Salt Lake City may not have the reputation of a city like Los Angeles or Austin regarding Mexican food, but it has several truly great spots.
During our recent trip to Salt Lake City, we had the opportunity to sample some of the best Mexican eateries in the city.
We scoured the city to find the top Mexican restaurants and compiled a guide with various options.
After trying several of them, we realized that the city is a hidden gem for Mexican food.
We spent several days trying different tacos, burritos, and other dishes to bring you the best Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake City.
Our guide has options for everyone, whether you want a sit-down meal, a light lunch, or dinner.
Mexican Restaurants in Salt Lake City
Red Iguana
Red Iguana is a beloved family-run Mexican restaurant located in the Fiarpark neighborhood in Salt Lake City.
Known for its traditional Mexican fare and extensive gluten-free options, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant is particularly famous for its mole sauce, prepared from a unique blend of chili peppers, chocolate, and nuts, creating a rich and flavorful experience.
Dining at Red Iguana can be a bit of a wait as the lines are often out the door, but the delicious food is well worth it.
The restaurant’s reputation for quality and authenticity has made it a must-visit place for those seeking an authentic Mexican dining experience.
- Address: 736 W North Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Red Iguana
Blue Iguana Salt Lake City
Blue Iguana Restaurant is a popular and well-established destination for authentic Mexican cuisine. It has served patrons for over 25 years and was purchased by the famous Red Iguana family in 1998.
The restaurant aims to provide a rich menu rich in traditional, old-world recipes while experimenting with new and unique Mexican dishes.
The head chef, Chef Castillo, has trained with culinary artists of Chihuahua and brought his expertise to create some of the most delicious and incredible Mexican cuisines outside of his homeland.
He has learned closely guarded recipes from generations-old Aztec food and has applied these techniques to prepare everything from traditional dishes to modern food.
The service is also friendly and attentive, making it a great spot for gatherings with friends and family, celebrations, or casual meals. If you’re looking for an authentic flavor of Mexico, check out Blue Iguana Restaurant.
- Address: 165 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Blue Iguana Salt Lake City
Chile-Tepin
Chile-Tepin is a vibrant and casual Mexican restaurant located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.
It is just a few minutes from Clark Planetarium and Pioneer Park, making it an ideal spot for a quick and delicious meal before or after a visit to these popular attractions.
Known for its small size, smokey finish, and distinctive flavor, Chile-Tepin offers a menu that follows in the footsteps of this satisfying little Chile.
The menu is simple yet delicious, with many options, including starters, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and sides.
In addition to the traditional Mexican dishes, Chile-Tepin also serves a selection of margaritas and beers to complement your meal.
One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is their Chile Relleno, stuffed with cheese and deep-fried.
Chile-Tepin is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner, and it will surely leave you satisfied and craving more.
- Address: 307 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Chile-Tepin
Maria’s Mexican Grill
Maria’s Mexican Grill is a family-own restaurant in East Millcreek of Salt Lake City.
Maria’s Mexican Grill will exceed your expectations. The restaurant is colorful, clean, and inviting, with a stunning painting on the wall as soon as you walk in.
The menu features a variety of dishes, but chicken enchiladas we highly recommend it to you.
These are made with homemade, fresh tortillas filled with chicken and mole sauces.
The chimichangas are also perfect, and the margaritas are a great complement to the food.
The service is friendly and attentive, and the prices are affordable. Maria’s Mexican Grill is a great spot for authentic Mexican food and a casual atmosphere.
- Address: 3336 S 2300 E, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Maria’s Mexican Grill
El Asadero Mexican Food
El Asadero is a top choice among Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake City.
Located on the W North Temple of Salt Lake City, this casual family-own restaurant offers fast service and authentic Mexican cuisine that is hard to beat.
They use family recipes passed down for generations and make their own corn tortillas in-house, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest and most authentic ingredients.
Their menu features various traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, tostadas, burritos, ceviche, chicken soup, and fajitas.
The al pastor tacos are particularly noteworthy, as they are slow-cooked and incredibly flavorful, served with homemade salsa and fresh guacamole.
They will surely take your taste buds on a journey and give you an authentic Mexican food experience.
- Address: 1011 W North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: El Asadero Mexican Food
La Hacienda Salt Lake
This casual restaurant is located on Redwood Road and is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and quick service.
The restaurant is run by a hardworking woman and her family, who are dedicated to maintaining a friendly and well-run atmosphere.
The enchiladas or smothered burritos are a must-try dish and are considered some of the best in the city. Chicken Chimichanga is another popular dish on their menu and is highly recommended.
Though the restaurant can sometimes get crowded, the consistently good food is worth the wait.
The salsa may vary in spiciness, but it is always delicious. If you are looking for a great Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake City, La Hacienda is worth visiting.
- Address: 1248 S Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: La Hacienda Salt Lake
Alberto’s Mexican Restaurant
You can find Alberto’s Mexican Restaurant close to Pioneer Park in downtown Salt Lake City, and the restaurant offers a drive-through option, which makes it convenient for those on the go.
The restaurant’s inside decor is beautiful, and the environment is clean and inviting. The restaurant is well-maintained, with great landscaping.
The customer service is outstanding, and the employees are professional, outgoing, and friendly.
The menu features all the essentials like tacos and burritos, but the actual standout dish is the carne asada fries, which are a must-try.
The restaurant’s items are well prepared, with excellent ingredients, and great care is put into them. On the other hand, prepared every product is outstanding, well-presented, and consistently delicious.
- Address: 511 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Alberto’s
Chunga’s
Chunga’s is a unique chain Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake City. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes, including the highly recommended tacos al pastor, made with fresh, locally sourced pork and pineapple.
Vegetarian options such as mushrooms, cactus, and Flor de calabaza are also available for meatless options.
The alambre is another popular dish, a delicious mixture of traditional Mexican ingredients. Customers can also enjoy a refreshing pineapple or strawberry shake to cool off from the spiciness.
In addition, chips and salsa are a must-try and are made fresh daily.
The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and two locations in the city, making it easy access for locals and visitors to indulge in the delicious food.
- Address: 180 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Chunga’s
MONARCA
MONARCA is located in the heart of downtown and offers various dishes and drinks, even some unique ones.
The restaurant is bright and airy, with big windows letting in a ton of natural light and an outdoor seating area right in the middle of the downtown area hustle and bustle.
You can start with the empanadas as an appetizer. They come in three flavors: Picadillo beef, cheese, and chicken, and are served with crema and salsa Verde. We recommend trying all three; they are all so different and tasty.
You can get the churros for dessert, which were so good. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in cinnamon sugar.
We highly recommend Monarca for a date night or any occasion; you won’t regret it.
- Address: 268 S State St, Suite 110, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: MONARCA
Taqueria 27 Downtown
If you’re in the mood for tacos, head to Taqueria 27 Downtown. The menu has all your faves like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but the real standout is the carne asada tacos.
These delicious treats are made with tender and juicy carne asada and topped with all the fixings, making them the perfect meal after a long day of exploring the city.
These deep-fried treats are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and are the perfect way to end your meal.
One thing that sets Taqueria 27 Downtown apart from other Mexican restaurants is its unique approach to food.
The food is made from scratch, and the restaurant works closely with its suppliers to source the freshest and best ingredients available.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a full meal, this restaurant has something for everyone.
- Address: 149 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Taqueria 27 Downtown
Lola
Lola is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that provides a refreshing environment that makes it a perfect spot to gather with friends, as evidenced by the repeat customers that return on the same weekend.
You can find delicious dishes on the menu, such as chicken tinga empanada, carne asada burrito, carne quesadilla, and the unique queso fundido, a surprisingly complex yet memorable combination of flavors.
The attention to detail in everything from the restaurant’s menu to the table settings and music makes for a thoughtfully prepared experience that offers a refreshing take on Mexican cuisine.
You’ll surely want to come back to try more of their delicious offerings.
- Address: 856 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Lola
Santo Taco
Santo Tacos is a new taco spot located in the culturally diverse neighborhood of Rose Park.
The restaurant is clean and bright, with a condiment bar that offers a variety of options to customize your tacos.
The menu offers a mix of traditional and more unique options, such as zucchini, nopales, and corn for vegetarians and vegans.
Especially try their carne quesadilla and the birria tacos. Both dishes were incredibly flavorful, with the perfect balance of spices and ingredients.
The experience at Santo Tacos is a cheerful medium between Americanized and Mexican cuisine, and it is a great spot to check out for delicious and customizable tacos lovers.
- Address: 910 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Santo Taco
Los Tapatios Taco Grill
Los Tapatios Taco Grill opened in 2020, is in the North Temple of Salt Lake City, and has quickly become known for its delicious birria dishes.
The menu includes various options, including quesadillas and tacos, which can pair with a side of birria.
The birria is rich and savory, with notes of allspice and cloves that give it a warm and comforting taste.
In addition, the mulita, a crispy and crunchy tortilla sandwich filled with succulent beef and lots of cheese, is a must-try.
The restaurant also has a salsa bar and pickled onions that perfectly balance the acidity of the birria.
Overall, Los Tapatios Taco Grill is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic and delicious birria experience.
- Address: 120 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Los Tapatios Taco Grill
Nacho Daddy
Nacho Daddy is a popular Mexican-themed restaurant chain in America, located in Downtown Salt Lake City, and also operates in Las Vegas and Duluth.
The restaurant is best known for its delicious nachos with fresh, delicious house-made tortilla chips and various toppings.
But that’s not all they have to offer; Nacho Daddy’s menu includes other Mexican-inspired cuisines like tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
They also offer soups, salads, and sandwiches if you’re not interested in Mexican food.
Nacho Daddy locations provide a full bar with beer, cocktails, and wine options. Nacho Daddy is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a casual and fun dining experience.
- Address: 241 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Nacho Daddy
Rio Grande Cafe
As you walk into the Rio Grande Cafe, you’ll be greeted by a warm and welcoming host staff.
You’ll love the margaritas here, and we recommend trying the Rio Grande.
The chips and salsa are a perfect start to your meal, and you’ll appreciate the little touches like a bowl of salsa for you and your dining companion.
You will love the Chile Verde and won’t be disappointed with the chicken mole enchiladas.
Even the rice is delicious, which is not something you often find at other Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake City.
Finally, try this restaurant’s Chile Relleno, chicken enchiladas, and Mexican beer with tequila snowcap.
- Address: 258 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Rio Grande Cafe
Chubby’s Mexican Restaurant
The final entry on our list is Chubby’s, a traditional Mexican restaurant in Rose Park, Salt Lake City.
The menu offers a variety of options, from dishes like Menudo to more familiar options like steak and burritos.
The chips and salsa are an excellent start to the meal, and the entrees are sure to please. The portions are generous, so come ready to eat.
Mainly, try their delicious tostadas and chimichangas; don’t miss out on their beer selection, and the service is on point.
The Chubby’s is a great place to stop by and enjoy the food while supporting the local community.
- Address: 955 N 1400 W, Salt Lake City, UT
- Check Website: Chubby’s
Note: Business statuses can change. We recommend verifying any establishment’s current location and operational hours before planning your visit.
