Salt Lake City’s Mexican Food Gems

Written By Caitlyn Hartung

ROCTACO | Rick Timmons

Utah’s capital city might be known for its mountain views and outdoor adventure, but Salt Lake City also boasts a vibrant and evolving Mexican food scene. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo through appreciating Mexican cuisine or simply craving top-tier tacos on a Tuesday, there’s something to satisfy every appetite. From traditional taquerias with deep family roots to modern spots pushing culinary boundaries, this is your guide to some of the most flavorful Mexican cuisine in the Salt Lake Valley. (Read: Salt Lake Latino’s Perfected Flavor)

Red Iguana

736 W North Temple Street, Salt Lake City

No list of Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake City would be complete without Red Iguana. An institution in its own right, Red Iguana has become synonymous with rich, complex mole sauces that draw food lovers from across the country.

The story begins with Ramon and Maria Cardenas, Mexican immigrants who took over the Casa Grande restaurant in 1965. With hard work and a dedication to traditional family recipes, they transformed the space into Red Iguana, now run by their children Lucy and Ramon Jr.

The restaurant has expanded over the years to include two full-service locations, a to-go spot in City Creek Center and a catering venue. But the heart of the business remains unchanged: deeply flavorful dishes, combination plates bursting with variety and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects its family roots.

A favorite among regulars is the Mole Coloradito, a silky blend of dried chiles, Mexican chocolate, spices and a variety of toasted nuts served with carnitas. It's the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

In 1985, the Cardenas reinvented Casa Grande as the Red Iguana.

Photo: John Taylor/SLUG Magazine

Tres Hombres Mexican Grill

3298 Highland Drive, Millcreek

For more than 40 years, Tres Hombres Mexican Grill has stood as a pillar of the Salt Lake Valley dining scene. What makes Tres Hombres a standout is its seamless blend of classic Mexican fare and contemporary touches. The menu caters to a broad range of diets, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available alongside their hearty enchiladas and fajitas, all while using local vendors to supply their ingredients.

But what truly sets this place apart is its tequila bar, touted as the largest in Salt Lake City. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your journey into agave spirits, the knowledgeable staff are more than happy to guide you through their extensive offerings.

With its nostalgic charm and commitment to quality, Tres Hombres is a place where generations of families have gathered to celebrate life’s big and small moments.

What makes Tres Hombres a standout is its seamless blend of classic Mexican fare and contemporary touches.

Photo: Courtesy of Tres Hombres Mexican Grill & Cantina

For more than 40 years, Tres Hombres Mexican Grill has stood as a pillar of the Salt Lake Valley dining scene.

Photo: John Taylor/SLUG Magazine

Chile-Tepin

307 W 200 S, Salt Lake City

If you’re seeking a more upscale dining experience, Chile-Tepin is where it’s at. Tucked into downtown SLC, this sleek restaurant is named after the tiny yet fiery chile-tepin, which is the only wild chile native to the United States, and a nod to the fusion of cultures that defines its menu.

At Chile-Tepin, culinary technique meets deep-rooted tradition. The Molcajete, a shareable feast served in a traditional lava stone bowl, features grilled cactus (nopales), meats, cheeses and fresh tortillas. It's an experience as much as a meal, perfect for date nights or special occasions.

This is a place where flavors feel both familiar and fresh, blending Mexican heritage with a modern American twist. And to remind you where you’re eating, the chile-tepin appears in several house-made sauces, adding a signature kick that keeps patrons coming back.

ROCTACO

248 S Edison Street, Salt Lake City

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Head over to ROCTACO, where the rules of traditional tacos are cheerfully rewritten. Set in a repurposed shipping container, this fast-casual hotspot is all about bold flavors and creative combinations inspired by other cultures’ cuisines.

The menu is divided into playful categories sorted by protein: COW, BIRD, HOG, SEA and EARTH, making it easy to mix and match according to your cravings. You might find yourself biting into a Holy Kalbi, chasing it with the Tikka taco and rounding it out with either an Amy Hates Fish or a Bahn Mijo. While the name implies tacos, any entree can be made into a bowl, quesadilla, burrito or nachos as well.

While the setting is casual, the flavors are anything but. ROCTACO celebrates global cuisine through a Mexican lens, proving that tacos are the ultimate culinary canvas.

While the setting at ROCTACO casual, the flavors are anything but.

Photo: Rick Timmons

Set in a repurposed shipping container, ROCTACO is all about bold flavors and creative combinations.

Photo: Rick Timmons

While the name implies tacos, any entree can be made into a bowl, quesadilla, burrito or nachos as well.

Photo: Rick Timmons

Fácil balances classic dishes like Chicken Tinga and Pork Carnitas with inventive items such as the Nashville Hot Chicken Taco and Glazed Pork Belly Burrito.

Photo: Spencer Herrera

Fácil Taqueria

4429 South 2950 East, Holladay

Born from a passion for both food and community, Fácil Taqueria started as a food truck run by husband-and-wife team Dallas Olson and Spencer Herrara. With the help of their close friend Edward Struman, the dream of a brick-and-mortar location blossomed into a reality.

Fácil balances classic dishes like Chicken Tinga and Pork Carnitas with inventive items such as the Nashville Hot Chicken Taco and Glazed Pork Belly Burrito. Their house-made salsas, hot sauces and cocktail mixers are all available to take home, an ideal souvenir for food lovers who want to keep the party going even after the check is paid.

What sets Fácil apart is its laid-back vibe and commitment to quality. Everything is made from scratch with love, creating an experience that feels both novel and nostalgic.

Real Taqueria

1869 E Murray Holladay Road, Holladay

The story of Real Taqueria is a classic immigrant success story. The Valdez family, originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, began serving their cherished home recipes out of a large red food truck in 2018. Their dishes quickly earned a loyal following, prompting a move to a brick-and-mortar location in Holladay.

Stepping into Real Taqueria feels like being welcomed into someone’s kitchen. The menu is a celebration of authentic flavors, offering traditional proteins alongside a generous selection of seafood, including shrimp, salmon and a rotating market white fish.

The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with a big communal table perfect for sharing stories, and tacos. And if you’re in a rush? Their drive-thru makes grabbing a flavorful meal on the go easier than ever.

At Real Taqueria, the menu is a celebration of authentic flavors.

Photo: Antonio Valdez

Not Just for the Holiday

While Cinco de Mayo may inspire a first visit to any one of these stellar eateries, it likely won’t be your last. Each of these restaurants represents more than just good food, but are reflections of the people, stories and cultures that make Salt Lake City the richly diverse city it is today.

From humble food trucks to polished dining rooms, the Mexican food scene in SLC offers something for every palate and price point. And whether you’re a local or just visiting, these spots provide a flavorful way to explore the soul of the city one bite at a time.

So next time you're craving enchiladas, carnitas or a perfectly shaken margarita, check out one of these locally loved gems. After all, great Mexican food isn't reserved for just one day a year; it’s a celebration worth savoring todos los días.

Salt Lake City’s Mexican Food Gems

About the Author – Caitlyn Hartung

Caitlyn Hartung has been writing for SLUG Magazine since May 2024. Though she's a newer face in Salt Lake City, having called it home for just three years, she's spent nearly a decade exploring and appreciating everything Utah has to offer. Caitlyn is passionate about supporting local businesses, spending time with her dog, Ferguson, and flexing her knowledge at bar trivia nights.