Visit Salt Lake City’s Growing Lineup of Latinx -Owned Businesses 

Present-day Utah was once a territory of Mexico and Spain, and it shows in the Hispanic and Latinx heritage that remains deeply connected to the redrock wilderness. In fact, anthropologists believe ancient Aztecs’ journey to what today is Mexico City began in southeastern Utah. Today, Salt Lake City’s Latino population comprises around 20% of the city’s residents. 

Whether you’re a member of the community or want to expand your cultural intelligence, the city delivers with an extensive lineup of businesses that celebrate and share their Latino heritage through art, dance, music, folklore, and, of course, food.  

Food & Drink

There’s no shortage of Mexican food in Salt Lake City. 


Red Iguana is an institution that has been serving its six famous varieties of mole (and a whole lot more) for over three decades. If there’s a wait, visit its sister restaurants: Red Iguana 2 and Taste of Red Iguana.


Chile-Tepin (aka, "the mother of all peppers") is known for its generations-old recipes and churro cheesecake. Another long-standing favorite, the Rio Grande Cafe, is as recognized for its food as its location in a historic fire station (the cafe was previously situated inside the Rio Grande Train Depot).


If you want to expand your palate beyond Mexican food, try Sabor Latino for a broad selection of Latin American eats or Argentina’s Best Empanadas for handmade turnovers.

More to Explore

For a morning caffeine bump, swing by the Mestizo Coffeehouse where you’ll find everything from a Mexican mocha to a dirty horchata on the menu, as well as a community gathering space.

 

Javier Chávez Jr. founded Cerveza Zólupez Beer Company to highlight Mexico’s artisanal beer culture. Though the brewery itself resides in Ogden, about 40 minutes north of Salt Lake City, you can find the creative cervezas at several area restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.

 

In need of groceries? Rancho Markets, which has three locations in the city, is Latino-operated and sells a bevy of cuisine staples, including carne asada, freshly made corn and flour tortillas, and churros.


If you do one thing: visit Fillings & Emulsions. Cuban-born pastry chef and owner Adalberto Diaz is a former U.S. pastry chef of the year and was a semifinalist on Food Network’s “Best Baker in America.”

Arts & Entertainment

Interact with Hispanic and Latino culture—both historic and contemporary—through Salt Lake City’s vibrant arts scene.

 

Artes de México en Utah uses its expansive programming calendar to explore the connections between the United States and Mexico/Latin America. For more than half a century, Ballet Hispánico has entertained audiences with dance performances rooted in Latino culture; shows are held all around the Salt Lake area. Also, check out the calendar for Ballet Folklorico de Mexico. 


Roots Art Kollective, a trio of artists, crafts colorful, energetic murals “that allow people to learn about the cultures that enrich our communities.” Also, keep an eye on what multidisciplinary artist Jorge Rojas is up to. The Mexican-born creative has had his work exhibited internationally and has been named one of Utah’s most influential artists.


Each year, Salt Lake City marks Cinco de Mayo with an array of festivities. Come September, you can attend the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at The Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City.