For over four decades, Red Iguana has been proud to serve vibrant, flavor-rich Mexican cuisine in the heart of Salt Lake City. From humble beginnings to national recognition, our story has always centered on one thing: exceptional food that brings people together.
Today, Red Iguana on North Temple in Salt Lake City is more than a restaurant — it’s a culinary landmark in Utah. Our reputation has been built not only on unforgettable dishes like our signature moles, but also on the support of our community, critical acclaim, and the notable guests who continue to seek us out.
But what exactly gives Red Iguana its legendary street cred? It’s not just the lines out the door. It’s the trifecta of recognition that proves we’re the real deal: celebrity endorsements that put us on the national map, reviews from renowned food critics, and awards that confirm what locals have known all along.
When the stars align (and dine)
You know you’ve made it when celebrities start showing up – not for photo ops, but because they genuinely can’t get enough of your food. Red Iguana has had its fair share of famous faces walk through our doors, but none bigger than when Food Network’s Guy Fieri rolled up with his cameras for “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” His visit introduced Red Iguana to a national audience who had never experienced authentic Mexican cuisine quite like ours.
But among all of the celebrity visits we’ve received over the years, we’ll never forget when NBA legend Bill Walton became one of our most loyal champions. Bill’s enthusiasm for our food was infectious, and his endorsement carried serious weight in the sports world and beyond. When a guy who’s played in the biggest arenas and eaten at the finest establishments declares your mole exceptional, that’s validation from someone who knows excellence when he tastes it.
From the moment when Slash from Guns N’ Roses wore one of our staff shirts onstage at Red Butte Garden, to when Diana Kennedy gave Red Iguana her seal of approval, we’ve welcomed endorsements from celebrities from all over the world. You can see some of their autographs and photos on our “Wall of Fame,” including Carlos Santana, Neil Diamond, and the entire Los Lobos band.
Critical acclaim that speaks volumes
Red Iguana is “Utah’s most awarded Mexican restaurant”, and has been blessed with reviews from some of the most prestigious names in food journalism. The New York Times, Food and Wine, and USA Today have all featured Red Iguana, proving that exceptional Mexican cuisine can be found right here in Salt Lake City.
From USA Today: “…for a comprehensive offering of Mexican dishes with something sure to please every taste, it is tough to beat the Red Iguana. I would not visit Salt Lake City without eating here.”
Local critics have been equally generous with their praise. Like this review from Gastronomic SLC: “All three of us largely agreed it was the best Mexican meal we had eaten in some time.”
Critics consistently praise our moles, our service (those servers who “hustle” while never making you feel rushed), and the organic, unpretentious atmosphere that makes you feel like home. When multiple professional food critics independently arrive at the same conclusions, it’s not luck — it’s excellence.
Awards that prove the point
All the celebrity visits and glowing reviews in the world can’t compete with the validation that comes from your own community. That’s why we’re so incredibly honored to have been voted “Best Mexican Restaurant” in Salt Lake Magazine’s annual “Best of the Beehive: Reader’s Choice” for 2024. This isn’t just some random industry insider award — this is YOU, the people and diners of Salt Lake City, declaring us your #1 destination for killer Mexican food.
And the awards keep coming in every year. TripAdvisor gave Red Iguana a Certificate of Excellence, recognizing us among the restaurants that travelers consistently rave about. In a city that sees millions of visitors each year, standing out enough to earn this designation means we’re not just serving locals, we’re creating experiences that visitors remember long after they’ve headed home.
Yelp also recently named Red Iguana as #35 on their list of the Top 100 Best Restaurants in the Country. To not just survive but thrive on Yelp, earning a spot among the nation’s best, speaks to the consistency and quality that defines every Red Iguana experience.
The street cred that can’t be faked
Red Iguana’s street cred lives in the details. It’s in the hands of our service staff who remember your usual order and how you like your margaritas. It’s on the walls, decorated with local art that tells the story of our community. It’s in the lines of people willing to wait because they know it’s worth it.
Don’t believe us?
Check out these reviews by real, everyday customers:
“This place lives up to the hype. Great menu. Great food. Fun Mexican vibe. Totally worth the visit. And a return visit. The mole, oh the molé. I didn’t know which to choose. So the waitress brings out a plate with dabs of each mole to sample. Difficult to choose, they are all so wonderful! So, so good! Best molé I’ve ever had. I can’t wait for my next visit.”– Brad H.
“Ok, I am from Los Angeles but also born in Mexico, and let me tell you. Visiting Salt Lake my expectations on Mexican food were not high. But this place is AAAAAMAZING! The food is made from scratch. Please give them a try! Good work guys, this is what we call authentic Mexican food. The service was amazing! Heather’s service was amazing! The ambiance was calm and chill.”
– Edgar R.
“The food is out of this world amazing and the sauces man oh man so tasty and authentic!! The service is impeccable!! On point and very attentive to your needs! And the ambiance is so quaint and just feels like home… Loved everything about this place!!! A must try when in Salt Lake City!!”
– Carla S.
“Hands down the best mole amarillo I have ever had. Honestly, the best any type of mole I’ve ever had. I sampled a couple of the margaritas, as well. They all were great. The La Damian’s was super unique in a really awesome way, the Ramon Jr’s Caddie was fantastic. There was a wait for a table–it was well worth it. Don’t miss the Iguana. “Killer Mexican” for sure.”
– Rob H.
