As the journey to discover the ideal place for chips and salsa in Utah continues, recent visits to Orem, St. George, and Salt Lake City have yielded some intriguing experiences.
Located in Orem, Chili’s at 122 E 1300 S offers a Tex-Mex experience that has sparked both love and criticism from patrons.
Chili’s, a familiar chain restaurant, is known for its cowboy-themed decor and items boasting the phrase “southwestern” in their descriptions.
Having dined there every few years, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the quality of their chips and salsa.
While many might argue it lacks authenticity, their impossibly thin and slightly greasy chips provide a unique texture with just enough crunch.
Served with a mild salsa that has a satisfying flavor, the chips disappear quickly.
For the main course, I ordered a fajita, which was surprisingly delicious, and I stand by that statement.
Our meal, which included an appetizer, three entrees, three large Diet Cokes, and a tip, totaled $96.22.
Moving on to St. George, I visited Los Tapatios located at 987 S Bluff Street, an establishment recommended by a local after a less-than-stellar previous experience.
Los Tapatios boasts a vibrant and colorful interior, reminiscent of a festive gathering, with wooden parrots overhead and decoupaged chairs showcasing vintage Mexican scenes.
My ten-year-old daughter, who has become quite invested in our quest, commented positively about the chips and salsa, especially enjoying the sweet and slightly spicy salsa.
While I found the chips sturdy but slightly underseasoned, we enjoyed enhancing our experience with a sprinkle of salt.
Uncommonly, they served a small bowl of cabbage with the chips, which I found unnecessary, though I appreciated the attempt to offer variety.
The real standout of our meal was the birria quesadilla with a consomme dipping sauce, while my enchiladas were served generously.
However, a notable downside was that Los Tapatios serves Pepsi, which does not fulfill my preferred beverage requirement.
Our total bill came to $92.99 for the family’s meal, including appetizers, drinks, and tip.
Finally, we arrived at Red Iguana, a widely acclaimed restaurant with two locations just blocks apart.
I chose Red Iguana 2 at 866 W South Temple due to its more convenient parking and quicker seating.
Arriving at 5 p.m. on a Monday before the typical rush, we were seated and immediately served chips and salsa, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience.
Every visit to Red Iguana raises my skepticism of whether it can live up to the hype, but time and again, it exceeds my expectations.
Without a doubt, Red Iguana serves the best chips and salsa I’ve tasted thus far. The perfectly salted chips paired with a spicy salsa create an ideal combination—neither too thin nor too chunky.
We opted for the queso, which transformed my previous indifference towards this dish into a newfound appreciation.
Beneath the surface layer of film lies a delectable mix of gooey cheese and peppers that complements the seasoned chips wonderfully.
For my main course, I indulged in the Iguana plate, a hearty selection including a chile relleno, an enchilada, and a beef taco.
Each item was meticulously prepared—the chile relleno was fresh, the enchilada sauce leaned toward mole, and the crispy taco was filled with tender meat and fresh vegetables that provided a welcome balance.
A delightful surprise came from a flauta from my daughter’s kids’ meal, a larger and more satisfying version of a taquito that stole the show for me.
As for my preferred beverage, both locations of Red Iguana offer Pepsi instead of my desired Diet Coke, leading me to settle for a Diet Dr. Pepper—though it simply doesn’t hold the same appeal.
Despite this minor disappointment, the restaurant’s popularity remains strong, as evidenced by the line forming as we finished our meal.
While Red Iguana may not meet all my criteria due to the lack of Diet Coke, the experience was so enjoyable that I’m eagerly looking forward to returning.
This leg of the culinary journey might well be the best so far, but with many more venues waiting to be explored, the quest for the perfect chips and salsa continues.
image source from：deseret
