Red Iguana: Salt Lake City’s Legendary Mexican Restaurant
Celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine and award-winning mole, Red Iguana draws locals and visitors for a vibrant dining experience.
Introduction to Red Iguana
Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, Utah, stands as a landmark for exceptional Mexican cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant ambience, world-class mole sauces, and long list of prestigious awards. Since opening in 1985, Red Iguana has become synonymous with Killer Mexican Food That’s Absolutely Worth the Wait—a promise fulfilled through generations of family recipes and unmatched hospitality.
History and Origins
The culinary journey of Red Iguana began with Ramon and Maria Cardenas, who brought their family’s renowned Mexican dishes to the Salt Lake Valley. Their recipes, developed over decades and shared at the earlier Casa Grande restaurant, quickly built a devoted following. When Red Iguana opened its doors on West North Temple Street in 1985, word spread fast thanks to locals and traveling food enthusiasts eager for a taste of its award-winning dishes.
- Opened: 1985
- Founders: Ramon and Maria Cardenas
- Location: 736 W North Temple St, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
- Family Tradition: Recipes passed down to the next generation, maintaining authenticity
Today, the Cardenas family continues the legacy, delivering the same spirit and flavors that set Red Iguana apart from the start.
The Restaurant Experience
Known locally as “the O.G.” (Original), the flagship Red Iguana features a lively, colorful dining space, filled with vibrant Mexican art and a bustling crowd. Guests often encounter wait times due to the restaurant’s popularity—but every moment spent in line is rewarded with a culinary adventure.
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11am–9pm; Friday & Saturday 11am–10pm
- Dine-In Reservations: Recommended, especially for groups of six or more
- Take-Out Orders: Available via phone
- Atmosphere: Funky, eclectic, and always buzzing
- Decor: Colorful walls, Mexican folk art, memorabilia from decades of acclaim
Recognition and Accolades
Red Iguana is proud to be Utah’s Most Awarded Mexican Restaurant and regularly ranks among the top culinary destinations nationwide. Esteemed publications, users, and critics continually honor the restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition.
| Award/Recognition | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards – Utah Classic | 2023 | Salt Lake Magazine |
| Yelp Top 100 US Restaurants (#35) | 2022 | Yelp |
| SBA Utah Small Business Persons of the Year | 2022 | U.S. Small Business Administration |
| TripAdvisor Hall of Fame – Certificate of Excellence (5 Years) | 2011–2015 | TripAdvisor |
| Salt Lake City Weekly’s Best of Utah – Best Mexican Restaurant | 2019, 2021, 2020, many years prior | Salt Lake City Weekly |
| ZAGAT’s America’s Top Restaurants – Best Mexican Restaurant | Multiple years | ZAGAT |
- One of the Top 100 Rated Restaurants in the Nation
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recipient
- Recognized on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
- Multiple local, national, and editorial awards spanning over three decades
The restaurant’s consistent success reflects its unwavering dedication to authentic flavors and customer satisfaction.
Red Iguana on Food Network
Red Iguana’s reputation soared after its feature on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives hosted by Guy Fieri. First visited by Fieri in 2008, the restaurant returned to national prominence in the 2020 episode titled “Smothered and Covered”—spotlighting its legendary mole sauce and eclectic character. Fieri lauded Red Iguana and Salt Lake City for their “mix of funky, eclectic places,” cementing the restaurant as a must-visit destination for food lovers across the country.
- First Featured: 2008 on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
- Second Feature: 2020 in episode “Smothered and Covered”
- Highlight: Mole sauces and classic family fare
- Impact: National attention, increased tourism, and bookings
Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights
Red Iguana is world-renowned for its mole sauces. Boasting a variety of moles—each complex, rich, and rooted in authentic Mexican tradition—the restaurant offers visitors a tour of Mexico’s diverse regions through carefully crafted flavors.
- Mole Negro: Deep, smoky, chocolate-infused sauce with hints of spices and dried chiles
- Mole Amarillo: Bright, golden mole made with yellow chiles and a balance of herbs
- Mole Poblano: The classic mole, featuring nuts, seeds, chocolate, and signature spices
- Mole Verde: A green mole based on fresh herbs and tomatillos
- Chile Verde: Pork simmered in fresh green chile sauce
- Enchiladas: Stuffed corn tortillas with a variety of fillings and sauces
- Classic Tacos and Burritos: Generous portions, savory fillings, and handmade touches
Meals are often accompanied by sides of rice, beans, and house-made salsas, with options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The menu balances tradition with regional specialties, ensuring that every palate finds something unforgettable.
Hospitality and Service
The Red Iguana team prides itself on warm, attentive service, making guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive. Reservations are recommended—especially on busy nights—yet walk-ins are always greeted with enthusiasm and hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for a first taste or returning for a beloved classic, expect a friendly, professional staff committed to your dining experience.
- Reservations available for parties of six or more (suggested for busy weekends)
- To-Go orders convenient for local customers
- Staff passionate about sharing family traditions and menu stories
Atmosphere and Location
Red Iguana’s original location is a Salt Lake City landmark, just west of Interstate 15. The restaurant’s eclectic décor, bustling energy, and distinctive character make it instantly recognizable. Diners often remark upon the unique, vibrant design—serving as a backdrop for unforgettable meals and family celebrations.
- Ambience: Casual yet festive, colorful and joyful
- Art: Mexican folk pieces, regional artifacts, and local artwork
- Neighborhood: Heart of Salt Lake, accessible for locals and tourists
Why Red Iguana Stands Out
In a city known for culinary diversity, Red Iguana stands out as the quintessential Mexican restaurant—thanks to its dedication to authentic recipes, vibrant hospitality, and the family’s commitment to excellence. Its long wait times are a testament not to inconvenience, but to demand: people are willing to wait for the unique experience that only Red Iguana delivers.
- Unique Recipes: Passed down and perfected over decades
- Consistent Quality: Unwavering standards, fresh ingredients
- Cultural Significance: Celebrating Mexican heritage in Utah
- National Recognition: Featured by top critics, TV shows, and foodie communities
Guest Reviews and Media Coverage
Red Iguana’s media presence and customer testimonials reinforce its reputation for excellence. Featured on TV, listed among top national restaurants, and recognized by local editors and influential food guides, the restaurant draws praise from both new visitors and lifelong fans.
- Regularly enjoys wait times of over an hour—a sign of high demand and dedicated clientele
- Praised for everything from “mole you’ll dream about” to “killer food that’s absolutely worth the wait”
- Recognized as a crowd pleaser for date nights, family meals, and special occasions
Hours, Reservations, and Tips for Visiting
Red Iguana welcomes guests nearly every day. While reservations are recommended (critical on weekends and for larger groups), walk-ins can take advantage of a lively atmosphere and prompt service. Here are suggested tips for planning your visit:
- Consider making reservations via RESY.com for groups and weekend nights
- For to-go orders, call ahead for efficient pick-up
- Prepare for possible wait times—often a sign of high quality and local popularity
- Parking available adjacent to the restaurant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Red Iguana’s mole sauce famous?
A: Red Iguana’s mole is renowned for its complex layers of spices, chiles, chocolate, and nuts, simmered for hours to achieve unmatched depth and flavor. Diners travel from across the country to sample each variety, making mole tastings a signature experience.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: Reservations are recommended, especially for groups of six or more and for weekend evenings. Walk-ins are welcome but may encounter wait times due to popularity.
Q: Is Red Iguana kid-friendly?
A: Yes, the restaurant is welcoming to families and provides a friendly, casual setting for children and adults alike.
Q: Are vegetarian options available?
A: Absolutely. The menu offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes and sides, ensuring options for all dietary preferences.
Q: Can I place a take-out order?
A: Yes. Simply call the restaurant to place a to-go order and enjoy Red Iguana dishes at home or on the go.
Map and Directions
Red Iguana is located at 736 W North Temple St in Salt Lake City, easily accessible from downtown and major highways. Visitors recommend arriving early, especially during peak dining hours, to minimize wait times and enjoy the vibrant surroundings.
Conclusion
For nearly four decades, Red Iguana has set the standard for authentic Mexican food in Salt Lake City. With family recipes, storied history, vibrant atmosphere, and continuous national acclaim, it remains the city’s foremost culinary destination. Whether for a first visit or a cherished return, Red Iguana promises a dining experience rich in flavor, hospitality, and tradition—”absolutely worth the wait.”
