Blue Iguana Restaurant

Should You Book Blue Iguana Restaurant?

Getting a table at Blue Iguana Restaurant is not a test of patience or luck — booking is easy, and that alone makes it worth considering when you want a low-friction dinner in downtown Salt Lake City. The address at 165 S W Temple St puts it in the heart of the city, accessible whether you are coming from a hotel nearby or heading out before an event. The real question is whether what is on the other side of the door justifies the trip.

Blue Iguana is a Salt Lake City fixture for Mexican cuisine, and its staying power in a city that has seen considerable restaurant turnover is a signal worth noting. The physical space skews toward warmth and color — expect a room that leans into its theme without tipping into kitsch, with seating arrangements that work for pairs on a date night as well as small groups marking a birthday or a casual celebration. It is not a white-tablecloth room, so if your occasion calls for formal staging, look elsewhere. For a relaxed but genuinely festive dinner, the space delivers.

On the wine front, Mexican restaurants in this price tier rarely prioritize the list, and Blue Iguana is no exception to the category norm. If wine program depth is the deciding factor for your evening , the kind of pairing-forward experience you get at a place like Avenues Proper , you should set expectations accordingly or consider that booking instead. Where Blue Iguana holds its own is in the margarita and cocktail side of the drinks menu, which is better aligned with the food and the room.

For solo diners, the bar seating option makes this a comfortable choice , you are not made to feel conspicuous eating alone, and the pace of service suits a single diner who wants to move through the meal without being rushed. For special occasions, it works leading when the group wants energy and flavor over ceremony. If you are planning a significant celebration that needs a more composed setting, Bambara Salt Lake City or Adelaide are worth comparing.

Dietary restrictions are common territory for Mexican kitchens , vegetarian and gluten-aware options tend to exist within the format , but without confirmed menu data, call ahead if your needs are specific. The restaurant does not publish detailed allergy information online as far as current records show.

Practical details: Reservations: Easy , book same-week or walk in with reasonable confidence outside peak weekend hours. Location: 165 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, central downtown. Dress: Casual; no dress code applies. Budget: Price range data is not confirmed in our records , budget for a mid-range Mexican dinner and you are unlikely to be surprised. Booking window: No significant lead time required; weekends may benefit from a reservation 2–3 days out.

How It Compares

See the comparison section below for how Blue Iguana stacks up against its Salt Lake City peers.

Explore More in Salt Lake City

• Our full Salt Lake City restaurants guide
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Related Venues

• Arlo Restaurant
• Bombay House
• Avenues Proper
• Bambara Salt Lake City
• Adelaide

FAQ

• Can I eat at the bar at Blue Iguana Restaurant? Bar seating is part of what makes this a good solo-dining option in Salt Lake City , it works, and the energy at the bar suits the room's casual register better than a quiet corner table if you are on your own.
• Does Blue Iguana Restaurant handle dietary restrictions? Mexican kitchens generally accommodate vegetarian and some gluten-aware diners without much friction, but confirmed allergy protocols are not published. Call the restaurant directly before booking if your needs are specific.
• Is Blue Iguana Restaurant good for solo dining? Yes , bar seating, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy booking make it a practical solo choice downtown. It is more comfortable for a solo diner than a formal room like Bambara, where a table for one can feel staged.
• Is Blue Iguana Restaurant good for a special occasion? For a casual celebration , birthday dinner, low-key date night , yes. For a formal milestone where the room and service need to carry weight, look at Adelaide or Bambara Salt Lake City instead.
• What are alternatives to Blue Iguana Restaurant in Salt Lake City? For a more polished dinner, Avenues Proper is the stronger choice if you want a serious beer and wine program alongside well-executed food. Current Fish and Oyster is the call if you want something sharper in presentation for a date or business meal. Caputo's Market and Deli works if you want quality without a sit-down format. Blue Iguana holds its ground when you specifically want Mexican and want to stay downtown without a planning effort.
• What should I wear to Blue Iguana Restaurant? Casual. There is no dress code, and the room does not reward over-dressing. Smart casual is more than sufficient for any occasion you would bring here.