Red Iguana in Salt Lake City

I think I must have driven past Red Iguana a million times on the way to the Salt Lake City Airport (via North Temple). Its red-yellow dive front seemed to overflow with white Caucasian business suits at lunch hour. I never would have walked in if it weren't for Houston Davidson (lover of music and all things Spanish, Mexican and Portuguese) who adamantly loves Red Iguana. 

Chips and Salsa.  Complimentary and addicting! We finished the chips immediately and regretfully.

Side of Fried Plantain, $1.75.  The plantains were amazing—sugary sweet, cinnamony, dense, flavorful. Wow, but wazzup with the whipped cream and cherry on top?!

Poblano Plate, sour cream chicken enchilada, taco a la iguana, beef tostada, guacamole, $12.45.  Yes, it's unadventurous, but...BUT, when trying out a new restaurant (Mex or not), it is wise to have a safety dish (insurance dish...) and this was it. The guacamole was the best guac I've ever had. The enchilada sauce was super tasty and reminiscent of Chinese sweet 'n sour. Tostada was crunchy and comforting.

Mole Poblano, puebla's beloved mole, guajillo & ancho dried chiles, peanuts, sesame seeds, salnuts, raisins, bananas, mexican chocolate, tossed with turkey, $15.70.  This was actually one of the items I was instructed to order via text from Houston. Unusual and fabulous flavor! This mole was prepared with turkey, not my favorite protein/poultry. They even wedged in some plantains as garnish (YUM!!!).

The mole came with the standard side trio of rice, refried beans and tortillas. Very good, particularly the beans.

Hongos al Ajillo, mushrooms sauteed with garlic, butter, white wine, crushed red chile, $6.55.  UNREAL! Garlicky, buttery, spicy, rich and decadent. I would have been perfectly happy with just these hongos simmering in a pool of butter. ORDER THIS!!!

Horchata.  Quench that thirst, kay? YUM.

Sweet call, Houston—it was killer awesome. Portions were enormous and everything tasted even better reheated the next day. Can't wait to try the other moles and all the other dishes on the menu!

Red Iguana

(801) 322-1489

736 West North Temple\

Salt Lake City, 84116

Official Website for Red Iguana.