Red Iguana
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Phone: (801) 322-1489
Fax: (801) 322-4834
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Best of Citysearch:
- Mexican Food 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
Message from Red Iguana
Specializing in Spanish, Mexican and pre-Hispanic cuisine.
- Daily Specials
- To Go Menu
- Catering
Paid advertisement by Red Iguana.
Editorial Review for Red Iguana – by Bob King
The Scene
Waiters weave between the tables, while the buzz of happy diners and rock music adds to the clatter from the kitchen. Folks come here to feast rather than to seal a business deal. It's also a favorite of grad students.
The Food
The menu features regional Mexican fare with complex flavors. Seven moles are among the entrees that extend the menu back to the Aztec roots of Mexican cuisine. The enchiladas poblanas are savory and delicious--two cheese enchiladas smothered in a rich red sauce and topped with avocado slices. Mole negro--a deep-colored sauce with intricate flavors--is typical of the Oaxaca region of Mexico, served over turkey or chicken. Killer Nachos live up to their name, and the chili verde and chili Colorado are superior, but the moles and other Oaxacan specialties are the stars of the menu.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoWith no lobby, it gets a bit jammed on busy nights. Call ahead and get takeout: Food is prepared quickly.
What to DrinkCool your palate with a Tecate, Corona, Carta Blanca or an ice-cold margarita.
User Reviews for Red Iguana
06/20/2008 Posted by lewisss
I visit Austin frequently on business and Red Iguana is the only Tex Mex in Utah that comes close to the food I eat while I'm there. You gotta try the moles.
06/14/2008 Posted by KaliKakes
I have been to the Red Iguana twice now...still I'm not sold on the "killer mexican", but I'm not going to say they are absolutely awful. They are constantly busy, so the wait can be a problem, however if you are up for a late dinner (say past 8:30pm) you dont have to wait at all. I was surprised at how friendly the staff was even when large groups showed up to eat even 10 minutes before they are supposed to close...Our waiter was nice, the chips and salsa were fresh, and the food was decent and their bathrooms are surprisingly clean. For the price, you really cannot complain. Their style mexican is more the classic take, and if you go there I suggest going for the moles or perhaps tacos...their enchiladas are okay, but not all they are cut out to be. I know some people complain about getting sick, but I think it's more of the spice mixtures than a food-borne illness. Being a Chef myself, I have recognized that dozens of spices are put into their sauces, which can cause a gastronomical event if your body is not used to that...basically, welcome to traditional mexican food! Go there...judge for yourself...but in all honestly, it's good food, just not "Killer Mexican". For that price...you get what you pay for, simple as that. Sidenote: Not sure who coined this restaurant to be a "five star", it's more in the standards of "three star", but still good.
Pros: Fast cooking, clean facility, good food
Cons: Long waits, limited parking (at times), crowded facility
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