Comments on: Red Iguana restaurant review

By: Stu

Stu — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:54:16 +0000

As an aside Dorje, the ‘best of’ SLC section of our site, merely represents the best SLC restaurants we have visited, its not meant to be defacto by any means.

I think Red Iguana is pretty good if you shy away from humdrum items like burritos, tacos etc. The Puntas de Filete a la Nortena and some of their moles are really quite good, regardless of type of cuisine.

What did you have that you didn’t like?

Also, I’ve heard good things about Julias.

By: Dorje

Dorje — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:27:12 +0000

I opened this review to see what was being said about a tried and true “best” of Salt Lake restaurant. Kind of a test, I must say.
Well, I was quite frankly surprised. As someone from New Mexico stated, this is not good Mexican food. Start with the chips and salsa…Really? Maybe someone who knows Mexican food should do a review for you as I feel that unfortunately you have fallen for the popularity as a indication of good. I grew up in So.California and lived in Texas. I have eaten at hundreds of Mexican food restaurants.
It is only due to a lack of knowledge that Red Iguana is considered good. If you do not believe me… look around and try to find a Mexican in the restaurant.
Oh by the way, if you want good Mexican Food try Julia’s on 1000 West. This is real Mexican food quality. I say this at the risk of disclosing the best secret in Utah but its time for them to get the business they deserve.

By: Muncher

Muncher — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:18:52 +0000

Sorry, correction, how novice of me.

El Paisa
2126 S 3200 W

There are other locations. I haven’t tried them so I cannot comment on them.

By: Muncher

Muncher — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:59:04 +0000

The Red Iguana is the bomb! Don’t forget it for a breakfast option too. We recently had a breakfast burrito which was, as usual, delicious and filling. I really don’t understand how anyone could knock this place, it’s simply a Salt Lake Classic! Just to put another option on the table though, we went to a place called La Paisa last night (3200 W I believe, just off the beehive 201) and had an incredible meal. This place is known for its molcahetes and it was divine (and enough to feed 3-4 people). We got the guacamole with complimentary (and extremely good) chips and salsa, margaritas, and the molcahete supreme with shrimp, chicken, and steak cooked in a green sauce along with other goodies. The margaritas were the best I’ve had in Salt Lake, not sweet, not bitter, just right. The molcahete came with freshly made corn tortillas, rice, and refried beans. The atmosphere is nice and they have live karaoke (mexican style) every night (according to the waiter) and dancing on the weekends. I’ve said enough, just go. Don’t look-up what a molcahete is if you don’t know, just go and be surprised! You won’t be disappointed! Just beware of the jalapenos unless you tolerate extreme heat!

P.S. The waiter informed me molcahetes (usually $23 for two people) are half priced on Monday and Tuesday nights. We went on a Monday night and were pleased the restaurant was not dead! Stu, please try this one out and order the molcahete, I know you’ll be pleased you did!

By: Gastronomic Salt Lake City | Restaurant happenings 07/28/09

Gastronomic Salt Lake City | Restaurant happenings 07/28/09 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:23:14 +0000

[...] Iguana 736 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 (801) 322-1489 GSLC: Red Iguana review Website: http://www.rediguana.com Source: Salt Lake [...]

By: Matthew

Matthew — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:03:24 +0000

Ramon’s Quesadilla San Francisco is easily the most delicious item I’ve ever had at a Mexican restaurant. Substitute the meat for black beans and you have yourself a winner.

The other stuff is OK, but the Quesadilla is fantastic.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:06:19 +0000

Forrest: I’m by no means an expert on the Red Iguana, I’m still only on one visit. Which I aim to build on.

What regulars tell me though, is to stay clear of the staid items like enchiladas and burritos. Instead go for the more unique options such as Papadzules, Entomatadas, Pescado Veracruzana or Puntas De Filete.

By: Forrest

Forrest — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:43:12 +0000

As a native of New Mexico, I have always been amazed at how ignorant Utahns are as to what constitutes good Mexican food. The Red Iguana is a perfect example. In the past fifteen years, I have eaten at the Red Iguana a total of three times. The first two times, I had what were easily the WORST Mexican meals of my fifty years. If a restaurant in New Mexico had attempted to serve what was served to me those two times, the local clientele would’ve burned the place to the ground! The last time I ate at the Red Iguana, I waited ~ 1 hour to eat what was at best a very pedestrian attempt at enchiladas.

Salt Lake has great Italian, Thai, Japanese, and other types of restaurants. Is the Red Iguana the best it can offer for a Mexican restaurant? I hope not.

By: Stu

Stu — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:12:40 +0000

It is funny you should mention that, it has been mentioned already, and perhaps might just be in the works.

Join up to our discussion forum here http://www.gastronomicslc.com/forum

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:54:22 +0000

I visited Red Iguana twice in September, after having not visited for a year. The first time was with a party of four (plus a baby) on a weeknight, and we waited an hour or more for a table. I had the Cochinita Pibil, which was delicious but became monotonous towards the end of the dish. The second time we were with a party of seven, and we were able to make a reservation for this larger party. We were seated upon arrival. I tried the mole sampler (complimentary dabs of all of the moles, but one – scoop them up with chips or a tortilla – the mole amarillo is my favorite that comes on the sampler), but decided on the Puntas Filete a la Nortena. This was the winner of the table. The almond mole was complex and perfect, the sirloin tips tender and flavorful, and the essence of thick-cut bacon permeated the dish. The portions was gigantic, I must say. I am a big eater, and there was more than enough for the next day’s lunch.

Other favorites there include the Encurtidos appetizer, enmoladas, chilaquiles, and enchiladas suizas. Based on your recommendation, I’m going to try the Tacos Don Ramon next time.

In short (haha, *much* too late for that!), perhaps you should get a bunch of SLC chowhounds together, make a reservation, and avoid the wait!