Red Iguana is the family-run Mexican restaurant at 736 W North Temple St, west of downtown Salt Lake City, where crowds have lined up for its moles since the Cardenas family opened it in 1985. Yelp ranked it #1 on its “Salt Lake City: Top Local Eats 2025” list (source: Red Iguana).
Inside, the dining room is loud, colorful and tightly packed with tables, and servers move quickly. Mole is the reason to come. The kitchen makes several varieties, including the dark, chocolate-tinged mole negro, the nutty almendrado and the bright, herbal verde. If you can’t decide, ask for a sampler with chips before ordering. Beyond mole, the menu covers house classics, appetizers and salads (source: MenuToEat). The cochinita pibil and puntas de filete a la norteña are longtime favorites. Many dishes can accommodate gluten-free diners, so tell your server about any dietary needs.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Expect waits at dinner and on weekends. A late lunch on a weekday is the easiest way to get in quickly. The original location takes reservations through its website, so book ahead for groups (source: Red Iguana). If the line is long, Red Iguana 2 is a short drive away on 300 West. TRAX Green Line riders can get off near North Temple and walk a few blocks west. Parking in the small lot fills fast, so arrive early or plan to park on the street.
