Are you hankering for hot sauce and spicy pork chile verde? Craving some crispy cheesy nachos? Or just on a quest for the perfect quesadilla? When you need a “fajita fix” and going on a south of the border trip to Puerto Vallarta isn’t feasible, there are plenty of Park City cantinas to choose from that will take dinner from boring to “Bueno!” Grab your amigos for a fun fiesta at one of these local restaurants.
Baja Cantina, located at the base of Park City Mountain, is known for their Chicken Flautas, a simple but delicious dish made of shredded chicken and cheese rolled in flour tortillas and lightly fried and topped with guacamole, sour cream and green salsa. For a more exotic dish, try the Enchilada Del Mar—succulent crab, shrimp and green onions rolled in a fl our tortilla and smothered in lobster cream sauce and jalapeno jack cheese.
Crystal Park Cantina’s menu offers the unique Mocajete Bowl featuring steak, shrimp and roasted chicken, scallion, bell peppers, garlic and avocado atop a base of saffron rice and pinto beans, drizzled with chimichurri sauce. The Chilean Empanada is a flaky “turnover” filled with organic ground beef, onions, garlic, cabbage, green olives, raisins, hard-boiled eggs, pine nuts, cheese, chimichurri sauce, saffron rice and pinto beans—don’t let the raisins scareyou away—both of these dishes are “last meal good” according to manager Jon Watson.
Loco Lizard, a local’s favorite, has been serving high quality Mexican food since 1999. “Everything, including the salsas, tamales, tortillas and our ‘award-winning’ chips are made in house” says owner Steve Shluker. Relax on the covered patio next to the fountain and sip on killer margaritas while enjoying specialty items like the rich and complex Mole Poblano and spicy Mole Amarillo that both take two days to make. Flavorful Wagyu Brisket tacos and fajitas, traditional tamales and fresh Alaskan halibut or seared Mahi-Mahi tacos are just some of the outstanding menu items at this family friendly restaurant, where everything (except flour tortillas) is 100% gluten-free.
Tekila Mexican Grill & Cantina lives up to its name, with a menu inspired by traditional Mexican flavors. Try their delicious homemade Mole or famous Carnitas; slow roasted baby back ribs and tender pork. With the largest tequila selection in Park City, this is the place to stop in and enjoy a fresh appetizer while sampling the many tequila varieties. Located at the top of Main, either skip up the hill or jump on the trolley for a quick ride to their door.
Tekila’s Famous Carne Asada Recipe
(Serves around 5)
May be served as burritos, tacos or as it’s own dish.
Marinate the following for 24 hours:
- 4 Pounds of Flap (flank) Steak (also known as Carne Rancher in Spanish)
- 5 Tablespoons and 1 Teaspoon of Salt
- 5 Tablespoons and 1 Teaspoon of Black Pepper
- 5 Tablespoons and 1 Teaspoon of fresh crushed Garlic
- 1/2 fresh orange, juiced
- 1/2 bunch of fresh Cilantro
- 1/4 cup of a finely chopped onion
After 24 hours remove the flap steak from marinade and discard excess marinade. Grill for 10 to 20 minutes per side. (Cooking time is an estimate based on the thickness of the steak.)
Once done, remove from heat and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve.
Sergio’s is one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Park City. They have a fabulous kids menu with favorites like chicken fingers to a rice and bean burrito. Everyone in your group will love sampling the original flavors at the help-yourself salsa bar with homemade chips. The menu is prepared by chefs from Mexico and not only do they serve classic Mexican dishes like Mole Michoacano, they also provide twists on classic American favorites like Shrimp Cocktail and Nachos. You will find Sergio’s in the Fresh Market shopping center, next to the Metropolitan Holiday Village 4 Cinema’s.
For a quick hearty Tex-Mex meal, El Chubasco is the place to go. Lots of parking and easy access off Prospector Avenue, this over-the-counter cantina is a Park City staple. With a bright open dining area, enjoy their Fish Tacos or Steak Quesadillas. Take-out and delivery options are available or hire them to cater your next office party.
