Guadalahonkey's - Rated Utah's Best Mexican Food Restaurant

When my husband and I relocated to Utah, we went in search of good Mexican food, fearing that we would not find much in the deep northwest. In all fairness to this region, we were raised in the southwest, where Mexican food is made with fresh, mouth-burning chilis, homemade tortillas, and slow-cooked al pastor meats. Also of great concern was whether we could find a decent margarita at a reasonable price; we have been spoiled by southern flavors and varieties of quality tequila and happy hour prices. After all, we are in Utah - very dry here, unless perhaps you are a member of a club or wish to dine while you consume alcohol. Actually, this is not a bad idea for other states to consider - no alcohol unless you also eat.

Much to our delight, we found Guadalahonkey's Restaurant that has been rolling burritos since 1988 in the town of Draper, just south of Salt Lake City, Utah. Guadalahonkey's serves fresh, homemade Mexican food, very close to what you might expect from the interior of Mexico. They fry their own tortilla chips and make fresh, medium hot salsa every day. The Spanish rice and refried beans are also made fresh each day - nothing out of a can or bag for this restaurant. Guadalahonkey's has been rated Utah's top Mexican restaurant by newspapers and magazines, and given a thumbs up by The Gabby Gourmet, one of TV's top cooking experts.

The name also made us feel right at home, since we are "honkey's" from Texas. True to the ambiance of southern honkey tonks, you can begin your evening in the Donkey Tails Cantina with any of the import beers, drafts, wines, or liquors and mixed drinks. Yes, they do make a mean margarita - muy bueno! ($1.50 - $7.95) They have three 42" plasma flat screen televisions for sports viewing - a favorite of my husband since he is a die-hard Texas Longhorns fan. We didn't think we would get to see any Longhorn games in BYU country! The wait staff is friendly and local Utah musicians provide live entertainment for us honkey's.

The atmosphere in the restaurant is colorful and sprayed with hundreds of pink bougainvilleas,as you would see in Mexico. The service is quick and friendly. During our first visit, our waiter recommended their signature dish - crab enchiladas ($11.29). Admittedly, I was reluctant to order this dish, since crab was not one of my favorite enchilada ingredients. I decided to walk on the wild side, go over the edge, and I ordered the crab enchiladas. Oh my gosh - two Alaskan crab enchiladas, smothered in hollandaise sauce (or ranchero if you want), and served with refried beans, Spanish rice, sour cream, and pico de gallo - I will never order anything different. This is a true gourmet especial of Guadalahonkey's.

The rest of their menu is quite extensive and includes: appetizers ($5.79 - $13.99); build-your-own combo plates ($9.29 - $10.59); Boca de Fuego dishes ($8.99 - $11.99) including chipotle shrimp tacos; Fajitas, steaks, and seafood dishes ($9.99 - $14.99); enchiladas, tacos, and burrito dinners ($8.99 - $12.99); and salads, veggie plates, burgers and sandwiches ($6.29 - 10.59). Don't worry when you order the Boneless Donkey Tenders before dinner. It is actually chicken tenders served with their homemade recipes for hot wing sauce and ranch sauce (20 tenders for $13.99 or 10 tenders for $8.99).

Equally as surprising, we found all the favorite Mexican desserts at Guadalahonkey's. In my usual dessert fashion, I ordered several to sample and share: the Mexican fried ice cream ($4.29) comes with your choice of toppings; the Flan ($2.29), the Dulce De Leche with caramel topping ($5.99), and the Sopapillas served with honey butter ($2.99) are all worth the extra time during your evening in little Mexico.

Guadalahonkey's is located at 136 East 12300 South in Draper, Utah. (Just off of I-15). (801) 571-3838