Red Iguana Review
Red Iguana, family-run since 1985, is the most beloved Mexican restaurant in Utah and one of the best mole houses in the country — they make seven distinct moles daily, from a smoky, nutty coloradito to the near-black, chocolate-tinged mole negro, and they’ll bring you a sampler so you don’t have to choose blind. The line out the door of the little Salt Lake building is a permanent fixture; regulars order the “Mexican hot chocolate” mole plate and dream about it later. In a state not famous for its food, Red Iguana is a genuine, unarguable star.
| Cost | ~$15–22 |
|---|---|
| Time needed | an hour-plus with the wait |
| Best season | year-round |
| Where | Salt Lake City · Wasatch Alabama |
📍 Where: Red Iguana, Salt Lake City, Utah · 40.7697, -111.9161
Common questions
When's the best time to visit Red Iguana?
Best season: year-round.
How much does it cost?
~$15–22. Prices drift — confirm before you go.
How long should I plan for?
Plan for about an hour-plus with the wait.
Is it actually worth the trip?
Our rating: Worth the drive. Seven house-made moles and a line that never quits, since 1985. The best Mexican food in Utah, and it's not close. Get the sampler.
One of 120 in Kick the Bucket List: Utah
The full book is 120 checkable picks like this one — with a Bucket Rating on every entry telling you what's worth the drive and what to skip. A keepsake you fill in and score.
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