Salt Lake City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Mexican food paradises like Los Angeles or Austin, but trust us, this city boasts a vibrant and authentic Mexican culinary scene that’s ready to surprise you. We’ve explored every corner of the valley to bring you a guide to the very best Mexican Food Salt Lake City has to offer. Whether you’re craving a relaxed sit-down dinner, a quick and tasty lunch, or a spontaneous snack from a food truck, our curated list has something to satisfy every palate.
This guide focuses on restaurants that stay true to the heart of Mexican cuisine, emphasizing classic and authentic flavors. You won’t find fusion experiments here, but rather the real deal. And while we adore tacos, this guide is designed to be broader than just tacos. If you’re specifically on the hunt for tacos, be sure to check out our SLC taco guide for a deep dive into Salt Lake City’s taco scene. Now, let’s get started and discover the best Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake City!
See Also: 15 Best Restaurants In Salt Lake City
15. Real Taqueria
A plate of chicken nachos with crema and pickled jalapeños at Real Taqueria, showcasing Mexican food in Salt Lake City
Prepare to have your nacho expectations redefined at Real Taqueria. Their chicken nachos are a fresh and exciting take on this classic, boasting high-quality ingredients in every bite. The tangy crema and house-made pickled jalapeños add a delightful zing, perfectly complementing the expertly fried chips. Feeling adventurous and in the mood for tacos? Don’t miss the lengua (cow’s tongue) taco. This tender meat is infused with smoky and rich flavors, beautifully paired with soft sauteed onions, sweet pineapple, and fresh cilantro, creating a taco experience that truly goes above and beyond.
Real Taqueria
$ Mexican
1869 E Murray Holladay Rd, Holladay, UT 84117
(801) 432-7962
14. Del Barrio Cafe
A vibrant outdoor seating area at Del Barrio Cafe, a popular spot for Mexican food in Salt Lake City
Del Barrio Cafe has garnered well-deserved popularity for its tender birria tacos and cheesy al pastor tacos. Each dish is crafted with evident love, care, and attention to detail, which shines through in every mouthwatering bite. The birria is incredibly succulent and satisfying, while the al pastor achieves a perfect balance, featuring just the right amount of pineapple to complement the savory pork. But the culinary journey doesn’t end with the main courses – make sure to save room for dessert. Their flan is exceptionally creamy and is a must-try sweet treat to round off your meal.
Del Barrio Cafe
$$ Mexican
7777 S State St, Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 902-9971
13. Chunga’s
Chunga’s is a charming, unassuming spot conveniently located just west of I-15, complete with a delightful outdoor patio. This makes it an ideal choice for enjoying Salt Lake City’s pleasant spring days and warm summer evenings. For those on the Redwood Road side of town, there’s also a second Chunga’s location. While Chunga’s offers a diverse menu, their al pastor is truly the star attraction. Although tacos are a popular choice here, we highly recommend venturing to their enchiladas. These are generously smothered in a slightly sweet and tangy green sauce, topped with melted cheese, and served with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Chunga’s
$ Mexican
180 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(801) 953-1840
Read Next: Top 10 Sandwiches In Salt Lake City
12. Lone Star Taqueria
Close-up of fish tacos with cabbage and creamy jalapeno sauce from Lone Star Taqueria, a Mexican food favorite in Salt Lake City
Lone Star Taqueria is a Salt Lake City Mexican food institution. Perfectly situated just down Big Cottonwood Canyon, it’s an excellent spot for a rewarding post-ski meal. Their fish tacos are legendary – substantial and incredibly flavorful. Served on double white corn tortillas, they are piled high with chunks of fresh fish (typically a flaky white fish, but sometimes salmon), crisp shredded cabbage, vibrant pico de gallo, a squeeze of lime, and their signature creamy jalapeno sauce. Lone Star Taqueria excels at balancing flavors and proportions, ensuring you get a taste of every component in each delicious bite. If tacos aren’t your preference, Maria’s Plato is another fantastic option. This dish features a bed of rice topped with savory pollo asado, generously doused in chile verde, and finished with jack cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and tortillas on the side, offering a hearty and customizable Mexican plate.
Lone Star Taqueria
$ Mexican
2265 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
(801) 944-2300
11. Tortas Y Jugos El Morelense
Deconstructed al pastor taco plate from Tortas Y Jugos El Morelense, showcasing authentic Mexican food in Salt Lake City
Hidden inside the Latino Mall, Tortas Y Jugos El Morelense is a treasure trove of authentic Mexican flavors, especially renowned for having some of the best al pastor in Salt Lake City. While they offer a full range of Mexican classics, the al pastor is a must-order. It’s incredibly juicy and savory, cut into generous strips with deliciously crispy edges. For something beyond the typical taco, try a plate – it’s like a deconstructed taco experience. Warm tortillas arrive piled high with their exceptional al pastor, melted gooey cheese, and sweet chunks of pineapple. Enhance it with their spicy house green sauce, fresh salsa, and a generous sprinkle of chopped onions and cilantro. Enjoy it taco-style or with a knife and fork – either way, it’s a flavorful feast.
Tortas Y Jugos El Morelense, Inc.
$ Mexican
2470 S Redwood Rd Suite 104, Salt Lake City, UT 84119
(801) 347-1378
10. El Jaripeo Taco Truck
Close-up of suadero (beef brisket) taco from El Jaripeo Taco Truck, a food truck serving top Mexican food in Salt Lake City
Located in a Smith’s parking lot in Rose Park, El Jaripeo Taco Truck is a go-to spot for affordable and delicious Mexican classics. Their menu includes tacos, sopes, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, and nachos, all prepared with authentic flavors. Our top recommendation is the sopes. They achieve the perfect texture – soft enough to cut through easily, yet with a pleasant bit of crunch. For filling options, try the suadero (beef brisket), which boasts subtle hints of clove, or the cabeza (beef cheek), known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Once you’ve got your order, head to their extensive salsa bar to customize your meal with a variety of salsas (the spicy and creamy avocado salsa is a standout), fresh radishes, and limes. To cool down the spice, try their horchata – it’s notably thicker and more cinnamon-forward than many others you might have tried.
El Jaripeo Taco Truck (Rose Park)
$ Tacos, Food Trucks
1188-1198 600 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 205-4190
Craving For Sweets? Read: 10 Best Desserts In SLC
9. Big Tortas
A massive Sur 39 torta from Big Tortas, loaded with various meats and cheese, highlighting Mexican sandwiches in Salt Lake City
Big Tortas truly lives up to its name – their tortas are generously sized and absolutely packed with fillings. If you’re craving a meat lover’s dream, the Sur 39 torta is the ultimate choice. It’s piled high with beefsteak, thinly sliced ham, crispy chorizo, thick-cut bacon, AND a juicy pork chop, plus peppers, onions, and melted Oaxaca cheese. This one sandwich covers a lot of delicious ground, but their menu offers a wide variety of combinations to suit any taste, including tortas with pineapple, roasted pork leg, hot dogs, or eggs. Don’t forget to douse each bite in their flavorful sauces – the jalapeno sauce (our favorite) and the smoky chipotle sauce are both excellent additions.
Big Tortas Sur 39
$$ Mexican, Sandwiches, Juice Bars & Smoothies
541 W 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84123
(385) 221-4878
8. Nana’s Sonoran Hot Dogs
Sonoran and Arizona hot dogs from Nana's Sonoran Hot Dogs, a unique Mexican food truck in Salt Lake City
Give thanks to Robert and Karissa Ledezma, the couple who introduced Salt Lake City’s food scene to the incredible Sonoran hot dog. Robert grew up enjoying these unique hot dogs (originating from Mexico and popular in Arizona) as a staple of his food culture. Upon moving to Utah, he realized he couldn’t live without easy access to them, so he and his wife launched a food truck dedicated to Sonoran hot dogs. Start with the classic Sonoran hot dog – a bacon-wrapped grilled hot dog topped with beans, cheese, grilled onions, and tomatoes, all nestled in a slightly sweet and fluffy bun made from a traditional Mexican recipe. We also recommend trying the Arizona hot dog – topped with grilled onions, tomatoes, green chile nacho cheese, and your choice of crushed Hot Cheetos or Ruffles for a playful textural crunch. For the most up-to-date information on their schedule and truck location, follow them on Instagram @nanas_hotdogs.
Nanas Sonoran Hot Dogs
$ Hot Dogs, Mexican, Food Trucks
7659 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT 84084
(623) 210-7320
7. Chile Tepin
Chile Tepin is a spacious restaurant located near downtown Salt Lake City, featuring cacti and lush plants lining the walls beneath expansive windows, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. But the real draw here is the exceptional Mexican food, especially the Parrillada. Served on a sizzling giant cast-iron platter, the Parrillada is a feast of grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp, accompanied by a roasted jalapeno, grilled onion, and quesadillas oozing with beans and cheese. Load up your quesadillas with the grilled meats and shrimp from the platter, and add a spoonful of their flavorful saucy pinto beans (made with hot dogs, chorizo, and bacon) on top or on the side. For a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the meats and beans, order a side of cactus in tomatillo sauce – its tartness adds a delightful balance. The Parrillada is a substantial dish, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Chile-Tepin
$$ Mexican
307 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 883-9255
See Also: Top 15 Burgers in Salt Lake City
6. El Paisa Grill
Interior of El Paisa Grill, showcasing the colorful decor and ambiance of this Mexican food restaurant in Salt Lake City
Don’t let the unassuming facade of El Paisa Grill fool you – inside, you’ll find a vibrant and colorful interior, with orange walls and playful optical illusions. It’s like stepping from a modest exterior into a festive cantina. Visit on your birthday and you might even get a firework candle, and weekends often feature live music, adding to the lively atmosphere. While the ambiance is part of the charm, the real star is the Molcajete Supreme. This impressive dish features chunks of tender beef and chicken sizzling in a traditional stone cauldron, brimming with shrimp, green sauce, nopalitos, queso fresco, and a juicy grilled jalapeno, served alongside warm tortillas. Another must-try is the queso fundido – a rich blend of monterey jack and queso fresco, topped with slices of fresh jalapeno and slivers of grilled onions, perfectly browned and slightly caramelized at the edges. It’s the ideal appetizer to share while enjoying the lively atmosphere, watching the TVs, and anticipating the arrival of the Molcajete.
El Paisa Grill
$$ Mexican, Seafood
2126 S 3200 W, West Valley City, UT 84119
(801) 973-6660
5. Facil Taqueria
Facil Taqueria is a top pick for both lunch and dinner, offering a refreshing departure from the typical Mexican restaurant experience. Their tacos feature inventive and unique flavor combinations that are sure to delight your taste buds. Originally a beloved food truck and now with a brick-and-mortar location in Holladay, Facil Taqueria has three taco varieties that are particularly outstanding: the rich pork carnitas, the crispy beer-battered fish, and the flavorful poblano. One of Facil’s strengths is their impressive array of house-made hot sauces – we highly recommend trying them all to find your perfect spice level. For birria enthusiasts, don’t miss their Tuesday-only birria tacos, a special version of this popular dish.
Facil Taqueria
$$ Tacos
4429 S 2950 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84124
(801) 878-9969
4. Tacos Lopez Tijuana Style
Al pastor tacos from Tacos Lopez Tijuana Style, showcasing authentic street tacos in Salt Lake City
If you’re on a quest for your go-to taco spot, look no further than Tacos Lopez Tijuana Style. They offer a fantastic selection of classic street tacos, and while it’s nearly impossible to choose just one, their al pastor is an absolute must-try. Slow-roasted on a traditional trompo, perfectly seasoned, and then topped with an incredibly creamy green salsa, these al pastor tacos will have you instantly recommending them to everyone you know. The chorizo and carne asada tacos are also exceptional and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Tacos Lopez Tijuana Style
$ Mexican
1594 W 7800 S suite b, West Jordan, UT 84088
(385) 274-4875
Related: 19 Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots In SLC
3. Los Tapatios
Los Tapatios is widely recognized for serving the best birria in Salt Lake City, and for good reason. Whether you choose a quesadilla or tacos, pairing it with their birria is essential, and adding a side of consome for dipping is highly recommended. Infused with warm notes of allspice and cloves, their birria evokes the comforting flavors of a cozy holiday dinner, making it craveable year-round. We especially love the mulita – crispy, crunchy tortillas sandwiching tender, flavorful beef and generous amounts of gooey, melted cheese (this is a place that understands the importance of cheese). Dunking the mulita in the consome enhances the experience, adding even more juiciness and depth of flavor without sacrificing the satisfying crunch. Don’t miss their well-stocked salsa bar and the tangy pickled onions, which provide a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the birria.
Los Tapatios Taco Grill
$ Mexican
120 N 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 364-1794
2. Red Iguana
Exterior of Red Iguana restaurant, a well-known and highly-rated Mexican food spot in Salt Lake City
Red Iguana is a Salt Lake City culinary landmark, and its enduring popularity is well-deserved. With accolades and honorable mentions from publications like Bon Appetit to a nod from Guy Fieri himself, you can’t go wrong at one of the most celebrated Mexican restaurants in Salt Lake City. We highly recommend Red Iguana’s top-selling dish: Puntas de Filete a la Norteña. This flavorful creation features top sirloin tips and ribbons of smoky bacon atop a bed of rich almond mole, garnished with slices of jalapenos and onions, and chunks of fresh tomato. Another excellent choice is the Enchiladas Suizas – corn tortillas layered with creamy sour cream chicken and avocado, topped with sour cream and melted cheese. These enchiladas are bathed in mole poblano, a complex sauce made with chiles, peanuts, sesame, walnuts, raisins, bananas, AND Mexican chocolate. Essentially, whatever you order, prioritize dishes featuring mole – it’s where Red Iguana truly excels and showcases its culinary mastery.
Red Iguana
$$ Mexican
736 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 322-1489
1. La Casa Del Tamal
Display of various tamales at La Casa Del Tamal, highlighting their specialty and status as top Mexican food in Salt Lake City
La Casa Del Tamal is consistently bustling and lively, and it’s no surprise – they offer what many consider to be the very best Mexican food in Salt Lake City. As the name suggests, start with the tamales. Follow your personal flavor preferences because you truly can’t make a wrong choice. Each tamale is filled with fresh and flavorful meat and/or vegetables, encased in perfectly smooth masa. Next, move on to the Tacos de Birria con Consome. Their birria is made fresh daily, boasting subtle tomato notes and a deep, robust flavor developed through a six-hour simmer. We also highly recommend the Torta Cubana, generously stuffed with fried breaded steak, ham, sausage, eggs, and chorizo. It’s a substantial sandwich, ideal for sharing. No matter what you order, be sure to enhance it with their house-made salsas – the smoky red salsa particularly elevates the flavor of everything you eat.
La Casa Del Tamal
$$ Mexican
2843 S 5600 W Suite 140, West Valley City, UT 84120
(385) 266-8729
