outside the Red Iguana on Friday and Saturday nights. You’ll see why this food is worth the wait when you bite into a juicy chile relleno. The North Temple institution offers authentic comida mexicana, with everything from carne asada tacos to molé burritos, at prices that won’t require you to spend all your pesos.

For the best Mexican, the place is definitely the downscale Red Iguana (not the so-so Blue Iguana). Not exactly downtown but a short cab ride, or about 40min walk, away. Details and menu here: http://rediguana.citysearch.com/ They don't take reservations, so come early or late or you'll be waiting outside for an hour - which is a problem in the winter.

Red Iguana is a fun place to grab a taco or two while enjoying a casual dining experience that the kids are sure to love. This place is one of Utah’s most decorated restaurants, and once you give it a try you’ll understand why. From the simple tacos and burritos to the signature mole dishes, there is something for everyone at this yummy food stop.

736 W N Temple | Fairpark | rediguana.com/locations/red-iguana. There are a few Red Iguana locations around SLC, but this one is affectionately called “the OG” because it’s the original, where it all began. For over 30 years, the family-owned restaurant has been sharing what are now award-winning recipes from their own Cardenas family cookbook.

736 W North Temple St, Salt Lake CityIs it sad that we’ve never been to Red Iguana, or Blue Iguana for that matter?. We love good Mexican food though and will add this to our date night list for the future. Someone recently asked in a group if everyone preferred Blue Iguana or Red Iguana for gluten-free options and this option won, hands down.

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’re in luck because Red Iguana is the best you’ll find in the state of Utah. The restaurant has been featured in multiple magazines and it’s even received positive reviews from “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” host, Guy Fieri. Experience a friendly, festive ambiance and eat the best mole of your life.

On weekends, the line of people waiting for a table stretches around the building of Red Iguana. It's easily the most popular Mexican food restaurant in the entire state (it has 4.5 stars with over 2,800 reviews on Trip Advisor alone!). The specialty mole sauces are incredible, and you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

While holiday dining might bring to mind traditional American or European fare, why not spice things up?. Red Iguana, a local favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine, offers bold flavors that bring warmth to the chilly holiday season. Their rich moles and seasonal margaritas make for a festive dining experience with a unique twist.

Red Iguana is a Salt Lake City institution, famous for its authentic Mexican cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Known for their flavorful moles and generous portions, this spot offers a great dining experience at an affordable price. Try the Puntas de Filete a la Norteña or one of their many mole dishes for a true taste of Mexico.

Ramon and Maria Cardenas opened Red Iguana in downtown Salt Lake City in 1985 and it was an instant success. Ramon and Maria brought their traditional Mexican and southwest cuisine from their native San Luis Potosi and Chihuahua and added innovative flare. Prior to opening Red Iguana, the Cardenas opened Casa Grande in 1965.

Following a day of adventure, one may relish a delightful meal at a nearby establishment such as Red Iguana, renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine, or The Copper Onion, celebrated for its commitment to locally sourced dishes. Both options offer a satisfying conclusion to an exhilarating day in this vibrant city.

Mexican eatery Red Iguana (736 W. North Temple) offers three locations in Salt Lake City, including the original hot spot in the neighborhood of Fairpark. You can chow down on such beloved family recipes as cheesy enchiladas and hefty burritos. But be prepared to wait, as seating is limited in this small venue.

For food in Salt lake downtown and near public transport: The Red Iguana can't be beat for quality Mexican food, huge portions, but everyone knows it so you probably want to make a reservation. Crown Burger is a favorite of mine, they do Greekish fast food, I personally love their namesake burger with pastrami.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (4,106 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 736 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116-3352- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-ranked pizza restaurants in Salt Lake City by diners

SLC has some great food, and one of its most famous restaurants is a Mexican place called the Red Iquana, renowned for its selection of mole. It isn’t far from the airport, so head over there. For dessert, cross the street and get yourself some expensive-but-delicious ice cream from Leatherby’s.

A SLC institution, Red Iguana has been dishing up authentic Mexican fare since 1985. The bustling spot is known for its wide array of moles, the complex sauces that form the backbone of Mexican cuisine. Try the punchy mole negro, made with chillies, spices, and a hint of chocolate.

Los Tapatios sits only one block away from both Red Iguana 1 (to the east) and Red Iguana 2 (to the south). I have posted before about the joys of Red Iguana – my favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City. Red Iguana is a local dining institution and is famous for its excellent moles.

Another famous spot is Red Iguana, specializing in authentic Mexican food. It was always popular, but blew up with tourists since its debut on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Unfortunately because of that, there was a two-hour wait to sit when we tried to go on a Thursday night.

When you’re looking for the best Mexican restaurant in town, The Red Iguana has the best food and the best service, too. You’ll find heat lamps to keep you warm outside on the colder days when you’re hoping to dine in fresh air along with complimentary apple cider in the fall.

The Red Iguana serves the best Mexican food Salt Lake City has to offer / Courtesy of Hyrum Romrell. Red Iguana has been on every show imaginable about Salt Lake City’s food scene. Between downtown and the airport, Red Iguana is always packed with hungry crowds.

First up is Red Iguana, a beloved establishment known for its bright Mexican cuisine. Their mole dishes are legendary, full of rich, nuanced flavors. Whether you prefer spicy or moderate foods, there is something on their menu to satisfy your cravings.

This Mexican restaurant offers delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. You can sample everything from chile verde to fajitas, mole, and carnitas. And that’s without factoring in their amazing beverage menu, which includes some seriously tasty margaritas.

Dine at one of the neighborhood's delicious restaurants, including Mestizo's Coffee, Red Iguana, City Creek Pizza, and The Red Tree Room. Outdoor adventure awaits at Wasatch Mountain State Park, Flat Top Mountain, and more, a few miles from home.

Red Iguana boasts “killer Mexican food,” and their menu is not Americanized Mexican, but the real amigo. Famous for its mole dishes, the restaurant usually has a hungry line waiting outside. Arriving at 5:30 p.m., we waited, but only 10 minutes.

Red Iguana is a staple, Cafe Rio is decent for a lunch now and again. Also agree with Eggs In the City, Zupas, Settebellos.. The Park Cafe is pretty decent and Liberty Park also has its eatery for breakfast during the summer that isn't bad.

Foodies won’t want to miss Red Iguana's authentic Mexican menu. The mole is unrivaled, the margaritas refreshing and delicious, the atmosphere bright and bustling. If you go after 5 p.m., we guarantee the wait will be worth it.

When I was in Salt Lake last week, I had a steak sandwich at Moochies, per a recommendation from football staffers -- in particularly director of football operations Jeff Rudy -- and ate dinner at Red Iguana (mole negro!).

Ruth's Diner for breakfast/brunch in emigration canyon, The Red Iguana (it's much better than the blue iguana), The Pie, The Red Rock Brewing Company and Crown Burger (mmmm the crown burger with pastrami is so good).

Hands down, the best Mexican food can be found at the Red Iguana. It was featured on the Food Network’s “Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dives.” Get there early. The waiting line for a table usually stretches out the door.

736 W North TempleSalt Lake City, UT 84116(801) 322-1489 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Since its opening in 1985, this Mexican restaurant has won a ton of prestigious national and local awards.

Red Iguana (www.rediguana.com) Voted Utah’s best Mexican food, year after year. Featured on the Food Network’s popular show, Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. To say this is a local favorite is an understatement.

Red Iguana, “Killer Mexican Food that’s Worth the Wait” according to their website!. And since it’s number 5 on Trip Advisor, you should definitely make it a point to drop in and order the Killer Nachos!

The beloved Mexican restaurant is so popular it has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Plus, it has two locations, so families have easier access. Reservations are recommended.

We ordered Puntas de Filete and Tacos de Hongos, both were sooo good!. I also ordered a jalapeño margarita which was ok. I think if it had Tajin on the rim that would have helped a lot.

Red Iguana is a Mexican restaurant that serves traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant has been praised for its delicious food, its authentic atmosphere, and its friendly service.

Of the old-school Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake City's portfolio, Red Iguana is the most spirited. Reservations for larger parties will ensure seating for everyone in your crew.

A post shared by American Authors (@americanauthors) on Mar 26, 2016 at 12:49pm PDT. Neighborhood: North Temple. Address: 736 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

736 W North Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84116Phone: 801-332-1489 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Andrew Zimmern (@chefaz)

If you're looking for more great Mexican food in Salt Lake City, you can't go wrong with a trip to Red Iguana. It's a Utah classic!

Red Iguana and Taqueria 27 have very good margaritas (and fantastic food), but don't push the limits of local laws.