El Chihuahua Restaurant

Easily one of the WORST dining experiences I've ever had. No complaints about the service, but the food was mediocre at best. They claim their food is ""authentic Mexican - not Americanized"". They clearly haven't eaten in any of the cities I've visited in Mexico. And the prices are far too high for such mediocrity. One reviewer mentioned that the owners had run the Guadalupe Center many years ago. As a frequent patron of the Guadalupe Center, I can say without hesitation that El Chihuahua's food bears absolutely no resemblance to Guadalupe Center's. You're allowed one small basket of chips served with salsa made primarily of tomato juice and celery. If you want more chips, it'll cost you $1.00. Great way to take care of customers!\r \r I suspect the people who really like El Chihuahua go there for the booze and don't care what the food tastes like. Don't waste your time or money or taste buds at El Chihuahua. You'll regret it. more

The worst customer service I have ever experienced. The lady who took our check, she seemed like the owner, was horrible. The food is not that good and overpriced. Don't waste your time or money. more

I always get the same very yummy tamales. and a low rider.. great people and a great crowd every night gracias for the good food more

We have been going to the Chihuahua over the past 30 years or so. The Quinones (SP??) family that started the Chihuahua (and probably STILL own and operates the Chihuahua) previously operated the Guadalupe Center just west of the Salt Palace on First South and we were steady customers there too. That was an EXTREMELY popular place! We're going to the El Chihuahua tonight before watching my grandson's band next door at the Bar Named Sue and I JUST CAN'T WAIT!! It's ALWAYS delish Mexican food!! more

My husband used to frequent El Chihuahua with his ex-wife for several years. He stated they used to be good. But as a Latino, I thought the food was terrible and not even close to being authentic. I gave it a 2nd chance, but not only was the food not good, the waitress BOTH times, asked how his ex-wife was, completely acting as if I wasn't there, and told my husband to tell her she said hello. RUDE!!! Cons: Awful food, terrible waitress more

""Party for six,"" I said. ""No problem,"" the hostess said. ""We'll get you in soon."" An hour later, we were finally at our table. OK, it was Cinco de Mayo. Maybe they didn't now how to handle this sort of dinner rush. The server took forever to wait on us. A high chair for our child never materialized. The poor bus boy ended up getting us a refill on our chips (which weren't bad, although the salsa was watery) because he felt sorry for us. Yes, yes. It was Cinco de Mayo. We'll give 'em a break. The food finally came. The plates were hot, but the food was cold - and totally uninspired. It wasn't horrible, but if ""not horrible"" is your standard, there are far cheaper places to go in Salt Lake City. And if you're looking for great Mexican, there are far, far, oh-my-God far better choices in Salt Lake City. The drinks could have been the saving grace - except that when the bill came, they had charged us too much. When I disputed the total, the girl behind the counter said I needed to talk to the manager. ""Great,"" I said, ""would you get her?"" ""Oh,"" she said. ""She's very busy right now."" When I told her that the drinks were the only good thing about the night, and that I'd be willing to give El Chihuahua another chance if she would respect a customer's dispute over the bill (we're talking $6 here, not $60) she said, ""Whatever, you'll be back."" No, we won't. This place is for the dogs. Pros: great drinks Cons: lousy service, mediocre food more

What a fun and good restaurant, I totally reccomend it Pros: Fantastic chips more

I have been a customer on and off for the past 20+ years, but I will never go back. The food is decent, but nothing all that special. It is a successful business mainly due to a lack of competition (there are few decent Mexican restaurants in SLC). The prices are a bit high for the quality and it wasn't helped by the fact that we were charged extra for more chips - without being notified that there would be an extra charge. It may be on the menu somewhere, but this is the first time I've been to a Mexican establishment that did this. Never again, especially after the attitude our waitress gave us when we asked about it! more

MMMMMMMMMMMMMM! I've been eating here since I was little! It is without a doubt, the best Mexican food I've ever had! I moved from the Salt Lake Area but, still go back to visit and eat. My family and i love it! The yummiest enchiladas ever! Salads are great and don't leave without one of the delicious frostys! Give it a try and you wont regret it! It's not always the fastest but the food is really authentic! they make their own tortilla chips also and they are so much better than wht you usually get at mexican resturants! I give it an A++++! Pros: Food. Sports Bar. more

I went to this restaurant couple months ago, it was nice the food was good. I really liked the ""death star"" at the bar drink large enough for two. I was great! more

I love the chili verde. My kids love it too! It is very authenic, or so they say. I'm a white girl so what do I know. I know like the chili verde and the salsa! Oh, really love the salsa and chips. more

I have been going here for many year, my parents and grandparents too. We love this place, its become a family fav. I would recommend it to anyone. They have a wide variety of food and the best chips and salsa anywhere. The owner is wonderful, however the new servers could use some work, still love the ones who have been there forever. Want a good one ask for Letti and Rick in the cantina. We love it! more

We gave this place two tries, but it will not get a third. The owner is really nice, but the staff isn't great, and the food is worse. The rice and beans are even gross, how do you mess up rice and beans?! I would heavily NOT RECOMMEND this place... more

I am been going to El Chihuahua since i was probally about 5-7 years old and i am now 27. the food is still absolutly wonderful.. their salsa w/ the vegies in it , big and chunky is probally one of my favorites.. i introduced to my cousin and have now got her addicted to it.. keep at it!! more

everyone is friendly - a family owned restaurant. the regular salsa served w/the home-made chips is great, but ask for the hotter version ... it is most excellent. the mole on the enchiladas is not to be missed. we have sampled many dishes at this restaurant and have found them all to be above average. refried beans, which are usually a plate filler at other places, are delicious. servings are large, but you won't leave here w/that greasy, weighed-down feeling. Pros: friendly, good value more

This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but your perception will change once you walk through the door. I went to El Chihuahua for lunch the other day- it was the first time I had eaten there. What a pleasant surprise! My meal was delicious and authentic and served hot. Their prices are very reasonable. If you love Mexican food like I do, then I highly recommend that you try El Chihuahua. Pros: Authentic, Inexpensive more

Best Chili Verde in town. Best Mexican food I have found in Salt Lake. Closest I have found to what you would be served in Mexico. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food give this restaurant a try. more

The Marguerita's are the best around! Try them out! The Chimichunga's and cheese enchilada's are to die for! more