Red Iguana 2
866 W S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116
Red Iguana 2 Menu
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Appetizer
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Soup And Salads
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Burritos Buenos
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Side
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Red Iguana 2
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Appetizer
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Soup And Salads
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Burritos Buenos
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Side
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Desserts
Visit below restaurant in Salt Lake City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Salt Lake City for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
866 W S Temple
Salt Lake City, UT, 84116 - Phone (801) 214-6050
- Website https://www.rediguana.com/red-iguana2
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Joseph S.
I absolutely LOVE Red Iguana, particularly Red Iguana 2. The food is amazing, especially anything with their shredded beef; Prices are very reasonable, even for drinks; Atmosphere and vibe are fantastic. I prefer 2 over original Red Iguana because it isn't as busy and the restaurant itself is set up better and everything is newer. You have to try Red Iguana 1 or 2, I guarantee you'll love either.
(5)L H.
They do NOT take reservations (Yelp site says they do). Good food, friendly helpful service, I would go again. We used the valet parking which eased my out-of-towner anxiety about parking anywhere I go. Servings are large, and I wished I had shared with someone.
(5)Chantel H.
My favorite Mexican spot in Salt Lake City! The service is always great and the food is always delicious. I love their chips and salsa and the fish tacos are out of this world! I prefer Red Iguana 2 or the original because the wait isn't as long and I enjoy the environment more. Both are amazing though!
(5)Trissta H.
This will start with a story and lead into what I love about this place -- My Opa came down to visit from Seattle and asked that I meet him for dinner. Of course I said yes, let me know where. This is where the German spitfire rings into my eardrums "If I am in Utah, I want Red Iguana!" At 76 years young, he still makes sure he eats his beloved and spicy Enchilada Amarillas with a nice cold Modelo... 1 for Opa!! It is spicy and he told me he was going to regret that later, but reassured me he brought his own set of tums so he would be fine :). I love their moles - but I won't lie to anyone and say I am a big baby when it comes to spice. They have something for everyone though! This time I tried the enchiladas verdes, and I ate the entire thing... I even put the mole verde over the side of black beans for Sir Liam and he said it was "ericious." Their children's menu is large and will fit any sort of diet you could have them on. Their menu is big, but not too big where your head starts spinning and you give up on what to eat. Their guacamole is AMAZING. All of their cocktails and margaritas are scrumptious - and they have a good beer selection. Their prices are on point for their food - even though I am sure they could charge more because they are so popular. But they don't and I will forever respect them for this. The only thing I do not like about this place is that they put cinnamon or nutmeg into their enchilada sauce; I just order it without if it comes with it - I won't deduct a star for that or stop going to them, I just don't prefer it. Try it out for yourself though, to each is own I say. They have so many other items that are delicious, I try something new every time, so I really don't mind that I have found ONE thing in an entire restaurant that I don't like. I cannot get enough of this gem that I am so lucky to live in the same state with! Thank you Red Iguana for being around and treating me to all of your traditions, my heart is truly grateful.
(5)Alice W.
OMG, hands down my fave place in Salt Lake City, although I make sure only to come here if I don't mind feeling fat afterwards haha! The portions are HUGE and DELICIOUS, one of the best Mexican restaurants I have tried (which is saying a lot since I am from California). The tortilla chips are out of this world. Very thin and flavorful and always accompanied with a fab sauce. I have also tried their pumpkin mole (incredible) and a braised lamb shank which was on special in December. My husband always gets the absurdly large 'Red Iguana' combo plate which is also full of delicious foods. This location is my preferred honestly, because there always seems to be more space and I like the vibe that the bar gives it. Give it a go if you are in the mood for a big and flavorful meal!
(5)Brad S.
We love Red Iguana 1 or 2. Same thing in our book. Same great food, location 2 is a little better I think as far as the physical restaurant goes but overall great Mexican food that you crave for. My favorite is the Mango Mole Enchiladas and a side of their AWESOME guacamole. Give this place a try and make sure to get a free Mole sampler. I only tried one of them at first and didn't like it but once I got the sampler and was able to try all of them I would say out of the roughly 10 available I like 7 of them.
(5)Randy C.
There are many reviews so I will not bore you with a "War and Peace" review. Food is authentic and delicious. Service was excellent. Wait to get in can be long but with it. Personally I don't like loud restaurants this the 4 stars. If the Beatles were not blaring overhead they would get a 5. Defiantly would go again.
(4)Lisa B.
On our way to becoming official Salt Lake Cityers (Cityans? CItyites? What do you guys call yourselves anyway?) we felt the need to sample the fare at the Red Iguana. Four of us arrived at 5:00 on a Sunday, and there was no wait at all. Everything we sampled was tasty and well-prepared. Even the chips were irresistible. The waiter recommended the margarita, and it was indeed delicious. Hubby doesn't care for tequila, so he got a sangria instead, which was about the nastiest drink I ever tasted. It was not unlike cough syrup. I didn't know it was even possible to mess up sangria, but they managed it. Aside from that, we would definitely recommend the place. It's not fancy, but you get a great meal at a very good price.
(4)Helen C.
Went to Red Iguana for years. Have been going to Red Iguana 2 since they opened. Like it a lot better. I try a lot of different things that they offer but come back again and again to the Tapatio Plate. it's perfection. A shredded beef enchilada with the best red sauce, chili rellenos bar none the best I've ever had and a chicken flauta. There food is addictive. Don't forget to try the mole sampler.
(5)Armando G.
One of the best places for Mexican food. I compare all Mexican Restaurants to my mom's cooking and this is pretty close to it and believe me that says a lot. I love this place!
(5)Chris T.
All the same good food with a cleaner, quieter atmosphere!
(4)Sarah N.
So delicious! There specialty is Mole. Ask for the sample of mole. My favorite was the pistachio. Soo good! I ended up ordering regular hard shell chicken tacos with pistachio mole on the side. Yum!
(5)Travis S.
Overpriced for what you get, which isn't that great in the first place. Get ready to pay $8.50 for two enchiladas with no beans and rice. You won't find out about the extra $3.40 for beans and rice until your bill arrives. You also will be charged $.80 to substitute the corn tortilla for a flour tortilla. Again, you will not find out about this until your bill arrives. If you ask to have the unknown charge removed, you will get a visit from the owner herself who will give you attitude about the process it takes to make refried beans and Spanish rice. Even then your bill will be $14 for simply two enchiladas on a plate with beans and rice and a drink. Not worth it at all!! UPDATE: the server or owner (or a collaboration of the two) forged my signed bill, and increased credit card charge to $16.06!!! If the owner would have just adjusted the bill in the first place, her server would have made up the difference in her tip, but this didn't happen and no tip was left accordingly. Adding a tip and adjusting the amount due after the customer has left - I would think this is ILLEGAL! My credit card company and the BBB will be notified of this company's fraudulent activity!!!
(1)Kurt H.
Come for the mole. Repeat often. I was able to ride the train over from Salt Lake international airport. Well worth the trip. Train drops you a block away from either location.
(5)Terry B.
All I can say is yummmmm. Everything was awesome including service! Fried ice cream and fajitas w a negra modelo!
(5)Kim T.
"Killer Mexican food that's worth the wait!" is how I also describe Red Iguana 2. Whenever the line is too long at #1, I come to #2 ... and it's just as good. My favorite dish is the Mole Negro Chicken and appetizer Hongos Alajillo ... delish! Service has always been good. I really love both Red Iguanas. My only disappointment would be is that I think a restaurant this good - should have homemade tortillas ... or better ones. Other than that RI is bomb!
(4)Troy C.
Both Red Iguana locations have the same high quality, tasty food and exceptional service. Red Iguana sets my standard for how a Chili Verde should be, tasty, tender chunks of pork, a medium thickness sauce with just the right amount of heat.
(5)Misty H.
Best Mexican food in SLC and that is saying a lot! I prefer Red Iguana 2 just down the street. If you like mole there is a huge variety and they will let you sample them all. If mole is not your thing the menu is expansive so many great choices. I always recommend a combo plate for the newbies. You get to try more. The service is always exceptional. They have a bar and outside seating if weather permits. Make sure to plan a good amount of time because sometimes there is a wait its just that good! If you love great authentic Mexican food you must give this a try!!!!
(5)Shellee L.
Superb! Service staff was on point to every need. Food was excellent; Fish tacos and veggie fajitas were both amazing!! Great blend of traditional and contemporary. Will definitely be back.=)
(5)Ann L.
We wanted to try Red Iguana the original location, but it looked very busy with people along the sidewalk, so we went to Red Iguana 2. The wait was 30 minutes the lady told me, we waited. FREE valet parking. FREE chips & salsa. I tried the salsa which I found salty & spicy - liked it. Didn't eat the chips. I got the Mole Negro $15.70 - sounded good on the menu, what I got on my plate looked really boring. Dark sauce, huge chunks of chicken, one fried banana, another plate of red rice, refried beans & choice of corn or flour tortillas - I picked corn. Chicken very dry, sauce was fine, didn't eat the fried banana, rice & beans boring - I poured all the salsa I could onto them & mixed w/ the mole sauce. I wish I just got Enchilada Suiza w/ Mole sauce on the side. It probably would have been better. Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-In & Dives must have eaten at one of the location cuz there was a write up of his review on their wall. Can be very loud place. They have patio & bar counter seating. Railroad train came by when we were about to leave. FREE Buttermints given with bill!
(3)Erica R.
I can't express how much I love love love this place. The chicken entomatada enchiladas on flour tortillas are the best thing ever. EVER guys.
(5)Michael D.
Mole! Mole! Mole! I am in love. Walking into the place was a normal walk in funky Mexican experience. The waitress we had (Dani) was extremely knowledgeable with respect to the menu. The first thing out of the box is "get thee the mole sampler". This is imperative. They have 6 or 7 different moles that are served with many of the dishes and they can be substituted. My partner ordered a steak tip dish, puntas de flietes a la nortena, which was swimming in the in a 50/50 amarillo mole and almond mole. I tried it and it had a lot of heat from the amarillo mole. I ordered the mango mole with enchilada carnitas. OMG!! delicious. We only went for lunch, however, I am going back for dinner this evening. Yikes was it good.
(4)Dr. J.
Everything here has always been really delicious and outstanding service. Love the chips and salsa and everything else on the menu.
(5)Angelica R.
What is there to say about Red Iguana? Hands down, the best Mexican food in Salt Lake City. I love Red Iguana 2! It's a newer location with food that is just as exceptional as it's predecessor. I couldn't be happier. There's not as long as a wait, the food is consistently delicious and it's not too crazy as far as prices go. My complaint would be: always a long wait for the margaritas. I didn't get my drink until right before dinner. Which ended up being their loss, I could've downed 2 or 3.
(5)Kathryn S.
I am not usually a fan of moles but I LOVE the moles here! They are such a great balance of flavors and add to the dish. I haven't tried anything I don't love here.
(5)Robert B.
Hands down best Mexican food in Salt Lake City. Their mole sour cream chicken enchiladas are my favorite. They're always busy so plan on waiting 15 or more minutes for a table. I think it's worth the wait.
(5)Jeanette B.
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Great variety of options and all of them are wonderful.
(5)Anneke S.
Red Iguana two is the baby sister to Red Iguana, one of salt lake's most famous authentic Mexican joints, Red Iguana was not fancy or swanky or even trendy like the decor in here but it was perfection all the same. The lines would wind around the door to the streets of West Valley with patrons waiting to eat on their red gingham checked tables. My last trip here was in 2010, I tried the Empanadas with i believe a red spicey pepper filling amazing! Mouth watering Mole as well, not too rich or salty or sweet or hot, just perfect. Flan fans should try it, perfect texture. I liked the vibe in here though it is in a bit of a weird spot in the industrial side of town, its worth it to give RI 2 a little love. Not as trendy as Blue Iguana downtown, but hands down the best Mexican I have hand in over 4 states. West of the Mississippi of course. For drinks I would stick to Mojitos and Beer, but I am not a margarita fan. No issues with service, and even there were who gives a crap, this food is worth the love and its time share it.
(5)Brooke R.
Just OK. Did not like the carne asada, and I could not substitute the sauce that came with the enchilada. I asked for any other salsa and the waitress said no. No idea why and the sauce that came with it was nasty. Left a bad taste in my mouth. I prefer the carne asada with skirt steak. Spanish rice and queso were good though. Definitely have had a better margarita too. I wouldn't recommend going unless you are really in the mood for Mexican. However, I would try it again, and order tacos or something. Bad experience overall.
(2)Siobhan L.
I have been a loyal customer for years and I love this place. The food and service are reliably awesome. However, after recently having a child something came to my attention that I hadn't noticed before. No changing tables or chairs in the restrooms. After feeding my baby while sitting on the toilet and changing her on the tiny sink area it occurs to me that while this was certainly a bad experience for me, it was probably no fun for your other customers that were forced to witness a diaper change on the sink and wait for a stall while I fed her. Please consider adding changing tables and a chair with your upcoming expansion. After all, you happily provide highchairs to put the food in...seems only fitting that the other accommodations should be provided as well.
(3)Donita S.
In a race to get in before closing, after a long drive from Sonoma County, California, Red Iguana was having some kitchen issues so we were sent to RI2. Not a disappointment at all! We made it before they stopped seating and had really delicious food. The Darling Daughter had chicken enchiladas verdes, which were delicious. The sauce was smoky, rich and thick, with heat as an afterthought, thoroughly warming. I decided to try something way out of the box, mango pork enchiladas. OMG! The pork was lovely, but the sauce! It was tangy, sweet and redolent of pumpkin, spicy and just barely "hot". This was a very different dish and I recommend it to anyone. DD and I shared rice and beans and then shared our enchiladas. I loved that the menu stated that they were following traditional cuisine from before Hispaniola influences. If I am ever in SLC again, I'd return and have the mango enchiladas again.
(4)Mike S.
One day I was just living my life void of truly excellent Mexican food, then I went to the Red Iguana. My life has changed ever since, I live life happier knowing there is this amazing option in my life. I recommend nothing because everything I've ever tried is great!
(5)Ray B.
I've always loved the original Red Iguana, but i started going to Red Iguana 2 because they said it was the same and not as crowded. Well, the food is as delicious as the original, but the 3 times I've been there, the food was great and the valet people were great. But, every time, the waitress acted like i was an inconvenient table. The last time i was there, the waitress talked to the people next to me and leaned on my chairs, then walked away without asking if i needed anything which rubbed me the wrong way. One time i had the male waiter and he is very good (The one with the hat), but every waitress had been terrible. So i will go back to the original place, maybe. I almost feel like the #2 place is just to make money and they don't really care about being there. Makes me wonder what the owners were thinking. The original place makes you feel like they love you there and enjoy their jobs. The #2 place seems like no one really wants to be there. Except the cooks who rock.
(1)karin b.
So, when we are traveling, we like to see if there are Diners, Drive-ins and Dives around. This is the first time Guy has done us wrong. This is no longer a dive. It has valet parking. That was a tipoff we should have paid attention to. While my husband really liked his mole suiza chicken enchiladas, my chicken verde enchiladas were awful. It was like someone stuffed mayonaisey chicken salad into a corn tortilla. I ended up eating only the sauce and tiny veg garnishes. I put the sauce onto the really bland beans I ordered. Still desperate to like the place, we ordered sopapillas. How could that go wrong, we thought? They were awful. So overcooked they bordered on being burnt. Not a fan on this waaaay over-rated restaurant.
(2)Nicole G.
Holy crap. That about sums it up. No, but seriously. My favorite Mexican restaurant is in Nashville, TN, on Nolensville Pike called La Hacienda. The only contender I've found so far is Red Iguana. You don't even have to get anything fancy here, just something simple will blow your mind like the enchiladas suisas. The chips and salsa are phenomenonal, as is the guacamole. It's fairly kid friendly and though it's rather loud, it doesn't matter too much because you'll be so busy eating and thinking about how delicious everything is, that you won't want to talk much beyond the commentary on the quality of the food. The servers are always helpful and very attentive, and at Red Iguana 2 there's outdoor seating, which is nice, because despite the train tracks, it's quieter!
(5)Frank W.
Wow! We are from southern California so we are used to darn good Mexican food, but I have to say Red Iguana really was fantastic, and compared very favorably with the food we can get in SoCal. We actually went to the original Red Iguana, and there was a 30-40 minute wait, so we shot over to Red Iguana 2, which is less than 5 minutes drive away, and there was no wait. Started with the Rajas con Queso, very nice sauteed mild peppers and onions, with some tomatoes, and gobs of melted gooey cheese. Served with some good flour tortillas. Very different, but very tasty, and it is a very sizable appetizer (easily could feed 4 as an app, or would make a good sized entree). Then had the mole negro with chicken. Excellent, complex mole with layers upon layers of flavor. Not too hot, not too sweet, just right. And the chicken had been cooked then shredded, remaining very moist and tender, and with the shredding it really held the sauce. Had a couple of very good house margaritas too, and we were in hog heaven! Service was outstanding too ... our waiter Carlos couldn't have been nicer or more efficient. We will definitely be back next time we are in Salt Lake!
(5)Felipe Z.
I am almost convinced I liked this location more than the original one a block away from this one. The service was superb. One thing they had that I had never tried was the Mole Sampler. It's free, and it's for you to taste the different kinds of mole they have to offer. What a tasteful experience. So fun to try them all, and appreciate all the elements of such a complex mexican rich sauce. Chips and Salsa are bottomless and freaking delicious. And the environment and decor set the perfect state of small old mexican town. Such a good experience.
(5)Jeeper W.
I love Red Iguana II because it has the same delicious food as the first one but the line is way shorter. I think the Red II's location is much cleaner which makes me feel good about eating food there. They also have Pacific my favorite beer, so cheers.
(5)Kat M.
You won't be sorry. The best of the best in Salt Lake City. Wonderful flavors, servers and atmosphere. The drive from the berbs is well worth it. When are they opening #3 in the south valley?
(5)Brian M.
After lean culinary choices at snowbird and while transiting through SLC / we found this place on yelp and now know why the locals line up for entry. The menu gives you every selection you could imagine in a Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere is family oriented and the servers are welcoming and friendly and the food is off the charts good. The guacamole is excellent and the portion is pleasingly American style. The sauces are all real tasty and authentic. Seats at the counter are excellent and the service is great - refills on drinks, chips and salsa. All good - check it out.
(4)Mahesh S.
My stomach was hurting all day after my brunch, but I would still make it a point to eat here again, coz I liked the food that much! I am not new to mexicans or mexican food, but this place is quite unique. They have about 7 different mole sauce. When I looked puzzled what to get, the ever so friendly waiter brought out a sample of all the 7 of them, which we used as a dipping sauce for the nacho chips. I pretty much liked all of it, but my favorites were Mole Negro which is the traditional one, with dried chile mulato, negro pasilla, mexican chocolate, raisins, peanuts, walnuts and bananas. I also liked the Mole Poblano that was made with ancho dried chiles and guajillo. It was soo good!. Since I was watching my calories, I opted to get a side cup of mole sauce, which was about $2.70. it was still a lot of sauce! I got the shrimp quesadilla and liked the quesadilla part a lot.(cheese and flour tortilla does taste good when you are carb deprived), however, I am not sure if was crazy about the shrimp. Now the best part of it all was their Chilaquiles. the one here in OC anepalco cafe is my fav , but this place won my heart over! It wasnt a best looking plated chilaquile, but the way they make them - which is frying tortilla chips with chorizo/egg and mole poblano - is just out of this world! each chips is soaked in mole poblano, and chorizo! this dish was very memorable! they had lot of stuff on their menu, but we just went there for breakfast, but I am sure i will go back when I am in SLC next time! the waiters were super cool, and nice!
(5)Ralf E.
Went there because of the great yelp reviews of course and were not disappointed. We had the Mole Armadillo (?), which was great. I never have seen a mexican restaurant with that many mole varieties. The Margarita's were good too. Couldn't ask for more.
(5)Heather W.
Great food and even better service! Would definitely recommend to anyone in the area. If I ever end up back in Salt Lake, I will be sure to stop in again.
(5)Brian C.
I sometime get skeptical when I get multiple recommendations to try a restaurant that I will wind up in a tourist trap. I found myself in Salt Lake City with more time than i anticipated so asked on FB for some recommendations for a great restaurant. i asked the hotel staff too. Red Iguana came up repeatedly so I caught a cab. Red Iguana 1 was packed with a 50 minute wait for a party of one. The hostess there suggested Red Iguana 2, which was a short walk from there, so I tried it. She said the tourists go to 1 but the locals go to 2, but who knows... I had the beef tips with two types of Mole--yellow pepper and almond/pumpkin. The food was amazing. The margarita was great too. The service was excellent as well. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Joshua M.
I'd go back here. The seating and parking options are a bit nicer. I had the lobster taco lunch special and it was soooo good.
(4)Joe Y.
Iguana 2 is newer and bigger than the original location. But the wait is still ridicules on a weekday afternoon. I called in and ordered Tacos Don Ramon for pick up. It comes with 3 crispy corn tortillas. The sirloin meat is just ok, not as good compared to real street tacos from Mexico. You can also pick up a cup of Mole for $5 since that's what everyone is raving about.
(4)David G.
The Red Iguana 2 offers the same excellent food as its parent restaurant (The Red Iguana) and often without the lengthy table wait time. The menu is ginormous and I always have a tough time just figuring out what it is that I want. Haven't had a bad meal there yet and think it's unlikely that I will.
(4)Sadaf M.
Had to try this place out just because it was visited by Guy Fieri. I have been here four times and I really love the food. It is definitely not really authentic Mexican but again I am picky when it comes to Mexican b/c I am from California. However, my favorite item here their Mole Chicken Enchiladas. The mole is so yummy and the enchiladas just melt in your mouth. Their is ample sauce covering them and you can scoop up the leftover with the delicious chips they serve. The salsa is also really good and just a kick of spice which really amps up the flavor. My friends have had the fajitas and the steak tacos and all have raved about how good the flavor was. I think it is definitely a great place to eat out and the crowd is very lively here so it is always a good experience. I shall have to go back soon.
(4)Laura G.
It's tough not to review Red Iguana as a whole when reviewing the RI2. The RI2 was created out of necessity, since the line at the original location can wind out the door and down the sidewalk. Despite the long wait, any time someone asks me where they should go for good Mexican food, Red Iguana is my suggestion. But have no fear, this second location still features all of the tasty goodness upon which Red Iguana has built its reputation. The only thing that is different is better parking and a bigger building. I recommend the mole to everyone I know. If you're not familiar with mole or just don't know which of their several variations you should try, ask the server for a sampler. You'll receive a plate swirled with vibrant mole sauces that may or may not help you decide which one you want on your enchiladas. My favorites are the red pipian, mole negro, and mole coloradito. And once my Texas-born-and-raised girlfriend declared it to be legit, I knew we had a winner. The RI2 is not trying to serve minimalist food in a Zen-like atmosphere. This location is often very busy, a little loud, and shoveling out the best Mexican food in the valley to lots of hungry fans like myself. The little diner-style tables and chairs occupy most of the space, which make it a community dining experience, whether you like it or not. But my mind's on the mole and the mole's on my mind as soon as the plate is in front of me, so I don't mind the noise or the tight quarters. Also, there isn't a good reason in this world why you shouldn't also try the cucumber margarita.
(5)Sircy M.
We have been to The Red Iguana many times and loved it. We brought friends from out of town to Red Iguana 2 since the line was as long as usual and we were told that the food was the same recipes, same owner, etc. We go there and things were ok at first. The waiter was very helpful and nice. When we got our entrees a blonde woman brought our food and she was abrasive. Before she brought the food the waiter referred to the food by the name on the menu. When she brought the food she asked who had the combination plate. We didn't understand what she was taking about because that we not how it was referred to by the waiter. She then sort of huffed, sounded irritated and started again. We finally realized what she was talking about. Then the same blonde woman stood at the table next to ours and had a long conversation with some friends of her at the table next to ours. I found her to be very unprofessional. The food was not spicy at all. In fact, everything was sweet and VERY sweet. It didn't taste good at all. We all picked at our food. We will never go to Red Iguana 2 again. This experience makes us nervous about going back to the regular Red Iguana. If you have a choice, do not go to Red Iguana 2.
(1)Misha T.
Though I've never been to the first one, if their 2nd location is any indication (rhymes!) they're on to something good. I had the puntes de something something nortena which is like a steak and bacon fajita on top of almond mole with some rice, beans and toritillas on the side. It was as tasty as it sounds and was really an enormous portion. I don't think I finished more than half of it. Their horchata is also free refills which is cray cray.
(5)Jeff H.
Introduced to this place with the Enchiladas Suizas for lunch, and I was flat blown away. An incredible, unusual take on Mexican food, tasty and aromatic, like nothing I've ever had. Neat decor. Red Iguana is genuine, straight-up and outstanding. Few restaurants have made such powerful first impressions on me. Wow.
(5)Kyle K.
Simply the best Mexican I've had. I'll eat any of their moles, and anything with any of their moles on it. (I think you could hand me a sandwich dug out of the trash and smother it with the mole amarillo or poblano and I'd eat it in a heartbeat.) Oh wait, did I just write that for the Red Iguana 1 review? Well, RI 2, literally just down the street from the original, shares the same menu, and I've not found any difference in quality. The location may be a bit more "big open restaurant" than cosy unknown cafe, but the comfort for big groups makes it worth it. So grab a jalapeno margarita on the rocks, sample the moles, and enjoy!
(5)Eugenio V.
If you love the original place, you will love this even more, since there is more parking and you will not wait on the street, but in a wait room. This place is cleaner and tidier than the other one, food comes reasonably fast and is still good. It will be probably packed.
(4)Terra S.
If you come on a weekend, expect to wait 45-75 minutes. The food is totally worth the wait!
(5)Andrew S.
Oh, I know, three stars for a Red Iguana franchise and I go to a special place in hell, but three stars means A-OK and this place is that. It's not super great and it's not horrible. The parking kind of sucks, especially since when you do valet, they move your call a whole 10 feet. Otherwise they only allow self parking in half the lot and the rest is on the street. Valet is free though, so I will quit my bitchin. The food is good, not blow you away great, but good. I like it. I get take out and eat here now and then and have more than once, twice or even three times. It hits a certain craving and makes my belly happy. The decor is cool. Diner like. Very open and sound carries. So there you have it. A good Mexican food joint that I can't say a bad thing about. Authentic? Maybe. I like Taqueria Lolita better.
(3)Steve M.
I had the Mango enchiladas...which were awesome!! I usually add salsa to my Mexican food to spice it up bit I didn't this time because I didn't want to ruin the flavors. Aldo ordered Puntas de filete which looked incredible. They gave him enough food for 2 people!! We've been trying to eat here for a year but the wait time has been 1hour +. I can certainly see why.
(5)Casey K.
This review was loooooong overdue as I visited this place with my bfs family and friend on Dec 29th. This food was so good, worth the 45 min long wait. The friend was into mole and he especially digged it here, and for me I've never had it before but it was tasty. The margarita I had was good as well. I shall wanna come here again the next time we are up in salt lake.
(5)Susan C.
Chicken Mole Enchiladas with Avocado rivaled that of many Mexican restaurants that I have been to in California! Go globalization! The Mole was so so so tasty. This was a hoppin' place at lunch time. The everyone, the fire department, and their mothers were at Red Iguana 2 to take in the huge portions of Mexican goodness. The wait list went relatively fast and the food was worth the wait!
(4)Kelly T.
At first, we went to the first Red Iguana but there was a long line and someone leaving told us to go to Red Iguana 2, which is owned and operated by the same people from Red Iguana. We did and were seated right away. My friend ordered the enchilada, another had the chocolate mole with chicken and I had the Tiger Prawns. It honestly was all just okay. I have no idea where the hype came from. I guess I was a bit disappointed since this was on the DDD show, one of my favorites on the Food Network. The margarita definitely needed more work, it was pretty bad, one of the worst I've had unfortunately.
(3)Lo J.
OMG the chips and salsa here is delicious. Nice and spicy! I had the enchilada suiza and it was really good. I haven't ever tried mole, so it was a different taste but it was pretty good. My girlfriend got the Taco Don Ramon and it was really good! I do have to say the margaritas weren't the best, but they got the job done. My girlfriend got the cucumber margarita and didn't like it, so of course I drank it for her (who wastes perfectly good tequila?) All in all, I will absolutely come back to try some of the other dishes that people are raving about : )
(3)Kelli B.
This location is WAY better than the original. It was much more spacious and private. The original location is way too crowded. The menu is exactly the same!
(4)John M.
These guys were off their game this night. Our party of five took 10 minutes to get all 5 meals on the table. The drinks were slow and although they knew what was going on in town they seemed under staffed. They only had one nightly special also. I'll be back but I've found another mexican joint I'll stray to. One where I don't have to wait so long to get in.
(3)Morhaf A.
The food was delicious. The staff are very friendly. My margarita was alright. If the round of the train passing by every 3 min does not bother you, you would love this place.
(4)Chantel A.
Love this place. Chili con queso for the appetizer is sooooo delicious! They have the greatest service every time we go their and it's a kid friendly place. The waiters and waitresses never disappoint. I had the pork mango enchiladas. Think these are my favorite. I usually get beef flautes but I have fallen for those enchiladas. I highly recommend it. Worth the wait on a busy Saturday evening.
(5)Dave G.
Work brings me to SLC about 3 times a year and I always make a stop at the Red Iguana. To me the best Mexican food I have had in the States...From the first time I visited I have been hooked on the Enchiladas Amarillas...spicy but so incredibly good. On the night when I took photo had a combo enchilada plate of the Verde/Amarilla.
(5)Jim P.
Tasty Chili Verde! Fantastic salsa with some heat. Creative menu and good atmosphere. The mole was delicious and the enchiladas were perfect. Price was high but, well worth it for quality food! That sums up our group of 3 for lunch experience at Red Iguana 2.
(4)Brenna D.
Shredded beef chimichanga. Superb! The service sucked and there was definitely a language barrier. The waiter couldn't even understand how we wanted the checks to be split. But the food was good. I didn't realize there would be a sauce on my chimi but it was surprisingly good. Definite hints of cinnamon or nutmeg. I appreciated the valet parking and even though they were busy, the wait wasn't bad. It's not in a great part of town but it's worth making a trip out there.
(4)Matt F.
Sometimes you should believe everything you read. We were in SLC for one night and only had one dinner selection. Based on reviews, we chose this and made the right choice. We arrived at 5:30pm on a Saturday night and only had to wait for a few minutes. The salsa on the table was fantastic. The waiter brought us a mole sample to help us make decisions. We ended up with the first dish on their house specials - steak tips and vegetables on almond mole. Incredible. The same can be said for the mango enchiladas, filled with carnitas. We're away for 8 days and don't think we'll have another meal that will top this.
(5)Matt A.
This was quite possibly the best Mexican food I've ever had and I've had quite a lot. The menu was so full of stuff it was kinda overwhelming, but after checking some yelp reviews, the mole negro was my choice. Holy Crap! It's was phenomenal. Smoky, spicy, rich and just a hint of chocolate. My wife had the enchiladas suzias and they were just a good as the mole. We paired our food with a margarita de Jamaica which was killer. We followed that with mojitos which were amazing also. The chips and salsa (not to be forgotten) were awesome too. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is in SLC and wants great food.
(5)Daniel P.
Excellent guacamole Excellent mole Excellent margheritas Excellent chips
(5)Shea B.
Absolutely a must try. First time there had a group of my family i hadnt seen in awhile. All of us first timers to red iguana. Seriously the entire time we were there we were raving about the food. Everyone passing their plates around sampling each others. My favorite was the chili verde sour cream chicken enchiladas. AMAZING!! And the service was fantastic. Server was sooo patient with my crazy family :) everyone there already planned the next time they be back! I wish there was one in Ogden.
(5)Patricia P.
Jesus, our server was the best. I want him again to serve us yesterday but was dissapointed not to see him. He provide such professional service I was just amazed. We will continue to go to RI2 just for Jesus. Food is great but service made it exceptional.
(5)Jenny R.
This place rocks! The food is out of this world, the mole is AWESOME, the cucumber margaritas and the jalapeño margaritas are fabulous. My only negative comment is it is VERY noisy at all locations but I can totally over look that because the food is so good! We travel through or to SLC often, we often stop just to buy a pint or two of their various mole sauces to enjoy at home.
(5)Carolyn M.
It's definitely not the original, but the food is still SO AMAZING! I don't know how they do it. I didn't think I could steer myself away from ordering the mole verde (I have been craving it for over a year), but I ended up getting one of the combo plates instead. Enchilada, amazing. Relleno, amazing. I would seriously consider a trip to SLC, from Denver, just for dinner at Red Iguana. That's how delicious it is!
(5)Sean W.
Pretty good Tex-Mex food, nice mole. I love their rice & refried beans! It gets so noisy here, we couldn't talk, had to shout. It is so hot too, where was the a/c? Our beers came out warm, they brought 2 more on the house. I wouldn't come back to this location.
(3)John S.
Yes, other reviews are right about the food and the eight different moles. As a group of five, we first shared guacamole and chili con queso with homemade totopos. After tasting a sampling of the moles, Damian and Lluvia assisted us in making entree selections based upon our preferences: puntas de filete, conchinita pibil, enchiladas suizas, and carnitas, which we shared family style. It was refreshing to have a waiter like Damian: clever, mature, and passionate about the food he serves. From the beginning of the evening when Lluvia brought us water and chips and salsa, she made us welcome and willingly talked about her favorite entrees when we asked. Red Iguana 2 is the perfect combination of excellent food and service.
(5)Cheung L.
Solid Mexican food, not much else need said here. :) Had their tri-tip steak for dinner at Red Iguana few years back when I visited and have been wanting to come back since. Came back to Utah last month and hit up Red Iguana II and had something simple scramble eggs with chorizo sausage, rice and refried beans.
(4)Hecate F.
It was our second trip to this franchise and we weren't disappointed. For two years I had the original location bookmarked to try whenever we stopped by in SLC. The Travel Channel raved about it along with random people I would meet that had lived in SLC as a "must try for best Mexican food." I heard they were famous for their different variations of Mole. Red Iguana 1 we arrived right at opening and within minutes there was already a line. If you plan on doing breakfast, get there early. For this second visit we went with the second location to give them a second try. Started off the evening with a HIBISCUS MARGARITA that was just like drinking Agua de Jamaica with a great twist. I couldn't leave without ordering MOLE, MOLE NEGRO to be exact. You can order a mole sampler to try them all and see which one you prefer! This was a great presentation to try a little of everything, specially when I wanted to order some extra Mole to take home. They sell the paste in quart size containers so that you can prepare it later at home and impress your friends with authentic Mexican Mole, no Del Monte in my kitchen! I'm a fan of the environment for both locations, simple, local, nothing too fancy, just some great eating.
(5)Chris F.
The best Mexican food I have had in quite some time! I stopped by Red Iguana 1 and thought I'd be avoiding the crowd there by moving along to #2, but just as crowded. Obviously that was a sign of great things to come. This place definitely has a buzz, and I enjoyed watching servers move quickly about and obviously knowing what they are doing. After a somewhat longish wait for a single seat at the bar, I was greeted quickly with salsa and a glass of water that never went empty. The menu was extensive and everything sounded delicious, and authentic. Settled for an easy chili relleno. Despite being busy my order was taken quickly and served up in at most three minutes. I'm still not sure how you can cook stuff up that fast without a clairvoyant working in the kitchen. Large portions, very authentic flavors, and the fresh corn tortillas were great. A friend joined late and ordered some kind of almond- or cashew-based mole dish which really blew me away. Mixed drinks were only average, but I can't mark them down for that when service and food were some of the best I've experienced.
(5)Zach S.
As good as any Mexican food that SLC has to offer. Get the mole sample platter, and guac is ridiculously expensive, but amazing. Can be a real mad house, but that's how good places get.
(5)Greg N.
Being from Tucson, I'm used to authentic Mexican food. Red Iguana 2 is the only Mexican restaurant I'll eat at in Salt Lake. Everything is consistently good - but you must try the various moles. If you ask, they'll bring you a mole sampler dish so you can taste the flavors before ordering. My favorite remains the pumpkin mole. They also have a full bar - the cucumber margarita is my fave. If you visit SLC, it's worth tracking this place down. If you live around here, you have no excuse for not giving it a shot ;)
(5)Brooks L.
For the original Red Iguana: Friendly staff, delicious dinner. Misty, our server, was sweet and funky and, when I couldn't decide which mole dish I wanted, brought out samples of all of the sauces and then offered to let me customize my dinner to have the pork loin with dried fruit and roasted tomatoes with the habanero mole instead of the almond mole. Nice. Try it. Hot, for sure, but won't kill you and has a complex chili flavor that had me dipping my chip crumbs in it after I was done with the pork. The wait wasn't short but their estimate was spot on. I appreciated that.
(5)Gina B.
Though the food might be the same as the original Red Iguana (which I gave 5 stars), I have a hard time giving the same rating because the atmosphere is just not that of the original. I know this second place was desperately needed but I found myself wishing for the same bustle of the first restaurant, located just around the corner. But in a pinch, when you need authentic Mexican and there just is not time to wait in the infamous long line on North Temple, this place will do in a fix. You've got a plethora of delicious, made-to-oder plates at either location and this place is less noisy, allowing for better conversation opportunities. Try the original first, but if you can't get in, this is by far the next best choice compared to any other Mexican spot in downtown Salt Lake City.
(4)Brad V.
Yes, this place is great to eat at. I have tried always to go to the Red Iguana 1, the original restaurant, but each time the line is so long that I always drive around the block and to the Red Iguana 2. Same menu and same experience. But, often no line. So, if you are in the mood for some outstanding Mexican food and you are in SLC, go to the Red Iguana 2 and bypass the line and get right to the food. Be aware, their hot and spicy will make you sweat! They take all cards, and cash! Your clothes will smell like the food when you get home, so word to the wise, leave your dress coat in the car when you come in, otherwise, you will smell like Mexican food (more like a deep fat fryer with lard).
(4)Steve G.
Very good authentic Mexican food. Had the fish tacos which tasted very fresh. Server was busy but responsive as it is a crowded place. Be prepared to wait for a seat. Would like to try more items here. Salsa was also very good.
(4)Alice M.
The best mexican food I've had. This place has the most amazing guacamole! Make sure you try it. Every time I've been we always ask to sample the mole sauces to have with the tortilla chips... It's great! We also sit at the bar, it's fun being close to all the action. You also get super fast service that way! Any meal I've had here has been superb. Bold flavours, always fresh; I'm never disappointed. Great atmosphere. Feels so authentic inside. Their horchata is delicious but if you want something a little stronger, definitely try the Monjita Traviesa (Rum Cocktail) which is made with Rum and Horchata! Amazing.
(5)Daela T.
Although I've yet to find anything on the menu that I crave (a sign that I'll be coming back), my vegetarian, Mexican-food loving, Northern California liberal(ly opinionated) family finds this place to be their absolute favorite. We've defaulted to this location because it's much easier to get in and out at any hour. Where it's all about the mole and the Enchilada Potosinas for them, I usually just enjoy the patio environs (Summer) with a Negro Modelo AND Pepino Margarita in hand.
(5)Tim M.
Very surprising high quality food. Don't let the outside fool you. They have a great and extensive menu that makes it hard to pick. I had the pulled pork that was excellent and had a unique flavor. All the sides were excellent as well. I even liked the rice! The hospitality was tops, very friendly and attentive. Great staff ! Reasonably priced for the quality and quantity. My wife had a combo with tacos R&Ba. And was also very favorably impressed
(4)Brendan K.
Oh my, where to begin with this review. Let's start it off with this; Red Iguana is hand's one of, if not the best Mexican food in town. If you don't read any more of this review please know that you CAN NOT go without trying this place out! ...and I challenge anyone to find a reason to give this place less than the best! The menu is a bit long and can feel a little overwhelming, however all you have to do is ask, the staff is absolutely amazing, and willing to help! I am typically a 20% tipper and up if the service warrants it. Here I find myself consistently going 25% or more. The servers and serving assistants here love their jobs, and it shows, and they know the menu well. I fell in love with the Tacos Don Ramon (look in the gallery), which was a suggestion from our server. They're famous for their Mole and with good reason. It is to die for!!! All around this place is a great experience, from the food to the service, and the embience. I encourage all to travel downtown and find this diamond in the rough! P.S. Look for me on the patio! I'll be the guy in the corner with my Yelp sun glasses, eating my Tacos Don Ramon, with a Dos XX's ...because I don't always drink beer, but when I do I drink Dos XX's!
(5)A N.
Mole fans rejoice! This is some great Mexican food and it lives up to the hype. The traditional dishes (tacos, fajitas, burritos) are on par with similar places, the unique dishes usually include mole (which you get to choose) and really put this place on the map. The atmosphere is not much for a quiet or private night out (flashback to high school cafeteria) it's loud, crowded, and one big room.
(4)Daniel B.
Reviewing the Red Iguana is a bit like shooting fish in a bucket...with a shotgun. It's hard not to get a great meal, and it's even harder not to write great stuff about it. So stop reading now if you're expecting a critical review. I'm a big fan of all things Iguanan (Red or Blue), and it's oh, so hard to find faults in that which is loved. This was my first time at the semi-new location for the Red Iguana on South Temple. The first thing I noticed when walking in was that while it was just as tightly packed as the old location, everything felt new and clean (not that the North Temple location isn't clean...), but still kept the same feel of a Mexican pop culture restaurant. It felt comfortable, in spite of how close tables and chairs were to each other. But enough about the interior design-let's talk food! I usually go straight to the mole section of the menu and pick something at random, but today something persuaded me to go out on a limb and try a new area of the menu. I didn't go too far out, though: I found a delicious sounding dish call Enmoladas in the "Marvels of Mexico" section...it had mole negro on it. I know, right? It was fantastic. The portion was not so large that I felt stuffed, but, as Goldilocks might say about the third bowl of porridge, was just right-neither too large nor too small. Three enmoladas-folded corn tortillas filled with refried beans-were centered on a warm plate, drenched with a generous portion of mole negro, topped with a mix of queso fresco cotija, and topped with pickled red onion. The plate was garnished with a pickled jalapeno. But you can get all that from a glance at the menu. What you can't get is that the mole was thick, faintly sweet, and tasted just barely of cacao, while the tortillas were fresh, as were the beans. I'm afraid that eating might have been difficult, but for some self discipline. My mouth was enjoying the delight. If you've not made it over to the South Temple location of the Red Iguana, take a lunch and head on over. The enmoladas will make the trip (short as it is) worth it.
(4)Tom L.
The Red Iguana is a must if you're in the Salt Lake City area and are looking for outstanding authentic Mexican food. Prepare yourself for a hole in the wall ambience with nothing fancy about the decor but it does have a great vibe, outstanding food and great service. My coworkers and I had dinner there tonight...a Monday and the place was packed but got were seated within 10 minutes. All of us are originally from Southern California and grew up eating what we believe to be great Mexican food. They both ordered taco plates and I ordered the Sunrise burrito which was two Chili Verde burritos topped with two fried eggs. They both loved their tacos and my burritos were over the top. I couldn't finish them but I'll be thinking about them and wishing I could get them at home for a very long time. The bottom line is this...if you like good Mexican food, this IS the place to go in SLC.
(5)Clay S.
There is no other place in town for Mexican food. Red iguana is it! I've been to Mexico 3 times and the food from red iguana is pretty comparable if not better. Never had anything I didn't like. The puntas de filete is my favorite. Food is 5 stars, but the one downfall which is a huge one, is the wait time. There has been times that I waited more than 1 hour for a table. So, sometimes I drive by and when the wait is to long, I go somewhere else. Only reason why I took a star away
(4)Christina R.
We came here for dinner during a trip to the SLC/PC area, a night out with the family. The service was good, but the food was utterly fantastic. All eleven of us at the table loved our food - the portions are pretty big, and the flavor is great. The moles are very tasty. The only possible downside is the wait time for a table, but as long as you're with people you like, the wait goes by quickly - and anyway, the food is worth the wait. I intend to eat here anytime I'm in the SLC area.
(5)Sky T.
I felt in love with the molé at this place. I think it is all about the molé, molé, molé up in this house. And now, open poetry mic session: Molé, you delicious, savory concoction you. Molé, the spectrums of colors you come in inspires the artists' palette. Molé, so flavorful and earthy and complicated and simple. Molé, spicy and sweet or mellow and deep. Molé, you tingle my tastebuds, you linger when you are not here. Oh, Molé. Lovely, Molé. Let me eat you, Molé. Eat, savor, eat. Savor, eat, savor. Oh, Molé. The one and only, Molé. - - - - - - - - - - Yes, this place has a lively atmosphere and food to match. The food is delish and it is loud here but it complements the food. The food has personality here with a bite that you'll like to have. I don't think you will be disappointed at all. Probably the wait can be tiresome but when you are in, just take in some of their Molé, close your eyes, and meditate and all of your troubles will vanish. Embrace the molé.
(5)Alissa M.
Some of the best Mexican food I've ever had! There's usually a long wait so you have to be prepared for that. Recommend doing the mole sampler and trying the jalapeño margarita
(5)Jacqueline C.
This is my favorite restaurant in all of SLC. Everything about Red Iguana is spot on, the service, the food, and the atmosphere. This location is a lot less busier than the original location. The valet cracks me up! I don't think valet is necessary for 15 spots and an additional lot a few extra steps away.
(5)Leah Q.
DEEEELISH. Mole mole mole. Be indecisive and the waiter will bring you all the moles to try and it will be awesome! I had something with the yellow mole which had some serious spice, which was awesome and very much needed. The meat appeared to be quality, the veggies were delicious and the MOLE. The service was exceptional and I loved the friendly and casual ambiance. The only thing i was disappointed with was the thin and unspiced (but very sweet) horchata. All in all, delicious with great service.
(4)Darin A.
I consider myself well versed when it comes to Mexican food as I try several spots in every city I go. THIS PLACE ROCKS! This is hands down the best Mexican food I have ever had. The Mole is incredible. The salsa is spicy but you can't stop eating because it's so delicious. The service was spot on right until you leave and they grab the door for you. I would love to take my wife to this place if we are ever back in town. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
(5)cedro t.
Holy Mole!
(5)Mike M.
Service was awesome ! The special scallop stuffed Chile Relleno Was incredible ! The tomato sauce on this dish was an explosion of tomato flavor somewhat like a tomato bisque and quite delicious. I will be back!
(5)Dani O.
RI2 is just like the original - the food is fantastic! The best part about the 2nd location is the space! So much more room! And being around the corner from each other makes it easy to drive past one - see if one location has a longer wait than the other! I would recommend the pumpkin mole and the chili con queso. The carnitas are also good. But I'm a sucker for the enchiladas poblanas con pollo and a peach margarita.
(4)John M.
Yup... Bigger than the one on N. Temple and no wait on this cool night, so I headed here instead. Expansive menu... more so than just about any Mexican restaurant that I have been in. The chimichanga was excellent... kinda odd having it "wet", but I learned to adjust and welcomed the surprise. Margaritas were tasty. Too much of the rice and beans and not enough of the chimi, but Im not gonna make a huge deal over that one. Very comfortable setting... not cheezy like some places. It did get a bit noisy, but then thats sorta what happens when comfort meets good food and good spirits....
(4)Joshua S.
01.29.11 first visit ambience: A- nothing too amazing, however, the restaurant is clean, and, apparently, the staff enjoys what they do. service: A our server was a hero, and his server assistants were on the ball. food: B if you love mole, this is your mecca. i'm not a huge fan of mole, so base your judgement on that fact. puntas de filete a la nortena i like this dish because i've had it at red iguana, and it didn't disappoint. but as good as it is, it isn't the kind of dish i could eat every week/month. chips and salsa does it really matter? they're free, and decent. you'll finish them off before your entree arrives. overall: B+ bump RI2 to a B+ due to great service and worry-less dining. as i said before, if you love mole, this is your place. if not, it's just pretty good food.
(4)Monica T.
Yes, yes. I have now indeed been to both of the Red Iguanas in town. I recently visited the second one for the first time and had a pleasant yet kind of unremarkable experience. We were greeted upon arriving by a one hour wait, which is understandable considering that it was a Saturday night during Sundance and Outdoor Retailers and, well, it's the Red Iguana. You'd think having two restaurants would have helped that wait thing, but you know. During our hour wait, we got to check out the surroundings a bit. The interior is solid and the seats aren't quite as close together as the other one, but it lacks that sticker-laden old school charm of the original. I expect I will be returning to the first Red Iguana on future visits. As you might have guessed, the menu is identical to that at the other restaurant, which means that it has lots of mole dishes. Yes, I know that it's their specialty, but I'm a weirdo that doesn't care for mole, so I trust that's lessening my experience. So take my review with that in mind. At any rate, I got the lobster tacos that were one of the specials of the day. Others at the table got chicken fajitas, a chile verde burrito and chile verde tamales. The tacos were nicely done, very street taco in the style. The refried beans were great, but the rice looked and tasted like plain ol' steamed rice. I was expecting more, especially since one of my dining companions got the usual orange Spanish rice with his. Not feelin' the love here. Everyone else quite enjoyed their food. Service was slow but solid. Like I said with my review of the first location, Red Iguana is certainly good, but I feel there are other Mexican restaurants in town who are more deserving of the lavish praise and epic wait times. That being said, I'm kind of glad my favorite Mexican places in town don't have the same kind of wait times, because that would be annoying. So while I'm sure I'll be back to Red Iguana, it won't be something I seek out that often. Everyone else can do that.
(3)Jamie G.
I highly prefer this location to the original! Much better seating arrangement and shorter wait times. I love their spicy salsa, and the shredded beef flautas are excellent. The one downer to this place is that most of the already small parking lot is reserved for valet parking! Parking on the street is an option, but the valet parking option seems ridiculous!
(5)Amy C.
We came through SLC on a Sunday and this was one of the few non-chains open that had some good reviews. We rolled in about 2:30 and were shown straight to a table. But it was really busy for such an odd hour. I can believe that there is a wait at normal eating times. We told our waiter, Sam, right up front we didn't know what we were doing and he couldn't have been more helpful. My husband ended up with a pork dish neither of us could correctly pronounce (but the second word was pipil). It was so delicious. I got a mole negro and mole verde combo plate. It was amazing. So happy we got the chance to have a meal here!
(4)Chad S.
All the way from cali to eat here. Damn I love this place You cannot get this food anywhere. I will eat here everyday as it is cravable. Makes other mexican food places look like Taco Bell. Locasl hit up 2 as the tourists cannot find it.
(5)Eve N.
This is a unique Mexican restaurant. It's full of intriguing choices. There are about 8 different mole sauces which you never see on one menu. Carlos, my server suggested the Puntas Filete de la Nortena. It was an excellent dish! The salsa has a kick but was great. Too bad I don't get to Salt Lake very often.
(4)Sandi T.
Went to this place for the first time to celebrate my birthday. Don't you just love it when your birthday goes on forever!! Hard place to find - just look for the bright yellow building by the railroad tracks. Very clean and inviting atmosphere, but on the small side. I can't imagine what it would look like on the week-end. I have not been to the Iguana in over twenty years and after todays meal - I realized I've been missing out big time. I ordered the "Mexican Plate" and that comes with a chile verde burrito that was packed with tender pork, a good size taco and a burrito. There was so much food on the plate, they had to bring out the beans and rice on a separate small dish. I could not even begin to finish it and I had been saving up all day to indulge. What I found really unique was the rice. Now I have never been a fan of Mexican rice but this had peas and carrots in it!! And tasty it was - it had such a good taste. I wish I knew our waiters name as he was excellent. He was a tall young man with dark brown wavy hair. Our drinks were constantly being refilled without even asking. The only negative is the chips and salsa. Chips were very small in size - and the salsa is not to my taste preference. But loved my meal.
(4)Jason B.
While the wait was a little longer than I'd like, and the single room dining area didn't appeal, the food was tasty. I got the special pork tamales with the Chile Verde, and I could tell the pork came from a hog named "blossom" who was fed only the sweetest slop by a ten-year-old girl with flowers in her hair. The Chile had never seen the inside of a can, and the table top salsa tried to cry for mercy with a rich, roasted pepper spice. I gave it no mercy.
(4)Travels-A-Lot D.
Some of the best Mexican food we've ever had and we travel throughout the country often for business.
(5)A A.
Best Mexican food in Utah, we are seafood lovers so we usually go with the seafood platter
(5)Carl J.
Frankly don't know why it is so highly rated. Food was OK, but nothing to rave about. I could have prepared the same meals at home and had the same results.
(3)Jonna C.
Had a great lunch here the other day! Great customer service by Doris, and the chips and salsa were awesome. Doris helpfully offered the mole sampler plate which was a great introduction into mole- I particularly enjoyed the mango mole. We split the puntas de filete a la nortena (sirloin tips sauteed with veggies served over mole)- and it's a good thing we decided to split it. It was huge! I would probably order something else next time, but it was perfectly satisfactory.
(4)David T.
My mother and I stopped by here because she is currently living overseas (Australia) and was craving some Mexican food. Having used to live in SLC she suggested Red Iguana 2. We were seated right away and a friendly waitress took our drink orders. The place was packed and the menu was the same! Plenty of options and everything sounded great. I ended up getting a combo plate with a Colorado burrito, tostada, and hard shell taco. All three were tasty. I think it could have been a little more spicy but then again, I'm a spice snob and prefer hatch chilies. I liked that the taco and tostada both had shredded beef instead of ground beef which always tastes better. The portions were very generous for the price and having going in not expecting much the food was decent. I wouldn't say SLC is a great Mexican Food town but I would go here again if I was in the city and wanted some.
(3)Jenna W.
There's nothing to say that hasn't already been said before. I just doesn't get much better than the Red Iguana. I have had several people from different states specifically ask me about the Red Iguana. My answer? GOOOOOOOO!!! It's definitely worth the trip to Utah.
(5)Elizabeth T.
I'm stuffed. The food is good here but the 1 ounce tequila Margaritas are so disappointing (damn you and your teetotaling, Utah!) The verde mole is a nice pepper sauce with a wonderful flavor, but mixing it with a predominantly potato-based batch of mixed veggies which was an odd mix. They do make yummy veggie nachos. Our waiter was sweet and helpful. Solid, although I have to scoff at my Utah-native friend's claim that its "better than Mexican you can get back east." I don't think so.
(4)TDawg T.
this is the best mexican food i have ever had and will ever have.....and i've had mexican food in texas 700 times. the various moles are dreamy!!!!!!!! I LOOOVED the pumpkin mole.
(5)Howie P.
We decided to try out Red Iguana 2 because they weren't as busy as Red Iguana. My party and I were looking forward to trying them out, because we've heard nothing but positive things about Red Iguana. So we figured this one should be just as good. Don't get me wrong, the food here is good, and the quality is much better than your typical Mexican restaurant. It tastes clean. However, unlike their other greasy counterparts, they don't give you all the goodies (re-fried beans, Spanish rice, lettuce and extra salsa). I ordered the carne asada burrito, or something like that, and I got just that. Just a burrito, nothing else on the plate. One of my friends ordered the same thing that I did, and the other ordered a smothered burrito. To top things off as we were nearing the end of our meal, the waitress came to our table and knocked over a water glass. She gave a half apologetic look and ran to grab some towels to mop up the mess. Still though, it would have been nice to get an actual, "sorry" Just based on the amount of good we got for what they charge, and the bad experience at the end, I'd give them 2.5 stars. But alas, yelp doesn't have half star ratings.
(2)Vinayak N.
This past weekend was my first visit to the SLC, UT. One of the first restaurants that you see in the guide book is Red Iguana. They have (3) locations in the SLC area. This place is like one of the most famous places in SLC. Killer Nachos is a must-must try here. The nachos with salsa (mind you, salsa is award winning in its own right) combo is amazing. Try this with a drink or virgin pina colada or just ice tea. The place is unique, in it has posters of how Mexican food originated and what authentic mexican food is like. Its much different that your regular Tex-Mex joints. As you sit in, they offer regular nachos with salsa. We ordered Killer nachos (w/o meat) that comes loaded with cheese, guacomole, refried beans, jalapeno, black olives and spring onions. Yum Yum Yum!!!. Next on the table were 'mole'. Authentic mexican food has different types of 'mole's which is native for sauces. You can order a sampler dish or pick any of the 6 different 'mole' they have on offer. We opted for the sampler dish. Loved all but 1 of the 'mole'. The one to avoid is chocolately in taste. Rest are good and different in spic levels. For the main course, we spilt Ramon's fish tacos. Must say this was disappointing in comparison to the rest of the food. The fish used was tuna. I dont think tuna tacos tastes that good. (one less star for this dish) All in all, this is a great place to come eat and drink on a hot summer day. They have different varietities of margharitas, beers and other liquors on offer.
(4)Greg D.
Same great food, that's all you need to know. FYI, this place is now just as busy as the main location on crowded nights. Tacos don Ramon would be an inclusion on my last meal, if that is any indication as to how great the Red Iguana is.
(5)Robert B.
Having lived in Texas, I know the difference between Tex-Mex and Mexican food. Hate to break it to these guys, but if your taco comes with lettuce and cheese on it, it's Tex-Mex. It doesn't really matter though, they have some great food. The Chili Verde may be the best anywhere. There is always a wait though. We got here a 6 and still had to wait 1/2 an hour. We drove past #1 and it looked like the wait was even longer there.
(5)Chris N.
It takes a lot for me to give a Mexican joint a 5 star rating (ESPECIALLY one that isn't in Mexico or Texas!)... but the Red Iguana makes the grade. Perfect temperature and taste to the salsa. The queso was fantastic.... but the Mole Amarillo.... all I can say is wow! It had a good spicy kick to it but man it was good! Had a Taco La Iguana and it was excellent as well. The service was also outstanding. They were able to accommodate our large group (we had 11 people) and I swear our waitress was the girl from the first Indiana Jones movie... she had us in stitches with her jokes as well.
(5)Brandon M.
Mole!!! Must try the mole. They have a great selections of this complex a savory sauce. The poblano mole can't be beat. A great combination of heat, sweet, and richness.
(5)Dan T.
As good as Red Iguana, with the exception of hit and miss service. I'd say eat here (all the mole sauces rule) and for heavens sake, make a reservation because now that the other iguana is closed for remodel, this place is jammed packed (45min+). The Staff is actually really great, but every other time we get this Omar guy as our waiter and damn! He only has a one sided bed, and wakes up on that side every day it seems. All grumpy and indifferent. He knows his stuff, but needs a hug before he comes to work or something.
(3)Brian R.
I'm going to make this pretty quick. I'm new to SLC and I've lived all over the US (Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Detroit, Boulder, SoCal)... I am PICKY about Mexican food. This place is by far the best I have ever eaten at. If you love Mole, you're in for a treat. Otherwise, the enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tostadas etc are amazing. If Mole isn't your thing, go for the Poblano Platter. Perfect amount of food and a great sampler. Hey, it got me to come back 3 times in two weeks. The food is great but the margs are pretty so-so. If you're on a budget, stick to water or soda here.
(5)Shad S.
The best place to eat in all of northern Utah. Seriously the mole sauces that they make in house amazing. The most authentic Mexican This side of the border.
(5)Natalie T.
One word--Yum! Their chips and salsa are homemade (and addicting!), and their food was hot and fresh. Oh, and their house margaritas... Delish. This place can be packed Thurs. - Sat., so I would definitely keep in mind that you're going to have some wait time before you sit down, but the staff is super friendly and gets food out really quick. Overall, thumbs way up!
(5)Lorena A.
Delicious Mexican food!! We got in early and had no wait but by the time we left there was a huge line to get in. The service was great and Derrick our waiter was super attentive. Best Mexican food I've had in a while. So much better than the chain restaurants we have back home. I will definitely be back next time I'm in SLC.
(5)V L.
Word on the slopes " The Red Iguana is the best Mexican food , I know homie you are rolling your eyes. I went to there, the word is right, the location felt a little bit like a crispier, colder Boyle Heights. The moment I walked in I was taken back to my grandmas kitchen, the aroma greeted me with a great big hug, I knew it had to be as delicious. HOLE MOLE! The mole. Delicious. Months later I still remember my lunch, taking a flight to enjoy a lunch here would be worth the schlep.
(5)Jeremy M.
Insanely good mole. I wish I could transport it to Reno with me. Its wonderful. Was recently speaking with a relative from Chicago that doesn't really like SLC, but he loves the Red Iguana!
(5)Andrew S.
The only hard part is convincing myself not to eat there 5 days a week since I work a few floors above the restaurant. This place is an incredible bargain for the quality of the food you're getting.
(5)Daneya W.
The wait was incredibly long for some incredibly amazing food. You need to understand that your wait will most likely be 35-60 minutes. With this said, it would be to their benefit if they had an area that people could entertain themselves while waiting. The waiting room was filled to every corner. I asked if I could wait at the bar, but I was informed those were seats for people that were eating only. In California, your salsa will make or break you. This place proved my theory wrong. Their salsa was pretty good, but I've had better. But the food, was to die for!!! I have never had better Mexican food! I had the mushroom tacos & their sauces was to die for! Everyone loved their food. The rice & beans were good. I didn't have any of their drinks. Maybe next time... because there IS going to be a next time!! I will not leave Utah without having dinner at this place. The owners were awesome. The employees were considerate. However, once we were served our food, the waitress didn't come back. That place was SO damn busy!!!!!!! And worth the wait!!! I was going to be late for my flight & they were extremely kind in rushing the food & the bill. With the crappy waiting time & how busy it was.... I still give it 5 stars because the food was SO DAMN GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Parking kinda sucks. They could resolve this easily by buying the empty lot next to them.
(5)Gabriel A.
Great food n service love the mole
(5)Jamie S.
I called to make a reservation for a large group. They seemed really put out by it and made it a point to tell me three times that if i was late at all they wouldn't hold the table. I wasn't that they have this policy but they just assumed i would be late. The woman on the phone was pretty much scolding me. Needless to say i cancelled. I don't need to be treated like a 5 year old.
(1)Karla N.
Be prepared to wait. The Iguana platter was really good. Service seemed a bit slow but worth it. House Margarita on the rocks - fabulous. The chorizo and pepper queso - not what I expected would not order again. The tres leches was great. The salsa is good with a kick but not too much. Definitely will be back
(5)Delaware F.
Another fine meal of Puntas. Again the Tacos Don Ramon looked like the other item worth ordering. My girlfriend had the pollo moreliana, which was generous with the chicken (three whole chicken breasts in one entree) but tasted kind of bland, like you would expect white meat chicken boiled in tomato sauce for 15 minutes to taste. If it was simmered for several hours perhaps the effect would be different.
(5)Cory T.
Delicious food. I believe I was only disappointed because the hype was so great. I had high expectations and, although I wouldn't say it's the worst Mexican food I've ever had, it's definitely not the best.
(4)Sheila S.
Living in Texas, I have been to many Mexican restaurants, and the Red Iguana is definitely on par. The restaurant is colorful and has a fun vibe, and a great variety on the menu. We started with complimentary chips and salsa; the salsa was fresh with a nice little bite to it. We also ordered the queso dip, which I was disappointed in because it was a bit too watery and too chunky compared to what I am used to. It was as if an entire can of spicy rotel was mixed in. For my entree, I ordered the tacos Don Ramon (but with soft corn tortillas instead of crunchy), and I really liked them. The portion was very generous and the tacos were stuffed with well seasoned meat and heaped with lettuce and fresh cheese. The accompanying avocado sauce was delicious. The service was just OK. I had asked for a straw and it took a while to get one. And another person at my table asked for some extra sauce, which also took a while to come. Overall, this was a good meal with nice ambiance, and I would come again!
(3)Reggie M.
Great food. Good service. Crowded inside and out (little parking). We had to wait 30 mins on a Saturday night. But it was worth it, parchment thin chips, delicious salsa (not as hot as RI 1, but STILL spicy). I got the Machaca Burritos, and they were very good. Seating is in ONE huge room, with lots of tables, but no booths - so it's hard to communicate, cuz everyone is trying to be heard over the din. Eclectic decor (the monster movie poster must be an inside joke). Prices are a little high, but you get what you pay for. It's not a great place for a quiet evening of conversation, but a great place for Killer Mexican Food 2.
(4)Michael And Masha M.
Some items are better priced than others. Enchiladas poblanos are very good and not too pricey (8.99). They'll ask if you want to add beans and rice but that is $3.40 extra! Our margaritas was watery or else we'd give it 4 stars.
(3)David M.
Great food and ambiance! Be prepared for a wait, even early. Here's an example of the great attitude: In town on business by myself, I actually went to Red #1 first. It was packed to the rafters and when I asked the host if they had a bar or counter for a single, he asked if I would be interested in going over to #2 if they had room. "It's only a couple of blocks away." So,he called, made a reservation for me at their counter and gave me directions. It was seriously less than 2 minutes by car and there was lots of parking. this location was packed, too and my counter space was waiting. I was seated immediately. This location is bright, modern, and the food was great. Try one of the specials!
(4)MJ C.
A Triple D recommendation. Absolutely delicious. Definitely check out the Mole - their speciality! The Carnitas were some of the best we've had anywhere. Love that their "breakfast" / Egg dishes are available all day!
(4)Cynthia M.
Best Mexican Food Ever. Wish there were places like this in NYC. So glad that we ended our visit in Utah with a dinner here. Gotta taste each of the moles. You won't be disappointed. The flavors are robust and you can't go wrong with any of them. Gotta come here early and hungry. The place gets crowded and the portions are huge. The service is quick though and you will be in and out before you know it. Probably not a place to linger over a long meal though because there is always someone waiting for a table. Great grub though and I highly recommend!
(5)Diane C.
Everything you love about Red Iguana in a newer more fun package. I love that now you have two ways to get your Red Iguana fix. I love going their with my girlfriends and grabbing chips and salsa. I love the seafood fajitas. I am drooling over it right now. My other go to are the Tacos don Ramon...seriously yum. Red Iguana develops the Mexican flavors that I love and crave. All the portions are huge and well-priced. This is a place you want to go if you're a local, in Salt Lake City for work, or just passing through make this one of your stops. So, I can't write about this place without talking about the mole, here's the deal...I don't like mole. I just can't get excited about it, but the fact that they have so many types I'm won over. (Afterthought: Whether you're a fan of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives or not, Guy was right about this one. It's a winner, so don't pass it up.)
(5)Ricardo C.
Was looking forward to eating at this place ever since i had my trip scheduled to Salt Lake City. Was really hoping this place would live up to all the hype and exposure on DDD. It came close but no cigar. The actually food was ok, nothing outstanding. Started off with the rajas de chile poblano con queso and they where good. I got the chilaquiles as my main entree and there was nothing special about them. The mole sauce they used was good but didn't do the food any justice. It is very hard to find good chilaquiles. The best thing about the chilaquiles was the serving portion, it was huge! Where they do get a high five from me is their selection of beer and dessert. They carry Carta Blanca and Bohemia and it is very hard to find restaurants that carry these beers. The sopapillas where to die for. This was my first time trying sopapillas and i will get them again. And the amount of sopapiilas was ridiculous. The atmosphere was good, service was quick. The wait wasn't too bad, about 15 minutes on a Thursday night. Will give them another shot, event if it is just for the sopapillas.
(3)Johnny H.
good ass mexican food. love them burritos :)
(5)Brad n.
Red Iguana 1 was featured on triple D, went to it a year ago, and Red Iguana 2 does not disappoint being an extension on RD1. Nice at times it is a little less of a wait them RD1. The food is awesome , and always check their daily specials. I have come across some great specials. Let's just say strawberry mole, "Wow!" Ned not worry all the food is good, and great for all type of spice or styles of food for the entire family. Stop reading the review, and get on down to RD 1 or 2.
(5)Vicky T.
The best food and service in Salt Lake, hands-down. There are a growing number of great restaurants in Salt Lake, but I often find myself missing the customer service and hospitality of my previous home - Boston. Not the case at Red Iguana 2. Jesus was our server the first time we went in, and I've asked for him every time since due to his speed, attention to our needs, sense of humor, and - and this is where he really shines - his genuine passion for ensuring his customers have a great experience. Plenty of servers in Salt Lake are speedy and refill your water when you run out, but Jesus really goes above and beyond to keep customers coming back to Red Iguana 2. Because everything on the menu (food and drinks - I particularly love the puntas de filete a la nortena, the mole sampler, and the cucumber margarita) is so good, I always have a hard time choosing. Jesus helps me figure out what I'm in the mood for, makes suggestions, and never makes me feel like my indecisiveness is a burden on his time, which I've often felt at other places. Between the fantastic food and the stellar service, I recommend Red Iguana 2 as one of the top 3 things to do when living in or visiting Salt Lake City!
(5)Spot D.
Puntas de Filete enough said!!! Best thing here if you like a lil spice. Boom!
(5)Sarah N.
I love this location so much more than the original. Why? The interior is nicer and just seems cleaner, which is perfect since I want to make babies with the Red Pipian mole. On second thought, scratch the baby making; it might sting. I always order the cheese enchiladas and have them smothered in Red Pipian, rather than ordering the regular mole since it has chicken it. The servers are friendly and don't mind my special requests. Go here. Make babies. The end.
(5)John J.
Top notch Mexican cuisine. Not sure which mole you want? Ask for the sampler and go from there.
(5)Michael R.
Really, really good! Had the carne asada and it was really tasty and good, fresh guac to go with it. Chips & salsa were yummy and the beer was really cold! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place. Only dropped 1 star cause the server we got was pretty slow and seemed disinterested although this may be an anomaly.
(4)Deano G.
I have been working my way thru the tacos (as well as the rest of the menu) and I must say that all of the tacos are great. The tacos don Ramon are still the best, but the chicken tacos are killer. My Keats favorite are the Cana ansada.... But I would still eat them over many others that I've tried throughout the county....
(5)MC Free W.
Red Iguana 2 kicks ass. Yes, the crowds can be really annoying, but this outrageously great Mexican restaurant is packed for good reason. It's simply the best our state has to offer. At my last visit, all the tables were full, so we were offered two seats at the north end of the bar. I'm so glad we took advantage of what turned out to be the best seats in the house. From our vantage point, we were able to witness what a smooth operation this place is. The kitchen and wait staff rocked out meals like a finely tuned machine. We got to watch basically every dish on the menu come from the kitchen, to the window, to their respective tables. Everything looked sooooo good. The Killer Nacho platter was obscene! In a good way. I do have a most cherished dish - the Puntas de Filete a La Nortena (pic). I won't detail the ingredients. Just get it. And Red Iguana's Jalapeno Margarita is now officially my favorite mixed drink on the entire planet.
(5)Sarah E.
This was our favorite place in SLC. I could write a rap song about their mole, and I'm a little white girl, as Caucasian as they come. I could belt a love song, proclaiming my affection for their chicken tacos, and I'm no sap. You get the picture, no? Wonderful. First, please try their mole sampler. It's free. Just say yes. Then, have the lucky son (or daughter) of a gun you asked to join you order the Tacos don Ramon. They'll have an orgasm upon consuming them, a la Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. You order the Tacos de Pollo, and then try to tell me that the chicken is not the most juicy shredded poultry you've ever eaten. Their black bean soup is delicious as well, filling enough to have for dinner and great to dip chips in. Mmmm. The one thing I had there that I did not care for was the Enchiladas Suizas. The menu does list them as a more popular dish, so it was probably just a personal preference. I suggest planning for a significant wait if you've got more than two people on a weekend night...That goes for both locations. I'm pretty sure they built Red Iguana 2 because 1 was getting cramped. 2 is now almost the same. If you build it, they will come.
(5)Adam M.
I've been here a few times after the original Reg Iguana being one of my favorites for years. Excellent food, fun atmosphere and casual experience. Definitely recommend.
(5)Alan B.
We accepted a friend's recommendation of where to eat in Salt Lake City. She asked if we like Mexican (we do) and don't mind funky (of course not), so she told us about Red Iguana. We found RI2 with a Yelp search, read the raving reviews, and drove the 23 minutes from our hotel. For a place in the middle of nowhere in Salt Lake City, with no other businesses in the vicinity, and with lots of street construction in progress, it was packed! Our waiter, Victor, was most helpful and friendly, giving us advice about what to order and checking in with us frequently during our meal. The food is terrific! I had the Red Iguana combination plate, and my wife the mole de almendras. Both were well prepared, delicious, and ample in portion size. We are not frequent visitors to Salt Lake City, but this could change things, it was so good. Add this one to your "must do" list of things to do in SLC.
(5)Todd D.
The mole really is as good as everybody is saying. And with the new location you can experience eating it while not inside a can of sardines.
(4)Jennifer D.
My husband and I went here for a late lunch yesterday and we were very impressed! We frequently dine at Red Iguana but this was our 1st time at the new location. I ordered the Shredded Beef enchiladas and my husband ordered the Tacos Del Ramon. Both were so so good! The shredded beef in my enchiladas was extremely tender and has such a good taste. The Tacos Del Ramon had very tender, good cuts of Sirloin Tip in them and they were good as always. (My husband, without fail, orders these every time we go there.) The atmosphere was good and the restaurant was clean. We had very good service. Our waiters name was Jose and he was probably one of the best waiters we have ever had there. He was attentive and very polite and made good recommendations. Oh, the chips and salsa there are really good too. The salsa is pretty spicy so beware if you don't handle that well. Overall, I think that Red Iguana consistently offers the best Mexican food in Salt Lake City.
(5)Brent d.
We had lunch there today. I had chicken fajitas and my wife had the beef. They were the best we have ever had. We live in Texas so that is saying a lot. The service was friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was bright and cheery. I would highly recommend this place.
(5)E P.
Another of my favorite places, especially to take people who are from out of town. The enchiladas suizas are the stuff of legend. Never had anything that wasn't delicious here. I like the new location, and I really appreciate the free valet when parking gets sticky. I also love that the family chose to keep the sequel in the same area, because this side of 3rd west could use more love.
(5)Max S.
If the Red Iguana was a woman, I would want her to have my baby. That's how much I love the Iguana.
(5)Mat G.
Red Iguana 2 follows in the footsteps of it's older brother, and does not disappoint. A bit updated from the original, Red Iguana 2 boasts the same fantastic food and prices as the original. I've found it easier to park at this location, though the original has a more "hole in the wall" feel. You'll be happy going to either.
(5)Matt D.
Everything we had was amazing.
(5)Rob C.
No sure what all the hype is about. I know I've had better mole somewhere else in the States and MUCH better mole in Mexico. I was disappointed because I thought it would be like the mole in Mexico.
(3)Vince L.
Great food! as seen on Diners Drive ins and Dives. Have to try the different Moles.
(5)Crig S.
Shhhhhhhh. Don't talk about this place until after Sundance. O.K. it's safe now. You haven't had mole until you've had Red Iguana mole.
(5)Lisa F.
This was my first time at any of the Red Iguanas. We tried a Thursday evening and there was over an hour wait - so we left. We came back for lunch on Saturday and got right in. The service was excellent. I was excited to try this place because EVERYONE seems to have heard about it. Even my Aunt in Florida asked if I had been there yet. Anyway - I had the yummy Chilaquiles. We got a mole sampler and I was amazed. The only mole I had ever had was the basic dark, chocolaty one - and I was not a fan. These moles were so different and delicious! I still wasn't a huge fan of the traditional kind but it's just a personal preference. I definitely want to go back and try other things.
(4)hannah o.
I have been eating at Red my entire life. We used to go to the original every year on New Year's Eve as a family, and now I go probably once a week. I take all of my out of town guests here, we go here for lunch, dinner, even a midday snack. It's always crowded, yes, but sooo worth it. The service is great, the food even better. Definitely go if you haven't yet, and enjoy! I almost always love whatever I get (with the exception of a burrito, but I ordered badly that day). Yum yum YUM!
(5)John F.
This is just as good as the original, but in an upgraded facility. We hit the original one on our first night in SLC, and we liked it soo much, we had to go back before our 4 day ski trip ended. We decided to try the new location hoping to skip the crowds. We failed on skipping the crowd, but the food was o so good. I had the Enchiladas Suizas, and they were quite delicious. Don't shy away from this location just because it's new. It is great mexican food!
(5)Chris C.
one of the best mex food restaurants in the state
(5)Hayley L.
Same Menu as the original Red Iguana, different atmosphere. While the original Red Iguana had a 1/2 hour wait at 5:30 PM on a Thursday, Red Iguana 2 had NO wait. Enchiladas Poblanas basic but delicious. Fast service.
(4)p z.
Food was better than good but not exceptional and we've had great service in the past. Latest visit was horrible. Seated outside on a not busy Sunday afternoon and was given chips and our drinks- then NOTHING! The server forgot about us, People were seated after us and received their food while we waited. That was the point when we left and stopped by the manager on the way out gave him money for the chips and drinks, expressed our frustration and left. Went on an errand then popped over to the first Red Iguana= where we had the best service and an exceptional meal.
(2)Richard T.
Fantastic food and atmoshpere! Mole sampler is wonderful. Highly recommended.
(5)Apozg N.
just as great as original Red Iguana!
(5)Linus A.
First off, I am not a fan of mole!! We dined there tonight. It is definitely larger and more spacious than Red Iguana. Free valet parking was a nice touch. The wait was 20 minutes on a Sunday night. The wait staff was not great, they gossiped and talked to each other. All female waitresses flirted with a waiter who ate at the bar. The wait staff had their own party going!! Vegetarian chimichangas were good and spicy. Fish tacos were awful- fish was dry and almost unpalatable. Free nachos were cold!! Salsa was OK. Chi ken tacos were ho-hum. It was very loud and busy. Overall, not that great. Must be earth shattering mole otherwise save your money and go to Cafe Rio.
(3)Justin B.
good drinks, good salsa, great mole dishes. great prices!
(4)Johnny L.
Whenever a friend from out of town visits, Red Iguana is the preferred choice. A description from a close friends is that, "Red Iguana tastes like authentic, home cooked Mexican food cooked but the difference is the quality of the ingredients." I wholeheartedly agree. I've continually gotten mixed reviews on the food from some who believe it is overhyped and others who are regulars. I belong with the latter group. If Mexican food is your jam, then this is the place to go. Their Puntas de Filete a La Nortena is fantastic but my favorite is the Steak a la Ranchera. Combined with a glass of horchata, these meals make for the perfect dinner as well as giving you sizable portions that will feed some for multiple meals. Additionally, unlimited chips and salsa is given to every table and I've found myself munching away endlessly at them. Use this to your advantage and try the mole sampler with your chips. It gives you the chance to taste the different moles and get a feel for what flavor you would enjoy the best. Red Iguana 2 is the same as Red Iguana 1 but just bigger and will continue to be the go to place to take visiting friends.
(5)Yue D.
We stopped here on our way to Yellow Stone for lunch, and this place was recommended by a local friend. We had to gave up Red Iguana as there was a looooong line, and decided to come to Red Iguana 2. It was crowed as well when we were here, so I guessed it must be good. Service and ambience were great. Our waitress was so patient and nice to us, and sent us a sampler for us to sample the different types of moles... Most of use ended up with things we like, but there were some interesting orders as well lol. Generally the food was pretty good :) We also tried their margaritas - the Jalapeño one was the best.
(4)Sarah S.
I've had two separate out of town visitors tell me that this is the best Mexican food that they've ever had. It's great, though probably a little different than what you'd experience in a typical Mexican restaurant. Get the free mole sampler even if you don't order a dish with mole - it's fun to try all of them and they're all so unique. Enchiladas, tamales and flautas are all excellent. And the free chips and salsa are also flavorful and tasty. Prices for the entrees are a little on the higher side, especially if you get one of the mole dishes, but no worse than any other midscale restaurant in the city. We've never had to wait longer than 30 minutes to get seated, even on a weekend (both at this location and at the original location). Service is consistently good, though it might get a little slow at times (since it's consistently busy). Portions are generous, and you'll probably have leftovers, especially if you gorge yourself on the mole sampler and chips like I do. Definitely one of the best in the city!
(5)Kenny B.
Not only did this top the Yelp charts for SLC, but everyone was telling me I had to check this place out while I was here. Drove by a few times and the line was down the block and around the corner. Finally scored on my last night and there was no line, so I popped in and boy did this place not disappoint. The queso dip was on point! So good, I would have done naughty things to do it if I wasn't in public. For my main had the enmoladas with a verde mole. Did not look too pretty on the plate, but tasted fantastic! This place definitely lives up to the hype!
(5)James H.
If you don't want to wait outside of the original Red Iguana or inside at Red Iguana 2, just ask to sit at the bar area as it is open seating. The food is reasonably priced and of equal quality. People tend to worship Red Iguana but I'm still a bit skeptical. Good spot...but not heaven on earth.
(4)Nicole F.
The Chile Verde is amazing. I wish I could just put everything in a bowl and drink it. Although that wouldn't be socially acceptable. The mole's are all great, but not my style. Margaritas are also fantastic, don't miss out on them!
(5)Dan H.
When I arrived at the original Red Iguana the wait was close to an hour so they sent me over to their identical twin Red Iguana 2 which is only three blocks away. The wait was crazy long here too but they had a counter that I could eat at so I got seated and immediately got hooked on the "buzz" of activity. Service was fantastically speedy and I had a number of waitresses stop by and comment on my choices. I The entire staff conspired to make me, and everyone else around me, feel special and welcome. I ordered "Ramon's Famous Fish Tacos" which were mahi mahi fish accompanied by some spicy cole slaw, Spanish rice, and a thick tartar sauce. It was one of the best Mexican dishes I have ever eaten. I want another order right now, just thinking about it. I got my check quickly and boom, I was out the door within 30 minutes of when I arrived. Keep in mind that I sat at the counter because the wait for a table was over 30 minutes with larger parties waiting for close to an hour. Also this was a Thursday night and I am guessing that waits on the weekend are even longer. It helps that they have a free valet service for when their parking lots fill up which, I'm imagining, is normal. GO HERE and EAT WELL!
(5)Paul N.
This place has amazing salsa and the food is great. The reason I am giving it two stars is because I ate outside on the patio and the experience was less than stellar. Dining al fresco should be comfortable and relaxing. The patio at Red Iguana was awful. It wasn't the service. It was the flies! The flies were EVERYWHERE! It was so bad I lost my appetite and had to ask the server for take out containers. I like red iguana but that experience left me reeling.
(2)Steve L.
Went here because of all the great reviews, and our daughter was craving Mexican food. The place was busy (30 minute wait), which I thought was a good sign. Coming from California, and having been to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona (as well as several cities in Mexico), I have to say this food is not what I would consider authentic Mexican, but it was very tasty nonetheless. The chips were fairly plain, and way too light to be authentic (think Chevy's). The salsa was OK. The horchata was from a mix. Still, due to the flavorful (but not authentic) entrees, I would have given this place four stars. However, I take away one star (should really take two) because they charge extra for rice and beans. And they charge extra for shredded cheese on their burritos. (The server did not tell us they would be extra.) And even though it specifically says on the menu that the horchata comes with one free refill, they threatened to charge extra for it since we wanted to take it to go ("we normally charge for the cup"). Really? We should have waited until we flew home to satisfy our daughter's craving.
(3)Margaret R.
Good Mexican food, excellent service, but the real star here is the extensive mole list. I also can't argue with the prices which are more than reasonable given the portion sizes. It's not the best Mexican I have ever had (but I am fortunate to have traveled a lot), but it certainly hit the spot and everyone in my party enjoyed their meal. Go early or late or you might have to wait a while. But overall, a fun and delicious dinner!
(3)Marie W.
This place is my favorite AND it's next to a train track! Their tamales are amazing. Try their house margaritas as well!
(5)Monica V.
This location has open seating at the bar which made our wait time extremely minimal. Service is just as good, and it's kind of fun seeing all the orders come out. We had the Queso Soup, Shrimp Ceviche (which was on the daily specials menu), and the Red Iguana combination. I loved the chips and salsa. They're probably my favorite in any Mexican restaurant since it has a kick to it. I also enjoyed the soup and ceviche. The combination plate is huuugge... We split it between 3 people and still had leftovers. Even though we were overly stuffed, we decided to get dessert. And I don't regret it because we had the fried ice cream. It's basically a tortilla wrapped in a brick of ice cream and fried, but unlike other versions, the ice cream stayed frozen and intact rather than a goopy, soggy mess. It's topped with cinnamon sugar, caramel sauce and there's chocolate and whipped cream on the side. Yum.
(4)D L.
In-freakin-credible. If you want a table after 6pm you will wait. If you have 4 or fewer people sit at the counter for quick seating. Cold beer. Amazing food. Great atmosphere. Excellent service. Lot of energy in the room. Did I say the food is amazing? Free valet parking is also nice. Another surprise is the prices are very reasonable. Cheaper than most chain mex restaurants.
(5)Jocelyn C.
How to avoid a line at Red Iguana or RI2, the "iconic" restaurant of SLC: 1. Go there at 4:30PM 2. Hope there aren't too many "superfamilies" or 6-top parties in front of you that take all the tables 3. Sorry, you're pretty much SOL. Our server was a bit surly and irate off the bat. I was excited to try all the mole sampler, and the server told me it would take ten minutes, as if he was trying to deter me. Bro, are you back there making mole?!?! He delegated a young food runner to go get it, and it was out in ONE minute. That's right. Leave it to the Mexicans to get shit done fast. THIS MENU. It's LIKE THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY OF MEXICAN FOOD. I. don't. even. Where to start? If you want a mole, pick out which one you like and ask your server for recommendations. I could have gotten wasted off margaritas before picking what I wanted off that menu. Management pushed this place over the top. There was some confusion about my order (it happens), and I told them I'd just take what they brought... no big deal. Manager came by and told me he put in the order for my fajitas just in case I didn't like what I had. He was so genuinely concerned about our happiness and satisfaction that it was really above-and-beyond. "Your problem is my easiest one of the night. It's all about you being happy." Whaaat? Haven't seen this level of customer satisfaction in forevaaaa. Their fajita meat is different than what we use in Texas. They say sirloin, but I think the cut just tastes overdone quite easily. If you like skirt steak-style fajitas, this is a little different. Tortillas are great. Chips and salsa- I LOVE their salsa. It burns your mouth real good, but you keep eating more! And the salsa isn't watery, so it stays on the chip and doesn't slide off. They don't mess around with skimping on guac for your fajita accountrements. From start to finish, management expresses appreciation for your business. And that's one of many reasons why people keep coming back. Above all, don't forget your jacket. You'll need it during winter when waiting in that parking lot for your turn to eat.
(4)Ashleigh W.
Food is terrific! I have gone several times now, ordered something different every time, and loved all of it. Maybe not the greatest location, but incredibly polite staff, great food, and good decor.
(5)Scott M.
The food is alright but the service and the manager Patric and hostess were rude! We made a reservation for ten but they would not seat us at bar they are pretentious and the server and management sucks. Even our bus boy all tattooed up was extremely rude to us! The food was mediocre at the most and this is all Salt Lake City has to offer this is really SAD!
(1)Leanne A.
I actually prefer coming to the Red Iguana 2 over the original. The food is just as good as always, but I feel like the pace is a little bit slower and I don't feel as rushed by the servers. We always have great servers here that make sure to keep the chips and salsa coming! This building is a lot newer so the layout is a lot better and a lot less cramped. They also have free valet parking which is nice because the parking lot is tight! This restaurant also always has a significantly shorter wait time, and an actual waiting area, which is nice in the winter. The fajitas are so delcious, the tortillas always fresh and melt in your mouth. Their burritos are my favorite though, I usually get one chicken and one carne asada, enchilada style for sure. They are massive and I always have leftovers!
(5)Ryan C.
There is a lot of HYPE surrounding Red Iguana and 100% of it is DESERVED! The enchiladas suizas is the best plate on the menu. If I ever end up on Death Row, this will be my last meal. Get a Jalapeño Margarita to wash these down and you'll be in heaven. Plan to wait - the line is long - almost always. But trust me, it's worth it. Patience is a virtue folks. Enjoy!
(5)Alyson C.
We're from out of town so we're looking for dinner suggestions. Red Iguana came highly recommended as "the best Mexican food ever." It didn't fail. On a Saturday night we were surprised to see it so busy at 9pm, but we quickly understood why. The staff work like a finely oiled machine and the food was SO good. I had the Red Pipian dish - a pumpkin seed mole. Yum! The portion size was so big I could barely eat half. My BF had wet carne asada burritos. Same story - so big! But so dang good. We get to relive the deliciousness tomorrow for lunch.
(4)Katie D.
This is the perfect way to end a day on the slopes. You ski hard, burn lots of calories, get pretty hungry. You leave the mountain at 4:30PM tops, get here at 5PM. JUST in the nick of time before they get super duper busy. It was only 2 of us, but we were actually able to get seated immediately (at the counter)!! The free chips are awesome and the salsa definitely got a nice kick. Hubbie loved his Jalapeno margarita and thank god I ordered some horchata. Why you ask? Because all their dishes are damn spicy! Of course had to get the famous mole here. I went with the mole negro. And man, for a dish that is usually sweet, this was spicy. I downed 2 cup of horchata and had to get more. Now my husband ordered the mole amarillo on his burrito. Maybe it was a mistake that we didn't ask for tastings ahead of time... This is real spice, he was sweating up a storm and he can usually take a good amount of spice. Said it was delicious but the spice was too overwhelming to truly enjoy it. The food was very very good, but not extraordinary enough to get a 5 star...
(4)Shireen K.
A for effort. I'm not blown away by the food however it's solid Mexican food with a good ambiance (in the restaurant....not outside). Fish tacos were good but on the bland side. The mole seems to be the way to go here.
(3)Wendy B.
I love the late weekend hours, the food, the great drink menu, and the server named Sam. My daughter is vegan and I'm a vegetarian and when I asked Sam for recommendations he brought a sample plate of the AMAZING moles (carefully noting which one wasn't vegan) for us to sample. We selected our two favorites and Sam brought us gigantic plates of veggies smothered in delicious mole sauces, fresh-from-the-grill corn tortillas, and plates of rice and beans. We also ordered a table-sized guacamole to savor. Lovely!
(5)Bailey M.
First time visiting either of the Red Iguanas. Wait was about 25 minutes for the patio and we were starving so we braved the warm temps and sat outside. Service wasn't super fast, but it was decent with how busy it was. Took about an hour and a half to get in and out. I had the mango enchiladas and they were crazy good! Great balance of savory and sweet. Chips and salsa are great, too. Everything is really fresh. Definitely worth the wait!
(4)Eugene S.
I've had Mexican all over the states and this place is a must try when in SLC. I've never made it passed the Mole dishes but they are so good why would I... I hear the breakfast is delicious as well.
(5)Tammy J.
I was really impressed with this place! The atmosphere was cool and spacious, l the staff was really friendly and courteous and the food.... OMG the best!! I've lived in Utah 7 years now and this is the best Mexican food I've had in this entire state!! Everything was homemade nothing came out of a can or box!! I definitely will be going back many times!!
(5)Adriane B.
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in town. We take all of our out of State visitors here whenever we can. Other then sometimes we run into a major wait. Everything on the menu is awesome! Jesus is the best waiter they have. Keep up the great work!
(5)Scott M.
I would rate this place 5 stars but the flies in the restaurant are crazy. I have been to this restaurant a lot and every single time it's like a fly factory. But I love the food I absolutely love the salsa so good
(4)Susan S.
Our table had the jalapeño margarita and Ramon's margarita. Both are mixed in smaller glasses so they are not so sweet. The jalapeños gave the margarita a nice after burn. I'm not sure I would enjoy an entire glass of it. The food was delicious, mole is definitely their trademark dish.
(3)Sara M.
Very good flavors. Very authentic tasting. Best of all...tons of veggie options. I was also really impressed by my server, Larissa. Would totes come back!
(5)Stefan O.
Of all the places I've been around the country, never have I ever had such rude service. My coworkers and I were absolutely floored by the utter lack of service when we walked into the restaurant. We immediately left and won't come back.
(1)Sarah A.
Better than the original. I find Red Iguana I to be claustrophic (they really pack every square inch of the restaurant, which makes it hard to breathe. The food at both locations are amazing, but I prefer the atmosphere and ambiance at RI 2. You will get seated faster if you agree to eat at the counter or outside (when they have it available) and the wait time is usually a good 30 minutes to an hour. However, their food is so delicious and the staff is so friendly that it makes it worth it!
(5)Christine Z.
Highlight: It was once recommended on food network channel by Guy, so when you stepped in, you will be attracted by the photo of Guy hugging the owners. In a nutshell, famous place for Mexican food, a few minutes drive away from its twin brother. SLC seems to be the birthplace and only place for this 'Chain' restaurant, can not be found in NYC, so visit here as a landmark:) Appetizer: Real chili con queso Entree: Mole with steak(ask for extreme spicy to satisfy your stomach :) ) Apr 6th, 2014 dinner.
(4)Charles S.
After 3 years, and approximately 3 dozen visits, time for an update. This place rocks! I LOVE the Red Iguana and I LOVE the RI2 even more! On our most recent visit, it was snaining (snow/rain). We walked in and were seated immediately, with NO WAIT! That's a rarity, but a welcomed surprise when it does happen. We enjoyed our meal, as always, and headed home. We happened past the original or "real" Red Iguana on our way home and the place was, of course, packed. There was a line of people standing outside in the pouring snain. It hardly seems worth it to me, when the Red Iguana 2 has everything the original does, except the long lines and the cold/hot weather. At least at "2" you can wait inside where it's nice and climate-controlled. And... I almost forgot to mention... RI2 has Patio dining! FTW!
(5)John K.
I was in town and so I had to go to Red Iguana. But the original location was packed; so we thought we'd try Red Iguana 2. A Tuesday night and they were packed as well. I have the Puntas De Filete A La Nortena; had to have a Mole. It was excellent, as I expected it would be. The Red Iguana locations are now a must for me whenever I'm in Salt Lake City!
(4)Edward W.
Like Red Iguana 1 this sister store is the real deal, amigo. Great mexican food served by knowledgeable, efficient servers in a comfortable environment. It's worth the wait that usually exists to get in. Overall it's a terrific mexican food experience. Off street parking. A small lobby waiting area that often spills out into the parking lot with patrons. Excellent margs and wonderful salsa are staples at RI2. For years, Red Iguana has served Salt Lake City, and this location is easier to get into and just as good as number 1. Delicioso!
(4)Rob S.
Continues to impress. I didn't think I could find yet another surprising, amazing dish...after 10 or more visits through the years. But I did: Punta de Filets de Norteňa. Steak tops, cooked with bacon, onions, ajteed jalapenos, scallions and layered n o MN top of their Almond Molé. Exquisite doesn't do it justice.
(5)Chris T.
So as was said before, red iguana 2 is much stupidities to the original-much shorter wait same great food. I wish the service was better but it seems more individual rather than the norm. I got a mole Amarillo- which was fantastic. Great flavor with a little kick! The rice and beans were standard fare. Only complaint leveled was too few tortillas. The biggest thing I missed was the mole sampler. On my first trip, I was given the sampler-which lets you try 8-9 different mole and then I was asked to pick my favorite. Once my server knew what I liked he recommended dishes based on my preference or offered to have my meal prepared in my favorite mole. That experience really pushed it over the top. At the new site everything was good but seemed rushed. Please slow down and bring the magic from the first vist!
(4)Katie G.
This place totally lives up to the hype. I've stayed away from Mexican food since I left Texas but we decided to give the Red Iguana a try. When my husband and I drove by a million other people had the same idea... we opted for another restaurant that night. The following night his colleagues suggested we try out the Red Iguana 2 - who knew there was a second edition?! We rolled up and found parking right away. They managed to seat all 9 of as the bar, wasn't ideal but it worked out well in the end. I know they are famous for their sauces, the pumpkin is divine, but the fajitas are really fabulous here. Not sure what they do to char that chicken but it's perfect! I received plenty of attention from our waiter (I was seated at the very end) and I left feeling full and happy. Not sure I'll be back to SLC anytime soon but I highly recommend the Red Iguana 2 as a must-eat!
(4)Jared B.
This place is superb!!! I don't know if I'd go so far as to say best mexican food I've ever had, but this very well could be. I've heard from many, many locals that this place is a Salt Lake staple. Well I can see why. The food is not only delicious but also the service is some of the best I've ever seen. Let's begin with free valet parking and a very attentive staff. This goes a long way!! Ownership should be proud because the staff all seems to work together cohesively to make this crazy busy restaurant function. I had the Puntas de filete a la norteña as my entree. This is beef sirloin with bacon, jalapeño, tomato, pepper, onion, and almond mole. Hello taste bud heaven!!!! Please excuse my excessive use of exclamation points but I need to get the point across. It's worth the wait! Support your local business!
(5)Miriam P.
No matter what I get, it seems like everything tastes like mole. I just can't get away from it. I can partly blame myself for likely doing something wrong, but even when I think I'm ordering a non-mole dish, I feel like it's all mole. Someone help me next time! Red Iguana is at the upper echelon of Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake, but it's not a place I find myself raving about. I'm a fence-sitter on its awesomeness. It's decent.
(3)Erika D.
This location is a hidden gem and not nearly as busy as the original location. Good food and good service. Definitely one of those special UT eats that should be in your regular rotation.
(4)Bryan M.
Fantastic Mexican and great beer list
(5)Chase H.
Great authentic Mexican food, with a nice selection of epic beers for only $9.00, I tried the steak fajitas and it didn't disappoint our table also got the fish tacos and loved them. Also, it is not nearly as busy as their first location!
(4)Eric N.
I was a bit hesitant when I read some reviews saying that this is the real deal Mexican food. Maybe it's because I'm Mexican but that term gets thrown around loosely. Should have known as I sat when my gringo waiter addressed me as Señor - probably not authentic. I decided to give it a shot anyway and was surprisingly pleased. Although not authentic, the good was tasty, service was great and they use fresh ingredients. This is the best tex-mex I've ever had. Rule of thumb, if they use Monterrey jack cheese and have fajitas or burritos on the menu, it's not Mexican.
(4)Mike M.
very friendly staff, it was crowded when I arrived but they got me right in and I was able to sit at the bar. I was traveling for work so I didn't have any friends and sat next to a group of high school girls and a couple on a date. Needless to say neither of them appreciated any of my jokes. The food is very good, it was a bit spicy but I like that.
(4)Lisa S.
Best Mexican food in Utah! If you disagree, you're just, plain, wrong. Do yourself a favor... open the menu and order something you've never heard of. Or, if you're feeling less adventurous, get some tacos!
(5)Jim W.
Always consistent - always delicious. Had the dinner special - chicken breast habanero - had veggies on top and three shrimp. Was very good. Can't go wrong when you come here.
(4)Marisa D.
Great service, authentic margaritas and amazing mole. I wish I weren't from out of town because I'd like to systematically try each of their sauces. They are generous with the sauce, too! Great atmosphere!
(5)Eric P.
This is an outstanding Mexican Restaurant that is very popular with the locals and after visiting last Sunday for dinner, I can easily understand why. Arrived in SLC on Sunday afternoon for a business meeting next day. Decided to check Yelp for Best Ratings and Red Iquana and their satellite expansion, Red Iquana II came up towards the top of the list. Both locations had lines out the door at 5:30 pm, and so I almost bailed. Instead, I asked the free Valet Parking attendant how long the wait was. He said I could go immediately in if I sat out the counter which I did. From that point on it was Mexican food nirvana. The service was outstanding with all of their staff very helpful, friendly and attentive. ..And the food rocked! Very fresh and tasty tortilla chips were complimented with nice smooth and simple salsa that packed some decent heat. The waitress recommended I try one of their Moles which are their signature dishes. I selected the Mole Verde with Chicken and I have to say it was the best Mole I ever had -- For a guy who's been a fan of a variety of Mexican and Southwestern foods from various regions for most of his life,, that's saying a lot! I encourage you to check Red Iguana out!
(5)Annie K.
Phenomenally delicious and consistent. Food is incredible, served up quickly, by lovely staff. No complaints!
(5)Ermioni K.
First I have to say that I absolutely love the decor. It's cute and a bit kitschy -- but that is what makes it great. Next, their menu is the longest menu I have ever seen at a Mexican place, EVER. It is probably because in addition to what you see at a typical Mexican restaurant, this place is very well known for their mole. Typically I am not a big fan of mole, but I thought I would try it here - being that it's "famous" for it. I must say they had some very interesting varieties of the sauce. After trying it, I do suggest that everyone gets the mole combination plate so that you can taste all the different favors. It's fun for the whole group to go around the plate, while reading the ingredients of each one, and then getting to taste all the different flavors on your tongue! Finally, there's portions are HUGE, so order carefully ;) ... But every bite it delicious .
(3)Stephen L.
The food taste is similar to the original "Red Iguana", but my family and I prefer "Red Iguana 2" because of its cleanliness and its "much reduced" queuing time... I love Red Iguana in general, to me, it is the best mexican restaurant in town. I love their mole, especially the spicy mole (it started with "Ama...") in enchilada style... We came here very often... In the summer, you could sit outside with good enjoyment of beer !
(5)Dee F.
To all the Utah residents that think this is Mexican food, no, it's food (loosely) influenced by Mexico, cooked by people with a Hispanic heritage, and that's not the same at all. We arrived from Austin Tx and originally headed to the Red Iguana, based on Yelp reviews, but the line was around the block so the taxi driver suggested Red Iguana 2, a couple of blocks away and owned by the same people. On the up side, the wait staff was terrific and the place had a homey feel. It was busy and smelled great. So far so good. I love Mexican food, I've had several meals in Rick Bayless's Chicago Restaurants and have eaten Mexican food in non chain establishments in Mexico, all over Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Washington State and Fort Wayne IN. I've NEVER had anything as bad as last night's dinner. We ordered a margarita, some guac, the Enchiladas Suizas and a dinner special of a mini trio of enchiladas for my companion. OMG the Suizas were inedible. The red poblano mole sauce was reminiscent of a bad, extremely sweet BBQ sauce. Where was the flavor of chili's, some heat, the garlic or tang from Tomatillos? I scraped off the sauce, opened the tortilla and ate the inside chicken and guac. My companion fared slightly better, with the sauce being a sweeter version of perhaps a ranchero sauce. Why the high sugar content? What are all the high yelps about? The margarita was nothing special. . Don't go expecting good Mexican food. Even their menu has a disclaimer about the origins of their "unique" recipes.
(2)Shauna S.
Our meals tonight were good but not great. Too much chili pepper in the salsa and enchilada sauce. I had their special of three mini enchiladas (cheese, shredded chicken and shredded steak) with guacamole and beans. Hubby had their large combo plate with a tostada, taco, enchiladas and flautas with guacamole. Our server refilled our water cups a few times and asked about the food.
(3)Janice M.
In SLC on business and did my YELP homework before hand. Went with a co-worker who lives in SLC and she said it's her favorite Mexican place too. I tried a sample plate of their moles and have to say I'm not a fan. Ordered the carnitas and they were THE best I've ever had and I have had my share of carnitas. Incredible flavor and fried to perfection. Guacamole and black beans were delicious as well. Will definitely go back when I'm in SLC again.
(5)Tyler K.
Arrived at 5 pm. Informed it would be a 45 minute wait for a party of 5. 8 parties of 4 that arrived after my party were seated, An hour and 15 minutes later we left without being seated. I took it personally - it was almost as if the host hated my party. Someday I hope to own a restaurant and have the host show up so I can have him wait and watch as everyone who arrives after him is seated. Like a big fat figurative middle finger.
(1)Parice L.
Total Joke Most overhyped place I ever stepped in. we're from Texas with the REAL mexicans so I guess its understandable being in the middle of nowhere they think this flatulent bland throw-uppable fare is GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT. LOL. Pure jokes I tell you. Lines of ridiculousity, valet parking for beans n tacos... OK. The worst part was coming here already feeling bloated after a week of over indulgence in corporate provisioned meals and because I wasnt Gorging over my plate some gargantuan goonies replica walks over and says they "heard" I didnt like my food. Ill tell you what I dont like. Pretentious patronizing attempts at hospitality. Im with a group minding my own darn business avoiding my stomach from BURSTING and your lackluster service from me lashing chikita incompetent and then you choose lil ol me to pour out some passive aggressive saccharin snarkiness. I just shot it a couple blanks like WHATCHUTALKINBOUTGOONIE? ROTFLLLLOL I saw people eating the mole plates and it looked a plate of pile. Maybe I just dont know what part of mexico this food is exactly meant to be from. But I'll just stick to our hole in the wall worldclass mexi-fares we have down here. Even the darned foodtrucks -which I dont touch with a 20foot trailer- would put em to sleep. Maybe its unfair to compare., but just to double check it wasnt me I asked my cali colleague if it could even touch a match to the worst there n all I heard was some mumble jumble to the tune of "idunnoWTFthishhhtis"!!!!!!! We burst out rolling in pity. But you guys keep working magical wonders over there n a'yonder! GENIUS. Pure!
(1)Chris H.
Of the two Red Iguana's this is the one that I usually went to when I used to travel to Utah regularly. I hadn't been in years and thought that I would go back and give it another try. I had eaten at the Red Iguana original just the day before and I have to say that the food quality is just as good at both locations. This location is a little more "modern." It has a bar that I like sitting at while the other one does not have a bar.
(5)Zac L.
Yes, these guys deserve 5 stars! Always amazing, super friendly service. Always fresh and delicious. Dishes are authentic, consistent and beautiful. Full of all the right spices, heat and textures. We've been coming here regularly for last 18 months free from a single disappointment (except for one time on my birthday we got cut off from ordering more drinks ;)
(5)Kelly S.
Delicious margaritas, stuffed and fried jalapeños and enchiladas suiza with chicken and avocado in a mole poblano sauce. Yum! The service was good and the atmosphere lively. We are glad we went when visiting SLC.
(5)Keith J.
Found this place listed as among the best in Salt Lake City. And also was showcased on Guy Fieri's DDD. Words can't fully describe the experience. They specialize in mole's showcasing 7 different, and all delicious Moles. The food is incredible: I had the Pork Carnitas Enchiladas covered in their spiciest Mole. Tender juicy and flavorful pork complimented the sauce. My friend had chicken enchiladas with avocado in a sweeter mole sauce. Definitely recommended if you are in town. Place doesn't take reservations and gets packed so come early. Well worth it!
(5)Ricardo A.
A great place where food is treated as an art form. Authentic Mexican food with some other influences, famous for their Mole selection is a nice place for lunch, but expect wait if you get there after 11:30am. Would get a 5 wasn't for the small dining room. Worth the wait...
(4)Michael E.
Pretty great dood. I got margaritas, mushroom appetizer and some linda pork entree. It was all really delicious.
(5)David G.
The best authentic mexican food in utah. Order the horchata its amazing and its no cafe rio drink. Its the perfect blend of sweet and cinnamon. Their puntas de carnitas left me drooling and wanting more even though my stomach was full their was no stopping.
(5)Dougie P.
Lovith the Red Iguana. I have been coming back for years, and it's one of the few restaurants open on Sunday in this town. What can I say - simply the best.
(5)Kristen K.
Fantastic food and service. Definitely going back. Husband and I went with our two little ones. We shared the steak fajitas, the little ones had quesadillas and Mac& cheese. Our steak was super tender, and fantastically seasoned. Served with a generous side of cheese and guacamole. The guac was so tasty, I used the chips to dip in it and had leftovers to take home for a snack. The service is quick, friendly, and accommodating. Well worth the visit. Can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Julie C.
The wait was pretty ridiculous for a Monday night. The food was ok, but not as amazing as I was expecting. Salsa was a bit too spicy for my taste, and I like hot spicy food. Too much heat and not enough flavor. The Patron margarita was not my fav. And the service was meh.
(3)Lisa P.
I don't think I'll ever go to the original Red Iguana again! Same food and service for little to no wait. I'm not sure if this space is bigger or there are just less people who come since it's the second location. Probably a combination of both, but either way, works for me! There is plenty of parking (they have a second parking lot just east of the restaurant) and they also have valet. I've got to start with the service, because it really is stellar at both Red Iguanas. Super friendly and crazy fast. I'm always amazed at how efficient they are, even when the restaurant is packed. I've never had a bad experience with any of my servers and that is half the reason I keep coming back! The food is delicious. I'm not Mexican so I won't take the time to argue how "authentic" it is. I dont' know and I don't care, because it is freaking good. Even the chips and salsa are great. Be sure to ask for the spicy salsas and they will likely bring out at least 3 different kinds. As for entrees, this is one of the rare restaurants here I don't have a go-to dish. Tacos, enchiladas, chimichanga, I love it all! Anything with their sour cream chicken is my favorite, and they always have cool, interesting specials that I normally try. Now a few Yelpers raved about the puntas de filete a la nortena so I did try it.... not my cup of tea. I should have known better because I'm actually not a mole fan, but oh well. There seem to be plenty of other people who love that dish, I'm just not one of them.
(5)Tom E.
The food at the Red Iguana 2, just like the original Red Iguana, is life-altering! I might not be the best person to comment on the full menu, though. The reason is that I ordered the puntas de filete a la nortena the first time I visited 2 years ago and have ordered the same thing every time since. The almond mole sauce should be described as borderline mystical! I found out that I was not alone... While waiting to be seated last week, the gentleman sitting next to me said he had just flown in from Kansas City, and as usual he made a bee line straight to the Red Iguana... and he ordered the same Red Iguana Plate he has ordered every time for the last three years. In any case, there are worse places to be "stuck in a rut" because the the service is great and the food is divine!
(5)Haley B.
I've been here on a few different occasions, but tonight might have taken the cake. There was a bit of a wait, but it was half as long as it would have been at Red Iguana 1, so I guess I can't really complain. I loved sitting in the bar area, and apparently they have a guitar player who walks from table to table singing Spanish love ballads on Saturday nights. Pretty sweet! Like so many others, I am a sucker for the mole. Almond and pumpkin are probably my favorites, but honestly I love them all and I get SO EXCITED when the waitress brings the sampler and explains every flavor. It never gets old. Today I ordered puntas de filete a la nortena with the jalapenos on the side and it was excellent. My friend got some giant combo that had one of everything, and he was satisfied, but I maintain that he would have been MORE satisfied had he heeded my advice and ordered something with mole. Red Iguana 2 is great because it's the same wonderful food as Red Iguana 1 without the wait. Obviously I'm going back.
(4)Thomas G.
The Red Iguana 2 is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the country. Red Iguana 2 was originally the overflow restaurant for the original Red Iguana. It is one of those rare restaurants where the sister restaurant out performs the original. RI2 is fairly new and is in a nice bright and spacious building. There is Valet parking. It is always crowded, but the tables turn very quickly. I have seen a lot of large groups there so it seems to manage them well. The margaritas are excellent and they also offer the "big boy" bottles of Epic Brewing a SLC craft brewery. I like the Epic Lager a lot. The chips and salsa that come with the table are excellent and are not the typical Mexican Restaurant stock. The salsa tastes homemade and the chips are of high quality. I always get a combination plate which includes a taco, enchilada and chile relleno. Are these basics? Certainly. But they are done so well at RI2. The flavors are excellent and just are a pleasure to the palate. The accompanying plate of rice and beans is a light tasty adjunct to the main event. The guacamole is also excellent. Red Iguana 2 is my favorite Mexican restaurant. I pine away for it when I am back home in NY and have to sit down to the slop that most NY Mexican restaurants offer.
(5)Clayton T.
Get there early because there is ALWAYS a line and it's definitely worth the wait. I always get the puntas nortenos it's pretty spicey and the best thing I've ever tasted in my life. We LOVE Red Iguana.
(5)Ankita K.
I wasn't expecting good Mexican food in Utah, but boy was I glad I hears about this place. Living in Texas and California spoiled me with great Mexican food, but this place does not disappoint. SO MANY OPTIONS, spicy salsa, and HORCHATA (that comes with a refill). Only negatives: * the chips they served with the salsa weren't great (semi stale tasting?) * in other places where I've ordered fajitas, they come with rice and beans on the side. For the price, I would have expected similar here as well.
(5)Ryan S.
This place will always be one of my favorite places to eat. I love eating at the original one but the wait at Red Iguana 2 is way better. I have never had a bad experience here and if you are from Utah or visiting Utah you have to try this place. Chile Verde Burritos are my favorite and don't be scared to add some rice to them because it is the bestest.
(5)Sarah G.
Service is A+. Food is incredible. mole sauce is fresh & authentic. Very tasty. 100% satisfied! Will be back.
(5)Strider G.
The food here is wonderful. With the price being just right. I keep coming back here.
(4)Saynatry P.
This was my second time trying my place and I was a bit skeptical. First time I went I tried the mole which is what they are known for. I was really excited to try it but was let down from all the hype. Personally, I think mole is not my cup of tea so I thought I would try again. I went with a party of 9 at 5:00 on a Friday night, we called ahead for seating and thank goodness we did. That place gets lines and lines out the door! We were seated promptly and our server was EXCELLENT! He was super friendly and attentive. I ended up ordering the ENCHILADAS A LA LAGO SALADO and oh my lanta, I was not disappointed!! It was a plate with two enchiladas filled with potatoes and chorizo with a chicken salad lettuce wrap on the side. Everything in this dish came together so well! That dish made me a believer of all the hype surrounding this restaurant!! I hope to go back again fairly soon...just thinking about those enchiladas have me drooling already!
(4)D. W.
Here is you how create a success story: have one location so jam-packed that you create an overflow location a short 3 blocks away and then have the overflow location also jam-packed. Even during off-peak hours, this place is rockin', despite it being in a location you would only visit if you were trying to get there. This is tucked away on a narrow street by some railroad tracks and it's so far off the beaten path, you wouldn't normally just come across it driving randomly. Decor is serviceable and mostly utilitarian. There is the obligatory paint scheme, a weathered overhang that is still clinging on for dear life and, oddly, an 80's Cadillac boat parked on the rocks in front....so the paint job can be more easily sun-battered, I suppose. There is more interesting stuff to look at inside, but most of the interior space is devoted to tables, as you would expect for an overflow location. This place doesn't and probably isn't really intended to stand on its own. It is intended as an extension of the original place and feels that way. Same menu, same quality, same stellar wait service, same fantastic flavors and brilliant execution. This is one of the few places that can do eggs over-easy well, for instance. I wouldn't say this is the ultimate restaurant and would hesitate to call it a perfect one, but after a fairly significant layoff from a period when I was going at least twice a week, I was reminded again just how excellent it truly is and it was nice to return. This is one of the few places that you can pick almost anything off the menu and not be disappointed, though it does help if you like mole'. There are still a few things I don't personally like, but even those are done well. Drink selection could stand improvement, though. Perhaps most telling here is that Red Iguana is one of the few restaurants I would strongly consider fighting to get in and if you're going there, you probably won't have much choice if you want to get inside. It is, however, well worth it. Bring on the third location!
(4)Tony D.
Hello everyone, I am by all accounts a regular at Red Iguana 2. I love the food their and the Green Chili Verde is insanely great. I am posting because I have seen some negative posts here. While all opinions count, being angered over a Tattooed Server is childish. Your at a restaurant so post about the food. Don't post about Sex, religion and or personal lifestyle of servers there please. I have taken the time to get to know every busser, server and manager at Red Iguana 2 and love each and everyone! Thanks to all
(5)Myron E.
The food was... Over rated. It gave me a sense of being at a typical Costa Vida but with drinks available.
(2)M R.
This place is great! Awesome authentic food and large portions. Our server, Misty, was wonderful. She had a great personality and took excellent care of us. She knew the menu in and out and told us about each kind of mole sauce like a pro. If we lived in SLC we would definitely make this a regular spot! Great way to start off our vacation.
(5)Joe P.
Wow, Salt Lake City has a lot to offer and this place was packed. We beat the dinner rush (barely) and were quickly seated. The waitress ran through the specials as my stomach imagined ordering everything it heard as it all sounded delicious. We started with a mole sampler which was awesome. There were too many flavors to remember, but there were all very tasty. Some were sweet, some were spicy, and some were both. They do have full strength beer if you order the correct ones. I foget the brewery name that I had, but it was brewed in SLC, came in a bottle and wasn't of the 3/2 variety. I went with one of my favorite Mexican plates, enchiladas. They were very flavourful, fresh, and drenched with an amazing sauce. The guac, black beans, and rice rounded out the plate nicely. This place filled up quickly, but they provided excellent service with great food. I left pleasantly full thinking of what plate I would order next time.
(5)Grason R.
I'll keep this one short and sweet... mainly because it's so similar to the other location. The menu is the exact same, and thats not a bad thing. For those of you who haven't been to either red iguana, they are fantastic. Pages of options, at reasonable prices. They are known for their mole, and it's for a great reason! The main difference is the atmosphere. I absolutely love the original red iguana because of the small rooms, chaotic atmosphere and energetic staff. Unfortunately, you just don't get that at red iguana 2. I'll still continue to go there because it's a lot easier to get a table, but if you have the time... check out the original.
(4)Jason C.
I went here because it wasn't as busy as the original Red Iguana. I enjoyed it immensely. There was literally no wait, we got our food quickly and it was delicious! I got the piña colada and chicken tacos. Definitely will go here again :)
(5)Kay S.
Last week we ate at both the original location and RI2. I wondered if the food would be as good at 2, but I'm happy to report the dishes were indistinguishable. Our party of 10 enjoyed the extra space and comfortable surroundings at 2. The original was fun, but very cramped even for just 3 of us, and noisy. Start your meal with the queso! ¡Excelente! Favorite main dishes were the mole negro, mole mango, chile verde, beef & chicken enchiladas, pork loin w red mole (forgot the name), enchiladas suisas. No room for dessert. The food was delicious, but the exceptional service really made the evening memorable. I don't hesitate to recommend either location, but 2 is just more comfortable and the wait staff and manager went out of their way to make us welcome.
(5)Tim C.
It's kind of refreshing to see that Guy Fieri and the Food Network get it right every once in a while. My wife and I came here off of multiple recommendations, plus it was featured on Triple D, so we thought, "Why not?" We weren't disappointed. Their chips and salsa were quite tasty. The salsa had a lot of heat to it, which I appreciated - it wasn't weak like a lot of the complementary chips and salsa most restaurants bring out. We asked for the mole sample plate to start with, which was a good idea, because all their moles are good, and it's hard to choose the best one. I ended up favoring the almond-based mole, which is why I got the Puntas de Filete a la Nortena - sirloin tips and bacon with lots of veggies over the almond mole with beans and tortillas. Not only was it delicious, but it was incredibly filling. If I weren't so hungry, I may have been able to split this with my wife. Honestly, this dish hit the spot for me - the jalapenos provided a perfect amount of spice, the meat was flavored really well, and the mole was the star of the dish. It wasn't overly sweet like some moles I've had, but it was more rich and nutty. Definitely a unique taste to me. My wife ordered the Tacos Don Ramon, which had beef tips, pork chorizo, pico de gallo and salsa. She enjoyed the taste and amount of her food, but I think I liked my dish better. Our service was incredibly nice, helpful, and accommodating. The atmosphere of the place had a lot of energy, but didn't feel too over-the-top or obnoxious. I enjoyed the music they played, too - a mix of oldies, 90s alternative, and indie rock. We only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table, too! It's right down the street from the original Red Iguana, and from what I hear, they serve exactly the same food. So if the wait is long at the other location, you'll probably be able to find a seat quicker here.
(5)Jon U.
Great food! Really was "Killer Mexican " just like the sign said. If your in Salt Lake City and like Mexican you need to go.
(5)Lynn C.
Pros: Great tasting food, menu a little different, reasonably priced, open on Sunday Cons: Crowded, a little hard to find Came here our first night in Salt Lake City. We drove by it the first time even though we had the address. It is located north of the train tracks on a narrow street and has little frontage on the main business street. It was crowded; apparently the restaurant had been on Diners, Drives-Thrus, and Dives. At first we were seated at the counter. Actually, they asked first, and there was a miscommunication. We indicated that we'd rather have a table. Even though they had already scratched our name off the list, the staff got it right, and we were seated at a table shortly. The food was really good. I got an enchilada dish that I can't remember the name of with a pumpkin sauce. The salsa was nice and spicy with a touch of bitterness from the chile. While I wasn't turning cartwheels over my dish, I do appreciate that it was different than your standard Mexican fare. We liked the food enough to return to the Red Iguana (1) the next week towards the end of our vacation.
(5)Brent W.
We started off with a plan to go to Red Iguana because it has been featured on diners, dives, and drive-ins. What we quickly realized is that place is tiny, and it was going to be a long wait. Thankfully, Red Iguana 2 is right around the corner. There, we were seated almost immediately, and while you are waiting you can help yourself to some delicious apple cider. After being seated, our waiter was exceptionally friendly. He explained the number of items on the menu, including the range of mole sauces. My brother went for the Mole Amarillo, while I had the Chile Colorado. My mom got the nachos. All of the dishes were excellent. I really appreciate that this is not the typical Tex-Mex, with bland enchiladas smothered in cheese. This was real delicious slow cooked meat in an extremely flavorful sauce. The nachos were good too. The drinks at this place are not bad either, which was a nice topping on an already delicious night. My only complaint is that when I left this place I was so stuffed I might explode. I don't even think I finished my meal. I'd definitely go back to this place, and there is pretty much no reason to waste your time on the original Red Iguana unless it's really painful for you to not go to the one Guy Fieri has been to. Oh, and by the way, the menu here is not up to date. The real menu matches the one for the original Red Iguana.
(5)Joe D.
This place never disappoints! The food always tastes amazing and the service is great considering how busy it is all the time. The manager even treated us to free dessert for our continued loyalty. If you love dessert try the flan it is nothing short of perfect.
(5)Candye K.
Sorry. I have never been to the Red Iguana 2. I have only been to the original Red Iguana. But if the #2 is half as good as the #1, they deserve our patronage and adoration.
(5)Chase H.
Where to start? Over the past four years, I've become quite the fan of Red Iguana. I come to the SLC area for a week every 1-3 months and always try to make it there for lunch or dinner at least once. When I was in town recently, I had about 2.5 hours before my flight and wanted to stop by to grab lunch. Unfortunately, the wait time was estimated at 45-60 minutes. I would have been cutting it close if I decided to wait... and I was really hungry! I remembered that there is more than one Red Iguana (I think there are three now) and quickly looked up the next closest location. To my surprise, Red Iguana 2 is less than 0.5 miles away... Upon arriving at Red Iguana 2, I was instantly seated. Too good to be true? Nope... it's the same restaurant! Overall, I think I prefer Red Iguana 2 to Red Iguana... no line, same amazing food, and a more spacious dining area.
(5)Rob B.
As good as the original Red Iguana, but a couple of blocks away and less of a wait. They have the same stunning mole's (get the mole'!) plus a variety of other dishes. Almost everything is very authentic (don't expect cheese heavy Tex-Mex). Absolutely delicious. Portions are very large and the food is rich. Come hungry and bring friends.
(5)Chad A.
Excellent food and super friendly service. We went there after shopping in downtown Salt Lake and couldn't have been happier. Mexican food with love in the sauces and dishes.
(5)Melissa L.
There is a very good reason the Red Iguana is regarded as one of the best restaurants in SLC. It's THAT good. In fact, it's some of best Mexican food I've ever had. They specialize in moles and offer a wide variety of dishes that lean more towards Mexico than Taco Bell on the scale of authenticity. I had their enchiladas suizas, which is comprised of chicken, sour cream, avocado rolled up in a tortilla and smothered in mole poblano and a sprinkle of cheese. It was delicious! The mole was rich and complex and was a nice change from the typical enchilada sauce. The portion sizes are really generous, so much so that I wasn't hungry for the rest of the day. The food arrived really quickly and was piping hot. The chips were thin and crispy while the salsa was definitely on the spicy side. Service was really friendly and efficient. They definitely know how to handle large crowds here. Parking is available on the street on in their lot. During lunch time there wasn't much of an issue with procuring a parking spot or a table. Additional seats are available at the counter that runs the length of the restaurant. This location is a fairly large space and good for small and large groups. All who come will have a great meal and a great experience.
(5)Kenny W.
Who would have guessed that the best Mexican restaurant I've ever eaten at would be in Salt Lake City? I've lived in San Diego, 17 miles from the Mexican border, for 31 years and nothing in my hometown comes close to Red Iguana 2. This was my first time in SLC and I called an old friend from my days in Colorado and asked "Where should I eat?" He's a concert promoter and his response was "All the bands who come through eat at Red Iguana." Without getting as detailed as most epicurean Yelpers, let me say that our server Marian was one of the best waitresses anywhere. She went over the menu in detail with us, suggested we go with their famous mole sauce and brought us a beautiful sampler of all nine moles with chips before we ordered. I went with the chicken enchiladas suizas with empanada mole and it was spectacular. My party of four each ordered something different and we oohed and aahed the entire meal. When we come back to SLC, this will be our first stop. Get a cadillac margarita too!
(5)Denni P.
Great second location, love this place. This restaurant appears a tiny bit smaller than their original location, newer and have free valet parking only. Food is carbon copy of their original location. Service is friendly and our wait time to get in this location was abut 15 min on a Friday night. Had the shredded chicken tostada's (to die for if you're a tostada fan).
(4)Timothy A.
Came back to visit Salt Lake. Had to visit the best Mexican restaurant in town. Love their Mole and Killer Nachos.
(5)Jason Y.
Had the traditional enchiladas. Good but not worth an hour wait. Our group was visiting in the parking lot after dinner and security made us leave. No loitering! !! Won't be back.
(1)Eli L.
Great food. I would do ghastly things to loved ones for another bite of the steak and chorizo tacos. The locally owned tequila is delicious. I want to move to SLC so I can eat here regularly.
(5)Deanna M.
I have no idea why this isn't my go-to autopilot choice for Mexican. So many vegetarian options. I highly recommend the veggie fajitas.
(5)Fred w.
We had heard that Red Iguana was a good Mexican restaurant. Naturally we checked it out on Ye and the reviews supported what we'd heard. Thursday eve about 6:30 and there had to be 50 people waiting in parking lot, hostess said 30 minutes and we waited 15 minutes and were seated (being a twosome made it easier than the big groups and apparently people put names in but then leave). The place is clean, servers are engaging and place has a certain energy about it, which we enjoyed. Our server brought us a sampler dish of all the moles they offer along w/explanation of what they are and what's in them- they were great. My wife had the chicken enchiladas with avocado and I had the chicken & rice w/tomatoe sauce, Chiles,etc etc. Both were outstanding washed down with some sold beer. Lots of good food for a decent price. Highly recommend visiting this place
(5)Kent W.
Below Average. I really hoped to love it as much as everyone else reviewing this place seemed to. To start, yes, there will be a line. Do NOT wait outside! After being told it would be 30-40 minute wait, and checking with hostess several times, he gave away my table and acted stupid about it. I suppose someone else slipped him a tip or something. He said my name more than once when I was checking progress and then acted like he didn't know it when I pointed out my name crossed off of the list. the manager came out to tell us we'd be seated soon. no apology, no free app, no drink. just walked off. in the end, we waited well over an hour and we're the last ones seated when we arrived earlier than most. Believe it or not, I still wanted to love the food. it was just ok. Carnitas were dry. Mole was ok. Margherita's small. I don't get the hype. if you are looking for tex mex, don't bother. if you enjoy more authentic Mexican food, that's the idea but good luck. I hope I was just there on a bad day, but I'll never know. the lack of concern by hostess and manager ensures that I won't return.
(2)Chad F.
Returned for our annual SLC visit And squeezed in 2 Red Iguana Dinners. Moles as usual were stunning. The hits with this group of 9 were the mango mole w enchiladas and the mole Amarillo. On the 2nd trip moles and enchiladas were once again a hit. Excellent horschata. A quart of Amarillo Mole to go will keep us thinking about red iguana for a while. Always good food and excellent service
(5)Erica J.
My mole dreams were crushed when I attempted to go here one evening and the line was out the door and around the corner. In record low temperatures. I reluctantly said "hell no..." and stomped back to the car. Red Iguana 1 yielded the same response. And then...a miracle happened. A "what should we eat?" conversation was started on a Sunday evening after a long day of snowboarding. And we decided, yet again, that the mole shaped hole of our hearts was yearning to be filled...Thank God for quiet Sunday evenings in Salt Lake City. Hands down some of the most delicious mole I've ever had. The Mole Verde was creamy and delicious...I'd likely drink the stuff like a spicy little milkshake. The shrimp stuffed jalepeno peppers was one of the most delicious things I've ever had. SHRIMP.CHEESE.STUFFED.JALEPENOS.SPICY RED SAUCE. I love all of those things and they come wrapped together in a warm delicious package?! Bonus, the staff was incredibly friendly and on-it with the service. It really is worth the wait.
(5)Christopher C.
Never had mole before, but can't imagine it being better than this! The Negro Mole was sensational, with flavors unlike anything I've had before.
(5)Tara L.
I've tried mole before....in Monterrey Mexico where it's "famousa"....and I hated it! To each their own but I do not want chocolate sauce on my chicken and that's what mole negro tastes like to me. Fast forward to Red Iguana 2 where they take mole and spin it on its head. There are about 9 variations on mole from the traditional mole negro to their newest mole mango. After trying the sampler plate I decided I was a convert. Mole had been redeemed! So I ended up getting the enchilada suiza (chicken, sour cream, and avocado inside) and had them cover it in the mole amarilla. This is their spicy mole and being the chili head that I am it hit the spot. The guy sitting next to me at the bar got the same dish but kept it with the mole listed on the menu and we were both raving about our dishes. These are huge enchiladas too....there are two to an order and I could barely finish one of them. Forgo the rice and beans as they won't be missed or needed!
(5)Chad M.
Everytime I go to Salt lake I come here. Be prepared though there will prob be a wait. It is so good they opened a second location 2 blocks away and there is still a wait.
(5)Rich L.
It's all been said already. Everything I've eaten here I love. Not a huge mole fan but these guys are helping me overcome.
(5)Jason W.
Consistently some of the best Mexican food around. I try something different every time I go there and I have never been disappointed. They also have a large and varied drink selection from their bar. The second location alleviates the only downside to Red Iguana which was the cramped and limited space available at the North Temple location. I make a point of taking visitors from out of town just to try the mole. I cannot recommend this place enough.
(5)Todd R.
Holy Mole'! Ok so went to the original but line was too long. So went to RI2 and were seated in 15 minutes. This place is amazing. We don't do much with mole' in Texas besides mole' negro. This takes it to a whole other level. Get the puntas de filete a la nortena.
(5)Tyler S.
Best in town hands down for mexican food. Every single dish that I have tried has been top notch. The wait is major on the weekend but it is because it is so good!
(5)Debra M.
We had driven by Red Iguana and saw the crazy line but came to Red Iguana 2 and were happy to see there was no line at all. Very happy with the food here. We loved loved the Mole!!! It really is as good as everyone says. We split the enchiladas and were so happy.
(5)Sam S.
The best Mexican food in SLC hands down. There is always a wait to get in, that's how good it is. Get the Tacos a la Iguana, they are so good that I wake up at night thinking about them. Good 'Ritas too, if you're not Mormon
(5)Kenji H.
Was skeptical initially but I'm definitely a fan. This will be my go to spot when I come back to Salt Lake for business. Probably the mole I've had outside of Mexico. Rich, savory and rustic. Jesus was phenomenal in explaining the ingredients and makjjg recommendations. This place is uniquely Mex and I'm so glad I came. I will most definitely be back
(4)V Y.
One of the best mexican (ok, texmex mostly) restaurants in the U.S. Always packed, always a line, always worth it ... and even better when you get to skip the line and wait by doing take-out! Food: High quality, great quantity, and super variety from good tacos to incredible selection of moles. Service: Always has been good ... pleasant, not annoying, efficient. Ambiance: Its a high energy mexican place with customers who are happy to be there and happy to be with each other. Really a nice pick-me-up kinda place. Always take the chance to go when I'm in SLC. And Red Iguana (the original is just three blocks away) is just as good! Really tough to choose between 4 and 5 stars ... really want to give it 4.5 so I'll have to round up to 5.
(5)C F.
Some of the best Mexican food I have ever had!! This place was very busy and was well worth the wait. The house margarita was mixed strong and seemed to be made with simple lime juice and not sweet and sour. Very tasty!! I had two burritos with shreaded beef and the sauce was this incredible deep brown red sauce that had beef tips in it. WOW!!! it truly was one of the best tasting dishes that I have ever had at a Mexican restaurant. I sampled some of the MOLE from the others I was with and they all were also incredible tasting!! I like that you can purchase the MOLE to take home...I look forward to returning to SLC and going to the Red Iguana 2.
(5)Brad S.
Visited twice during a 4 day trip to SLC. Waited 45 minutes each time, and it was worth the wait. Ask for the mole sampler and make a selection after tasting, best mole I have ever had.
(5)Ashley F.
Hole mole. I'm not sure it matters what protein you order, so long as it's slathered in one of the out-of-this world moles. I feel sorry for the salsa served upon arrival - it gets quickly eclipsed by the sampler plate of mole served to each party after being seated. Word to the wise, BRING YOUR ID. Even your AARP card won't get you alcohol if you can't produce a valid license. Don't join me in the ranks of the utterly disappointed post-snowboarding patrons who left their ID in their ski coat and now has to sneak sips, err, watch my husband drink his delicious, fresh juice rita. (For the record, I appreciate the legitimate heat of the jalapeno rita that sat next to me). If I was local to SLC, I'd buy the mole in bulk and drink it.
(5)Sarah B.
I went here last night for the first time and had a party of 11, we had about a 45 min wait which was expected for our party size and it was a Friday night. The service was very fast and friendly, drinks were refilled often, and the food was AMAZING! I will definitely be returning. It was such a fun, lively environment and the price is very affordable! I am now a huge Red Iguana 2 fan and I can't wait to try more menu items!
(4)Porter R.
Jalapeno margarita ftw!
(5)Jessica M.
The Red Iguana 2 is much bigger than their other location. I enjoy the atmosphere. The wait staff is really friendly and take the time to really help indecicive people like myself figure out what to order. We started with salsa and chips. We ordered a bowl of guacamole which was outstanding. For an appetizer we ordered the bay shrimp quesadillas. A huge plus about this restaurant was the free valet parking. I also liked that the waiter brought out some mole for us to try. I just felt like the waiter really tried to make us as comfortable as possible.
(5)Dawn-Marie N.
We went to the 1st on and it was packed, so we went to the Red Iguana 2. It was so worth it! The sauce was unlike anything I've ever tasted before! Wished I lived closer to eat there more often! Loved it!!! -They do have FREE valet parking because the parking lot is small and packed.
(5)Danielle H.
Chiliques were amazingly authentic. So tasty and the service was great. I recommend this place to anyone who loves Mexican food!
(4)Sabrina C.
This was one of the best mexican food restaraunts I have eaten at for a long time and living so closes to the Mexican border I was shocked to find it in Salt Lake City. Wait time is a bit much but was worth it. Just plan on a good 45min-1hr wait to be seated. Didn't help that the other red iguana was closed due to road construction so that may have been a fluke. Food was fabulous loved their mole sauces. Their margaritas are delicious also and quite strong which is a change from what i'm used to getting at so many places these days.
(5)Leah B.
I lived in Denver for 5 years and hadn't been back to Red Iguana 1 since moving back to SLC. Tried to go last week, and....shocking as this may be....it was out-the-door packed. So, reluctantly, I let my husband talk me into going to 2. Boy howdy was it good. I know I say everything in Denver is better, but people, there ain't no Mexican food in Denver like this. In fact, the only better Mexican food I have ever had is at El Fagon in Playa del Carmen. My husband had the puntas de filete a la Nortena, which was amazing, if you like Mole. I had the Tacos Dona Ramon, and they were insane...so insane with goodness. Seriously, deep fried corn tortilla shell, tastey, juicy meat, fresh toppings, and spicy salsa made for one of the best taco experiences of my life. I always say I'm not big on Mexican food, but that's just because there are too many bad Mexican restaurants. This is quickly becoming my favorite Utah restaurant. Tons of Mexican beers, too. It still gets busy in here, but they have valet, and more open seatin than 1. So, so good, ya'll.
(5)Ashley F.
We were swinging through Salt Lake City and decided to stop at Red Iguana after seeing it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The regular one was packed, so it was nice to find the Red Iguana 2 right around the corner. I am not a mole girl, but I really wanted to try the mole at Red Iguana since it is supposed to be their thing. I was shocked by how much I liked it! It was so flavorful, with so many flavors combined, but not muddy. My mom had the beef enchiladas, which she claims were excellent. Our waiter seemed a little distant at first, but when we mentioned we are from Minnesota he came alive! A Vikings fan, apparently. He was hilarious. Too bad we live 1000 miles away!
(5)Doug V.
OK, I just got back from one of the most unusual dining experiences I have recently encountered. Thank you guys for the recommendation, it was well worth the effort. I arrived at 4:30 and there was a 45min wait list, however, the hostess told me about the Red Iguana 2 that was just around the corner where I could sit at a counter and not have to wait for a table. When I got there, I was at first very concerned as I was the only one there? Same company? Same chef? I sampled the mole, which is what they are most known about, but decided to go with their special of the day, a chile relleno stuffed with beef, raisens, nuts, veggies, topped with a brandy pomagrante sauce. Wow! It was great. I finished my gastrological adventure with flan and coffee ( local roast with a touch of cinnamon ). By the time I left, it was a packed house! I spoke with the manager and he told me that the NY Times had come out to SLC and followed the owner around for a few days and then wrote a great article about her and the restuarant. My waiter recommended the Don Paul Tacos as the most popular item, plus about three others which means I need to figure out more clients to call on in Utah! Thanks for the recommendation,
(5)Mike J.
One of the BEST Mexican restaurants I have ever eaten at....Great food, Service and margaritas. Hands down you won't go wrong trying this place out and you will leave full. P.S. try the Killer Nachos!!!
(5)Hoyt H.
I miss this place soooo much! The Red Iguanas are my favorite Mexican restaurants in the U.S. and I haven't found anything close in Maryland. The mole dishes are varied and tasty, as are the other traditional Mexican dishes. Everything I've tried on the menu is great, with the exception of the jalapeno margarita (that one was a bit gimmicky ;) Service has been good each time that I've been, which is impressive given the size of the crowds. And yes, it's always very crowded. This can make it difficult to find parking in their rather small parking lot, which only has one entrance. It can also be a bit tricky to find, given the railroad tracks running down the street outside, but don't give up, you'll thank me after you eat your tasty Mexican food! I can't wait for the next time I'm in SLC...
(5)Scott R.
I can't believe I haven't checked into this place until now. Been coming here way before the Triple D days. And even back then there was generally a 30 minute wait. But it is worth it for the food. I have ordered several things off the menu. And I have never been disappointed. This is the secondary location for this restaurant. And I am so glad they built it. I loved the charm and feel of the other location. But it is really nice not to have to squeeze by people just to move. The outdoor seating is a nice touch as well. I will be back again soon.
(4)Kenny C.
Never in my wildest dreams would I think the best Mexican food I would have would be while traveling on business in Salt Lake City, but it was. I came to eat here on a Wednesday and there was a 30 minute wait, from what I hear its even worse on the weekend. But once we were seated we got our orders taken very quickly and the food came out withing 10 minutes. I had the classic chimi and it was delicious. I really cant find much more to say other then the food was GREAT!
(5)Jason D.
simply the best Mexican food in town. ANY mole dish is great. the service is amazing. the wait is worth it. the drive from any part of town is no big deal. enjoy!
(5)Randy S.
Awesome Food, Great Price!!!
(4)Lea H.
Hands down, best Mexican in Utah. It's been exciting to see this little hole in the wall restaurant turn into what it is today. This location (2) is the newer/nicer location. My personal faves: their chimichangas, mole, shrimp senora. But I have tried nearly everything on the menu and have never been disappointed.
(5)Lyoni P.
Good food! Excellent service, brings real Mexican dishes to life! The seating needs to be bigger! And spread out more maybe new building and location you guys are doing awesome your business is huge. Thinking a better bigger building is needed. It's a 5 star in food but seating atmosphere is a 3. If I can hear everyone's conversations from other tables it's a yes we're to close situation kind of annoying!
(3)Diana L.
The moaning sounds coming from our table probably scared the other patrons. But I didn't care. The Enchilada Suizas were SUPER TASTY. I'm not going to say that their mole poblano is orgasmic, but I'm going to think it. And drool here quietly. Despite their mediocre chips, salsa, rice, beans and tortillas, their moles totally make this place 4-star worthy. My hunny got the Mole Negro and it was also delicious. Not too sweet with a nice, smoky flavor. Yum. On a side note, parking around here is totally easy. They even have free valet. We just nabbed a spot on the street and only waited 15 minutes to get seated on a Saturday night. Service was timely and the outdoor seating is fantastic on a summer night. You can't go wrong with Red Iguana.
(4)Ben S.
As a born-and-raised Texan AND a chef, I have a pretty high standard for Mexican food. I was quite dubious when my Salt Lake friends told me they were taking me out for Mexican, but Red Iguana 2 took me completely by surprise. I happen to be obsessed with moles, and when I saw all the moles on their menu, half of me was excited and intrigued, while the other half was suspicious. "Yellow mole?" I mean, come on people...mole is dark, almost black, and it's never made with mango or cream. I explained by conundrum to the waitress and she happily brought out a plate with dabs of all their moles on it. Their traditional mole was exceptional, and I'm a tough mole critic. And to my surprise, all the other "moles" were delicious as well. Not technically moles, of course, but quite good. I was there with a VERY large party (20, I believe) and it's a tribute to the waitstaff that everyone's order was delivered correctly and literally less than 10 minutes after we ordered. The party was pretty feisty and loud, and the waitress was super friendly and patient to a fault, also impressive. The only critique I have for the place, and it's not the fault of the restaurant but of the oppressive regime that rules Utah, is that drinks are tiny and weak. Margaritas are served in a tiny tumbler, with about a Tablespoon of tequila in each. Thank you, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for forcing weak margaritas on me state-wide. All-in-all, Red Iguana 2 provides a surprisingly creative twist on traditional Mexican food and TexMex. The location is pretty seedy and creepy (as far as Salt Lake City goes), but definitely worth a regular trip.
(4)Memorie M.
My friends, it doesn't even enter my mind to go to Red Iguana anymore. We always go to #2. I love sitting on the patio and every once in a while silently watching a train go by. Since the food is still muy delicioso, it's understandable there will be a wait during peak hours here too. I really like that they have sangria (white and red!) but the serving a little on the small side, must be a DABC thing or I'm a just a major lush. My favorite entree is the Tacos la Iguana. MMMMMM.........I think I just made lunch plans.
(4)Maggie P.
OLE for the MOLE! I love their mole. seriously, can't get enough. We came here for lunch and we had no wait. They staff was great and (of course) the food was great!!
(4)Nathan B.
I can't even describe how good the cochinita pibil tasted! That's really all I have to say. Eat here!
(5)Mike W.
For my money, Red Iguana is, hands down, the BEST Mexican food restaurant in Utah! It simply cannot be beat! EVERYTHING that I have ever tried on the menu is simply amazing. They are best known for their amazing mole, of which they have numerous varieties available. My favorites are the Verde, Poblano, and Coloradito. If you are really nice to your server, he or she will probably be willing to bring you out a tester plate so you can try all of the different mole flavors that they offer. I am also a sucker for guacamole and Red Iguana doesn't disappoint here either. Order some with your chips and I promise that you will be happy. I am not a drinker, but I did notice that they offer numerous specialty drinks and an extensive beer menu. It seems like all restaurants have servers that leave something to be desired, but I have never encountered one of these at Red Iguana. They are all friendly, patient, and fast. They can answer all of your questions about the menu and make good, personalized recommendations. Parking is awesome because it is free valet, which is nice because this place is always busy and the lot is always full. Just make sure you keep your karma levels high by giving the guys a nice tip. If you want want the best Mexican food in Utah, you have to make at least one pilgrimage to Red Iguana. Buen Provecho!
(5)Cody R.
I was in Salt Lake City for four days and I ate here twice. Amazing. Both times I had something different and was super impressed. I hate to throw my "Texas" flag around, but I'd be hard pressed to find a city that has better Mexican food that San Antonio/Austin. Red Iguana could open up shop in downtown Austin tomorrow and be crowded the following day. It could contend with the big boys. I love all the work they do in revitalizing the west side of town and North Temple. Good food with a good mission! Viva El Salt Lake City!
(5)Jacob H.
Having grown up in Southern California, I know good Mexican food. My wife (who is Mexican) and I found this place on the internet and read the reviews. The reviews were on the dot. The restaurant is located away from downtown, by some railroad tracks. The first thing that you will get is great customer service. I dined with my wife, grandmother, and three children, ages 1-3. The waiter was very attentive, polite, and professional. He ensured our water was always full and even brought kiddy cups with straws to help with the kids. At the end of the meal, he listened well to my compliment and was personally interested in exactly what I was saying. The food is not only authentic, but goes beyond that into genius. The food was flavorful and well prepared, but the chef exercised boldness by adding strong flavors without diminishing the Mexican taste. It's hard to describe in words, as it is aesthetic. I hinted a unique spice in my chile colorado that I never tasted before, and it just worked all around. It did not corrupt the authenticity as many fusion or experimental dishes do. In essence, the chef is bold, and it pays off big time. You are definitely eating Mexican food, but from what I would consider a great Mexican chef.
(5)April B.
We were passing through SLC for one night. Being native Californians, we appreciate good Mexican food, and were looking for a good place to get our fix. So, I stumbled upon Red Iguana, after reading about how they were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This is all to say that my expectations were through the roof when we arrived on their doorstep. :-) When I asked about their moles, which they are known for, our server immediately offered to bring us a moe sampler plate. EIGHT different moles to choose from! Everything from more traditional moles (such as their mole negro) to moles made with almonds, pumpkin seeds and even strawberries!! This swayed our decision. (We were originally going to order chimichangas.) My husband got the Enchiladas Amarillas, made with mole amarilla, and I got the Enmoladas, which are smothered with mole negro. Delicious!! Chips and salsa were also wonderful! We were stuffed, received outstanding service, and our entire bill was $22! Can't beat that! Just bummed that we don't live closer!!
(5)Dolores G.
[Tip: For their mole dishes make sure you ask to sample them before ordering. They will provide you with a small dinner plate with a small spoonful of each. I unfortunately did not discover this fact until later in my meal.] Don't let the fact that they have appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives deter you from trying this place. [Through personal experience I have found that many of the places he reviews don't live up to the hype. This one does.] I stopped in at the original location (736 W North Temple) on a Sunday evening, it was packed and was told there was a 20 min wait. It was just me, I was in no hurry and was willing to wait, but the hostess told me that they may have a spot at their counter at their 2nd location (this one). She called and reserved me a seat. It is just a few blocks from the original location, it was also packed but I was greeted, seated quickly and was given a menu. I waited, a few minutes a glass of water appeared while I reviewed the menu. I had heard about their moles (eventually I would have to make a decision). Good thing I wasn't in a hurry and I was having trouble deciding because I was not greeted by my server for almost 10 minutes (a quick "I'll be right with you"). After another 5+ minutes he took my drink order (Cazadores Blanco Classic Margarita, on the rocks, extra salt) . The chips and salsa finally arrive (more than 20 minutes after sitting at the counter). They were worth the wait. Fresh warm chips and a house made salsa with the perfect balance of building heat and flavor. The waiter finally returned to take my order by then I decided to try the Mole coloradito (red mole with pork). This was very good, the perfect balance of savory sweetness and heat. [As I would later come to find that the other moles in the sampler plate, while each distinct in their flavor, they too were well balanced in their flavor.] I have not had mole this good in years. That says a lot since I am Latina and have predominantly resided in the Southwest (NM/AZ). I will surely be back to try more as I am sure if you can pull off mole that well everything else has to be darn good.
(4)Erin F.
After hearing from many Utahns about this place, I had to try it. I am a huge fan of Mexican food and I, for some odd reason, like to order the classics (tacos, enchiladas, etc.) instead of venturing out and ordering something more authentic. I judge a place by their tacos, I suppose? (not really) This place seems to be known for the Mole, and unfortunately, I didn't try it, so sorry I can't help you on that one. Like other mexican restaurants you get free chips and salsa. The salsa was addicting with a little kick of spice to it. Yum! I ended up ordering the Cochinta Pibil, again venturing out of my comfort zone. It is one of their Signature Dishes which includes shredded pork that is just full of flavor and delicious-ness. It's a little on the 'tart' side since it is marinated in many spices, peppers, vinegar and other citrus juices...but it's definitely a must-try. The dish comes with the standard rice, corn/flour tortilla, and black beans. My BF ordered the Sunrise Burritos and it was a really big portion and very delicious as well! For SLC this place is definitely a must try like everyone says. I tried to go on a Friday evening, but it was packed, so I decided to try it on a Sunday afternoon. (Smart, huh?) Next time I want to save room for dessert :)
(4)Kyle F.
Amazing salsa, reasonable prices, quick service. The tacos don ramon are amazing, as are the enchiladas suizas. I have never had anything bad here. Best mexican around.
(5)Harsha R.
This review is from my first visit to Red Iguana 2. Had a little trouble in finding the place. Weird location beside a railway track. Liked the fact that there was no wait during lunchtime. Granted it was a Sunday, but still - a Reg Iguana and no wait. I'll take that. The atmosphere was also nice. Bright and airy. Ordered the Tacos De Pollo. The menu said "three crisp tacos". I am guessing there was an oil spill in the kitchen as the tacos came out soaked and fried in greasiness. The menu also said 'garnished' with melted jack cheese. They probably meant to say 'smothered' but were just being politically correct. The chicken was really dry and while I was able to eat two of the tacos, there was no happiness in eating them. Boxed the third taco but I never got myself to eating it. Every time, I opened my fridge to eat it, only a groan escaped me. Finally, it got to a point where I had to just throw it away. And amidst all the grease and cheese, I found myself not liking the refried beans, which was never a problem with me before. Bad day? Bad order? Or just another sequel letting me down? The service was efficient and the reputation of the Iguanas probably earned them 3 stars.
(3)Sam S.
Good food, tasty margaritas and friendly staff. Bit overpriced, we spent nearly $40 for two people for lunch. Smothered burritos were over $10 each and $5.50 for one of the smallest margaritas I've ever seen. Not sure about the value I got for my $40... but the food was good overall.
(3)Takaki K.
The other location had a horrendous wait so we ended up here. We didn't wait for the table but we had to wait for the waiter and then for the food and then for the check, which made it a 2 hour lunch. Had carne asada burrito with brown mole. Mole was excellent. Meat was pretty dry and poor. I don't see a reason to go back.
(3)Samantha H.
I prefer the original, but this place is good, too. Good fajitas and margaritas.
(4)Lauren H.
On my first trip to SLC, everyone (and I mean EVERYone) told me to visit Red Iguana. I heart Mexican food, so if this was the place to go, I was in. Driving past the original Red Iguana (two blocks away from Part 2), there was no way I was going to wait on the 30 people waiting outside of what looked like a total dive. Luckily, I had Red Iguana 2 bookmarked and headed down there. I was by myself so was able to sit at the bar, but there was a pretty sizable wait for a table at 5pm. I didn't go inside the original Red Iguana but the second looks very nice from the outside and is very shiny on the inside. Maybe too shiny, like maybe the "dive-ness" of the original was made it so good. I wasn't as impressed with the food. The salsa was really tasty, but the chile rellenos were only so-so, and the tortillas were out of a bag. Maybe I'm more disposed to the green chile variety of Mexican found in Colorado... this place is good but didn't knock my socks off.
(3)Jill H.
I lived in SLC for 2 years before i ever made it here. Service A+++ five stars. Food, I was so disappointed and have no idea what everyone is raving about. The famous moles, were tres ONE dimensional in their taste, a major disappointment. Chicken dryish. Beans sooo basic and average, same for the rice. life is too short to eat here again.
(2)Jeannamarie S.
All I can say is this is w/o a doubt one of the best Mexican restaurants I've been too.. I ordered the Chili Relleno's.. came w/ black beans and rice.. Xlnt service, price and great food!
(5)Eric A.
Red iguana is the best mexican in utah hands down. I almost always go with tacos don ramon, but sometimes I try the specials which have always been great
(5)Jorgen M.
To be fair, this is not my favorite style of Mexican, I prefer the fresh California / Baja style Mexican over the everything smothered to and cooked to death Mexican. Great setting, great service and ok food.
(3)Conspicuous C.
Red Iguana menu - the wait = 5 stars Although don't you think they could have chosen a location more than 2 blocks from the original?
(5)Sam M.
I've eaten at both Red Iguanas and they are both effing awesome. Best mexican food in S.L.C. Last time I was there I got the nachos regulares and enchiladas amarillo and they were incredible. I love that the nachos had melted white cheese instead of that b.s. orange stuff. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly and our food arrived quickly, almost too quickly, we didn't have time to finish our nachos. This turned out to be a pleasant thing, the nachos were perfect to dip in my leftover nacho sauce.
(5)Sarah C.
I'm a long time lover of Red Iguana, but I had a decidely sub-par experience there last Friday. I ordered the fish of the day, Veracruz style and it was not fresh, and the sauce it came in was bland. I suppose even Red Iguana has an off day. This was the first time I ordered a fish dish there, as I've been on a seafood kick, but I won't be doing so again after that experience. However, I was with 4 other people and all of their dishes were, as usually, most excellent so I will continue to review Red Iguana positively. The pumpkin mole which my father ordered was especially good, as was a shrimp dish (whose name I cannot recall) my brother had. Based on this and past experiences, I would suggest to would be Iguana diners to get the Red Iguana Plate (my usual), any enchilada, the super nachos, or the pumpkin mole. I have had all four many times, and they are much more reliably excellent. As for the "new" Iguana location, I love it! It was so nice going to the Red Iguana on a Friday night and not waiting for an hour to be seated. We waited 5 minutes, maybe. It is also much more comfortable seating-wise for my tall husband and father, and it is in keeping with the feel of the old place without the draftiness that used to get on my nerves.
(4)J B.
As good as the original Red Iguana. Only with half the lines and wait (or no line/wait) at all, as is usually the case when I have gone.
(5)Tracy W.
I prefer this location to the original one. The wait is generally much shorter than they tell you and the restaurant is shiny and new. The food is good, the portions are enormous and the service is fast and friendly. Lots of good drinks to choose from although I generally get a beer. I particularly like the Chile Colorado and the Tacos Don Ramon. Huge portions and lots of flavor.
(4)Jacob B.
I honestly thought this place was a great deal for the service as well as the food. If the Red Iguana is packed (which it usually is) they you should try here. This place is busy but I've always been able to get in within 15 minutes (I've only ever been when there were two of us). The food is great as well I thought it was a nice touch to have valet parking although the parking lot is "right there." ha! Anyway, it's great place to go for any occasion. Scratch that I'm not sure how much you would like this place for a Vegan party or bar mitzva.
(5)Kathleen W.
So, I made a reservation here for 8 people at 6pm on a Friday night to celebrate my birthday. I figured 6pm was early enough that it wouldn't be crowded yet. I was wrong. I was also late. There's rain and traffic and whatever - totally my bad. The hostess gave my friend repeated dirty looks and refused to seat her, saying she didn't seat parties before the majority had arrived. That's fine and reasonable, except that she then sat one person in a party of four. If you're going to have rules like that, enforce them across the board. After waiting more than 25 minutes beyond when our complete party showed up, when it became completely obvious the hostess was punishing us for being late, I decided to take my money elsewhere. As we said we were leaving, she offered to seat us at a table for 6. There were 7 of us -- I didn't want to cram into a tiny table -- and I'd already had enough.
(1)Tom C.
I like the sequel ... possibly more than the original. I like the diner-esque feel of the interior. It's fresh & lively in there. We recently ate dinner at the counter & it was different but a lot of fun. Bonus: they have the little coat hooks under the counter. I like the waiting room. Nice to not have to stand out in the cold while waiting for a table. Love the food - it's the same stuff you get at the original & it's always top notch. The drinks are hit or miss in my experience. It's tough to find a great margarita in SLC unfortunately. Staff is great. They are always super nice & service is better than average. Overall a nice 2nd effort from the RI folks.
(4)Sara S.
Definitely above average Mexican food. All really unique flavors I haven't tasted before. Like others say, you'll have to wait but worth it. The salsa was awesome too!
(4)Chris B.
Really good Mexican food...seems authentic, but my experience is limited to Laredo and Tijuana. Interesting location (kind of like an old greasy spoon/diner) we only found because the other location was closed due to road work. Just a short drive (could have walked) from our airport area hotel. The service was very good also, very attentive.
(4)Jessica C.
We came hear because we drove the the original and there was a line. Come to find 2 was half empty. I am from California so it's hard to compare but it was just all right. I had seen this place on Triple D and was excited to have it on my list when I came to SLC. Unfortunately a bit disappointed. My dish wasn't hot, barely warm. I probably won't come back.
(3)J. A.
Arrived at the "Deuce" with my 27 relatives to celebrate the life of Mamma Sue, RIP. We ordered different dishes off the menu and shared with everyone. Food is excellent! A bit off the beaten path but worth the drive! Happy Birthday Tia!!!
(4)Dee H.
Visited this site last week while in Salt Lake City. It's a favorite stop each time I'm in town. Go early for a table as the restaurant fills up very fast and it is no wonder. GREAT Mexican food, good portions, reasonable and good service. The guacamole is excellent and no matter what you order, you won't be disappointed. Any questions on the menu? The staff can lead you to the best entrees depending on your preferences. Wish I had to time to visit Red Iguana I as I have heard it has more atmosphere but also twice the business and twice the wait. Red Iguana 2 works juuuuust fine.
(4)Steve B.
Went here for lunch with a couple of buddies for the first time today. I had the Enchilada Rancheras and it was absolutely delicious. While this location is a little hidden, it benefited us by limiting the crowds associated with the original. Inside, it was clean and very comfortable. The service was prompt and very courteous. I will be back!
(5)Same M.
I wanted to see if their enchiladas stood up o my grandmas and they did, which is a tough task because no one cooks as grandmas but the red iguana is a very close second. The sopias were also spectacular although a bit more than expected, usually restraurants only provide you with two or three but we got around 10 for only $5. What a bargain! The margarita was well balanced and ever so as well. The atmosphere was. Bit noisy but the food totally made up for it.
(4)Eric U.
Definitely worth the visit. Excellent meal and pleasant staff.
(5)Destiny K.
Food is great, drinks are kinda so-so. The wait on a weekend night is hilarious. It's harder to get into this place than a hoppin' club. LOL (literally a line all the way down the block). I wish they could get a bigger building, but hey, the food is great, so it's worth the wait. I'd save your money and not pay for any mixed drinks though.
(4)Vida A.
Came in a little after 1 maybe 1:30 and it was pretty slow, no wait, sweet!! Service was awesome but food...ive had better here. Chile verde was comparable to La Frontera. My moms lunch was ok, i loved all her sauces but beans and rice looked old. She informed me that she had an upset stomach the next day so something wasnt fresh. I think it was the rice and beans but like I mentioned, Things were not as fresh as they always have been. Almost $30 bucks for 2 people with tip and no drinks, I expect Red Iguana quality not La Frontera. Bonus: I saw 2 trains roll by, lol.
(3)andy t.
It was the end of another epic ski trip to Alta and it was the perfect way to cap the experience. After three days of blissful powder skiing, I caught a bus from the Alta Lodge to the base of the canyon, where I was picked up by a friend and escorted to the Salt Lake City Airport. But first, a stop for breakfast at Red Iguana Dos. We grabbed a couple seats at the bar and thankfully it was almost 11am when it's legal to serve alcohol in Utah (Yes, when I'm on vacation I need a beer even with my breakfast!). My friend Paige recommended I try the yellow mole, but I was really in a mood for huevos rancheros. She was right. I gotta be honest. The huevos here were just OK, a bit too runny. But I also ordered a pork tamale with mole amarillo, made with golden raisins, yellow tomatoes, yellow zucchini, guajillo, aji and habanero chilies. Spicy, tasty and addicting. On my way out, I added a NY Rangers sticker to the collection on the front window. Pay your respects if you ever see it. I'll be back to add another and have some more mole.....
(4)Craig O.
Let me just say this, that if you like Mexican food, if you're in Salt Lake for only one day, you're an idiot if you don't stop here. I've never been a huge mole fan, but every one of their offerings is a taste orgasm. Yes, it's that good! Get a sample plate and go from there. I split two over Turkey. Fan freaking tastic! And they have black beans to boot.
(5)Julie H.
Wow Trissta, how long did that novel take? Red iguana 2 = red iguana with less stickers and less wait time as the restaurant is bigger. They have valet parking (not ever have had to use it) and awesome margaritas. Do yourself a favor and get a corona to pour into your margarita. It will change your life. So will most of the mole there. I go here at least 3 times a month.
(4)Evan W.
Went to the Red Iguana right from the plane. I could not believe how many reviews this place had and how highly it was rated. Wound up at Red Iguana 2 to save time as we were able to sit right at the counter. Service was fantastic. Tried the mole sampler as recommended by other Yelpers (do this!). It was difficult to choose which one to go with when it came to ordering my meal. It was very good, lots of food and reasonably priced. Guacamole and house margarita. Very glad I looked on Yelp for reviews as I always do, and as always I was steered in a good direction.
(5)Michael H.
This place came highly recommended from a number of people. "The Molle!" they kept saying over and over. It was decent, but there's better in SLC
(3)Nadine H.
I usually avoid touristy spots but was in the neighborhood and decided to try it. It was excellente. We ordered a combination plate and a seafood platter. The food was flavorful. My only complaint is that because it is a touristy spot, they get alot of customers especially during lunch time. It is also a bit pricey for Mexican food, but worth the experience.
(4)Tony C.
Ate here the other day with all my buddies and it was awesome. Definitely the best Mexican food I have tasted in Utah. Had the special last time! Not sure what it was, but it had an egg on it and it was delicious!
(4)David M.
I've been a fan and customer of Red Iguana for years. I visited again last night and tried a Special..."Burritos de Rez en Salsa Guajillo". Burritos with hopales, sirloin and quajillo chilles. AMAZING! If you want fantastic menu items and a taste of the "Non American" versions of REAL Mexican Food, Red Iguana is the ONLY place to go!
(5)Lauren M.
Service was awesome! Our drinks were constantly being refilled and it took less than ten minutes from the time we ordered to the time our food was on the table. For an appetizer we got a plate of guacamole to share - it was amazing. I got enchiladas suizas and my sisters both got Mole Verde - all of which was delicious. Just as good as Red Iguana 1 and maybe even better with the nicer atmosphere.
(5)Jill V.
My friends in Salt Lake City turned me on to this place... very yummy.. Had the Hongos with roasted garlic and chicken veracruz tonight... delish... couple cold beers and I was good to go Ate at the bar and service was good once i got their attention... Went here with friends 3 weeks ago and we all ordered difffent items and passed the plates around. All were tasty and full of flavor.. the moles were outstanding.
(4)David K.
I really don't think there is any better Mexican food than this in Utah. I love it! They've got any kind of Mexican food you want to eat and so far, everything I have eaten here (and at the original) has been fantastic. Red 2 doesn't have quite the same appeal decoratively as the original, but the food and service are just as good. I never regret going to Red Iguana!
(5)Jacqueline M.
YUM. YUM. YUM! This place has heat and spice and everything mexican food nice. I luved it. They have a huge menu! You will be leaving stuffed. It's a FACT. I would not leave Salt Lake City without trying it. The service was pretty good for a very busy night. All four people in my party, me included, were beyond satisfied with their meals. I'm ready to go back for another taste!
(5)Brian A.
I am not a mexican food fan, but this is ok. It seems to be like all the rest of them to me. The chips and salsa could be better.
(3)allison o.
Second location, just a few blocks from the original Red Iguana. How am I the first to review? Same great food, with less of a wait! Our server did a great job taking care of our rowdy and distracted party of 10. Everyone was really happy with their meal! Can Red Iguana owners please open up a location in New Jersey?!
(5)Colby T.
WOW this place really sucks! Anyone who gave place 4 or 5 stars does not know good food! The mole was the worst thing i have ever placed into my mouth! That is an hour of my life i will never get back. DO NOT GO!!!
(1)Tami M.
Just as good as the original. Perfect salsa with lots of kick. I wish I could order something other than the enchiladas suizas and rice, but I am addicted to these. I have ventured out once or twice when they've had tamales as a special with mole. Can't go wrong with any of those.
(5)Artin F.
Amazing Moles, absolutely best Mexican restaurant in SLC.
(5)Brenda H.
Wow, sooo glad I went. Hubby and I with 3 kids ages 2-11 are sad to say we are from Nevada and won't be able to frequent this restaurant as often as we want. We had a wonderful server who brought us a mole sampler because we were first timers, it was very helpful. We ordered a variety with extra plates so we could share family style. we took the servers suggestions and got the tacos don ramon and something with a long name with beef and bacon and the almond mole then to balance the beef we ordered the chile verde burrito (pork) and enchilada suiza (chicken). While everything was delicious and unique our favorite was the enchilada suizas. But we loved everything. Everyone agreed this restaurant was special and in no way ordinary. The meats were tender and the moles were delicious. I also loved our server. A+ experience.
(5)natalie s.
being from california, you could say i'm a bit of a mexican food snob. i have high expectations of all mex, and red iguana 2 far surpassed my expectations. the guac is fantastic, the enchilada sauce is just right, and the variety is plentiful. the ambiance is casual, the patio is great on a sunny day, and the staff is attentive. all around great place to go for some mex!
(5)Jeff L.
Had the "Lomo De Puerco En Mole De Almendras" (Pork loin pinwheel) with a squash mole. The mole reminded me of pumpkin pie...savory style. Incredibly good. Guacamole was perfect. Salsa the same. I am back in SLC next week. I will probably do dinner here EVERY night until I try every one of their moles!
(4)Rich F.
Fantastic food and service! Had the special mango/shrimp burrito. OMG! My new favorite! The only place to have Mexican food in SLC!
(5)Robb M.
Best Mexican (authentic) I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Highly reccomend if you are in the area.
(5)Amanda H.
I love the happy afterglow of warmth and comfort in my solar plexus after eating the enchilada poblanas. So good and creamy. I crave this dish, more than anything at any other restaurant, hands down.
(5)Lauren M.
Love, love, love Red Iguana! It's by far the best Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake. I always take my out of town visitors here to show off some of the City's finest. I frequent Red Iguana 2 more than the original because, while it's very crowded, it's definitely less crowded than its North Temple counterpart. Aside from the Tacos Don Ramon, I have never had a bad dish here. The mole dishes with their complex and savory flavors are my favorite. If you like a little spice, try the jalapeno margarita. Delicious.
(5)Amelia W.
loved their salsa, took 32 oz home. Got carne asada tacos. Excellent. Service was awesome.
(5)Erin W.
Tastiest, most unique tortillas I've ever had!
(5)Mean R.
The wait was long that food was bad; really bad.
(1)Alan M.
The mole poblano and the mole coloradito were both great. Service is friendly and fairly efficient, although they kept trying to deliver other tables' orders to us. It's in kind of a strange location, though.
(4)Vida A.
Came in a little after 1 maybe 1:30 and it was pretty slow, no wait, sweet!! Service was awesome but food...ive had better here. Chile verde was comparable to La Frontera. My moms lunch was ok, i loved all her sauces but beans and rice looked old. She informed me that she had an upset stomach the next day so something wasnt fresh. I think it was the rice and beans but like I mentioned, Things were not as fresh as they always have been. Almost $30 bucks for 2 people with tip and no drinks, I expect Red Iguana quality not La Frontera. Bonus: I saw 2 trains roll by, lol.
(3)andy t.
It was the end of another epic ski trip to Alta and it was the perfect way to cap the experience. After three days of blissful powder skiing, I caught a bus from the Alta Lodge to the base of the canyon, where I was picked up by a friend and escorted to the Salt Lake City Airport. But first, a stop for breakfast at Red Iguana Dos. We grabbed a couple seats at the bar and thankfully it was almost 11am when it's legal to serve alcohol in Utah (Yes, when I'm on vacation I need a beer even with my breakfast!). My friend Paige recommended I try the yellow mole, but I was really in a mood for huevos rancheros. She was right. I gotta be honest. The huevos here were just OK, a bit too runny. But I also ordered a pork tamale with mole amarillo, made with golden raisins, yellow tomatoes, yellow zucchini, guajillo, aji and habanero chilies. Spicy, tasty and addicting. On my way out, I added a NY Rangers sticker to the collection on the front window. Pay your respects if you ever see it. I'll be back to add another and have some more mole.....
(4)Craig O.
Let me just say this, that if you like Mexican food, if you're in Salt Lake for only one day, you're an idiot if you don't stop here. I've never been a huge mole fan, but every one of their offerings is a taste orgasm. Yes, it's that good! Get a sample plate and go from there. I split two over Turkey. Fan freaking tastic! And they have black beans to boot.
(5)Julie H.
Wow Trissta, how long did that novel take? Red iguana 2 = red iguana with less stickers and less wait time as the restaurant is bigger. They have valet parking (not ever have had to use it) and awesome margaritas. Do yourself a favor and get a corona to pour into your margarita. It will change your life. So will most of the mole there. I go here at least 3 times a month.
(4)Joseph S.
I absolutely LOVE Red Iguana, particularly Red Iguana 2. The food is amazing, especially anything with their shredded beef; Prices are very reasonable, even for drinks; Atmosphere and vibe are fantastic. I prefer 2 over original Red Iguana because it isn't as busy and the restaurant itself is set up better and everything is newer. You have to try Red Iguana 1 or 2, I guarantee you'll love either.
(5)L H.
They do NOT take reservations (Yelp site says they do). Good food, friendly helpful service, I would go again. We used the valet parking which eased my out-of-towner anxiety about parking anywhere I go. Servings are large, and I wished I had shared with someone.
(5)Chantel H.
My favorite Mexican spot in Salt Lake City! The service is always great and the food is always delicious. I love their chips and salsa and the fish tacos are out of this world! I prefer Red Iguana 2 or the original because the wait isn't as long and I enjoy the environment more. Both are amazing though!
(5)Trissta H.
This will start with a story and lead into what I love about this place -- My Opa came down to visit from Seattle and asked that I meet him for dinner. Of course I said yes, let me know where. This is where the German spitfire rings into my eardrums "If I am in Utah, I want Red Iguana!" At 76 years young, he still makes sure he eats his beloved and spicy Enchilada Amarillas with a nice cold Modelo... 1 for Opa!! It is spicy and he told me he was going to regret that later, but reassured me he brought his own set of tums so he would be fine :). I love their moles - but I won't lie to anyone and say I am a big baby when it comes to spice. They have something for everyone though! This time I tried the enchiladas verdes, and I ate the entire thing... I even put the mole verde over the side of black beans for Sir Liam and he said it was "ericious." Their children's menu is large and will fit any sort of diet you could have them on. Their menu is big, but not too big where your head starts spinning and you give up on what to eat. Their guacamole is AMAZING. All of their cocktails and margaritas are scrumptious - and they have a good beer selection. Their prices are on point for their food - even though I am sure they could charge more because they are so popular. But they don't and I will forever respect them for this. The only thing I do not like about this place is that they put cinnamon or nutmeg into their enchilada sauce; I just order it without if it comes with it - I won't deduct a star for that or stop going to them, I just don't prefer it. Try it out for yourself though, to each is own I say. They have so many other items that are delicious, I try something new every time, so I really don't mind that I have found ONE thing in an entire restaurant that I don't like. I cannot get enough of this gem that I am so lucky to live in the same state with! Thank you Red Iguana for being around and treating me to all of your traditions, my heart is truly grateful.
(5)Alice W.
OMG, hands down my fave place in Salt Lake City, although I make sure only to come here if I don't mind feeling fat afterwards haha! The portions are HUGE and DELICIOUS, one of the best Mexican restaurants I have tried (which is saying a lot since I am from California). The tortilla chips are out of this world. Very thin and flavorful and always accompanied with a fab sauce. I have also tried their pumpkin mole (incredible) and a braised lamb shank which was on special in December. My husband always gets the absurdly large 'Red Iguana' combo plate which is also full of delicious foods. This location is my preferred honestly, because there always seems to be more space and I like the vibe that the bar gives it. Give it a go if you are in the mood for a big and flavorful meal!
(5)Brad S.
We love Red Iguana 1 or 2. Same thing in our book. Same great food, location 2 is a little better I think as far as the physical restaurant goes but overall great Mexican food that you crave for. My favorite is the Mango Mole Enchiladas and a side of their AWESOME guacamole. Give this place a try and make sure to get a free Mole sampler. I only tried one of them at first and didn't like it but once I got the sampler and was able to try all of them I would say out of the roughly 10 available I like 7 of them.
(5)Randy C.
There are many reviews so I will not bore you with a "War and Peace" review. Food is authentic and delicious. Service was excellent. Wait to get in can be long but with it. Personally I don't like loud restaurants this the 4 stars. If the Beatles were not blaring overhead they would get a 5. Defiantly would go again.
(4)Lisa B.
On our way to becoming official Salt Lake Cityers (Cityans? CItyites? What do you guys call yourselves anyway?) we felt the need to sample the fare at the Red Iguana. Four of us arrived at 5:00 on a Sunday, and there was no wait at all. Everything we sampled was tasty and well-prepared. Even the chips were irresistible. The waiter recommended the margarita, and it was indeed delicious. Hubby doesn't care for tequila, so he got a sangria instead, which was about the nastiest drink I ever tasted. It was not unlike cough syrup. I didn't know it was even possible to mess up sangria, but they managed it. Aside from that, we would definitely recommend the place. It's not fancy, but you get a great meal at a very good price.
(4)Helen C.
Went to Red Iguana for years. Have been going to Red Iguana 2 since they opened. Like it a lot better. I try a lot of different things that they offer but come back again and again to the Tapatio Plate. it's perfection. A shredded beef enchilada with the best red sauce, chili rellenos bar none the best I've ever had and a chicken flauta. There food is addictive. Don't forget to try the mole sampler.
(5)Armando G.
One of the best places for Mexican food. I compare all Mexican Restaurants to my mom's cooking and this is pretty close to it and believe me that says a lot. I love this place!
(5)Chris T.
All the same good food with a cleaner, quieter atmosphere!
(4)Sarah N.
So delicious! There specialty is Mole. Ask for the sample of mole. My favorite was the pistachio. Soo good! I ended up ordering regular hard shell chicken tacos with pistachio mole on the side. Yum!
(5)Travis S.
Overpriced for what you get, which isn't that great in the first place. Get ready to pay $8.50 for two enchiladas with no beans and rice. You won't find out about the extra $3.40 for beans and rice until your bill arrives. You also will be charged $.80 to substitute the corn tortilla for a flour tortilla. Again, you will not find out about this until your bill arrives. If you ask to have the unknown charge removed, you will get a visit from the owner herself who will give you attitude about the process it takes to make refried beans and Spanish rice. Even then your bill will be $14 for simply two enchiladas on a plate with beans and rice and a drink. Not worth it at all!! UPDATE: the server or owner (or a collaboration of the two) forged my signed bill, and increased credit card charge to $16.06!!! If the owner would have just adjusted the bill in the first place, her server would have made up the difference in her tip, but this didn't happen and no tip was left accordingly. Adding a tip and adjusting the amount due after the customer has left - I would think this is ILLEGAL! My credit card company and the BBB will be notified of this company's fraudulent activity!!!
(1)Kurt H.
Come for the mole. Repeat often. I was able to ride the train over from Salt Lake international airport. Well worth the trip. Train drops you a block away from either location.
(5)Terry B.
All I can say is yummmmm. Everything was awesome including service! Fried ice cream and fajitas w a negra modelo!
(5)Kim T.
"Killer Mexican food that's worth the wait!" is how I also describe Red Iguana 2. Whenever the line is too long at #1, I come to #2 ... and it's just as good. My favorite dish is the Mole Negro Chicken and appetizer Hongos Alajillo ... delish! Service has always been good. I really love both Red Iguanas. My only disappointment would be is that I think a restaurant this good - should have homemade tortillas ... or better ones. Other than that RI is bomb!
(4)Troy C.
Both Red Iguana locations have the same high quality, tasty food and exceptional service. Red Iguana sets my standard for how a Chili Verde should be, tasty, tender chunks of pork, a medium thickness sauce with just the right amount of heat.
(5)Misty H.
Best Mexican food in SLC and that is saying a lot! I prefer Red Iguana 2 just down the street. If you like mole there is a huge variety and they will let you sample them all. If mole is not your thing the menu is expansive so many great choices. I always recommend a combo plate for the newbies. You get to try more. The service is always exceptional. They have a bar and outside seating if weather permits. Make sure to plan a good amount of time because sometimes there is a wait its just that good! If you love great authentic Mexican food you must give this a try!!!!
(5)Shellee L.
Superb! Service staff was on point to every need. Food was excellent; Fish tacos and veggie fajitas were both amazing!! Great blend of traditional and contemporary. Will definitely be back.=)
(5)Ann L.
We wanted to try Red Iguana the original location, but it looked very busy with people along the sidewalk, so we went to Red Iguana 2. The wait was 30 minutes the lady told me, we waited. FREE valet parking. FREE chips & salsa. I tried the salsa which I found salty & spicy - liked it. Didn't eat the chips. I got the Mole Negro $15.70 - sounded good on the menu, what I got on my plate looked really boring. Dark sauce, huge chunks of chicken, one fried banana, another plate of red rice, refried beans & choice of corn or flour tortillas - I picked corn. Chicken very dry, sauce was fine, didn't eat the fried banana, rice & beans boring - I poured all the salsa I could onto them & mixed w/ the mole sauce. I wish I just got Enchilada Suiza w/ Mole sauce on the side. It probably would have been better. Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-In & Dives must have eaten at one of the location cuz there was a write up of his review on their wall. Can be very loud place. They have patio & bar counter seating. Railroad train came by when we were about to leave. FREE Buttermints given with bill!
(3)Erica R.
I can't express how much I love love love this place. The chicken entomatada enchiladas on flour tortillas are the best thing ever. EVER guys.
(5)Michael D.
Mole! Mole! Mole! I am in love. Walking into the place was a normal walk in funky Mexican experience. The waitress we had (Dani) was extremely knowledgeable with respect to the menu. The first thing out of the box is "get thee the mole sampler". This is imperative. They have 6 or 7 different moles that are served with many of the dishes and they can be substituted. My partner ordered a steak tip dish, puntas de flietes a la nortena, which was swimming in the in a 50/50 amarillo mole and almond mole. I tried it and it had a lot of heat from the amarillo mole. I ordered the mango mole with enchilada carnitas. OMG!! delicious. We only went for lunch, however, I am going back for dinner this evening. Yikes was it good.
(4)Dr. J.
Everything here has always been really delicious and outstanding service. Love the chips and salsa and everything else on the menu.
(5)Angelica R.
What is there to say about Red Iguana? Hands down, the best Mexican food in Salt Lake City. I love Red Iguana 2! It's a newer location with food that is just as exceptional as it's predecessor. I couldn't be happier. There's not as long as a wait, the food is consistently delicious and it's not too crazy as far as prices go. My complaint would be: always a long wait for the margaritas. I didn't get my drink until right before dinner. Which ended up being their loss, I could've downed 2 or 3.
(5)Kathryn S.
I am not usually a fan of moles but I LOVE the moles here! They are such a great balance of flavors and add to the dish. I haven't tried anything I don't love here.
(5)Robert B.
Hands down best Mexican food in Salt Lake City. Their mole sour cream chicken enchiladas are my favorite. They're always busy so plan on waiting 15 or more minutes for a table. I think it's worth the wait.
(5)Jeanette B.
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Great variety of options and all of them are wonderful.
(5)Anneke S.
Red Iguana two is the baby sister to Red Iguana, one of salt lake's most famous authentic Mexican joints, Red Iguana was not fancy or swanky or even trendy like the decor in here but it was perfection all the same. The lines would wind around the door to the streets of West Valley with patrons waiting to eat on their red gingham checked tables. My last trip here was in 2010, I tried the Empanadas with i believe a red spicey pepper filling amazing! Mouth watering Mole as well, not too rich or salty or sweet or hot, just perfect. Flan fans should try it, perfect texture. I liked the vibe in here though it is in a bit of a weird spot in the industrial side of town, its worth it to give RI 2 a little love. Not as trendy as Blue Iguana downtown, but hands down the best Mexican I have hand in over 4 states. West of the Mississippi of course. For drinks I would stick to Mojitos and Beer, but I am not a margarita fan. No issues with service, and even there were who gives a crap, this food is worth the love and its time share it.
(5)Brooke R.
Just OK. Did not like the carne asada, and I could not substitute the sauce that came with the enchilada. I asked for any other salsa and the waitress said no. No idea why and the sauce that came with it was nasty. Left a bad taste in my mouth. I prefer the carne asada with skirt steak. Spanish rice and queso were good though. Definitely have had a better margarita too. I wouldn't recommend going unless you are really in the mood for Mexican. However, I would try it again, and order tacos or something. Bad experience overall.
(2)Siobhan L.
I have been a loyal customer for years and I love this place. The food and service are reliably awesome. However, after recently having a child something came to my attention that I hadn't noticed before. No changing tables or chairs in the restrooms. After feeding my baby while sitting on the toilet and changing her on the tiny sink area it occurs to me that while this was certainly a bad experience for me, it was probably no fun for your other customers that were forced to witness a diaper change on the sink and wait for a stall while I fed her. Please consider adding changing tables and a chair with your upcoming expansion. After all, you happily provide highchairs to put the food in...seems only fitting that the other accommodations should be provided as well.
(3)Donita S.
In a race to get in before closing, after a long drive from Sonoma County, California, Red Iguana was having some kitchen issues so we were sent to RI2. Not a disappointment at all! We made it before they stopped seating and had really delicious food. The Darling Daughter had chicken enchiladas verdes, which were delicious. The sauce was smoky, rich and thick, with heat as an afterthought, thoroughly warming. I decided to try something way out of the box, mango pork enchiladas. OMG! The pork was lovely, but the sauce! It was tangy, sweet and redolent of pumpkin, spicy and just barely "hot". This was a very different dish and I recommend it to anyone. DD and I shared rice and beans and then shared our enchiladas. I loved that the menu stated that they were following traditional cuisine from before Hispaniola influences. If I am ever in SLC again, I'd return and have the mango enchiladas again.
(4)Mike S.
One day I was just living my life void of truly excellent Mexican food, then I went to the Red Iguana. My life has changed ever since, I live life happier knowing there is this amazing option in my life. I recommend nothing because everything I've ever tried is great!
(5)Ray B.
I've always loved the original Red Iguana, but i started going to Red Iguana 2 because they said it was the same and not as crowded. Well, the food is as delicious as the original, but the 3 times I've been there, the food was great and the valet people were great. But, every time, the waitress acted like i was an inconvenient table. The last time i was there, the waitress talked to the people next to me and leaned on my chairs, then walked away without asking if i needed anything which rubbed me the wrong way. One time i had the male waiter and he is very good (The one with the hat), but every waitress had been terrible. So i will go back to the original place, maybe. I almost feel like the #2 place is just to make money and they don't really care about being there. Makes me wonder what the owners were thinking. The original place makes you feel like they love you there and enjoy their jobs. The #2 place seems like no one really wants to be there. Except the cooks who rock.
(1)karin b.
So, when we are traveling, we like to see if there are Diners, Drive-ins and Dives around. This is the first time Guy has done us wrong. This is no longer a dive. It has valet parking. That was a tipoff we should have paid attention to. While my husband really liked his mole suiza chicken enchiladas, my chicken verde enchiladas were awful. It was like someone stuffed mayonaisey chicken salad into a corn tortilla. I ended up eating only the sauce and tiny veg garnishes. I put the sauce onto the really bland beans I ordered. Still desperate to like the place, we ordered sopapillas. How could that go wrong, we thought? They were awful. So overcooked they bordered on being burnt. Not a fan on this waaaay over-rated restaurant.
(2)Nicole G.
Holy crap. That about sums it up. No, but seriously. My favorite Mexican restaurant is in Nashville, TN, on Nolensville Pike called La Hacienda. The only contender I've found so far is Red Iguana. You don't even have to get anything fancy here, just something simple will blow your mind like the enchiladas suisas. The chips and salsa are phenomenonal, as is the guacamole. It's fairly kid friendly and though it's rather loud, it doesn't matter too much because you'll be so busy eating and thinking about how delicious everything is, that you won't want to talk much beyond the commentary on the quality of the food. The servers are always helpful and very attentive, and at Red Iguana 2 there's outdoor seating, which is nice, because despite the train tracks, it's quieter!
(5)Sam S.
The best Mexican food in SLC hands down. There is always a wait to get in, that's how good it is. Get the Tacos a la Iguana, they are so good that I wake up at night thinking about them. Good 'Ritas too, if you're not Mormon
(5)Kenji H.
Was skeptical initially but I'm definitely a fan. This will be my go to spot when I come back to Salt Lake for business. Probably the mole I've had outside of Mexico. Rich, savory and rustic. Jesus was phenomenal in explaining the ingredients and makjjg recommendations. This place is uniquely Mex and I'm so glad I came. I will most definitely be back
(4)V Y.
One of the best mexican (ok, texmex mostly) restaurants in the U.S. Always packed, always a line, always worth it ... and even better when you get to skip the line and wait by doing take-out! Food: High quality, great quantity, and super variety from good tacos to incredible selection of moles. Service: Always has been good ... pleasant, not annoying, efficient. Ambiance: Its a high energy mexican place with customers who are happy to be there and happy to be with each other. Really a nice pick-me-up kinda place. Always take the chance to go when I'm in SLC. And Red Iguana (the original is just three blocks away) is just as good! Really tough to choose between 4 and 5 stars ... really want to give it 4.5 so I'll have to round up to 5.
(5)C F.
Some of the best Mexican food I have ever had!! This place was very busy and was well worth the wait. The house margarita was mixed strong and seemed to be made with simple lime juice and not sweet and sour. Very tasty!! I had two burritos with shreaded beef and the sauce was this incredible deep brown red sauce that had beef tips in it. WOW!!! it truly was one of the best tasting dishes that I have ever had at a Mexican restaurant. I sampled some of the MOLE from the others I was with and they all were also incredible tasting!! I like that you can purchase the MOLE to take home...I look forward to returning to SLC and going to the Red Iguana 2.
(5)Brad S.
Visited twice during a 4 day trip to SLC. Waited 45 minutes each time, and it was worth the wait. Ask for the mole sampler and make a selection after tasting, best mole I have ever had.
(5)Ashley F.
Hole mole. I'm not sure it matters what protein you order, so long as it's slathered in one of the out-of-this world moles. I feel sorry for the salsa served upon arrival - it gets quickly eclipsed by the sampler plate of mole served to each party after being seated. Word to the wise, BRING YOUR ID. Even your AARP card won't get you alcohol if you can't produce a valid license. Don't join me in the ranks of the utterly disappointed post-snowboarding patrons who left their ID in their ski coat and now has to sneak sips, err, watch my husband drink his delicious, fresh juice rita. (For the record, I appreciate the legitimate heat of the jalapeno rita that sat next to me). If I was local to SLC, I'd buy the mole in bulk and drink it.
(5)Frank W.
Wow! We are from southern California so we are used to darn good Mexican food, but I have to say Red Iguana really was fantastic, and compared very favorably with the food we can get in SoCal. We actually went to the original Red Iguana, and there was a 30-40 minute wait, so we shot over to Red Iguana 2, which is less than 5 minutes drive away, and there was no wait. Started with the Rajas con Queso, very nice sauteed mild peppers and onions, with some tomatoes, and gobs of melted gooey cheese. Served with some good flour tortillas. Very different, but very tasty, and it is a very sizable appetizer (easily could feed 4 as an app, or would make a good sized entree). Then had the mole negro with chicken. Excellent, complex mole with layers upon layers of flavor. Not too hot, not too sweet, just right. And the chicken had been cooked then shredded, remaining very moist and tender, and with the shredding it really held the sauce. Had a couple of very good house margaritas too, and we were in hog heaven! Service was outstanding too ... our waiter Carlos couldn't have been nicer or more efficient. We will definitely be back next time we are in Salt Lake!
(5)Felipe Z.
I am almost convinced I liked this location more than the original one a block away from this one. The service was superb. One thing they had that I had never tried was the Mole Sampler. It's free, and it's for you to taste the different kinds of mole they have to offer. What a tasteful experience. So fun to try them all, and appreciate all the elements of such a complex mexican rich sauce. Chips and Salsa are bottomless and freaking delicious. And the environment and decor set the perfect state of small old mexican town. Such a good experience.
(5)Jeeper W.
I love Red Iguana II because it has the same delicious food as the first one but the line is way shorter. I think the Red II's location is much cleaner which makes me feel good about eating food there. They also have Pacific my favorite beer, so cheers.
(5)Kat M.
You won't be sorry. The best of the best in Salt Lake City. Wonderful flavors, servers and atmosphere. The drive from the berbs is well worth it. When are they opening #3 in the south valley?
(5)Brian M.
After lean culinary choices at snowbird and while transiting through SLC / we found this place on yelp and now know why the locals line up for entry. The menu gives you every selection you could imagine in a Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere is family oriented and the servers are welcoming and friendly and the food is off the charts good. The guacamole is excellent and the portion is pleasingly American style. The sauces are all real tasty and authentic. Seats at the counter are excellent and the service is great - refills on drinks, chips and salsa. All good - check it out.
(4)Mahesh S.
My stomach was hurting all day after my brunch, but I would still make it a point to eat here again, coz I liked the food that much! I am not new to mexicans or mexican food, but this place is quite unique. They have about 7 different mole sauce. When I looked puzzled what to get, the ever so friendly waiter brought out a sample of all the 7 of them, which we used as a dipping sauce for the nacho chips. I pretty much liked all of it, but my favorites were Mole Negro which is the traditional one, with dried chile mulato, negro pasilla, mexican chocolate, raisins, peanuts, walnuts and bananas. I also liked the Mole Poblano that was made with ancho dried chiles and guajillo. It was soo good!. Since I was watching my calories, I opted to get a side cup of mole sauce, which was about $2.70. it was still a lot of sauce! I got the shrimp quesadilla and liked the quesadilla part a lot.(cheese and flour tortilla does taste good when you are carb deprived), however, I am not sure if was crazy about the shrimp. Now the best part of it all was their Chilaquiles. the one here in OC anepalco cafe is my fav , but this place won my heart over! It wasnt a best looking plated chilaquile, but the way they make them - which is frying tortilla chips with chorizo/egg and mole poblano - is just out of this world! each chips is soaked in mole poblano, and chorizo! this dish was very memorable! they had lot of stuff on their menu, but we just went there for breakfast, but I am sure i will go back when I am in SLC next time! the waiters were super cool, and nice!
(5)Ralf E.
Went there because of the great yelp reviews of course and were not disappointed. We had the Mole Armadillo (?), which was great. I never have seen a mexican restaurant with that many mole varieties. The Margarita's were good too. Couldn't ask for more.
(5)Heather W.
Great food and even better service! Would definitely recommend to anyone in the area. If I ever end up back in Salt Lake, I will be sure to stop in again.
(5)Brian C.
I sometime get skeptical when I get multiple recommendations to try a restaurant that I will wind up in a tourist trap. I found myself in Salt Lake City with more time than i anticipated so asked on FB for some recommendations for a great restaurant. i asked the hotel staff too. Red Iguana came up repeatedly so I caught a cab. Red Iguana 1 was packed with a 50 minute wait for a party of one. The hostess there suggested Red Iguana 2, which was a short walk from there, so I tried it. She said the tourists go to 1 but the locals go to 2, but who knows... I had the beef tips with two types of Mole--yellow pepper and almond/pumpkin. The food was amazing. The margarita was great too. The service was excellent as well. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Joshua M.
I'd go back here. The seating and parking options are a bit nicer. I had the lobster taco lunch special and it was soooo good.
(4)James H.
If you don't want to wait outside of the original Red Iguana or inside at Red Iguana 2, just ask to sit at the bar area as it is open seating. The food is reasonably priced and of equal quality. People tend to worship Red Iguana but I'm still a bit skeptical. Good spot...but not heaven on earth.
(4)Nicole F.
The Chile Verde is amazing. I wish I could just put everything in a bowl and drink it. Although that wouldn't be socially acceptable. The mole's are all great, but not my style. Margaritas are also fantastic, don't miss out on them!
(5)Dan H.
When I arrived at the original Red Iguana the wait was close to an hour so they sent me over to their identical twin Red Iguana 2 which is only three blocks away. The wait was crazy long here too but they had a counter that I could eat at so I got seated and immediately got hooked on the "buzz" of activity. Service was fantastically speedy and I had a number of waitresses stop by and comment on my choices. I The entire staff conspired to make me, and everyone else around me, feel special and welcome. I ordered "Ramon's Famous Fish Tacos" which were mahi mahi fish accompanied by some spicy cole slaw, Spanish rice, and a thick tartar sauce. It was one of the best Mexican dishes I have ever eaten. I want another order right now, just thinking about it. I got my check quickly and boom, I was out the door within 30 minutes of when I arrived. Keep in mind that I sat at the counter because the wait for a table was over 30 minutes with larger parties waiting for close to an hour. Also this was a Thursday night and I am guessing that waits on the weekend are even longer. It helps that they have a free valet service for when their parking lots fill up which, I'm imagining, is normal. GO HERE and EAT WELL!
(5)Brad n.
Red Iguana 1 was featured on triple D, went to it a year ago, and Red Iguana 2 does not disappoint being an extension on RD1. Nice at times it is a little less of a wait them RD1. The food is awesome , and always check their daily specials. I have come across some great specials. Let's just say strawberry mole, "Wow!" Ned not worry all the food is good, and great for all type of spice or styles of food for the entire family. Stop reading the review, and get on down to RD 1 or 2.
(5)Paul N.
This place has amazing salsa and the food is great. The reason I am giving it two stars is because I ate outside on the patio and the experience was less than stellar. Dining al fresco should be comfortable and relaxing. The patio at Red Iguana was awful. It wasn't the service. It was the flies! The flies were EVERYWHERE! It was so bad I lost my appetite and had to ask the server for take out containers. I like red iguana but that experience left me reeling.
(2)Steve L.
Went here because of all the great reviews, and our daughter was craving Mexican food. The place was busy (30 minute wait), which I thought was a good sign. Coming from California, and having been to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona (as well as several cities in Mexico), I have to say this food is not what I would consider authentic Mexican, but it was very tasty nonetheless. The chips were fairly plain, and way too light to be authentic (think Chevy's). The salsa was OK. The horchata was from a mix. Still, due to the flavorful (but not authentic) entrees, I would have given this place four stars. However, I take away one star (should really take two) because they charge extra for rice and beans. And they charge extra for shredded cheese on their burritos. (The server did not tell us they would be extra.) And even though it specifically says on the menu that the horchata comes with one free refill, they threatened to charge extra for it since we wanted to take it to go ("we normally charge for the cup"). Really? We should have waited until we flew home to satisfy our daughter's craving.
(3)Margaret R.
Good Mexican food, excellent service, but the real star here is the extensive mole list. I also can't argue with the prices which are more than reasonable given the portion sizes. It's not the best Mexican I have ever had (but I am fortunate to have traveled a lot), but it certainly hit the spot and everyone in my party enjoyed their meal. Go early or late or you might have to wait a while. But overall, a fun and delicious dinner!
(3)Marie W.
This place is my favorite AND it's next to a train track! Their tamales are amazing. Try their house margaritas as well!
(5)Monica V.
This location has open seating at the bar which made our wait time extremely minimal. Service is just as good, and it's kind of fun seeing all the orders come out. We had the Queso Soup, Shrimp Ceviche (which was on the daily specials menu), and the Red Iguana combination. I loved the chips and salsa. They're probably my favorite in any Mexican restaurant since it has a kick to it. I also enjoyed the soup and ceviche. The combination plate is huuugge... We split it between 3 people and still had leftovers. Even though we were overly stuffed, we decided to get dessert. And I don't regret it because we had the fried ice cream. It's basically a tortilla wrapped in a brick of ice cream and fried, but unlike other versions, the ice cream stayed frozen and intact rather than a goopy, soggy mess. It's topped with cinnamon sugar, caramel sauce and there's chocolate and whipped cream on the side. Yum.
(4)D L.
In-freakin-credible. If you want a table after 6pm you will wait. If you have 4 or fewer people sit at the counter for quick seating. Cold beer. Amazing food. Great atmosphere. Excellent service. Lot of energy in the room. Did I say the food is amazing? Free valet parking is also nice. Another surprise is the prices are very reasonable. Cheaper than most chain mex restaurants.
(5)Ryan C.
There is a lot of HYPE surrounding Red Iguana and 100% of it is DESERVED! The enchiladas suizas is the best plate on the menu. If I ever end up on Death Row, this will be my last meal. Get a Jalapeño Margarita to wash these down and you'll be in heaven. Plan to wait - the line is long - almost always. But trust me, it's worth it. Patience is a virtue folks. Enjoy!
(5)Alyson C.
We're from out of town so we're looking for dinner suggestions. Red Iguana came highly recommended as "the best Mexican food ever." It didn't fail. On a Saturday night we were surprised to see it so busy at 9pm, but we quickly understood why. The staff work like a finely oiled machine and the food was SO good. I had the Red Pipian dish - a pumpkin seed mole. Yum! The portion size was so big I could barely eat half. My BF had wet carne asada burritos. Same story - so big! But so dang good. We get to relive the deliciousness tomorrow for lunch.
(4)Jocelyn C.
How to avoid a line at Red Iguana or RI2, the "iconic" restaurant of SLC: 1. Go there at 4:30PM 2. Hope there aren't too many "superfamilies" or 6-top parties in front of you that take all the tables 3. Sorry, you're pretty much SOL. Our server was a bit surly and irate off the bat. I was excited to try all the mole sampler, and the server told me it would take ten minutes, as if he was trying to deter me. Bro, are you back there making mole?!?! He delegated a young food runner to go get it, and it was out in ONE minute. That's right. Leave it to the Mexicans to get shit done fast. THIS MENU. It's LIKE THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY OF MEXICAN FOOD. I. don't. even. Where to start? If you want a mole, pick out which one you like and ask your server for recommendations. I could have gotten wasted off margaritas before picking what I wanted off that menu. Management pushed this place over the top. There was some confusion about my order (it happens), and I told them I'd just take what they brought... no big deal. Manager came by and told me he put in the order for my fajitas just in case I didn't like what I had. He was so genuinely concerned about our happiness and satisfaction that it was really above-and-beyond. "Your problem is my easiest one of the night. It's all about you being happy." Whaaat? Haven't seen this level of customer satisfaction in forevaaaa. Their fajita meat is different than what we use in Texas. They say sirloin, but I think the cut just tastes overdone quite easily. If you like skirt steak-style fajitas, this is a little different. Tortillas are great. Chips and salsa- I LOVE their salsa. It burns your mouth real good, but you keep eating more! And the salsa isn't watery, so it stays on the chip and doesn't slide off. They don't mess around with skimping on guac for your fajita accountrements. From start to finish, management expresses appreciation for your business. And that's one of many reasons why people keep coming back. Above all, don't forget your jacket. You'll need it during winter when waiting in that parking lot for your turn to eat.
(4)Ashleigh W.
Food is terrific! I have gone several times now, ordered something different every time, and loved all of it. Maybe not the greatest location, but incredibly polite staff, great food, and good decor.
(5)Scott M.
The food is alright but the service and the manager Patric and hostess were rude! We made a reservation for ten but they would not seat us at bar they are pretentious and the server and management sucks. Even our bus boy all tattooed up was extremely rude to us! The food was mediocre at the most and this is all Salt Lake City has to offer this is really SAD!
(1)Leanne A.
I actually prefer coming to the Red Iguana 2 over the original. The food is just as good as always, but I feel like the pace is a little bit slower and I don't feel as rushed by the servers. We always have great servers here that make sure to keep the chips and salsa coming! This building is a lot newer so the layout is a lot better and a lot less cramped. They also have free valet parking which is nice because the parking lot is tight! This restaurant also always has a significantly shorter wait time, and an actual waiting area, which is nice in the winter. The fajitas are so delcious, the tortillas always fresh and melt in your mouth. Their burritos are my favorite though, I usually get one chicken and one carne asada, enchilada style for sure. They are massive and I always have leftovers!
(5)Katie D.
This is the perfect way to end a day on the slopes. You ski hard, burn lots of calories, get pretty hungry. You leave the mountain at 4:30PM tops, get here at 5PM. JUST in the nick of time before they get super duper busy. It was only 2 of us, but we were actually able to get seated immediately (at the counter)!! The free chips are awesome and the salsa definitely got a nice kick. Hubbie loved his Jalapeno margarita and thank god I ordered some horchata. Why you ask? Because all their dishes are damn spicy! Of course had to get the famous mole here. I went with the mole negro. And man, for a dish that is usually sweet, this was spicy. I downed 2 cup of horchata and had to get more. Now my husband ordered the mole amarillo on his burrito. Maybe it was a mistake that we didn't ask for tastings ahead of time... This is real spice, he was sweating up a storm and he can usually take a good amount of spice. Said it was delicious but the spice was too overwhelming to truly enjoy it. The food was very very good, but not extraordinary enough to get a 5 star...
(4)Shireen K.
A for effort. I'm not blown away by the food however it's solid Mexican food with a good ambiance (in the restaurant....not outside). Fish tacos were good but on the bland side. The mole seems to be the way to go here.
(3)Wendy B.
I love the late weekend hours, the food, the great drink menu, and the server named Sam. My daughter is vegan and I'm a vegetarian and when I asked Sam for recommendations he brought a sample plate of the AMAZING moles (carefully noting which one wasn't vegan) for us to sample. We selected our two favorites and Sam brought us gigantic plates of veggies smothered in delicious mole sauces, fresh-from-the-grill corn tortillas, and plates of rice and beans. We also ordered a table-sized guacamole to savor. Lovely!
(5)Bailey M.
First time visiting either of the Red Iguanas. Wait was about 25 minutes for the patio and we were starving so we braved the warm temps and sat outside. Service wasn't super fast, but it was decent with how busy it was. Took about an hour and a half to get in and out. I had the mango enchiladas and they were crazy good! Great balance of savory and sweet. Chips and salsa are great, too. Everything is really fresh. Definitely worth the wait!
(4)Eugene S.
I've had Mexican all over the states and this place is a must try when in SLC. I've never made it passed the Mole dishes but they are so good why would I... I hear the breakfast is delicious as well.
(5)Tammy J.
I was really impressed with this place! The atmosphere was cool and spacious, l the staff was really friendly and courteous and the food.... OMG the best!! I've lived in Utah 7 years now and this is the best Mexican food I've had in this entire state!! Everything was homemade nothing came out of a can or box!! I definitely will be going back many times!!
(5)Adriane B.
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in town. We take all of our out of State visitors here whenever we can. Other then sometimes we run into a major wait. Everything on the menu is awesome! Jesus is the best waiter they have. Keep up the great work!
(5)Scott M.
I would rate this place 5 stars but the flies in the restaurant are crazy. I have been to this restaurant a lot and every single time it's like a fly factory. But I love the food I absolutely love the salsa so good
(4)Susan S.
Our table had the jalapeño margarita and Ramon's margarita. Both are mixed in smaller glasses so they are not so sweet. The jalapeños gave the margarita a nice after burn. I'm not sure I would enjoy an entire glass of it. The food was delicious, mole is definitely their trademark dish.
(3)Sara M.
Very good flavors. Very authentic tasting. Best of all...tons of veggie options. I was also really impressed by my server, Larissa. Would totes come back!
(5)Stefan O.
Of all the places I've been around the country, never have I ever had such rude service. My coworkers and I were absolutely floored by the utter lack of service when we walked into the restaurant. We immediately left and won't come back.
(1)Sarah A.
Better than the original. I find Red Iguana I to be claustrophic (they really pack every square inch of the restaurant, which makes it hard to breathe. The food at both locations are amazing, but I prefer the atmosphere and ambiance at RI 2. You will get seated faster if you agree to eat at the counter or outside (when they have it available) and the wait time is usually a good 30 minutes to an hour. However, their food is so delicious and the staff is so friendly that it makes it worth it!
(5)Christine Z.
Highlight: It was once recommended on food network channel by Guy, so when you stepped in, you will be attracted by the photo of Guy hugging the owners. In a nutshell, famous place for Mexican food, a few minutes drive away from its twin brother. SLC seems to be the birthplace and only place for this 'Chain' restaurant, can not be found in NYC, so visit here as a landmark:) Appetizer: Real chili con queso Entree: Mole with steak(ask for extreme spicy to satisfy your stomach :) ) Apr 6th, 2014 dinner.
(4)Charles S.
After 3 years, and approximately 3 dozen visits, time for an update. This place rocks! I LOVE the Red Iguana and I LOVE the RI2 even more! On our most recent visit, it was snaining (snow/rain). We walked in and were seated immediately, with NO WAIT! That's a rarity, but a welcomed surprise when it does happen. We enjoyed our meal, as always, and headed home. We happened past the original or "real" Red Iguana on our way home and the place was, of course, packed. There was a line of people standing outside in the pouring snain. It hardly seems worth it to me, when the Red Iguana 2 has everything the original does, except the long lines and the cold/hot weather. At least at "2" you can wait inside where it's nice and climate-controlled. And... I almost forgot to mention... RI2 has Patio dining! FTW!
(5)John K.
I was in town and so I had to go to Red Iguana. But the original location was packed; so we thought we'd try Red Iguana 2. A Tuesday night and they were packed as well. I have the Puntas De Filete A La Nortena; had to have a Mole. It was excellent, as I expected it would be. The Red Iguana locations are now a must for me whenever I'm in Salt Lake City!
(4)Edward W.
Like Red Iguana 1 this sister store is the real deal, amigo. Great mexican food served by knowledgeable, efficient servers in a comfortable environment. It's worth the wait that usually exists to get in. Overall it's a terrific mexican food experience. Off street parking. A small lobby waiting area that often spills out into the parking lot with patrons. Excellent margs and wonderful salsa are staples at RI2. For years, Red Iguana has served Salt Lake City, and this location is easier to get into and just as good as number 1. Delicioso!
(4)Rob S.
Continues to impress. I didn't think I could find yet another surprising, amazing dish...after 10 or more visits through the years. But I did: Punta de Filets de Norteňa. Steak tops, cooked with bacon, onions, ajteed jalapenos, scallions and layered n o MN top of their Almond Molé. Exquisite doesn't do it justice.
(5)Chris T.
So as was said before, red iguana 2 is much stupidities to the original-much shorter wait same great food. I wish the service was better but it seems more individual rather than the norm. I got a mole Amarillo- which was fantastic. Great flavor with a little kick! The rice and beans were standard fare. Only complaint leveled was too few tortillas. The biggest thing I missed was the mole sampler. On my first trip, I was given the sampler-which lets you try 8-9 different mole and then I was asked to pick my favorite. Once my server knew what I liked he recommended dishes based on my preference or offered to have my meal prepared in my favorite mole. That experience really pushed it over the top. At the new site everything was good but seemed rushed. Please slow down and bring the magic from the first vist!
(4)Katie G.
This place totally lives up to the hype. I've stayed away from Mexican food since I left Texas but we decided to give the Red Iguana a try. When my husband and I drove by a million other people had the same idea... we opted for another restaurant that night. The following night his colleagues suggested we try out the Red Iguana 2 - who knew there was a second edition?! We rolled up and found parking right away. They managed to seat all 9 of as the bar, wasn't ideal but it worked out well in the end. I know they are famous for their sauces, the pumpkin is divine, but the fajitas are really fabulous here. Not sure what they do to char that chicken but it's perfect! I received plenty of attention from our waiter (I was seated at the very end) and I left feeling full and happy. Not sure I'll be back to SLC anytime soon but I highly recommend the Red Iguana 2 as a must-eat!
(4)Jared B.
This place is superb!!! I don't know if I'd go so far as to say best mexican food I've ever had, but this very well could be. I've heard from many, many locals that this place is a Salt Lake staple. Well I can see why. The food is not only delicious but also the service is some of the best I've ever seen. Let's begin with free valet parking and a very attentive staff. This goes a long way!! Ownership should be proud because the staff all seems to work together cohesively to make this crazy busy restaurant function. I had the Puntas de filete a la norteña as my entree. This is beef sirloin with bacon, jalapeño, tomato, pepper, onion, and almond mole. Hello taste bud heaven!!!! Please excuse my excessive use of exclamation points but I need to get the point across. It's worth the wait! Support your local business!
(5)Miriam P.
No matter what I get, it seems like everything tastes like mole. I just can't get away from it. I can partly blame myself for likely doing something wrong, but even when I think I'm ordering a non-mole dish, I feel like it's all mole. Someone help me next time! Red Iguana is at the upper echelon of Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake, but it's not a place I find myself raving about. I'm a fence-sitter on its awesomeness. It's decent.
(3)Erika D.
This location is a hidden gem and not nearly as busy as the original location. Good food and good service. Definitely one of those special UT eats that should be in your regular rotation.
(4)Bryan M.
Fantastic Mexican and great beer list
(5)Chase H.
Great authentic Mexican food, with a nice selection of epic beers for only $9.00, I tried the steak fajitas and it didn't disappoint our table also got the fish tacos and loved them. Also, it is not nearly as busy as their first location!
(4)Eric N.
I was a bit hesitant when I read some reviews saying that this is the real deal Mexican food. Maybe it's because I'm Mexican but that term gets thrown around loosely. Should have known as I sat when my gringo waiter addressed me as Señor - probably not authentic. I decided to give it a shot anyway and was surprisingly pleased. Although not authentic, the good was tasty, service was great and they use fresh ingredients. This is the best tex-mex I've ever had. Rule of thumb, if they use Monterrey jack cheese and have fajitas or burritos on the menu, it's not Mexican.
(4)Mike M.
very friendly staff, it was crowded when I arrived but they got me right in and I was able to sit at the bar. I was traveling for work so I didn't have any friends and sat next to a group of high school girls and a couple on a date. Needless to say neither of them appreciated any of my jokes. The food is very good, it was a bit spicy but I like that.
(4)Lisa S.
Best Mexican food in Utah! If you disagree, you're just, plain, wrong. Do yourself a favor... open the menu and order something you've never heard of. Or, if you're feeling less adventurous, get some tacos!
(5)Jim W.
Always consistent - always delicious. Had the dinner special - chicken breast habanero - had veggies on top and three shrimp. Was very good. Can't go wrong when you come here.
(4)Marisa D.
Great service, authentic margaritas and amazing mole. I wish I weren't from out of town because I'd like to systematically try each of their sauces. They are generous with the sauce, too! Great atmosphere!
(5)Eric P.
This is an outstanding Mexican Restaurant that is very popular with the locals and after visiting last Sunday for dinner, I can easily understand why. Arrived in SLC on Sunday afternoon for a business meeting next day. Decided to check Yelp for Best Ratings and Red Iquana and their satellite expansion, Red Iquana II came up towards the top of the list. Both locations had lines out the door at 5:30 pm, and so I almost bailed. Instead, I asked the free Valet Parking attendant how long the wait was. He said I could go immediately in if I sat out the counter which I did. From that point on it was Mexican food nirvana. The service was outstanding with all of their staff very helpful, friendly and attentive. ..And the food rocked! Very fresh and tasty tortilla chips were complimented with nice smooth and simple salsa that packed some decent heat. The waitress recommended I try one of their Moles which are their signature dishes. I selected the Mole Verde with Chicken and I have to say it was the best Mole I ever had -- For a guy who's been a fan of a variety of Mexican and Southwestern foods from various regions for most of his life,, that's saying a lot! I encourage you to check Red Iguana out!
(5)Annie K.
Phenomenally delicious and consistent. Food is incredible, served up quickly, by lovely staff. No complaints!
(5)Ermioni K.
First I have to say that I absolutely love the decor. It's cute and a bit kitschy -- but that is what makes it great. Next, their menu is the longest menu I have ever seen at a Mexican place, EVER. It is probably because in addition to what you see at a typical Mexican restaurant, this place is very well known for their mole. Typically I am not a big fan of mole, but I thought I would try it here - being that it's "famous" for it. I must say they had some very interesting varieties of the sauce. After trying it, I do suggest that everyone gets the mole combination plate so that you can taste all the different favors. It's fun for the whole group to go around the plate, while reading the ingredients of each one, and then getting to taste all the different flavors on your tongue! Finally, there's portions are HUGE, so order carefully ;) ... But every bite it delicious .
(3)Stephen L.
The food taste is similar to the original "Red Iguana", but my family and I prefer "Red Iguana 2" because of its cleanliness and its "much reduced" queuing time... I love Red Iguana in general, to me, it is the best mexican restaurant in town. I love their mole, especially the spicy mole (it started with "Ama...") in enchilada style... We came here very often... In the summer, you could sit outside with good enjoyment of beer !
(5)Dee F.
To all the Utah residents that think this is Mexican food, no, it's food (loosely) influenced by Mexico, cooked by people with a Hispanic heritage, and that's not the same at all. We arrived from Austin Tx and originally headed to the Red Iguana, based on Yelp reviews, but the line was around the block so the taxi driver suggested Red Iguana 2, a couple of blocks away and owned by the same people. On the up side, the wait staff was terrific and the place had a homey feel. It was busy and smelled great. So far so good. I love Mexican food, I've had several meals in Rick Bayless's Chicago Restaurants and have eaten Mexican food in non chain establishments in Mexico, all over Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Washington State and Fort Wayne IN. I've NEVER had anything as bad as last night's dinner. We ordered a margarita, some guac, the Enchiladas Suizas and a dinner special of a mini trio of enchiladas for my companion. OMG the Suizas were inedible. The red poblano mole sauce was reminiscent of a bad, extremely sweet BBQ sauce. Where was the flavor of chili's, some heat, the garlic or tang from Tomatillos? I scraped off the sauce, opened the tortilla and ate the inside chicken and guac. My companion fared slightly better, with the sauce being a sweeter version of perhaps a ranchero sauce. Why the high sugar content? What are all the high yelps about? The margarita was nothing special. . Don't go expecting good Mexican food. Even their menu has a disclaimer about the origins of their "unique" recipes.
(2)Johnny L.
Whenever a friend from out of town visits, Red Iguana is the preferred choice. A description from a close friends is that, "Red Iguana tastes like authentic, home cooked Mexican food cooked but the difference is the quality of the ingredients." I wholeheartedly agree. I've continually gotten mixed reviews on the food from some who believe it is overhyped and others who are regulars. I belong with the latter group. If Mexican food is your jam, then this is the place to go. Their Puntas de Filete a La Nortena is fantastic but my favorite is the Steak a la Ranchera. Combined with a glass of horchata, these meals make for the perfect dinner as well as giving you sizable portions that will feed some for multiple meals. Additionally, unlimited chips and salsa is given to every table and I've found myself munching away endlessly at them. Use this to your advantage and try the mole sampler with your chips. It gives you the chance to taste the different moles and get a feel for what flavor you would enjoy the best. Red Iguana 2 is the same as Red Iguana 1 but just bigger and will continue to be the go to place to take visiting friends.
(5)Yue D.
We stopped here on our way to Yellow Stone for lunch, and this place was recommended by a local friend. We had to gave up Red Iguana as there was a looooong line, and decided to come to Red Iguana 2. It was crowed as well when we were here, so I guessed it must be good. Service and ambience were great. Our waitress was so patient and nice to us, and sent us a sampler for us to sample the different types of moles... Most of use ended up with things we like, but there were some interesting orders as well lol. Generally the food was pretty good :) We also tried their margaritas - the Jalapeño one was the best.
(4)Sarah S.
I've had two separate out of town visitors tell me that this is the best Mexican food that they've ever had. It's great, though probably a little different than what you'd experience in a typical Mexican restaurant. Get the free mole sampler even if you don't order a dish with mole - it's fun to try all of them and they're all so unique. Enchiladas, tamales and flautas are all excellent. And the free chips and salsa are also flavorful and tasty. Prices for the entrees are a little on the higher side, especially if you get one of the mole dishes, but no worse than any other midscale restaurant in the city. We've never had to wait longer than 30 minutes to get seated, even on a weekend (both at this location and at the original location). Service is consistently good, though it might get a little slow at times (since it's consistently busy). Portions are generous, and you'll probably have leftovers, especially if you gorge yourself on the mole sampler and chips like I do. Definitely one of the best in the city!
(5)Kenny B.
Not only did this top the Yelp charts for SLC, but everyone was telling me I had to check this place out while I was here. Drove by a few times and the line was down the block and around the corner. Finally scored on my last night and there was no line, so I popped in and boy did this place not disappoint. The queso dip was on point! So good, I would have done naughty things to do it if I wasn't in public. For my main had the enmoladas with a verde mole. Did not look too pretty on the plate, but tasted fantastic! This place definitely lives up to the hype!
(5)David G.
The best authentic mexican food in utah. Order the horchata its amazing and its no cafe rio drink. Its the perfect blend of sweet and cinnamon. Their puntas de carnitas left me drooling and wanting more even though my stomach was full their was no stopping.
(5)Dougie P.
Lovith the Red Iguana. I have been coming back for years, and it's one of the few restaurants open on Sunday in this town. What can I say - simply the best.
(5)Kristen K.
Fantastic food and service. Definitely going back. Husband and I went with our two little ones. We shared the steak fajitas, the little ones had quesadillas and Mac& cheese. Our steak was super tender, and fantastically seasoned. Served with a generous side of cheese and guacamole. The guac was so tasty, I used the chips to dip in it and had leftovers to take home for a snack. The service is quick, friendly, and accommodating. Well worth the visit. Can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Julie C.
The wait was pretty ridiculous for a Monday night. The food was ok, but not as amazing as I was expecting. Salsa was a bit too spicy for my taste, and I like hot spicy food. Too much heat and not enough flavor. The Patron margarita was not my fav. And the service was meh.
(3)Lisa P.
I don't think I'll ever go to the original Red Iguana again! Same food and service for little to no wait. I'm not sure if this space is bigger or there are just less people who come since it's the second location. Probably a combination of both, but either way, works for me! There is plenty of parking (they have a second parking lot just east of the restaurant) and they also have valet. I've got to start with the service, because it really is stellar at both Red Iguanas. Super friendly and crazy fast. I'm always amazed at how efficient they are, even when the restaurant is packed. I've never had a bad experience with any of my servers and that is half the reason I keep coming back! The food is delicious. I'm not Mexican so I won't take the time to argue how "authentic" it is. I dont' know and I don't care, because it is freaking good. Even the chips and salsa are great. Be sure to ask for the spicy salsas and they will likely bring out at least 3 different kinds. As for entrees, this is one of the rare restaurants here I don't have a go-to dish. Tacos, enchiladas, chimichanga, I love it all! Anything with their sour cream chicken is my favorite, and they always have cool, interesting specials that I normally try. Now a few Yelpers raved about the puntas de filete a la nortena so I did try it.... not my cup of tea. I should have known better because I'm actually not a mole fan, but oh well. There seem to be plenty of other people who love that dish, I'm just not one of them.
(5)Tom E.
The food at the Red Iguana 2, just like the original Red Iguana, is life-altering! I might not be the best person to comment on the full menu, though. The reason is that I ordered the puntas de filete a la nortena the first time I visited 2 years ago and have ordered the same thing every time since. The almond mole sauce should be described as borderline mystical! I found out that I was not alone... While waiting to be seated last week, the gentleman sitting next to me said he had just flown in from Kansas City, and as usual he made a bee line straight to the Red Iguana... and he ordered the same Red Iguana Plate he has ordered every time for the last three years. In any case, there are worse places to be "stuck in a rut" because the the service is great and the food is divine!
(5)Haley B.
I've been here on a few different occasions, but tonight might have taken the cake. There was a bit of a wait, but it was half as long as it would have been at Red Iguana 1, so I guess I can't really complain. I loved sitting in the bar area, and apparently they have a guitar player who walks from table to table singing Spanish love ballads on Saturday nights. Pretty sweet! Like so many others, I am a sucker for the mole. Almond and pumpkin are probably my favorites, but honestly I love them all and I get SO EXCITED when the waitress brings the sampler and explains every flavor. It never gets old. Today I ordered puntas de filete a la nortena with the jalapenos on the side and it was excellent. My friend got some giant combo that had one of everything, and he was satisfied, but I maintain that he would have been MORE satisfied had he heeded my advice and ordered something with mole. Red Iguana 2 is great because it's the same wonderful food as Red Iguana 1 without the wait. Obviously I'm going back.
(4)Thomas G.
The Red Iguana 2 is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the country. Red Iguana 2 was originally the overflow restaurant for the original Red Iguana. It is one of those rare restaurants where the sister restaurant out performs the original. RI2 is fairly new and is in a nice bright and spacious building. There is Valet parking. It is always crowded, but the tables turn very quickly. I have seen a lot of large groups there so it seems to manage them well. The margaritas are excellent and they also offer the "big boy" bottles of Epic Brewing a SLC craft brewery. I like the Epic Lager a lot. The chips and salsa that come with the table are excellent and are not the typical Mexican Restaurant stock. The salsa tastes homemade and the chips are of high quality. I always get a combination plate which includes a taco, enchilada and chile relleno. Are these basics? Certainly. But they are done so well at RI2. The flavors are excellent and just are a pleasure to the palate. The accompanying plate of rice and beans is a light tasty adjunct to the main event. The guacamole is also excellent. Red Iguana 2 is my favorite Mexican restaurant. I pine away for it when I am back home in NY and have to sit down to the slop that most NY Mexican restaurants offer.
(5)Clayton T.
Get there early because there is ALWAYS a line and it's definitely worth the wait. I always get the puntas nortenos it's pretty spicey and the best thing I've ever tasted in my life. We LOVE Red Iguana.
(5)Ankita K.
I wasn't expecting good Mexican food in Utah, but boy was I glad I hears about this place. Living in Texas and California spoiled me with great Mexican food, but this place does not disappoint. SO MANY OPTIONS, spicy salsa, and HORCHATA (that comes with a refill). Only negatives: * the chips they served with the salsa weren't great (semi stale tasting?) * in other places where I've ordered fajitas, they come with rice and beans on the side. For the price, I would have expected similar here as well.
(5)Ryan S.
This place will always be one of my favorite places to eat. I love eating at the original one but the wait at Red Iguana 2 is way better. I have never had a bad experience here and if you are from Utah or visiting Utah you have to try this place. Chile Verde Burritos are my favorite and don't be scared to add some rice to them because it is the bestest.
(5)Sarah G.
Service is A+. Food is incredible. mole sauce is fresh & authentic. Very tasty. 100% satisfied! Will be back.
(5)Strider G.
The food here is wonderful. With the price being just right. I keep coming back here.
(4)Saynatry P.
This was my second time trying my place and I was a bit skeptical. First time I went I tried the mole which is what they are known for. I was really excited to try it but was let down from all the hype. Personally, I think mole is not my cup of tea so I thought I would try again. I went with a party of 9 at 5:00 on a Friday night, we called ahead for seating and thank goodness we did. That place gets lines and lines out the door! We were seated promptly and our server was EXCELLENT! He was super friendly and attentive. I ended up ordering the ENCHILADAS A LA LAGO SALADO and oh my lanta, I was not disappointed!! It was a plate with two enchiladas filled with potatoes and chorizo with a chicken salad lettuce wrap on the side. Everything in this dish came together so well! That dish made me a believer of all the hype surrounding this restaurant!! I hope to go back again fairly soon...just thinking about those enchiladas have me drooling already!
(4)D. W.
Here is you how create a success story: have one location so jam-packed that you create an overflow location a short 3 blocks away and then have the overflow location also jam-packed. Even during off-peak hours, this place is rockin', despite it being in a location you would only visit if you were trying to get there. This is tucked away on a narrow street by some railroad tracks and it's so far off the beaten path, you wouldn't normally just come across it driving randomly. Decor is serviceable and mostly utilitarian. There is the obligatory paint scheme, a weathered overhang that is still clinging on for dear life and, oddly, an 80's Cadillac boat parked on the rocks in front....so the paint job can be more easily sun-battered, I suppose. There is more interesting stuff to look at inside, but most of the interior space is devoted to tables, as you would expect for an overflow location. This place doesn't and probably isn't really intended to stand on its own. It is intended as an extension of the original place and feels that way. Same menu, same quality, same stellar wait service, same fantastic flavors and brilliant execution. This is one of the few places that can do eggs over-easy well, for instance. I wouldn't say this is the ultimate restaurant and would hesitate to call it a perfect one, but after a fairly significant layoff from a period when I was going at least twice a week, I was reminded again just how excellent it truly is and it was nice to return. This is one of the few places that you can pick almost anything off the menu and not be disappointed, though it does help if you like mole'. There are still a few things I don't personally like, but even those are done well. Drink selection could stand improvement, though. Perhaps most telling here is that Red Iguana is one of the few restaurants I would strongly consider fighting to get in and if you're going there, you probably won't have much choice if you want to get inside. It is, however, well worth it. Bring on the third location!
(4)Tony D.
Hello everyone, I am by all accounts a regular at Red Iguana 2. I love the food their and the Green Chili Verde is insanely great. I am posting because I have seen some negative posts here. While all opinions count, being angered over a Tattooed Server is childish. Your at a restaurant so post about the food. Don't post about Sex, religion and or personal lifestyle of servers there please. I have taken the time to get to know every busser, server and manager at Red Iguana 2 and love each and everyone! Thanks to all
(5)Myron E.
The food was... Over rated. It gave me a sense of being at a typical Costa Vida but with drinks available.
(2)M R.
This place is great! Awesome authentic food and large portions. Our server, Misty, was wonderful. She had a great personality and took excellent care of us. She knew the menu in and out and told us about each kind of mole sauce like a pro. If we lived in SLC we would definitely make this a regular spot! Great way to start off our vacation.
(5)Joe P.
Wow, Salt Lake City has a lot to offer and this place was packed. We beat the dinner rush (barely) and were quickly seated. The waitress ran through the specials as my stomach imagined ordering everything it heard as it all sounded delicious. We started with a mole sampler which was awesome. There were too many flavors to remember, but there were all very tasty. Some were sweet, some were spicy, and some were both. They do have full strength beer if you order the correct ones. I foget the brewery name that I had, but it was brewed in SLC, came in a bottle and wasn't of the 3/2 variety. I went with one of my favorite Mexican plates, enchiladas. They were very flavourful, fresh, and drenched with an amazing sauce. The guac, black beans, and rice rounded out the plate nicely. This place filled up quickly, but they provided excellent service with great food. I left pleasantly full thinking of what plate I would order next time.
(5)Grason R.
I'll keep this one short and sweet... mainly because it's so similar to the other location. The menu is the exact same, and thats not a bad thing. For those of you who haven't been to either red iguana, they are fantastic. Pages of options, at reasonable prices. They are known for their mole, and it's for a great reason! The main difference is the atmosphere. I absolutely love the original red iguana because of the small rooms, chaotic atmosphere and energetic staff. Unfortunately, you just don't get that at red iguana 2. I'll still continue to go there because it's a lot easier to get a table, but if you have the time... check out the original.
(4)Jason C.
I went here because it wasn't as busy as the original Red Iguana. I enjoyed it immensely. There was literally no wait, we got our food quickly and it was delicious! I got the piña colada and chicken tacos. Definitely will go here again :)
(5)Kay S.
Last week we ate at both the original location and RI2. I wondered if the food would be as good at 2, but I'm happy to report the dishes were indistinguishable. Our party of 10 enjoyed the extra space and comfortable surroundings at 2. The original was fun, but very cramped even for just 3 of us, and noisy. Start your meal with the queso! ¡Excelente! Favorite main dishes were the mole negro, mole mango, chile verde, beef & chicken enchiladas, pork loin w red mole (forgot the name), enchiladas suisas. No room for dessert. The food was delicious, but the exceptional service really made the evening memorable. I don't hesitate to recommend either location, but 2 is just more comfortable and the wait staff and manager went out of their way to make us welcome.
(5)Tim C.
It's kind of refreshing to see that Guy Fieri and the Food Network get it right every once in a while. My wife and I came here off of multiple recommendations, plus it was featured on Triple D, so we thought, "Why not?" We weren't disappointed. Their chips and salsa were quite tasty. The salsa had a lot of heat to it, which I appreciated - it wasn't weak like a lot of the complementary chips and salsa most restaurants bring out. We asked for the mole sample plate to start with, which was a good idea, because all their moles are good, and it's hard to choose the best one. I ended up favoring the almond-based mole, which is why I got the Puntas de Filete a la Nortena - sirloin tips and bacon with lots of veggies over the almond mole with beans and tortillas. Not only was it delicious, but it was incredibly filling. If I weren't so hungry, I may have been able to split this with my wife. Honestly, this dish hit the spot for me - the jalapenos provided a perfect amount of spice, the meat was flavored really well, and the mole was the star of the dish. It wasn't overly sweet like some moles I've had, but it was more rich and nutty. Definitely a unique taste to me. My wife ordered the Tacos Don Ramon, which had beef tips, pork chorizo, pico de gallo and salsa. She enjoyed the taste and amount of her food, but I think I liked my dish better. Our service was incredibly nice, helpful, and accommodating. The atmosphere of the place had a lot of energy, but didn't feel too over-the-top or obnoxious. I enjoyed the music they played, too - a mix of oldies, 90s alternative, and indie rock. We only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table, too! It's right down the street from the original Red Iguana, and from what I hear, they serve exactly the same food. So if the wait is long at the other location, you'll probably be able to find a seat quicker here.
(5)Jon U.
Great food! Really was "Killer Mexican " just like the sign said. If your in Salt Lake City and like Mexican you need to go.
(5)Lynn C.
Pros: Great tasting food, menu a little different, reasonably priced, open on Sunday Cons: Crowded, a little hard to find Came here our first night in Salt Lake City. We drove by it the first time even though we had the address. It is located north of the train tracks on a narrow street and has little frontage on the main business street. It was crowded; apparently the restaurant had been on Diners, Drives-Thrus, and Dives. At first we were seated at the counter. Actually, they asked first, and there was a miscommunication. We indicated that we'd rather have a table. Even though they had already scratched our name off the list, the staff got it right, and we were seated at a table shortly. The food was really good. I got an enchilada dish that I can't remember the name of with a pumpkin sauce. The salsa was nice and spicy with a touch of bitterness from the chile. While I wasn't turning cartwheels over my dish, I do appreciate that it was different than your standard Mexican fare. We liked the food enough to return to the Red Iguana (1) the next week towards the end of our vacation.
(5)Brent W.
We started off with a plan to go to Red Iguana because it has been featured on diners, dives, and drive-ins. What we quickly realized is that place is tiny, and it was going to be a long wait. Thankfully, Red Iguana 2 is right around the corner. There, we were seated almost immediately, and while you are waiting you can help yourself to some delicious apple cider. After being seated, our waiter was exceptionally friendly. He explained the number of items on the menu, including the range of mole sauces. My brother went for the Mole Amarillo, while I had the Chile Colorado. My mom got the nachos. All of the dishes were excellent. I really appreciate that this is not the typical Tex-Mex, with bland enchiladas smothered in cheese. This was real delicious slow cooked meat in an extremely flavorful sauce. The nachos were good too. The drinks at this place are not bad either, which was a nice topping on an already delicious night. My only complaint is that when I left this place I was so stuffed I might explode. I don't even think I finished my meal. I'd definitely go back to this place, and there is pretty much no reason to waste your time on the original Red Iguana unless it's really painful for you to not go to the one Guy Fieri has been to. Oh, and by the way, the menu here is not up to date. The real menu matches the one for the original Red Iguana.
(5)Joe D.
This place never disappoints! The food always tastes amazing and the service is great considering how busy it is all the time. The manager even treated us to free dessert for our continued loyalty. If you love dessert try the flan it is nothing short of perfect.
(5)Candye K.
Sorry. I have never been to the Red Iguana 2. I have only been to the original Red Iguana. But if the #2 is half as good as the #1, they deserve our patronage and adoration.
(5)Chase H.
Where to start? Over the past four years, I've become quite the fan of Red Iguana. I come to the SLC area for a week every 1-3 months and always try to make it there for lunch or dinner at least once. When I was in town recently, I had about 2.5 hours before my flight and wanted to stop by to grab lunch. Unfortunately, the wait time was estimated at 45-60 minutes. I would have been cutting it close if I decided to wait... and I was really hungry! I remembered that there is more than one Red Iguana (I think there are three now) and quickly looked up the next closest location. To my surprise, Red Iguana 2 is less than 0.5 miles away... Upon arriving at Red Iguana 2, I was instantly seated. Too good to be true? Nope... it's the same restaurant! Overall, I think I prefer Red Iguana 2 to Red Iguana... no line, same amazing food, and a more spacious dining area.
(5)Rob B.
As good as the original Red Iguana, but a couple of blocks away and less of a wait. They have the same stunning mole's (get the mole'!) plus a variety of other dishes. Almost everything is very authentic (don't expect cheese heavy Tex-Mex). Absolutely delicious. Portions are very large and the food is rich. Come hungry and bring friends.
(5)Chad A.
Excellent food and super friendly service. We went there after shopping in downtown Salt Lake and couldn't have been happier. Mexican food with love in the sauces and dishes.
(5)Melissa L.
There is a very good reason the Red Iguana is regarded as one of the best restaurants in SLC. It's THAT good. In fact, it's some of best Mexican food I've ever had. They specialize in moles and offer a wide variety of dishes that lean more towards Mexico than Taco Bell on the scale of authenticity. I had their enchiladas suizas, which is comprised of chicken, sour cream, avocado rolled up in a tortilla and smothered in mole poblano and a sprinkle of cheese. It was delicious! The mole was rich and complex and was a nice change from the typical enchilada sauce. The portion sizes are really generous, so much so that I wasn't hungry for the rest of the day. The food arrived really quickly and was piping hot. The chips were thin and crispy while the salsa was definitely on the spicy side. Service was really friendly and efficient. They definitely know how to handle large crowds here. Parking is available on the street on in their lot. During lunch time there wasn't much of an issue with procuring a parking spot or a table. Additional seats are available at the counter that runs the length of the restaurant. This location is a fairly large space and good for small and large groups. All who come will have a great meal and a great experience.
(5)Kenny W.
Who would have guessed that the best Mexican restaurant I've ever eaten at would be in Salt Lake City? I've lived in San Diego, 17 miles from the Mexican border, for 31 years and nothing in my hometown comes close to Red Iguana 2. This was my first time in SLC and I called an old friend from my days in Colorado and asked "Where should I eat?" He's a concert promoter and his response was "All the bands who come through eat at Red Iguana." Without getting as detailed as most epicurean Yelpers, let me say that our server Marian was one of the best waitresses anywhere. She went over the menu in detail with us, suggested we go with their famous mole sauce and brought us a beautiful sampler of all nine moles with chips before we ordered. I went with the chicken enchiladas suizas with empanada mole and it was spectacular. My party of four each ordered something different and we oohed and aahed the entire meal. When we come back to SLC, this will be our first stop. Get a cadillac margarita too!
(5)Denni P.
Great second location, love this place. This restaurant appears a tiny bit smaller than their original location, newer and have free valet parking only. Food is carbon copy of their original location. Service is friendly and our wait time to get in this location was abut 15 min on a Friday night. Had the shredded chicken tostada's (to die for if you're a tostada fan).
(4)Timothy A.
Came back to visit Salt Lake. Had to visit the best Mexican restaurant in town. Love their Mole and Killer Nachos.
(5)Jason Y.
Had the traditional enchiladas. Good but not worth an hour wait. Our group was visiting in the parking lot after dinner and security made us leave. No loitering! !! Won't be back.
(1)Eli L.
Great food. I would do ghastly things to loved ones for another bite of the steak and chorizo tacos. The locally owned tequila is delicious. I want to move to SLC so I can eat here regularly.
(5)Deanna M.
I have no idea why this isn't my go-to autopilot choice for Mexican. So many vegetarian options. I highly recommend the veggie fajitas.
(5)Fred w.
We had heard that Red Iguana was a good Mexican restaurant. Naturally we checked it out on Ye and the reviews supported what we'd heard. Thursday eve about 6:30 and there had to be 50 people waiting in parking lot, hostess said 30 minutes and we waited 15 minutes and were seated (being a twosome made it easier than the big groups and apparently people put names in but then leave). The place is clean, servers are engaging and place has a certain energy about it, which we enjoyed. Our server brought us a sampler dish of all the moles they offer along w/explanation of what they are and what's in them- they were great. My wife had the chicken enchiladas with avocado and I had the chicken & rice w/tomatoe sauce, Chiles,etc etc. Both were outstanding washed down with some sold beer. Lots of good food for a decent price. Highly recommend visiting this place
(5)Kent W.
Below Average. I really hoped to love it as much as everyone else reviewing this place seemed to. To start, yes, there will be a line. Do NOT wait outside! After being told it would be 30-40 minute wait, and checking with hostess several times, he gave away my table and acted stupid about it. I suppose someone else slipped him a tip or something. He said my name more than once when I was checking progress and then acted like he didn't know it when I pointed out my name crossed off of the list. the manager came out to tell us we'd be seated soon. no apology, no free app, no drink. just walked off. in the end, we waited well over an hour and we're the last ones seated when we arrived earlier than most. Believe it or not, I still wanted to love the food. it was just ok. Carnitas were dry. Mole was ok. Margherita's small. I don't get the hype. if you are looking for tex mex, don't bother. if you enjoy more authentic Mexican food, that's the idea but good luck. I hope I was just there on a bad day, but I'll never know. the lack of concern by hostess and manager ensures that I won't return.
(2)Chad F.
Returned for our annual SLC visit And squeezed in 2 Red Iguana Dinners. Moles as usual were stunning. The hits with this group of 9 were the mango mole w enchiladas and the mole Amarillo. On the 2nd trip moles and enchiladas were once again a hit. Excellent horschata. A quart of Amarillo Mole to go will keep us thinking about red iguana for a while. Always good food and excellent service
(5)Erica J.
My mole dreams were crushed when I attempted to go here one evening and the line was out the door and around the corner. In record low temperatures. I reluctantly said "hell no..." and stomped back to the car. Red Iguana 1 yielded the same response. And then...a miracle happened. A "what should we eat?" conversation was started on a Sunday evening after a long day of snowboarding. And we decided, yet again, that the mole shaped hole of our hearts was yearning to be filled...Thank God for quiet Sunday evenings in Salt Lake City. Hands down some of the most delicious mole I've ever had. The Mole Verde was creamy and delicious...I'd likely drink the stuff like a spicy little milkshake. The shrimp stuffed jalepeno peppers was one of the most delicious things I've ever had. SHRIMP.CHEESE.STUFFED.JALEPENOS.SPICY RED SAUCE. I love all of those things and they come wrapped together in a warm delicious package?! Bonus, the staff was incredibly friendly and on-it with the service. It really is worth the wait.
(5)Christopher C.
Never had mole before, but can't imagine it being better than this! The Negro Mole was sensational, with flavors unlike anything I've had before.
(5)Tara L.
I've tried mole before....in Monterrey Mexico where it's "famousa"....and I hated it! To each their own but I do not want chocolate sauce on my chicken and that's what mole negro tastes like to me. Fast forward to Red Iguana 2 where they take mole and spin it on its head. There are about 9 variations on mole from the traditional mole negro to their newest mole mango. After trying the sampler plate I decided I was a convert. Mole had been redeemed! So I ended up getting the enchilada suiza (chicken, sour cream, and avocado inside) and had them cover it in the mole amarilla. This is their spicy mole and being the chili head that I am it hit the spot. The guy sitting next to me at the bar got the same dish but kept it with the mole listed on the menu and we were both raving about our dishes. These are huge enchiladas too....there are two to an order and I could barely finish one of them. Forgo the rice and beans as they won't be missed or needed!
(5)Chad M.
Everytime I go to Salt lake I come here. Be prepared though there will prob be a wait. It is so good they opened a second location 2 blocks away and there is still a wait.
(5)Rich L.
It's all been said already. Everything I've eaten here I love. Not a huge mole fan but these guys are helping me overcome.
(5)Jason W.
Consistently some of the best Mexican food around. I try something different every time I go there and I have never been disappointed. They also have a large and varied drink selection from their bar. The second location alleviates the only downside to Red Iguana which was the cramped and limited space available at the North Temple location. I make a point of taking visitors from out of town just to try the mole. I cannot recommend this place enough.
(5)Todd R.
Holy Mole'! Ok so went to the original but line was too long. So went to RI2 and were seated in 15 minutes. This place is amazing. We don't do much with mole' in Texas besides mole' negro. This takes it to a whole other level. Get the puntas de filete a la nortena.
(5)Tyler S.
Best in town hands down for mexican food. Every single dish that I have tried has been top notch. The wait is major on the weekend but it is because it is so good!
(5)Debra M.
We had driven by Red Iguana and saw the crazy line but came to Red Iguana 2 and were happy to see there was no line at all. Very happy with the food here. We loved loved the Mole!!! It really is as good as everyone says. We split the enchiladas and were so happy.
(5)Shauna S.
Our meals tonight were good but not great. Too much chili pepper in the salsa and enchilada sauce. I had their special of three mini enchiladas (cheese, shredded chicken and shredded steak) with guacamole and beans. Hubby had their large combo plate with a tostada, taco, enchiladas and flautas with guacamole. Our server refilled our water cups a few times and asked about the food.
(3)Janice M.
In SLC on business and did my YELP homework before hand. Went with a co-worker who lives in SLC and she said it's her favorite Mexican place too. I tried a sample plate of their moles and have to say I'm not a fan. Ordered the carnitas and they were THE best I've ever had and I have had my share of carnitas. Incredible flavor and fried to perfection. Guacamole and black beans were delicious as well. Will definitely go back when I'm in SLC again.
(5)Tyler K.
Arrived at 5 pm. Informed it would be a 45 minute wait for a party of 5. 8 parties of 4 that arrived after my party were seated, An hour and 15 minutes later we left without being seated. I took it personally - it was almost as if the host hated my party. Someday I hope to own a restaurant and have the host show up so I can have him wait and watch as everyone who arrives after him is seated. Like a big fat figurative middle finger.
(1)Ricardo A.
A great place where food is treated as an art form. Authentic Mexican food with some other influences, famous for their Mole selection is a nice place for lunch, but expect wait if you get there after 11:30am. Would get a 5 wasn't for the small dining room. Worth the wait...
(4)Michael E.
Pretty great dood. I got margaritas, mushroom appetizer and some linda pork entree. It was all really delicious.
(5)Destiny K.
Food is great, drinks are kinda so-so. The wait on a weekend night is hilarious. It's harder to get into this place than a hoppin' club. LOL (literally a line all the way down the block). I wish they could get a bigger building, but hey, the food is great, so it's worth the wait. I'd save your money and not pay for any mixed drinks though.
(4)Parice L.
Total Joke Most overhyped place I ever stepped in. we're from Texas with the REAL mexicans so I guess its understandable being in the middle of nowhere they think this flatulent bland throw-uppable fare is GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT. LOL. Pure jokes I tell you. Lines of ridiculousity, valet parking for beans n tacos... OK. The worst part was coming here already feeling bloated after a week of over indulgence in corporate provisioned meals and because I wasnt Gorging over my plate some gargantuan goonies replica walks over and says they "heard" I didnt like my food. Ill tell you what I dont like. Pretentious patronizing attempts at hospitality. Im with a group minding my own darn business avoiding my stomach from BURSTING and your lackluster service from me lashing chikita incompetent and then you choose lil ol me to pour out some passive aggressive saccharin snarkiness. I just shot it a couple blanks like WHATCHUTALKINBOUTGOONIE? ROTFLLLLOL I saw people eating the mole plates and it looked a plate of pile. Maybe I just dont know what part of mexico this food is exactly meant to be from. But I'll just stick to our hole in the wall worldclass mexi-fares we have down here. Even the darned foodtrucks -which I dont touch with a 20foot trailer- would put em to sleep. Maybe its unfair to compare., but just to double check it wasnt me I asked my cali colleague if it could even touch a match to the worst there n all I heard was some mumble jumble to the tune of "idunnoWTFthishhhtis"!!!!!!! We burst out rolling in pity. But you guys keep working magical wonders over there n a'yonder! GENIUS. Pure!
(1)Chris H.
Of the two Red Iguana's this is the one that I usually went to when I used to travel to Utah regularly. I hadn't been in years and thought that I would go back and give it another try. I had eaten at the Red Iguana original just the day before and I have to say that the food quality is just as good at both locations. This location is a little more "modern." It has a bar that I like sitting at while the other one does not have a bar.
(5)Zac L.
Yes, these guys deserve 5 stars! Always amazing, super friendly service. Always fresh and delicious. Dishes are authentic, consistent and beautiful. Full of all the right spices, heat and textures. We've been coming here regularly for last 18 months free from a single disappointment (except for one time on my birthday we got cut off from ordering more drinks ;)
(5)Kelly S.
Delicious margaritas, stuffed and fried jalapeños and enchiladas suiza with chicken and avocado in a mole poblano sauce. Yum! The service was good and the atmosphere lively. We are glad we went when visiting SLC.
(5)Keith J.
Found this place listed as among the best in Salt Lake City. And also was showcased on Guy Fieri's DDD. Words can't fully describe the experience. They specialize in mole's showcasing 7 different, and all delicious Moles. The food is incredible: I had the Pork Carnitas Enchiladas covered in their spiciest Mole. Tender juicy and flavorful pork complimented the sauce. My friend had chicken enchiladas with avocado in a sweeter mole sauce. Definitely recommended if you are in town. Place doesn't take reservations and gets packed so come early. Well worth it!
(5)Joe Y.
Iguana 2 is newer and bigger than the original location. But the wait is still ridicules on a weekday afternoon. I called in and ordered Tacos Don Ramon for pick up. It comes with 3 crispy corn tortillas. The sirloin meat is just ok, not as good compared to real street tacos from Mexico. You can also pick up a cup of Mole for $5 since that's what everyone is raving about.
(4)David G.
The Red Iguana 2 offers the same excellent food as its parent restaurant (The Red Iguana) and often without the lengthy table wait time. The menu is ginormous and I always have a tough time just figuring out what it is that I want. Haven't had a bad meal there yet and think it's unlikely that I will.
(4)Sadaf M.
Had to try this place out just because it was visited by Guy Fieri. I have been here four times and I really love the food. It is definitely not really authentic Mexican but again I am picky when it comes to Mexican b/c I am from California. However, my favorite item here their Mole Chicken Enchiladas. The mole is so yummy and the enchiladas just melt in your mouth. Their is ample sauce covering them and you can scoop up the leftover with the delicious chips they serve. The salsa is also really good and just a kick of spice which really amps up the flavor. My friends have had the fajitas and the steak tacos and all have raved about how good the flavor was. I think it is definitely a great place to eat out and the crowd is very lively here so it is always a good experience. I shall have to go back soon.
(4)Laura G.
It's tough not to review Red Iguana as a whole when reviewing the RI2. The RI2 was created out of necessity, since the line at the original location can wind out the door and down the sidewalk. Despite the long wait, any time someone asks me where they should go for good Mexican food, Red Iguana is my suggestion. But have no fear, this second location still features all of the tasty goodness upon which Red Iguana has built its reputation. The only thing that is different is better parking and a bigger building. I recommend the mole to everyone I know. If you're not familiar with mole or just don't know which of their several variations you should try, ask the server for a sampler. You'll receive a plate swirled with vibrant mole sauces that may or may not help you decide which one you want on your enchiladas. My favorites are the red pipian, mole negro, and mole coloradito. And once my Texas-born-and-raised girlfriend declared it to be legit, I knew we had a winner. The RI2 is not trying to serve minimalist food in a Zen-like atmosphere. This location is often very busy, a little loud, and shoveling out the best Mexican food in the valley to lots of hungry fans like myself. The little diner-style tables and chairs occupy most of the space, which make it a community dining experience, whether you like it or not. But my mind's on the mole and the mole's on my mind as soon as the plate is in front of me, so I don't mind the noise or the tight quarters. Also, there isn't a good reason in this world why you shouldn't also try the cucumber margarita.
(5)Eric U.
Definitely worth the visit. Excellent meal and pleasant staff.
(5)Sircy M.
We have been to The Red Iguana many times and loved it. We brought friends from out of town to Red Iguana 2 since the line was as long as usual and we were told that the food was the same recipes, same owner, etc. We go there and things were ok at first. The waiter was very helpful and nice. When we got our entrees a blonde woman brought our food and she was abrasive. Before she brought the food the waiter referred to the food by the name on the menu. When she brought the food she asked who had the combination plate. We didn't understand what she was taking about because that we not how it was referred to by the waiter. She then sort of huffed, sounded irritated and started again. We finally realized what she was talking about. Then the same blonde woman stood at the table next to ours and had a long conversation with some friends of her at the table next to ours. I found her to be very unprofessional. The food was not spicy at all. In fact, everything was sweet and VERY sweet. It didn't taste good at all. We all picked at our food. We will never go to Red Iguana 2 again. This experience makes us nervous about going back to the regular Red Iguana. If you have a choice, do not go to Red Iguana 2.
(1)Misha T.
Though I've never been to the first one, if their 2nd location is any indication (rhymes!) they're on to something good. I had the puntes de something something nortena which is like a steak and bacon fajita on top of almond mole with some rice, beans and toritillas on the side. It was as tasty as it sounds and was really an enormous portion. I don't think I finished more than half of it. Their horchata is also free refills which is cray cray.
(5)Jeff H.
Introduced to this place with the Enchiladas Suizas for lunch, and I was flat blown away. An incredible, unusual take on Mexican food, tasty and aromatic, like nothing I've ever had. Neat decor. Red Iguana is genuine, straight-up and outstanding. Few restaurants have made such powerful first impressions on me. Wow.
(5)Kyle K.
Simply the best Mexican I've had. I'll eat any of their moles, and anything with any of their moles on it. (I think you could hand me a sandwich dug out of the trash and smother it with the mole amarillo or poblano and I'd eat it in a heartbeat.) Oh wait, did I just write that for the Red Iguana 1 review? Well, RI 2, literally just down the street from the original, shares the same menu, and I've not found any difference in quality. The location may be a bit more "big open restaurant" than cosy unknown cafe, but the comfort for big groups makes it worth it. So grab a jalapeno margarita on the rocks, sample the moles, and enjoy!
(5)Eugenio V.
If you love the original place, you will love this even more, since there is more parking and you will not wait on the street, but in a wait room. This place is cleaner and tidier than the other one, food comes reasonably fast and is still good. It will be probably packed.
(4)Terra S.
If you come on a weekend, expect to wait 45-75 minutes. The food is totally worth the wait!
(5)Andrew S.
Oh, I know, three stars for a Red Iguana franchise and I go to a special place in hell, but three stars means A-OK and this place is that. It's not super great and it's not horrible. The parking kind of sucks, especially since when you do valet, they move your call a whole 10 feet. Otherwise they only allow self parking in half the lot and the rest is on the street. Valet is free though, so I will quit my bitchin. The food is good, not blow you away great, but good. I like it. I get take out and eat here now and then and have more than once, twice or even three times. It hits a certain craving and makes my belly happy. The decor is cool. Diner like. Very open and sound carries. So there you have it. A good Mexican food joint that I can't say a bad thing about. Authentic? Maybe. I like Taqueria Lolita better.
(3)Steve M.
I had the Mango enchiladas...which were awesome!! I usually add salsa to my Mexican food to spice it up bit I didn't this time because I didn't want to ruin the flavors. Aldo ordered Puntas de filete which looked incredible. They gave him enough food for 2 people!! We've been trying to eat here for a year but the wait time has been 1hour +. I can certainly see why.
(5)Casey K.
This review was loooooong overdue as I visited this place with my bfs family and friend on Dec 29th. This food was so good, worth the 45 min long wait. The friend was into mole and he especially digged it here, and for me I've never had it before but it was tasty. The margarita I had was good as well. I shall wanna come here again the next time we are up in salt lake.
(5)Susan C.
Chicken Mole Enchiladas with Avocado rivaled that of many Mexican restaurants that I have been to in California! Go globalization! The Mole was so so so tasty. This was a hoppin' place at lunch time. The everyone, the fire department, and their mothers were at Red Iguana 2 to take in the huge portions of Mexican goodness. The wait list went relatively fast and the food was worth the wait!
(4)Kelly T.
At first, we went to the first Red Iguana but there was a long line and someone leaving told us to go to Red Iguana 2, which is owned and operated by the same people from Red Iguana. We did and were seated right away. My friend ordered the enchilada, another had the chocolate mole with chicken and I had the Tiger Prawns. It honestly was all just okay. I have no idea where the hype came from. I guess I was a bit disappointed since this was on the DDD show, one of my favorites on the Food Network. The margarita definitely needed more work, it was pretty bad, one of the worst I've had unfortunately.
(3)Lo J.
OMG the chips and salsa here is delicious. Nice and spicy! I had the enchilada suiza and it was really good. I haven't ever tried mole, so it was a different taste but it was pretty good. My girlfriend got the Taco Don Ramon and it was really good! I do have to say the margaritas weren't the best, but they got the job done. My girlfriend got the cucumber margarita and didn't like it, so of course I drank it for her (who wastes perfectly good tequila?) All in all, I will absolutely come back to try some of the other dishes that people are raving about : )
(3)Kelli B.
This location is WAY better than the original. It was much more spacious and private. The original location is way too crowded. The menu is exactly the same!
(4)John M.
These guys were off their game this night. Our party of five took 10 minutes to get all 5 meals on the table. The drinks were slow and although they knew what was going on in town they seemed under staffed. They only had one nightly special also. I'll be back but I've found another mexican joint I'll stray to. One where I don't have to wait so long to get in.
(3)Morhaf A.
The food was delicious. The staff are very friendly. My margarita was alright. If the round of the train passing by every 3 min does not bother you, you would love this place.
(4)Chantel A.
Love this place. Chili con queso for the appetizer is sooooo delicious! They have the greatest service every time we go their and it's a kid friendly place. The waiters and waitresses never disappoint. I had the pork mango enchiladas. Think these are my favorite. I usually get beef flautes but I have fallen for those enchiladas. I highly recommend it. Worth the wait on a busy Saturday evening.
(5)Dave G.
Work brings me to SLC about 3 times a year and I always make a stop at the Red Iguana. To me the best Mexican food I have had in the States...From the first time I visited I have been hooked on the Enchiladas Amarillas...spicy but so incredibly good. On the night when I took photo had a combo enchilada plate of the Verde/Amarilla.
(5)Jim P.
Tasty Chili Verde! Fantastic salsa with some heat. Creative menu and good atmosphere. The mole was delicious and the enchiladas were perfect. Price was high but, well worth it for quality food! That sums up our group of 3 for lunch experience at Red Iguana 2.
(4)Brenna D.
Shredded beef chimichanga. Superb! The service sucked and there was definitely a language barrier. The waiter couldn't even understand how we wanted the checks to be split. But the food was good. I didn't realize there would be a sauce on my chimi but it was surprisingly good. Definite hints of cinnamon or nutmeg. I appreciated the valet parking and even though they were busy, the wait wasn't bad. It's not in a great part of town but it's worth making a trip out there.
(4)Matt F.
Sometimes you should believe everything you read. We were in SLC for one night and only had one dinner selection. Based on reviews, we chose this and made the right choice. We arrived at 5:30pm on a Saturday night and only had to wait for a few minutes. The salsa on the table was fantastic. The waiter brought us a mole sample to help us make decisions. We ended up with the first dish on their house specials - steak tips and vegetables on almond mole. Incredible. The same can be said for the mango enchiladas, filled with carnitas. We're away for 8 days and don't think we'll have another meal that will top this.
(5)Matt A.
This was quite possibly the best Mexican food I've ever had and I've had quite a lot. The menu was so full of stuff it was kinda overwhelming, but after checking some yelp reviews, the mole negro was my choice. Holy Crap! It's was phenomenal. Smoky, spicy, rich and just a hint of chocolate. My wife had the enchiladas suzias and they were just a good as the mole. We paired our food with a margarita de Jamaica which was killer. We followed that with mojitos which were amazing also. The chips and salsa (not to be forgotten) were awesome too. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is in SLC and wants great food.
(5)Daniel P.
Excellent guacamole Excellent mole Excellent margheritas Excellent chips
(5)Shea B.
Absolutely a must try. First time there had a group of my family i hadnt seen in awhile. All of us first timers to red iguana. Seriously the entire time we were there we were raving about the food. Everyone passing their plates around sampling each others. My favorite was the chili verde sour cream chicken enchiladas. AMAZING!! And the service was fantastic. Server was sooo patient with my crazy family :) everyone there already planned the next time they be back! I wish there was one in Ogden.
(5)Patricia P.
Jesus, our server was the best. I want him again to serve us yesterday but was dissapointed not to see him. He provide such professional service I was just amazed. We will continue to go to RI2 just for Jesus. Food is great but service made it exceptional.
(5)Jenny R.
This place rocks! The food is out of this world, the mole is AWESOME, the cucumber margaritas and the jalapeño margaritas are fabulous. My only negative comment is it is VERY noisy at all locations but I can totally over look that because the food is so good! We travel through or to SLC often, we often stop just to buy a pint or two of their various mole sauces to enjoy at home.
(5)Hecate F.
It was our second trip to this franchise and we weren't disappointed. For two years I had the original location bookmarked to try whenever we stopped by in SLC. The Travel Channel raved about it along with random people I would meet that had lived in SLC as a "must try for best Mexican food." I heard they were famous for their different variations of Mole. Red Iguana 1 we arrived right at opening and within minutes there was already a line. If you plan on doing breakfast, get there early. For this second visit we went with the second location to give them a second try. Started off the evening with a HIBISCUS MARGARITA that was just like drinking Agua de Jamaica with a great twist. I couldn't leave without ordering MOLE, MOLE NEGRO to be exact. You can order a mole sampler to try them all and see which one you prefer! This was a great presentation to try a little of everything, specially when I wanted to order some extra Mole to take home. They sell the paste in quart size containers so that you can prepare it later at home and impress your friends with authentic Mexican Mole, no Del Monte in my kitchen! I'm a fan of the environment for both locations, simple, local, nothing too fancy, just some great eating.
(5)Chris F.
The best Mexican food I have had in quite some time! I stopped by Red Iguana 1 and thought I'd be avoiding the crowd there by moving along to #2, but just as crowded. Obviously that was a sign of great things to come. This place definitely has a buzz, and I enjoyed watching servers move quickly about and obviously knowing what they are doing. After a somewhat longish wait for a single seat at the bar, I was greeted quickly with salsa and a glass of water that never went empty. The menu was extensive and everything sounded delicious, and authentic. Settled for an easy chili relleno. Despite being busy my order was taken quickly and served up in at most three minutes. I'm still not sure how you can cook stuff up that fast without a clairvoyant working in the kitchen. Large portions, very authentic flavors, and the fresh corn tortillas were great. A friend joined late and ordered some kind of almond- or cashew-based mole dish which really blew me away. Mixed drinks were only average, but I can't mark them down for that when service and food were some of the best I've experienced.
(5)Zach S.
As good as any Mexican food that SLC has to offer. Get the mole sample platter, and guac is ridiculously expensive, but amazing. Can be a real mad house, but that's how good places get.
(5)Greg N.
Being from Tucson, I'm used to authentic Mexican food. Red Iguana 2 is the only Mexican restaurant I'll eat at in Salt Lake. Everything is consistently good - but you must try the various moles. If you ask, they'll bring you a mole sampler dish so you can taste the flavors before ordering. My favorite remains the pumpkin mole. They also have a full bar - the cucumber margarita is my fave. If you visit SLC, it's worth tracking this place down. If you live around here, you have no excuse for not giving it a shot ;)
(5)Brooks L.
For the original Red Iguana: Friendly staff, delicious dinner. Misty, our server, was sweet and funky and, when I couldn't decide which mole dish I wanted, brought out samples of all of the sauces and then offered to let me customize my dinner to have the pork loin with dried fruit and roasted tomatoes with the habanero mole instead of the almond mole. Nice. Try it. Hot, for sure, but won't kill you and has a complex chili flavor that had me dipping my chip crumbs in it after I was done with the pork. The wait wasn't short but their estimate was spot on. I appreciated that.
(5)Gina B.
Though the food might be the same as the original Red Iguana (which I gave 5 stars), I have a hard time giving the same rating because the atmosphere is just not that of the original. I know this second place was desperately needed but I found myself wishing for the same bustle of the first restaurant, located just around the corner. But in a pinch, when you need authentic Mexican and there just is not time to wait in the infamous long line on North Temple, this place will do in a fix. You've got a plethora of delicious, made-to-oder plates at either location and this place is less noisy, allowing for better conversation opportunities. Try the original first, but if you can't get in, this is by far the next best choice compared to any other Mexican spot in downtown Salt Lake City.
(4)Brad V.
Yes, this place is great to eat at. I have tried always to go to the Red Iguana 1, the original restaurant, but each time the line is so long that I always drive around the block and to the Red Iguana 2. Same menu and same experience. But, often no line. So, if you are in the mood for some outstanding Mexican food and you are in SLC, go to the Red Iguana 2 and bypass the line and get right to the food. Be aware, their hot and spicy will make you sweat! They take all cards, and cash! Your clothes will smell like the food when you get home, so word to the wise, leave your dress coat in the car when you come in, otherwise, you will smell like Mexican food (more like a deep fat fryer with lard).
(4)Steve G.
Very good authentic Mexican food. Had the fish tacos which tasted very fresh. Server was busy but responsive as it is a crowded place. Be prepared to wait for a seat. Would like to try more items here. Salsa was also very good.
(4)Alice M.
The best mexican food I've had. This place has the most amazing guacamole! Make sure you try it. Every time I've been we always ask to sample the mole sauces to have with the tortilla chips... It's great! We also sit at the bar, it's fun being close to all the action. You also get super fast service that way! Any meal I've had here has been superb. Bold flavours, always fresh; I'm never disappointed. Great atmosphere. Feels so authentic inside. Their horchata is delicious but if you want something a little stronger, definitely try the Monjita Traviesa (Rum Cocktail) which is made with Rum and Horchata! Amazing.
(5)Daela T.
Although I've yet to find anything on the menu that I crave (a sign that I'll be coming back), my vegetarian, Mexican-food loving, Northern California liberal(ly opinionated) family finds this place to be their absolute favorite. We've defaulted to this location because it's much easier to get in and out at any hour. Where it's all about the mole and the Enchilada Potosinas for them, I usually just enjoy the patio environs (Summer) with a Negro Modelo AND Pepino Margarita in hand.
(5)Tim M.
Very surprising high quality food. Don't let the outside fool you. They have a great and extensive menu that makes it hard to pick. I had the pulled pork that was excellent and had a unique flavor. All the sides were excellent as well. I even liked the rice! The hospitality was tops, very friendly and attentive. Great staff ! Reasonably priced for the quality and quantity. My wife had a combo with tacos R&Ba. And was also very favorably impressed
(4)John M.
Yup... Bigger than the one on N. Temple and no wait on this cool night, so I headed here instead. Expansive menu... more so than just about any Mexican restaurant that I have been in. The chimichanga was excellent... kinda odd having it "wet", but I learned to adjust and welcomed the surprise. Margaritas were tasty. Too much of the rice and beans and not enough of the chimi, but Im not gonna make a huge deal over that one. Very comfortable setting... not cheezy like some places. It did get a bit noisy, but then thats sorta what happens when comfort meets good food and good spirits....
(4)Daniel B.
Reviewing the Red Iguana is a bit like shooting fish in a bucket...with a shotgun. It's hard not to get a great meal, and it's even harder not to write great stuff about it. So stop reading now if you're expecting a critical review. I'm a big fan of all things Iguanan (Red or Blue), and it's oh, so hard to find faults in that which is loved. This was my first time at the semi-new location for the Red Iguana on South Temple. The first thing I noticed when walking in was that while it was just as tightly packed as the old location, everything felt new and clean (not that the North Temple location isn't clean...), but still kept the same feel of a Mexican pop culture restaurant. It felt comfortable, in spite of how close tables and chairs were to each other. But enough about the interior design-let's talk food! I usually go straight to the mole section of the menu and pick something at random, but today something persuaded me to go out on a limb and try a new area of the menu. I didn't go too far out, though: I found a delicious sounding dish call Enmoladas in the "Marvels of Mexico" section...it had mole negro on it. I know, right? It was fantastic. The portion was not so large that I felt stuffed, but, as Goldilocks might say about the third bowl of porridge, was just right-neither too large nor too small. Three enmoladas-folded corn tortillas filled with refried beans-were centered on a warm plate, drenched with a generous portion of mole negro, topped with a mix of queso fresco cotija, and topped with pickled red onion. The plate was garnished with a pickled jalapeno. But you can get all that from a glance at the menu. What you can't get is that the mole was thick, faintly sweet, and tasted just barely of cacao, while the tortillas were fresh, as were the beans. I'm afraid that eating might have been difficult, but for some self discipline. My mouth was enjoying the delight. If you've not made it over to the South Temple location of the Red Iguana, take a lunch and head on over. The enmoladas will make the trip (short as it is) worth it.
(4)Tom L.
The Red Iguana is a must if you're in the Salt Lake City area and are looking for outstanding authentic Mexican food. Prepare yourself for a hole in the wall ambience with nothing fancy about the decor but it does have a great vibe, outstanding food and great service. My coworkers and I had dinner there tonight...a Monday and the place was packed but got were seated within 10 minutes. All of us are originally from Southern California and grew up eating what we believe to be great Mexican food. They both ordered taco plates and I ordered the Sunrise burrito which was two Chili Verde burritos topped with two fried eggs. They both loved their tacos and my burritos were over the top. I couldn't finish them but I'll be thinking about them and wishing I could get them at home for a very long time. The bottom line is this...if you like good Mexican food, this IS the place to go in SLC.
(5)Brendan K.
Oh my, where to begin with this review. Let's start it off with this; Red Iguana is hand's one of, if not the best Mexican food in town. If you don't read any more of this review please know that you CAN NOT go without trying this place out! ...and I challenge anyone to find a reason to give this place less than the best! The menu is a bit long and can feel a little overwhelming, however all you have to do is ask, the staff is absolutely amazing, and willing to help! I am typically a 20% tipper and up if the service warrants it. Here I find myself consistently going 25% or more. The servers and serving assistants here love their jobs, and it shows, and they know the menu well. I fell in love with the Tacos Don Ramon (look in the gallery), which was a suggestion from our server. They're famous for their Mole and with good reason. It is to die for!!! All around this place is a great experience, from the food to the service, and the embience. I encourage all to travel downtown and find this diamond in the rough! P.S. Look for me on the patio! I'll be the guy in the corner with my Yelp sun glasses, eating my Tacos Don Ramon, with a Dos XX's ...because I don't always drink beer, but when I do I drink Dos XX's!
(5)A N.
Mole fans rejoice! This is some great Mexican food and it lives up to the hype. The traditional dishes (tacos, fajitas, burritos) are on par with similar places, the unique dishes usually include mole (which you get to choose) and really put this place on the map. The atmosphere is not much for a quiet or private night out (flashback to high school cafeteria) it's loud, crowded, and one big room.
(4)Clay S.
There is no other place in town for Mexican food. Red iguana is it! I've been to Mexico 3 times and the food from red iguana is pretty comparable if not better. Never had anything I didn't like. The puntas de filete is my favorite. Food is 5 stars, but the one downfall which is a huge one, is the wait time. There has been times that I waited more than 1 hour for a table. So, sometimes I drive by and when the wait is to long, I go somewhere else. Only reason why I took a star away
(4)Christina R.
We came here for dinner during a trip to the SLC/PC area, a night out with the family. The service was good, but the food was utterly fantastic. All eleven of us at the table loved our food - the portions are pretty big, and the flavor is great. The moles are very tasty. The only possible downside is the wait time for a table, but as long as you're with people you like, the wait goes by quickly - and anyway, the food is worth the wait. I intend to eat here anytime I'm in the SLC area.
(5)Dani O.
RI2 is just like the original - the food is fantastic! The best part about the 2nd location is the space! So much more room! And being around the corner from each other makes it easy to drive past one - see if one location has a longer wait than the other! I would recommend the pumpkin mole and the chili con queso. The carnitas are also good. But I'm a sucker for the enchiladas poblanas con pollo and a peach margarita.
(4)Sky T.
I felt in love with the molé at this place. I think it is all about the molé, molé, molé up in this house. And now, open poetry mic session: Molé, you delicious, savory concoction you. Molé, the spectrums of colors you come in inspires the artists' palette. Molé, so flavorful and earthy and complicated and simple. Molé, spicy and sweet or mellow and deep. Molé, you tingle my tastebuds, you linger when you are not here. Oh, Molé. Lovely, Molé. Let me eat you, Molé. Eat, savor, eat. Savor, eat, savor. Oh, Molé. The one and only, Molé. - - - - - - - - - - Yes, this place has a lively atmosphere and food to match. The food is delish and it is loud here but it complements the food. The food has personality here with a bite that you'll like to have. I don't think you will be disappointed at all. Probably the wait can be tiresome but when you are in, just take in some of their Molé, close your eyes, and meditate and all of your troubles will vanish. Embrace the molé.
(5)Alissa M.
Some of the best Mexican food I've ever had! There's usually a long wait so you have to be prepared for that. Recommend doing the mole sampler and trying the jalapeño margarita
(5)Jacqueline C.
This is my favorite restaurant in all of SLC. Everything about Red Iguana is spot on, the service, the food, and the atmosphere. This location is a lot less busier than the original location. The valet cracks me up! I don't think valet is necessary for 15 spots and an additional lot a few extra steps away.
(5)Leah Q.
DEEEELISH. Mole mole mole. Be indecisive and the waiter will bring you all the moles to try and it will be awesome! I had something with the yellow mole which had some serious spice, which was awesome and very much needed. The meat appeared to be quality, the veggies were delicious and the MOLE. The service was exceptional and I loved the friendly and casual ambiance. The only thing i was disappointed with was the thin and unspiced (but very sweet) horchata. All in all, delicious with great service.
(4)Darin A.
I consider myself well versed when it comes to Mexican food as I try several spots in every city I go. THIS PLACE ROCKS! This is hands down the best Mexican food I have ever had. The Mole is incredible. The salsa is spicy but you can't stop eating because it's so delicious. The service was spot on right until you leave and they grab the door for you. I would love to take my wife to this place if we are ever back in town. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
(5)cedro t.
Holy Mole!
(5)Mike M.
Service was awesome ! The special scallop stuffed Chile Relleno Was incredible ! The tomato sauce on this dish was an explosion of tomato flavor somewhat like a tomato bisque and quite delicious. I will be back!
(5)Joshua S.
01.29.11 first visit ambience: A- nothing too amazing, however, the restaurant is clean, and, apparently, the staff enjoys what they do. service: A our server was a hero, and his server assistants were on the ball. food: B if you love mole, this is your mecca. i'm not a huge fan of mole, so base your judgement on that fact. puntas de filete a la nortena i like this dish because i've had it at red iguana, and it didn't disappoint. but as good as it is, it isn't the kind of dish i could eat every week/month. chips and salsa does it really matter? they're free, and decent. you'll finish them off before your entree arrives. overall: B+ bump RI2 to a B+ due to great service and worry-less dining. as i said before, if you love mole, this is your place. if not, it's just pretty good food.
(4)Monica T.
Yes, yes. I have now indeed been to both of the Red Iguanas in town. I recently visited the second one for the first time and had a pleasant yet kind of unremarkable experience. We were greeted upon arriving by a one hour wait, which is understandable considering that it was a Saturday night during Sundance and Outdoor Retailers and, well, it's the Red Iguana. You'd think having two restaurants would have helped that wait thing, but you know. During our hour wait, we got to check out the surroundings a bit. The interior is solid and the seats aren't quite as close together as the other one, but it lacks that sticker-laden old school charm of the original. I expect I will be returning to the first Red Iguana on future visits. As you might have guessed, the menu is identical to that at the other restaurant, which means that it has lots of mole dishes. Yes, I know that it's their specialty, but I'm a weirdo that doesn't care for mole, so I trust that's lessening my experience. So take my review with that in mind. At any rate, I got the lobster tacos that were one of the specials of the day. Others at the table got chicken fajitas, a chile verde burrito and chile verde tamales. The tacos were nicely done, very street taco in the style. The refried beans were great, but the rice looked and tasted like plain ol' steamed rice. I was expecting more, especially since one of my dining companions got the usual orange Spanish rice with his. Not feelin' the love here. Everyone else quite enjoyed their food. Service was slow but solid. Like I said with my review of the first location, Red Iguana is certainly good, but I feel there are other Mexican restaurants in town who are more deserving of the lavish praise and epic wait times. That being said, I'm kind of glad my favorite Mexican places in town don't have the same kind of wait times, because that would be annoying. So while I'm sure I'll be back to Red Iguana, it won't be something I seek out that often. Everyone else can do that.
(3)Jamie G.
I highly prefer this location to the original! Much better seating arrangement and shorter wait times. I love their spicy salsa, and the shredded beef flautas are excellent. The one downer to this place is that most of the already small parking lot is reserved for valet parking! Parking on the street is an option, but the valet parking option seems ridiculous!
(5)Amy C.
We came through SLC on a Sunday and this was one of the few non-chains open that had some good reviews. We rolled in about 2:30 and were shown straight to a table. But it was really busy for such an odd hour. I can believe that there is a wait at normal eating times. We told our waiter, Sam, right up front we didn't know what we were doing and he couldn't have been more helpful. My husband ended up with a pork dish neither of us could correctly pronounce (but the second word was pipil). It was so delicious. I got a mole negro and mole verde combo plate. It was amazing. So happy we got the chance to have a meal here!
(4)Chad S.
All the way from cali to eat here. Damn I love this place You cannot get this food anywhere. I will eat here everyday as it is cravable. Makes other mexican food places look like Taco Bell. Locasl hit up 2 as the tourists cannot find it.
(5)Eve N.
This is a unique Mexican restaurant. It's full of intriguing choices. There are about 8 different mole sauces which you never see on one menu. Carlos, my server suggested the Puntas Filete de la Nortena. It was an excellent dish! The salsa has a kick but was great. Too bad I don't get to Salt Lake very often.
(4)Sandi T.
Went to this place for the first time to celebrate my birthday. Don't you just love it when your birthday goes on forever!! Hard place to find - just look for the bright yellow building by the railroad tracks. Very clean and inviting atmosphere, but on the small side. I can't imagine what it would look like on the week-end. I have not been to the Iguana in over twenty years and after todays meal - I realized I've been missing out big time. I ordered the "Mexican Plate" and that comes with a chile verde burrito that was packed with tender pork, a good size taco and a burrito. There was so much food on the plate, they had to bring out the beans and rice on a separate small dish. I could not even begin to finish it and I had been saving up all day to indulge. What I found really unique was the rice. Now I have never been a fan of Mexican rice but this had peas and carrots in it!! And tasty it was - it had such a good taste. I wish I knew our waiters name as he was excellent. He was a tall young man with dark brown wavy hair. Our drinks were constantly being refilled without even asking. The only negative is the chips and salsa. Chips were very small in size - and the salsa is not to my taste preference. But loved my meal.
(4)Jason B.
While the wait was a little longer than I'd like, and the single room dining area didn't appeal, the food was tasty. I got the special pork tamales with the Chile Verde, and I could tell the pork came from a hog named "blossom" who was fed only the sweetest slop by a ten-year-old girl with flowers in her hair. The Chile had never seen the inside of a can, and the table top salsa tried to cry for mercy with a rich, roasted pepper spice. I gave it no mercy.
(4)Travels-A-Lot D.
Some of the best Mexican food we've ever had and we travel throughout the country often for business.
(5)A A.
Best Mexican food in Utah, we are seafood lovers so we usually go with the seafood platter
(5)Carl J.
Frankly don't know why it is so highly rated. Food was OK, but nothing to rave about. I could have prepared the same meals at home and had the same results.
(3)David T.
My mother and I stopped by here because she is currently living overseas (Australia) and was craving some Mexican food. Having used to live in SLC she suggested Red Iguana 2. We were seated right away and a friendly waitress took our drink orders. The place was packed and the menu was the same! Plenty of options and everything sounded great. I ended up getting a combo plate with a Colorado burrito, tostada, and hard shell taco. All three were tasty. I think it could have been a little more spicy but then again, I'm a spice snob and prefer hatch chilies. I liked that the taco and tostada both had shredded beef instead of ground beef which always tastes better. The portions were very generous for the price and having going in not expecting much the food was decent. I wouldn't say SLC is a great Mexican Food town but I would go here again if I was in the city and wanted some.
(3)Jenna W.
There's nothing to say that hasn't already been said before. I just doesn't get much better than the Red Iguana. I have had several people from different states specifically ask me about the Red Iguana. My answer? GOOOOOOOO!!! It's definitely worth the trip to Utah.
(5)Elizabeth T.
I'm stuffed. The food is good here but the 1 ounce tequila Margaritas are so disappointing (damn you and your teetotaling, Utah!) The verde mole is a nice pepper sauce with a wonderful flavor, but mixing it with a predominantly potato-based batch of mixed veggies which was an odd mix. They do make yummy veggie nachos. Our waiter was sweet and helpful. Solid, although I have to scoff at my Utah-native friend's claim that its "better than Mexican you can get back east." I don't think so.
(4)TDawg T.
this is the best mexican food i have ever had and will ever have.....and i've had mexican food in texas 700 times. the various moles are dreamy!!!!!!!! I LOOOVED the pumpkin mole.
(5)Howie P.
We decided to try out Red Iguana 2 because they weren't as busy as Red Iguana. My party and I were looking forward to trying them out, because we've heard nothing but positive things about Red Iguana. So we figured this one should be just as good. Don't get me wrong, the food here is good, and the quality is much better than your typical Mexican restaurant. It tastes clean. However, unlike their other greasy counterparts, they don't give you all the goodies (re-fried beans, Spanish rice, lettuce and extra salsa). I ordered the carne asada burrito, or something like that, and I got just that. Just a burrito, nothing else on the plate. One of my friends ordered the same thing that I did, and the other ordered a smothered burrito. To top things off as we were nearing the end of our meal, the waitress came to our table and knocked over a water glass. She gave a half apologetic look and ran to grab some towels to mop up the mess. Still though, it would have been nice to get an actual, "sorry" Just based on the amount of good we got for what they charge, and the bad experience at the end, I'd give them 2.5 stars. But alas, yelp doesn't have half star ratings.
(2)Vinayak N.
This past weekend was my first visit to the SLC, UT. One of the first restaurants that you see in the guide book is Red Iguana. They have (3) locations in the SLC area. This place is like one of the most famous places in SLC. Killer Nachos is a must-must try here. The nachos with salsa (mind you, salsa is award winning in its own right) combo is amazing. Try this with a drink or virgin pina colada or just ice tea. The place is unique, in it has posters of how Mexican food originated and what authentic mexican food is like. Its much different that your regular Tex-Mex joints. As you sit in, they offer regular nachos with salsa. We ordered Killer nachos (w/o meat) that comes loaded with cheese, guacomole, refried beans, jalapeno, black olives and spring onions. Yum Yum Yum!!!. Next on the table were 'mole'. Authentic mexican food has different types of 'mole's which is native for sauces. You can order a sampler dish or pick any of the 6 different 'mole' they have on offer. We opted for the sampler dish. Loved all but 1 of the 'mole'. The one to avoid is chocolately in taste. Rest are good and different in spic levels. For the main course, we spilt Ramon's fish tacos. Must say this was disappointing in comparison to the rest of the food. The fish used was tuna. I dont think tuna tacos tastes that good. (one less star for this dish) All in all, this is a great place to come eat and drink on a hot summer day. They have different varietities of margharitas, beers and other liquors on offer.
(4)Greg D.
Same great food, that's all you need to know. FYI, this place is now just as busy as the main location on crowded nights. Tacos don Ramon would be an inclusion on my last meal, if that is any indication as to how great the Red Iguana is.
(5)Robert B.
Having lived in Texas, I know the difference between Tex-Mex and Mexican food. Hate to break it to these guys, but if your taco comes with lettuce and cheese on it, it's Tex-Mex. It doesn't really matter though, they have some great food. The Chili Verde may be the best anywhere. There is always a wait though. We got here a 6 and still had to wait 1/2 an hour. We drove past #1 and it looked like the wait was even longer there.
(5)Chris N.
It takes a lot for me to give a Mexican joint a 5 star rating (ESPECIALLY one that isn't in Mexico or Texas!)... but the Red Iguana makes the grade. Perfect temperature and taste to the salsa. The queso was fantastic.... but the Mole Amarillo.... all I can say is wow! It had a good spicy kick to it but man it was good! Had a Taco La Iguana and it was excellent as well. The service was also outstanding. They were able to accommodate our large group (we had 11 people) and I swear our waitress was the girl from the first Indiana Jones movie... she had us in stitches with her jokes as well.
(5)Brandon M.
Mole!!! Must try the mole. They have a great selections of this complex a savory sauce. The poblano mole can't be beat. A great combination of heat, sweet, and richness.
(5)Jonna C.
Had a great lunch here the other day! Great customer service by Doris, and the chips and salsa were awesome. Doris helpfully offered the mole sampler plate which was a great introduction into mole- I particularly enjoyed the mango mole. We split the puntas de filete a la nortena (sirloin tips sauteed with veggies served over mole)- and it's a good thing we decided to split it. It was huge! I would probably order something else next time, but it was perfectly satisfactory.
(4)Dan T.
As good as Red Iguana, with the exception of hit and miss service. I'd say eat here (all the mole sauces rule) and for heavens sake, make a reservation because now that the other iguana is closed for remodel, this place is jammed packed (45min+). The Staff is actually really great, but every other time we get this Omar guy as our waiter and damn! He only has a one sided bed, and wakes up on that side every day it seems. All grumpy and indifferent. He knows his stuff, but needs a hug before he comes to work or something.
(3)Brian R.
I'm going to make this pretty quick. I'm new to SLC and I've lived all over the US (Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Detroit, Boulder, SoCal)... I am PICKY about Mexican food. This place is by far the best I have ever eaten at. If you love Mole, you're in for a treat. Otherwise, the enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tostadas etc are amazing. If Mole isn't your thing, go for the Poblano Platter. Perfect amount of food and a great sampler. Hey, it got me to come back 3 times in two weeks. The food is great but the margs are pretty so-so. If you're on a budget, stick to water or soda here.
(5)Carolyn M.
It's definitely not the original, but the food is still SO AMAZING! I don't know how they do it. I didn't think I could steer myself away from ordering the mole verde (I have been craving it for over a year), but I ended up getting one of the combo plates instead. Enchilada, amazing. Relleno, amazing. I would seriously consider a trip to SLC, from Denver, just for dinner at Red Iguana. That's how delicious it is!
(5)Sean W.
Pretty good Tex-Mex food, nice mole. I love their rice & refried beans! It gets so noisy here, we couldn't talk, had to shout. It is so hot too, where was the a/c? Our beers came out warm, they brought 2 more on the house. I wouldn't come back to this location.
(3)John S.
Yes, other reviews are right about the food and the eight different moles. As a group of five, we first shared guacamole and chili con queso with homemade totopos. After tasting a sampling of the moles, Damian and Lluvia assisted us in making entree selections based upon our preferences: puntas de filete, conchinita pibil, enchiladas suizas, and carnitas, which we shared family style. It was refreshing to have a waiter like Damian: clever, mature, and passionate about the food he serves. From the beginning of the evening when Lluvia brought us water and chips and salsa, she made us welcome and willingly talked about her favorite entrees when we asked. Red Iguana 2 is the perfect combination of excellent food and service.
(5)Cheung L.
Solid Mexican food, not much else need said here. :) Had their tri-tip steak for dinner at Red Iguana few years back when I visited and have been wanting to come back since. Came back to Utah last month and hit up Red Iguana II and had something simple scramble eggs with chorizo sausage, rice and refried beans.
(4)Michael And Masha M.
Some items are better priced than others. Enchiladas poblanos are very good and not too pricey (8.99). They'll ask if you want to add beans and rice but that is $3.40 extra! Our margaritas was watery or else we'd give it 4 stars.
(3)David M.
Great food and ambiance! Be prepared for a wait, even early. Here's an example of the great attitude: In town on business by myself, I actually went to Red #1 first. It was packed to the rafters and when I asked the host if they had a bar or counter for a single, he asked if I would be interested in going over to #2 if they had room. "It's only a couple of blocks away." So,he called, made a reservation for me at their counter and gave me directions. It was seriously less than 2 minutes by car and there was lots of parking. this location was packed, too and my counter space was waiting. I was seated immediately. This location is bright, modern, and the food was great. Try one of the specials!
(4)MJ C.
A Triple D recommendation. Absolutely delicious. Definitely check out the Mole - their speciality! The Carnitas were some of the best we've had anywhere. Love that their "breakfast" / Egg dishes are available all day!
(4)V L.
Word on the slopes " The Red Iguana is the best Mexican food , I know homie you are rolling your eyes. I went to there, the word is right, the location felt a little bit like a crispier, colder Boyle Heights. The moment I walked in I was taken back to my grandmas kitchen, the aroma greeted me with a great big hug, I knew it had to be as delicious. HOLE MOLE! The mole. Delicious. Months later I still remember my lunch, taking a flight to enjoy a lunch here would be worth the schlep.
(5)Jeremy M.
Insanely good mole. I wish I could transport it to Reno with me. Its wonderful. Was recently speaking with a relative from Chicago that doesn't really like SLC, but he loves the Red Iguana!
(5)Andrew S.
The only hard part is convincing myself not to eat there 5 days a week since I work a few floors above the restaurant. This place is an incredible bargain for the quality of the food you're getting.
(5)Cory T.
Delicious food. I believe I was only disappointed because the hype was so great. I had high expectations and, although I wouldn't say it's the worst Mexican food I've ever had, it's definitely not the best.
(4)Cynthia M.
Best Mexican Food Ever. Wish there were places like this in NYC. So glad that we ended our visit in Utah with a dinner here. Gotta taste each of the moles. You won't be disappointed. The flavors are robust and you can't go wrong with any of them. Gotta come here early and hungry. The place gets crowded and the portions are huge. The service is quick though and you will be in and out before you know it. Probably not a place to linger over a long meal though because there is always someone waiting for a table. Great grub though and I highly recommend!
(5)Diane C.
Everything you love about Red Iguana in a newer more fun package. I love that now you have two ways to get your Red Iguana fix. I love going their with my girlfriends and grabbing chips and salsa. I love the seafood fajitas. I am drooling over it right now. My other go to are the Tacos don Ramon...seriously yum. Red Iguana develops the Mexican flavors that I love and crave. All the portions are huge and well-priced. This is a place you want to go if you're a local, in Salt Lake City for work, or just passing through make this one of your stops. So, I can't write about this place without talking about the mole, here's the deal...I don't like mole. I just can't get excited about it, but the fact that they have so many types I'm won over. (Afterthought: Whether you're a fan of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives or not, Guy was right about this one. It's a winner, so don't pass it up.)
(5)Ricardo C.
Was looking forward to eating at this place ever since i had my trip scheduled to Salt Lake City. Was really hoping this place would live up to all the hype and exposure on DDD. It came close but no cigar. The actually food was ok, nothing outstanding. Started off with the rajas de chile poblano con queso and they where good. I got the chilaquiles as my main entree and there was nothing special about them. The mole sauce they used was good but didn't do the food any justice. It is very hard to find good chilaquiles. The best thing about the chilaquiles was the serving portion, it was huge! Where they do get a high five from me is their selection of beer and dessert. They carry Carta Blanca and Bohemia and it is very hard to find restaurants that carry these beers. The sopapillas where to die for. This was my first time trying sopapillas and i will get them again. And the amount of sopapiilas was ridiculous. The atmosphere was good, service was quick. The wait wasn't too bad, about 15 minutes on a Thursday night. Will give them another shot, event if it is just for the sopapillas.
(3)Dawn-Marie N.
We went to the 1st on and it was packed, so we went to the Red Iguana 2. It was so worth it! The sauce was unlike anything I've ever tasted before! Wished I lived closer to eat there more often! Loved it!!! -They do have FREE valet parking because the parking lot is small and packed.
(5)Danielle H.
Chiliques were amazingly authentic. So tasty and the service was great. I recommend this place to anyone who loves Mexican food!
(4)Vicky T.
The best food and service in Salt Lake, hands-down. There are a growing number of great restaurants in Salt Lake, but I often find myself missing the customer service and hospitality of my previous home - Boston. Not the case at Red Iguana 2. Jesus was our server the first time we went in, and I've asked for him every time since due to his speed, attention to our needs, sense of humor, and - and this is where he really shines - his genuine passion for ensuring his customers have a great experience. Plenty of servers in Salt Lake are speedy and refill your water when you run out, but Jesus really goes above and beyond to keep customers coming back to Red Iguana 2. Because everything on the menu (food and drinks - I particularly love the puntas de filete a la nortena, the mole sampler, and the cucumber margarita) is so good, I always have a hard time choosing. Jesus helps me figure out what I'm in the mood for, makes suggestions, and never makes me feel like my indecisiveness is a burden on his time, which I've often felt at other places. Between the fantastic food and the stellar service, I recommend Red Iguana 2 as one of the top 3 things to do when living in or visiting Salt Lake City!
(5)Spot D.
Puntas de Filete enough said!!! Best thing here if you like a lil spice. Boom!
(5)Sarah N.
I love this location so much more than the original. Why? The interior is nicer and just seems cleaner, which is perfect since I want to make babies with the Red Pipian mole. On second thought, scratch the baby making; it might sting. I always order the cheese enchiladas and have them smothered in Red Pipian, rather than ordering the regular mole since it has chicken it. The servers are friendly and don't mind my special requests. Go here. Make babies. The end.
(5)John J.
Top notch Mexican cuisine. Not sure which mole you want? Ask for the sampler and go from there.
(5)Michael R.
Really, really good! Had the carne asada and it was really tasty and good, fresh guac to go with it. Chips & salsa were yummy and the beer was really cold! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place. Only dropped 1 star cause the server we got was pretty slow and seemed disinterested although this may be an anomaly.
(4)Deano G.
I have been working my way thru the tacos (as well as the rest of the menu) and I must say that all of the tacos are great. The tacos don Ramon are still the best, but the chicken tacos are killer. My Keats favorite are the Cana ansada.... But I would still eat them over many others that I've tried throughout the county....
(5)MC Free W.
Red Iguana 2 kicks ass. Yes, the crowds can be really annoying, but this outrageously great Mexican restaurant is packed for good reason. It's simply the best our state has to offer. At my last visit, all the tables were full, so we were offered two seats at the north end of the bar. I'm so glad we took advantage of what turned out to be the best seats in the house. From our vantage point, we were able to witness what a smooth operation this place is. The kitchen and wait staff rocked out meals like a finely tuned machine. We got to watch basically every dish on the menu come from the kitchen, to the window, to their respective tables. Everything looked sooooo good. The Killer Nacho platter was obscene! In a good way. I do have a most cherished dish - the Puntas de Filete a La Nortena (pic). I won't detail the ingredients. Just get it. And Red Iguana's Jalapeno Margarita is now officially my favorite mixed drink on the entire planet.
(5)Sarah E.
This was our favorite place in SLC. I could write a rap song about their mole, and I'm a little white girl, as Caucasian as they come. I could belt a love song, proclaiming my affection for their chicken tacos, and I'm no sap. You get the picture, no? Wonderful. First, please try their mole sampler. It's free. Just say yes. Then, have the lucky son (or daughter) of a gun you asked to join you order the Tacos don Ramon. They'll have an orgasm upon consuming them, a la Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. You order the Tacos de Pollo, and then try to tell me that the chicken is not the most juicy shredded poultry you've ever eaten. Their black bean soup is delicious as well, filling enough to have for dinner and great to dip chips in. Mmmm. The one thing I had there that I did not care for was the Enchiladas Suizas. The menu does list them as a more popular dish, so it was probably just a personal preference. I suggest planning for a significant wait if you've got more than two people on a weekend night...That goes for both locations. I'm pretty sure they built Red Iguana 2 because 1 was getting cramped. 2 is now almost the same. If you build it, they will come.
(5)Sarah B.
I went here last night for the first time and had a party of 11, we had about a 45 min wait which was expected for our party size and it was a Friday night. The service was very fast and friendly, drinks were refilled often, and the food was AMAZING! I will definitely be returning. It was such a fun, lively environment and the price is very affordable! I am now a huge Red Iguana 2 fan and I can't wait to try more menu items!
(4)Porter R.
Jalapeno margarita ftw!
(5)Jessica M.
The Red Iguana 2 is much bigger than their other location. I enjoy the atmosphere. The wait staff is really friendly and take the time to really help indecicive people like myself figure out what to order. We started with salsa and chips. We ordered a bowl of guacamole which was outstanding. For an appetizer we ordered the bay shrimp quesadillas. A huge plus about this restaurant was the free valet parking. I also liked that the waiter brought out some mole for us to try. I just felt like the waiter really tried to make us as comfortable as possible.
(5)Leah B.
I lived in Denver for 5 years and hadn't been back to Red Iguana 1 since moving back to SLC. Tried to go last week, and....shocking as this may be....it was out-the-door packed. So, reluctantly, I let my husband talk me into going to 2. Boy howdy was it good. I know I say everything in Denver is better, but people, there ain't no Mexican food in Denver like this. In fact, the only better Mexican food I have ever had is at El Fagon in Playa del Carmen. My husband had the puntas de filete a la Nortena, which was amazing, if you like Mole. I had the Tacos Dona Ramon, and they were insane...so insane with goodness. Seriously, deep fried corn tortilla shell, tastey, juicy meat, fresh toppings, and spicy salsa made for one of the best taco experiences of my life. I always say I'm not big on Mexican food, but that's just because there are too many bad Mexican restaurants. This is quickly becoming my favorite Utah restaurant. Tons of Mexican beers, too. It still gets busy in here, but they have valet, and more open seatin than 1. So, so good, ya'll.
(5)Ashley F.
We were swinging through Salt Lake City and decided to stop at Red Iguana after seeing it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The regular one was packed, so it was nice to find the Red Iguana 2 right around the corner. I am not a mole girl, but I really wanted to try the mole at Red Iguana since it is supposed to be their thing. I was shocked by how much I liked it! It was so flavorful, with so many flavors combined, but not muddy. My mom had the beef enchiladas, which she claims were excellent. Our waiter seemed a little distant at first, but when we mentioned we are from Minnesota he came alive! A Vikings fan, apparently. He was hilarious. Too bad we live 1000 miles away!
(5)Doug V.
OK, I just got back from one of the most unusual dining experiences I have recently encountered. Thank you guys for the recommendation, it was well worth the effort. I arrived at 4:30 and there was a 45min wait list, however, the hostess told me about the Red Iguana 2 that was just around the corner where I could sit at a counter and not have to wait for a table. When I got there, I was at first very concerned as I was the only one there? Same company? Same chef? I sampled the mole, which is what they are most known about, but decided to go with their special of the day, a chile relleno stuffed with beef, raisens, nuts, veggies, topped with a brandy pomagrante sauce. Wow! It was great. I finished my gastrological adventure with flan and coffee ( local roast with a touch of cinnamon ). By the time I left, it was a packed house! I spoke with the manager and he told me that the NY Times had come out to SLC and followed the owner around for a few days and then wrote a great article about her and the restuarant. My waiter recommended the Don Paul Tacos as the most popular item, plus about three others which means I need to figure out more clients to call on in Utah! Thanks for the recommendation,
(5)Mike J.
One of the BEST Mexican restaurants I have ever eaten at....Great food, Service and margaritas. Hands down you won't go wrong trying this place out and you will leave full. P.S. try the Killer Nachos!!!
(5)Hoyt H.
I miss this place soooo much! The Red Iguanas are my favorite Mexican restaurants in the U.S. and I haven't found anything close in Maryland. The mole dishes are varied and tasty, as are the other traditional Mexican dishes. Everything I've tried on the menu is great, with the exception of the jalapeno margarita (that one was a bit gimmicky ;) Service has been good each time that I've been, which is impressive given the size of the crowds. And yes, it's always very crowded. This can make it difficult to find parking in their rather small parking lot, which only has one entrance. It can also be a bit tricky to find, given the railroad tracks running down the street outside, but don't give up, you'll thank me after you eat your tasty Mexican food! I can't wait for the next time I'm in SLC...
(5)Scott R.
I can't believe I haven't checked into this place until now. Been coming here way before the Triple D days. And even back then there was generally a 30 minute wait. But it is worth it for the food. I have ordered several things off the menu. And I have never been disappointed. This is the secondary location for this restaurant. And I am so glad they built it. I loved the charm and feel of the other location. But it is really nice not to have to squeeze by people just to move. The outdoor seating is a nice touch as well. I will be back again soon.
(4)Kenny C.
Never in my wildest dreams would I think the best Mexican food I would have would be while traveling on business in Salt Lake City, but it was. I came to eat here on a Wednesday and there was a 30 minute wait, from what I hear its even worse on the weekend. But once we were seated we got our orders taken very quickly and the food came out withing 10 minutes. I had the classic chimi and it was delicious. I really cant find much more to say other then the food was GREAT!
(5)Jason D.
simply the best Mexican food in town. ANY mole dish is great. the service is amazing. the wait is worth it. the drive from any part of town is no big deal. enjoy!
(5)Randy S.
Awesome Food, Great Price!!!
(4)Lea H.
Hands down, best Mexican in Utah. It's been exciting to see this little hole in the wall restaurant turn into what it is today. This location (2) is the newer/nicer location. My personal faves: their chimichangas, mole, shrimp senora. But I have tried nearly everything on the menu and have never been disappointed.
(5)Lyoni P.
Good food! Excellent service, brings real Mexican dishes to life! The seating needs to be bigger! And spread out more maybe new building and location you guys are doing awesome your business is huge. Thinking a better bigger building is needed. It's a 5 star in food but seating atmosphere is a 3. If I can hear everyone's conversations from other tables it's a yes we're to close situation kind of annoying!
(3)Diana L.
The moaning sounds coming from our table probably scared the other patrons. But I didn't care. The Enchilada Suizas were SUPER TASTY. I'm not going to say that their mole poblano is orgasmic, but I'm going to think it. And drool here quietly. Despite their mediocre chips, salsa, rice, beans and tortillas, their moles totally make this place 4-star worthy. My hunny got the Mole Negro and it was also delicious. Not too sweet with a nice, smoky flavor. Yum. On a side note, parking around here is totally easy. They even have free valet. We just nabbed a spot on the street and only waited 15 minutes to get seated on a Saturday night. Service was timely and the outdoor seating is fantastic on a summer night. You can't go wrong with Red Iguana.
(4)Ben S.
As a born-and-raised Texan AND a chef, I have a pretty high standard for Mexican food. I was quite dubious when my Salt Lake friends told me they were taking me out for Mexican, but Red Iguana 2 took me completely by surprise. I happen to be obsessed with moles, and when I saw all the moles on their menu, half of me was excited and intrigued, while the other half was suspicious. "Yellow mole?" I mean, come on people...mole is dark, almost black, and it's never made with mango or cream. I explained by conundrum to the waitress and she happily brought out a plate with dabs of all their moles on it. Their traditional mole was exceptional, and I'm a tough mole critic. And to my surprise, all the other "moles" were delicious as well. Not technically moles, of course, but quite good. I was there with a VERY large party (20, I believe) and it's a tribute to the waitstaff that everyone's order was delivered correctly and literally less than 10 minutes after we ordered. The party was pretty feisty and loud, and the waitress was super friendly and patient to a fault, also impressive. The only critique I have for the place, and it's not the fault of the restaurant but of the oppressive regime that rules Utah, is that drinks are tiny and weak. Margaritas are served in a tiny tumbler, with about a Tablespoon of tequila in each. Thank you, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for forcing weak margaritas on me state-wide. All-in-all, Red Iguana 2 provides a surprisingly creative twist on traditional Mexican food and TexMex. The location is pretty seedy and creepy (as far as Salt Lake City goes), but definitely worth a regular trip.
(4)Memorie M.
My friends, it doesn't even enter my mind to go to Red Iguana anymore. We always go to #2. I love sitting on the patio and every once in a while silently watching a train go by. Since the food is still muy delicioso, it's understandable there will be a wait during peak hours here too. I really like that they have sangria (white and red!) but the serving a little on the small side, must be a DABC thing or I'm a just a major lush. My favorite entree is the Tacos la Iguana. MMMMMM.........I think I just made lunch plans.
(4)Maggie P.
OLE for the MOLE! I love their mole. seriously, can't get enough. We came here for lunch and we had no wait. They staff was great and (of course) the food was great!!
(4)Nathan B.
I can't even describe how good the cochinita pibil tasted! That's really all I have to say. Eat here!
(5)Sabrina C.
This was one of the best mexican food restaraunts I have eaten at for a long time and living so closes to the Mexican border I was shocked to find it in Salt Lake City. Wait time is a bit much but was worth it. Just plan on a good 45min-1hr wait to be seated. Didn't help that the other red iguana was closed due to road construction so that may have been a fluke. Food was fabulous loved their mole sauces. Their margaritas are delicious also and quite strong which is a change from what i'm used to getting at so many places these days.
(5)Mike W.
For my money, Red Iguana is, hands down, the BEST Mexican food restaurant in Utah! It simply cannot be beat! EVERYTHING that I have ever tried on the menu is simply amazing. They are best known for their amazing mole, of which they have numerous varieties available. My favorites are the Verde, Poblano, and Coloradito. If you are really nice to your server, he or she will probably be willing to bring you out a tester plate so you can try all of the different mole flavors that they offer. I am also a sucker for guacamole and Red Iguana doesn't disappoint here either. Order some with your chips and I promise that you will be happy. I am not a drinker, but I did notice that they offer numerous specialty drinks and an extensive beer menu. It seems like all restaurants have servers that leave something to be desired, but I have never encountered one of these at Red Iguana. They are all friendly, patient, and fast. They can answer all of your questions about the menu and make good, personalized recommendations. Parking is awesome because it is free valet, which is nice because this place is always busy and the lot is always full. Just make sure you keep your karma levels high by giving the guys a nice tip. If you want want the best Mexican food in Utah, you have to make at least one pilgrimage to Red Iguana. Buen Provecho!
(5)Cody R.
I was in Salt Lake City for four days and I ate here twice. Amazing. Both times I had something different and was super impressed. I hate to throw my "Texas" flag around, but I'd be hard pressed to find a city that has better Mexican food that San Antonio/Austin. Red Iguana could open up shop in downtown Austin tomorrow and be crowded the following day. It could contend with the big boys. I love all the work they do in revitalizing the west side of town and North Temple. Good food with a good mission! Viva El Salt Lake City!
(5)Tom C.
I like the sequel ... possibly more than the original. I like the diner-esque feel of the interior. It's fresh & lively in there. We recently ate dinner at the counter & it was different but a lot of fun. Bonus: they have the little coat hooks under the counter. I like the waiting room. Nice to not have to stand out in the cold while waiting for a table. Love the food - it's the same stuff you get at the original & it's always top notch. The drinks are hit or miss in my experience. It's tough to find a great margarita in SLC unfortunately. Staff is great. They are always super nice & service is better than average. Overall a nice 2nd effort from the RI folks.
(4)Sara S.
Definitely above average Mexican food. All really unique flavors I haven't tasted before. Like others say, you'll have to wait but worth it. The salsa was awesome too!
(4)Jacob H.
Having grown up in Southern California, I know good Mexican food. My wife (who is Mexican) and I found this place on the internet and read the reviews. The reviews were on the dot. The restaurant is located away from downtown, by some railroad tracks. The first thing that you will get is great customer service. I dined with my wife, grandmother, and three children, ages 1-3. The waiter was very attentive, polite, and professional. He ensured our water was always full and even brought kiddy cups with straws to help with the kids. At the end of the meal, he listened well to my compliment and was personally interested in exactly what I was saying. The food is not only authentic, but goes beyond that into genius. The food was flavorful and well prepared, but the chef exercised boldness by adding strong flavors without diminishing the Mexican taste. It's hard to describe in words, as it is aesthetic. I hinted a unique spice in my chile colorado that I never tasted before, and it just worked all around. It did not corrupt the authenticity as many fusion or experimental dishes do. In essence, the chef is bold, and it pays off big time. You are definitely eating Mexican food, but from what I would consider a great Mexican chef.
(5)April B.
We were passing through SLC for one night. Being native Californians, we appreciate good Mexican food, and were looking for a good place to get our fix. So, I stumbled upon Red Iguana, after reading about how they were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This is all to say that my expectations were through the roof when we arrived on their doorstep. :-) When I asked about their moles, which they are known for, our server immediately offered to bring us a moe sampler plate. EIGHT different moles to choose from! Everything from more traditional moles (such as their mole negro) to moles made with almonds, pumpkin seeds and even strawberries!! This swayed our decision. (We were originally going to order chimichangas.) My husband got the Enchiladas Amarillas, made with mole amarilla, and I got the Enmoladas, which are smothered with mole negro. Delicious!! Chips and salsa were also wonderful! We were stuffed, received outstanding service, and our entire bill was $22! Can't beat that! Just bummed that we don't live closer!!
(5)Dee H.
Visited this site last week while in Salt Lake City. It's a favorite stop each time I'm in town. Go early for a table as the restaurant fills up very fast and it is no wonder. GREAT Mexican food, good portions, reasonable and good service. The guacamole is excellent and no matter what you order, you won't be disappointed. Any questions on the menu? The staff can lead you to the best entrees depending on your preferences. Wish I had to time to visit Red Iguana I as I have heard it has more atmosphere but also twice the business and twice the wait. Red Iguana 2 works juuuuust fine.
(4)Steve B.
Went here for lunch with a couple of buddies for the first time today. I had the Enchilada Rancheras and it was absolutely delicious. While this location is a little hidden, it benefited us by limiting the crowds associated with the original. Inside, it was clean and very comfortable. The service was prompt and very courteous. I will be back!
(5)Dolores G.
[Tip: For their mole dishes make sure you ask to sample them before ordering. They will provide you with a small dinner plate with a small spoonful of each. I unfortunately did not discover this fact until later in my meal.] Don't let the fact that they have appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives deter you from trying this place. [Through personal experience I have found that many of the places he reviews don't live up to the hype. This one does.] I stopped in at the original location (736 W North Temple) on a Sunday evening, it was packed and was told there was a 20 min wait. It was just me, I was in no hurry and was willing to wait, but the hostess told me that they may have a spot at their counter at their 2nd location (this one). She called and reserved me a seat. It is just a few blocks from the original location, it was also packed but I was greeted, seated quickly and was given a menu. I waited, a few minutes a glass of water appeared while I reviewed the menu. I had heard about their moles (eventually I would have to make a decision). Good thing I wasn't in a hurry and I was having trouble deciding because I was not greeted by my server for almost 10 minutes (a quick "I'll be right with you"). After another 5+ minutes he took my drink order (Cazadores Blanco Classic Margarita, on the rocks, extra salt) . The chips and salsa finally arrive (more than 20 minutes after sitting at the counter). They were worth the wait. Fresh warm chips and a house made salsa with the perfect balance of building heat and flavor. The waiter finally returned to take my order by then I decided to try the Mole coloradito (red mole with pork). This was very good, the perfect balance of savory sweetness and heat. [As I would later come to find that the other moles in the sampler plate, while each distinct in their flavor, they too were well balanced in their flavor.] I have not had mole this good in years. That says a lot since I am Latina and have predominantly resided in the Southwest (NM/AZ). I will surely be back to try more as I am sure if you can pull off mole that well everything else has to be darn good.
(4)Erin F.
After hearing from many Utahns about this place, I had to try it. I am a huge fan of Mexican food and I, for some odd reason, like to order the classics (tacos, enchiladas, etc.) instead of venturing out and ordering something more authentic. I judge a place by their tacos, I suppose? (not really) This place seems to be known for the Mole, and unfortunately, I didn't try it, so sorry I can't help you on that one. Like other mexican restaurants you get free chips and salsa. The salsa was addicting with a little kick of spice to it. Yum! I ended up ordering the Cochinta Pibil, again venturing out of my comfort zone. It is one of their Signature Dishes which includes shredded pork that is just full of flavor and delicious-ness. It's a little on the 'tart' side since it is marinated in many spices, peppers, vinegar and other citrus juices...but it's definitely a must-try. The dish comes with the standard rice, corn/flour tortilla, and black beans. My BF ordered the Sunrise Burritos and it was a really big portion and very delicious as well! For SLC this place is definitely a must try like everyone says. I tried to go on a Friday evening, but it was packed, so I decided to try it on a Sunday afternoon. (Smart, huh?) Next time I want to save room for dessert :)
(4)Kyle F.
Amazing salsa, reasonable prices, quick service. The tacos don ramon are amazing, as are the enchiladas suizas. I have never had anything bad here. Best mexican around.
(5)Harsha R.
This review is from my first visit to Red Iguana 2. Had a little trouble in finding the place. Weird location beside a railway track. Liked the fact that there was no wait during lunchtime. Granted it was a Sunday, but still - a Reg Iguana and no wait. I'll take that. The atmosphere was also nice. Bright and airy. Ordered the Tacos De Pollo. The menu said "three crisp tacos". I am guessing there was an oil spill in the kitchen as the tacos came out soaked and fried in greasiness. The menu also said 'garnished' with melted jack cheese. They probably meant to say 'smothered' but were just being politically correct. The chicken was really dry and while I was able to eat two of the tacos, there was no happiness in eating them. Boxed the third taco but I never got myself to eating it. Every time, I opened my fridge to eat it, only a groan escaped me. Finally, it got to a point where I had to just throw it away. And amidst all the grease and cheese, I found myself not liking the refried beans, which was never a problem with me before. Bad day? Bad order? Or just another sequel letting me down? The service was efficient and the reputation of the Iguanas probably earned them 3 stars.
(3)Sam S.
Good food, tasty margaritas and friendly staff. Bit overpriced, we spent nearly $40 for two people for lunch. Smothered burritos were over $10 each and $5.50 for one of the smallest margaritas I've ever seen. Not sure about the value I got for my $40... but the food was good overall.
(3)Takaki K.
The other location had a horrendous wait so we ended up here. We didn't wait for the table but we had to wait for the waiter and then for the food and then for the check, which made it a 2 hour lunch. Had carne asada burrito with brown mole. Mole was excellent. Meat was pretty dry and poor. I don't see a reason to go back.
(3)Shad S.
The best place to eat in all of northern Utah. Seriously the mole sauces that they make in house amazing. The most authentic Mexican This side of the border.
(5)Natalie T.
One word--Yum! Their chips and salsa are homemade (and addicting!), and their food was hot and fresh. Oh, and their house margaritas... Delish. This place can be packed Thurs. - Sat., so I would definitely keep in mind that you're going to have some wait time before you sit down, but the staff is super friendly and gets food out really quick. Overall, thumbs way up!
(5)Lorena A.
Delicious Mexican food!! We got in early and had no wait but by the time we left there was a huge line to get in. The service was great and Derrick our waiter was super attentive. Best Mexican food I've had in a while. So much better than the chain restaurants we have back home. I will definitely be back next time I'm in SLC.
(5)Daneya W.
The wait was incredibly long for some incredibly amazing food. You need to understand that your wait will most likely be 35-60 minutes. With this said, it would be to their benefit if they had an area that people could entertain themselves while waiting. The waiting room was filled to every corner. I asked if I could wait at the bar, but I was informed those were seats for people that were eating only. In California, your salsa will make or break you. This place proved my theory wrong. Their salsa was pretty good, but I've had better. But the food, was to die for!!! I have never had better Mexican food! I had the mushroom tacos & their sauces was to die for! Everyone loved their food. The rice & beans were good. I didn't have any of their drinks. Maybe next time... because there IS going to be a next time!! I will not leave Utah without having dinner at this place. The owners were awesome. The employees were considerate. However, once we were served our food, the waitress didn't come back. That place was SO damn busy!!!!!!! And worth the wait!!! I was going to be late for my flight & they were extremely kind in rushing the food & the bill. With the crappy waiting time & how busy it was.... I still give it 5 stars because the food was SO DAMN GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Parking kinda sucks. They could resolve this easily by buying the empty lot next to them.
(5)Gabriel A.
Great food n service love the mole
(5)Jamie S.
I called to make a reservation for a large group. They seemed really put out by it and made it a point to tell me three times that if i was late at all they wouldn't hold the table. I wasn't that they have this policy but they just assumed i would be late. The woman on the phone was pretty much scolding me. Needless to say i cancelled. I don't need to be treated like a 5 year old.
(1)Karla N.
Be prepared to wait. The Iguana platter was really good. Service seemed a bit slow but worth it. House Margarita on the rocks - fabulous. The chorizo and pepper queso - not what I expected would not order again. The tres leches was great. The salsa is good with a kick but not too much. Definitely will be back
(5)Delaware F.
Another fine meal of Puntas. Again the Tacos Don Ramon looked like the other item worth ordering. My girlfriend had the pollo moreliana, which was generous with the chicken (three whole chicken breasts in one entree) but tasted kind of bland, like you would expect white meat chicken boiled in tomato sauce for 15 minutes to taste. If it was simmered for several hours perhaps the effect would be different.
(5)J. A.
Arrived at the "Deuce" with my 27 relatives to celebrate the life of Mamma Sue, RIP. We ordered different dishes off the menu and shared with everyone. Food is excellent! A bit off the beaten path but worth the drive! Happy Birthday Tia!!!
(4)Sheila S.
Living in Texas, I have been to many Mexican restaurants, and the Red Iguana is definitely on par. The restaurant is colorful and has a fun vibe, and a great variety on the menu. We started with complimentary chips and salsa; the salsa was fresh with a nice little bite to it. We also ordered the queso dip, which I was disappointed in because it was a bit too watery and too chunky compared to what I am used to. It was as if an entire can of spicy rotel was mixed in. For my entree, I ordered the tacos Don Ramon (but with soft corn tortillas instead of crunchy), and I really liked them. The portion was very generous and the tacos were stuffed with well seasoned meat and heaped with lettuce and fresh cheese. The accompanying avocado sauce was delicious. The service was just OK. I had asked for a straw and it took a while to get one. And another person at my table asked for some extra sauce, which also took a while to come. Overall, this was a good meal with nice ambiance, and I would come again!
(3)Reggie M.
Great food. Good service. Crowded inside and out (little parking). We had to wait 30 mins on a Saturday night. But it was worth it, parchment thin chips, delicious salsa (not as hot as RI 1, but STILL spicy). I got the Machaca Burritos, and they were very good. Seating is in ONE huge room, with lots of tables, but no booths - so it's hard to communicate, cuz everyone is trying to be heard over the din. Eclectic decor (the monster movie poster must be an inside joke). Prices are a little high, but you get what you pay for. It's not a great place for a quiet evening of conversation, but a great place for Killer Mexican Food 2.
(4)Conspicuous C.
Red Iguana menu - the wait = 5 stars Although don't you think they could have chosen a location more than 2 blocks from the original?
(5)Sam M.
I've eaten at both Red Iguanas and they are both effing awesome. Best mexican food in S.L.C. Last time I was there I got the nachos regulares and enchiladas amarillo and they were incredible. I love that the nachos had melted white cheese instead of that b.s. orange stuff. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly and our food arrived quickly, almost too quickly, we didn't have time to finish our nachos. This turned out to be a pleasant thing, the nachos were perfect to dip in my leftover nacho sauce.
(5)Chris B.
Really good Mexican food...seems authentic, but my experience is limited to Laredo and Tijuana. Interesting location (kind of like an old greasy spoon/diner) we only found because the other location was closed due to road work. Just a short drive (could have walked) from our airport area hotel. The service was very good also, very attentive.
(4)Jessica C.
We came hear because we drove the the original and there was a line. Come to find 2 was half empty. I am from California so it's hard to compare but it was just all right. I had seen this place on Triple D and was excited to have it on my list when I came to SLC. Unfortunately a bit disappointed. My dish wasn't hot, barely warm. I probably won't come back.
(3)Sarah C.
I'm a long time lover of Red Iguana, but I had a decidely sub-par experience there last Friday. I ordered the fish of the day, Veracruz style and it was not fresh, and the sauce it came in was bland. I suppose even Red Iguana has an off day. This was the first time I ordered a fish dish there, as I've been on a seafood kick, but I won't be doing so again after that experience. However, I was with 4 other people and all of their dishes were, as usually, most excellent so I will continue to review Red Iguana positively. The pumpkin mole which my father ordered was especially good, as was a shrimp dish (whose name I cannot recall) my brother had. Based on this and past experiences, I would suggest to would be Iguana diners to get the Red Iguana Plate (my usual), any enchilada, the super nachos, or the pumpkin mole. I have had all four many times, and they are much more reliably excellent. As for the "new" Iguana location, I love it! It was so nice going to the Red Iguana on a Friday night and not waiting for an hour to be seated. We waited 5 minutes, maybe. It is also much more comfortable seating-wise for my tall husband and father, and it is in keeping with the feel of the old place without the draftiness that used to get on my nerves.
(4)J B.
As good as the original Red Iguana. Only with half the lines and wait (or no line/wait) at all, as is usually the case when I have gone.
(5)Tracy W.
I prefer this location to the original one. The wait is generally much shorter than they tell you and the restaurant is shiny and new. The food is good, the portions are enormous and the service is fast and friendly. Lots of good drinks to choose from although I generally get a beer. I particularly like the Chile Colorado and the Tacos Don Ramon. Huge portions and lots of flavor.
(4)Jacob B.
I honestly thought this place was a great deal for the service as well as the food. If the Red Iguana is packed (which it usually is) they you should try here. This place is busy but I've always been able to get in within 15 minutes (I've only ever been when there were two of us). The food is great as well I thought it was a nice touch to have valet parking although the parking lot is "right there." ha! Anyway, it's great place to go for any occasion. Scratch that I'm not sure how much you would like this place for a Vegan party or bar mitzva.
(5)Kathleen W.
So, I made a reservation here for 8 people at 6pm on a Friday night to celebrate my birthday. I figured 6pm was early enough that it wouldn't be crowded yet. I was wrong. I was also late. There's rain and traffic and whatever - totally my bad. The hostess gave my friend repeated dirty looks and refused to seat her, saying she didn't seat parties before the majority had arrived. That's fine and reasonable, except that she then sat one person in a party of four. If you're going to have rules like that, enforce them across the board. After waiting more than 25 minutes beyond when our complete party showed up, when it became completely obvious the hostess was punishing us for being late, I decided to take my money elsewhere. As we said we were leaving, she offered to seat us at a table for 6. There were 7 of us -- I didn't want to cram into a tiny table -- and I'd already had enough.
(1)Same M.
I wanted to see if their enchiladas stood up o my grandmas and they did, which is a tough task because no one cooks as grandmas but the red iguana is a very close second. The sopias were also spectacular although a bit more than expected, usually restraurants only provide you with two or three but we got around 10 for only $5. What a bargain! The margarita was well balanced and ever so as well. The atmosphere was. Bit noisy but the food totally made up for it.
(4)Evan W.
Went to the Red Iguana right from the plane. I could not believe how many reviews this place had and how highly it was rated. Wound up at Red Iguana 2 to save time as we were able to sit right at the counter. Service was fantastic. Tried the mole sampler as recommended by other Yelpers (do this!). It was difficult to choose which one to go with when it came to ordering my meal. It was very good, lots of food and reasonably priced. Guacamole and house margarita. Very glad I looked on Yelp for reviews as I always do, and as always I was steered in a good direction.
(5)Michael H.
This place came highly recommended from a number of people. "The Molle!" they kept saying over and over. It was decent, but there's better in SLC
(3)Nadine H.
I usually avoid touristy spots but was in the neighborhood and decided to try it. It was excellente. We ordered a combination plate and a seafood platter. The food was flavorful. My only complaint is that because it is a touristy spot, they get alot of customers especially during lunch time. It is also a bit pricey for Mexican food, but worth the experience.
(4)Tony C.
Ate here the other day with all my buddies and it was awesome. Definitely the best Mexican food I have tasted in Utah. Had the special last time! Not sure what it was, but it had an egg on it and it was delicious!
(4)David M.
I've been a fan and customer of Red Iguana for years. I visited again last night and tried a Special..."Burritos de Rez en Salsa Guajillo". Burritos with hopales, sirloin and quajillo chilles. AMAZING! If you want fantastic menu items and a taste of the "Non American" versions of REAL Mexican Food, Red Iguana is the ONLY place to go!
(5)Lauren M.
Service was awesome! Our drinks were constantly being refilled and it took less than ten minutes from the time we ordered to the time our food was on the table. For an appetizer we got a plate of guacamole to share - it was amazing. I got enchiladas suizas and my sisters both got Mole Verde - all of which was delicious. Just as good as Red Iguana 1 and maybe even better with the nicer atmosphere.
(5)Jill V.
My friends in Salt Lake City turned me on to this place... very yummy.. Had the Hongos with roasted garlic and chicken veracruz tonight... delish... couple cold beers and I was good to go Ate at the bar and service was good once i got their attention... Went here with friends 3 weeks ago and we all ordered difffent items and passed the plates around. All were tasty and full of flavor.. the moles were outstanding.
(4)David K.
I really don't think there is any better Mexican food than this in Utah. I love it! They've got any kind of Mexican food you want to eat and so far, everything I have eaten here (and at the original) has been fantastic. Red 2 doesn't have quite the same appeal decoratively as the original, but the food and service are just as good. I never regret going to Red Iguana!
(5)Jacqueline M.
YUM. YUM. YUM! This place has heat and spice and everything mexican food nice. I luved it. They have a huge menu! You will be leaving stuffed. It's a FACT. I would not leave Salt Lake City without trying it. The service was pretty good for a very busy night. All four people in my party, me included, were beyond satisfied with their meals. I'm ready to go back for another taste!
(5)Brian A.
I am not a mexican food fan, but this is ok. It seems to be like all the rest of them to me. The chips and salsa could be better.
(3)allison o.
Second location, just a few blocks from the original Red Iguana. How am I the first to review? Same great food, with less of a wait! Our server did a great job taking care of our rowdy and distracted party of 10. Everyone was really happy with their meal! Can Red Iguana owners please open up a location in New Jersey?!
(5)Colby T.
WOW this place really sucks! Anyone who gave place 4 or 5 stars does not know good food! The mole was the worst thing i have ever placed into my mouth! That is an hour of my life i will never get back. DO NOT GO!!!
(1)Tami M.
Just as good as the original. Perfect salsa with lots of kick. I wish I could order something other than the enchiladas suizas and rice, but I am addicted to these. I have ventured out once or twice when they've had tamales as a special with mole. Can't go wrong with any of those.
(5)Artin F.
Amazing Moles, absolutely best Mexican restaurant in SLC.
(5)Brenda H.
Wow, sooo glad I went. Hubby and I with 3 kids ages 2-11 are sad to say we are from Nevada and won't be able to frequent this restaurant as often as we want. We had a wonderful server who brought us a mole sampler because we were first timers, it was very helpful. We ordered a variety with extra plates so we could share family style. we took the servers suggestions and got the tacos don ramon and something with a long name with beef and bacon and the almond mole then to balance the beef we ordered the chile verde burrito (pork) and enchilada suiza (chicken). While everything was delicious and unique our favorite was the enchilada suizas. But we loved everything. Everyone agreed this restaurant was special and in no way ordinary. The meats were tender and the moles were delicious. I also loved our server. A+ experience.
(5)natalie s.
being from california, you could say i'm a bit of a mexican food snob. i have high expectations of all mex, and red iguana 2 far surpassed my expectations. the guac is fantastic, the enchilada sauce is just right, and the variety is plentiful. the ambiance is casual, the patio is great on a sunny day, and the staff is attentive. all around great place to go for some mex!
(5)Jeff L.
Had the "Lomo De Puerco En Mole De Almendras" (Pork loin pinwheel) with a squash mole. The mole reminded me of pumpkin pie...savory style. Incredibly good. Guacamole was perfect. Salsa the same. I am back in SLC next week. I will probably do dinner here EVERY night until I try every one of their moles!
(4)Rich F.
Fantastic food and service! Had the special mango/shrimp burrito. OMG! My new favorite! The only place to have Mexican food in SLC!
(5)Robb M.
Best Mexican (authentic) I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Highly reccomend if you are in the area.
(5)Amanda H.
I love the happy afterglow of warmth and comfort in my solar plexus after eating the enchilada poblanas. So good and creamy. I crave this dish, more than anything at any other restaurant, hands down.
(5)Lauren M.
Love, love, love Red Iguana! It's by far the best Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake. I always take my out of town visitors here to show off some of the City's finest. I frequent Red Iguana 2 more than the original because, while it's very crowded, it's definitely less crowded than its North Temple counterpart. Aside from the Tacos Don Ramon, I have never had a bad dish here. The mole dishes with their complex and savory flavors are my favorite. If you like a little spice, try the jalapeno margarita. Delicious.
(5)Amelia W.
loved their salsa, took 32 oz home. Got carne asada tacos. Excellent. Service was awesome.
(5)Erin W.
Tastiest, most unique tortillas I've ever had!
(5)Mean R.
The wait was long that food was bad; really bad.
(1)Alan M.
The mole poblano and the mole coloradito were both great. Service is friendly and fairly efficient, although they kept trying to deliver other tables' orders to us. It's in kind of a strange location, though.
(4)Samantha H.
I prefer the original, but this place is good, too. Good fajitas and margaritas.
(4)Lauren H.
On my first trip to SLC, everyone (and I mean EVERYone) told me to visit Red Iguana. I heart Mexican food, so if this was the place to go, I was in. Driving past the original Red Iguana (two blocks away from Part 2), there was no way I was going to wait on the 30 people waiting outside of what looked like a total dive. Luckily, I had Red Iguana 2 bookmarked and headed down there. I was by myself so was able to sit at the bar, but there was a pretty sizable wait for a table at 5pm. I didn't go inside the original Red Iguana but the second looks very nice from the outside and is very shiny on the inside. Maybe too shiny, like maybe the "dive-ness" of the original was made it so good. I wasn't as impressed with the food. The salsa was really tasty, but the chile rellenos were only so-so, and the tortillas were out of a bag. Maybe I'm more disposed to the green chile variety of Mexican found in Colorado... this place is good but didn't knock my socks off.
(3)Jill H.
I lived in SLC for 2 years before i ever made it here. Service A+++ five stars. Food, I was so disappointed and have no idea what everyone is raving about. The famous moles, were tres ONE dimensional in their taste, a major disappointment. Chicken dryish. Beans sooo basic and average, same for the rice. life is too short to eat here again.
(2)Jeannamarie S.
All I can say is this is w/o a doubt one of the best Mexican restaurants I've been too.. I ordered the Chili Relleno's.. came w/ black beans and rice.. Xlnt service, price and great food!
(5)Eric A.
Red iguana is the best mexican in utah hands down. I almost always go with tacos don ramon, but sometimes I try the specials which have always been great
(5)Jorgen M.
To be fair, this is not my favorite style of Mexican, I prefer the fresh California / Baja style Mexican over the everything smothered to and cooked to death Mexican. Great setting, great service and ok food.
(3)Mat G.
Red Iguana 2 follows in the footsteps of it's older brother, and does not disappoint. A bit updated from the original, Red Iguana 2 boasts the same fantastic food and prices as the original. I've found it easier to park at this location, though the original has a more "hole in the wall" feel. You'll be happy going to either.
(5)Matt D.
Everything we had was amazing.
(5)Rob C.
No sure what all the hype is about. I know I've had better mole somewhere else in the States and MUCH better mole in Mexico. I was disappointed because I thought it would be like the mole in Mexico.
(3)Vince L.
Great food! as seen on Diners Drive ins and Dives. Have to try the different Moles.
(5)Crig S.
Shhhhhhhh. Don't talk about this place until after Sundance. O.K. it's safe now. You haven't had mole until you've had Red Iguana mole.
(5)Lisa F.
This was my first time at any of the Red Iguanas. We tried a Thursday evening and there was over an hour wait - so we left. We came back for lunch on Saturday and got right in. The service was excellent. I was excited to try this place because EVERYONE seems to have heard about it. Even my Aunt in Florida asked if I had been there yet. Anyway - I had the yummy Chilaquiles. We got a mole sampler and I was amazed. The only mole I had ever had was the basic dark, chocolaty one - and I was not a fan. These moles were so different and delicious! I still wasn't a huge fan of the traditional kind but it's just a personal preference. I definitely want to go back and try other things.
(4)hannah o.
I have been eating at Red my entire life. We used to go to the original every year on New Year's Eve as a family, and now I go probably once a week. I take all of my out of town guests here, we go here for lunch, dinner, even a midday snack. It's always crowded, yes, but sooo worth it. The service is great, the food even better. Definitely go if you haven't yet, and enjoy! I almost always love whatever I get (with the exception of a burrito, but I ordered badly that day). Yum yum YUM!
(5)John F.
This is just as good as the original, but in an upgraded facility. We hit the original one on our first night in SLC, and we liked it soo much, we had to go back before our 4 day ski trip ended. We decided to try the new location hoping to skip the crowds. We failed on skipping the crowd, but the food was o so good. I had the Enchiladas Suizas, and they were quite delicious. Don't shy away from this location just because it's new. It is great mexican food!
(5)Chris C.
one of the best mex food restaurants in the state
(5)Hayley L.
Same Menu as the original Red Iguana, different atmosphere. While the original Red Iguana had a 1/2 hour wait at 5:30 PM on a Thursday, Red Iguana 2 had NO wait. Enchiladas Poblanas basic but delicious. Fast service.
(4)p z.
Food was better than good but not exceptional and we've had great service in the past. Latest visit was horrible. Seated outside on a not busy Sunday afternoon and was given chips and our drinks- then NOTHING! The server forgot about us, People were seated after us and received their food while we waited. That was the point when we left and stopped by the manager on the way out gave him money for the chips and drinks, expressed our frustration and left. Went on an errand then popped over to the first Red Iguana= where we had the best service and an exceptional meal.
(2)Richard T.
Fantastic food and atmoshpere! Mole sampler is wonderful. Highly recommended.
(5)Apozg N.
just as great as original Red Iguana!
(5)Linus A.
First off, I am not a fan of mole!! We dined there tonight. It is definitely larger and more spacious than Red Iguana. Free valet parking was a nice touch. The wait was 20 minutes on a Sunday night. The wait staff was not great, they gossiped and talked to each other. All female waitresses flirted with a waiter who ate at the bar. The wait staff had their own party going!! Vegetarian chimichangas were good and spicy. Fish tacos were awful- fish was dry and almost unpalatable. Free nachos were cold!! Salsa was OK. Chi ken tacos were ho-hum. It was very loud and busy. Overall, not that great. Must be earth shattering mole otherwise save your money and go to Cafe Rio.
(3)Justin B.
good drinks, good salsa, great mole dishes. great prices!
(4)Adam M.
I've been here a few times after the original Reg Iguana being one of my favorites for years. Excellent food, fun atmosphere and casual experience. Definitely recommend.
(5)Alan B.
We accepted a friend's recommendation of where to eat in Salt Lake City. She asked if we like Mexican (we do) and don't mind funky (of course not), so she told us about Red Iguana. We found RI2 with a Yelp search, read the raving reviews, and drove the 23 minutes from our hotel. For a place in the middle of nowhere in Salt Lake City, with no other businesses in the vicinity, and with lots of street construction in progress, it was packed! Our waiter, Victor, was most helpful and friendly, giving us advice about what to order and checking in with us frequently during our meal. The food is terrific! I had the Red Iguana combination plate, and my wife the mole de almendras. Both were well prepared, delicious, and ample in portion size. We are not frequent visitors to Salt Lake City, but this could change things, it was so good. Add this one to your "must do" list of things to do in SLC.
(5)Todd D.
The mole really is as good as everybody is saying. And with the new location you can experience eating it while not inside a can of sardines.
(4)Johnny H.
good ass mexican food. love them burritos :)
(5)Jennifer D.
My husband and I went here for a late lunch yesterday and we were very impressed! We frequently dine at Red Iguana but this was our 1st time at the new location. I ordered the Shredded Beef enchiladas and my husband ordered the Tacos Del Ramon. Both were so so good! The shredded beef in my enchiladas was extremely tender and has such a good taste. The Tacos Del Ramon had very tender, good cuts of Sirloin Tip in them and they were good as always. (My husband, without fail, orders these every time we go there.) The atmosphere was good and the restaurant was clean. We had very good service. Our waiters name was Jose and he was probably one of the best waiters we have ever had there. He was attentive and very polite and made good recommendations. Oh, the chips and salsa there are really good too. The salsa is pretty spicy so beware if you don't handle that well. Overall, I think that Red Iguana consistently offers the best Mexican food in Salt Lake City.
(5)Brent d.
We had lunch there today. I had chicken fajitas and my wife had the beef. They were the best we have ever had. We live in Texas so that is saying a lot. The service was friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was bright and cheery. I would highly recommend this place.
(5)E P.
Another of my favorite places, especially to take people who are from out of town. The enchiladas suizas are the stuff of legend. Never had anything that wasn't delicious here. I like the new location, and I really appreciate the free valet when parking gets sticky. I also love that the family chose to keep the sequel in the same area, because this side of 3rd west could use more love.
(5)Max S.
If the Red Iguana was a woman, I would want her to have my baby. That's how much I love the Iguana.
(5)