A lively Salt Lake City mole destination with real fan devotion, generous portions, and strong family/group appeal—though waits, service inconsistency, and a few pricing surprises mean it’s not flawless.
Red Iguana 2 delivers exceptional food quality anchored by its celebrated mole program and bold regional sauces, with strong staff knowledge guiding diners through the menu. Solid consistency and generally attentive service support the grade, though peak-time lapses and occasional execution slips prevent grade A territory. This is a well-executed neighborhood favorite with genuine local gravity, competitive with the area's better dining destinations.
Red Iguana 2 feels like a busy, beloved mole house with real local gravity: colorful, casual, and often humming with families, groups, and out-of-towners trying to figure out which mole to order first. A typical rave sounds like this in spirit: the staff steers you well, the salsa keeps coming, and the room has enough energy to make a weeknight dinner feel like an outing. The cooking leans classic regional Mexican rather than trend-chasing, with the menu built around moles, enchiladas, tacos, and hearty combination plates. The kitchen’s best work seems to live in those deeply flavored sauces and signature specials; if you want creative technique, it’s more in the layering of regional flavors than in culinary fireworks. This is the kind of place for people who like a menu with personality and don’t mind arriving hungry. For families, it works better than the adventurous menu might suggest: there are quesadillas, tacos, burritos, rice, beans, and even ice cream for picky eaters, so kids do have real options. That said, if your children are very selective, the mole-heavy specialties may be too bold, and you should not expect a sanitized kid’s menu. It’s family-friendly in practice, not because it waters the food down.
Area vibe: Busy civic and commercial core with a mix of offices, retail, and cultural venues.
Safety: Generally safe with regular foot and vehicle traffic though some blocks are quieter at night.
What's nearby: Near Temple Square, State Capitol access, TRAX light rail, restaurants and downtown retail.