8 Spots to Dive Into Fish Tacos
A Fish Taco Is Like Holding a Summer Vacation in Your Hand
Sometimes you need a taste of summer in the dead of a Mountain West winter. You could tromp through snow to grill a burger in your backyard, but if you really want to be transported to the tropics, a fish taco might be your best bet.
Warm corn tortillas, fresh fish, zesty salsa and crunchy cabbage — a fish taco is like holding a summer vacation in your hand, and for a lot less cash than a trip to the beach.
Even though we’re nowhere near the ocean, there are restaurants in the region known for their fish tacos. Try one of these eight options the next time a yearning for a fish taco — or visit to the beach — hits.
KB’s Burrito
KB’s takes a lighter-than-usual approach to Mexican fare that locals love. Its specialties include lots of vegetarian options and plenty of fresh and inventive ingredients such as the Boise Burrito with wild salmon, green chilies, spinach, potatoes and tomato. Their “famous” fish or shrimp tacos have cabbage, salsa and lime but are elevated with the addition of KB’s Cabo sauce — a light, citrus-y sauce that adds mucho flavor.
Locations in Hailey, Ketchum, McCall and Twin Falls, Idaho
kbsburrito.com
Power House
Bikes, burgers and beers — it may not be a typical combination, but at Power House in Hailey, the pub/restaurant and bike shop work in tandem (pun intended). If that novelty isn’t enough to get you in the door, go for the ahi fish tacos. TripAdvisor reviewers rave about the blackened ahi tacos made with sushi grade ahi and topped with house-made tartar and shredded cabbage slaw.
502 N. Main St., Hailey, Idaho
208-788-9184
powerhouseidaho.com
The SnakeBite Restaurant
It’s only fitting that a restaurant known as “the best place to get ‘a bite’ on the Snake River” serves fish tacos that pack a flavorful punch. At the SnakeBite Restaurant in Idaho Falls, fish tacos are served with Cajun-spiced cod, shrimp or salmon and topped with a sour cream-laced house cabbage salsa.
401 Park Ave., Idaho Falls, Idaho
208-525-2522
thesnakebiterestaurant.com
El Mexiquense Grill
There is no shortage of Mexican restaurants in Utah County, but fans of El Mexiquense Grill call it a standout for its authentic and delicious offerings. Tacos al pastor are the big draw, but the restaurant’s a la carte tilapia fish tacos are cheap and tasty. Also try the elotes, a Mexican street food of corn on the cob slathered in mayo, herbs and cotija cheese, and the raved-about salsa bar.
74 NW State St., American Fork, Utah
801-756-3744
www.elmexiquensegrill.com
Lone Star Taqueria
In the early 2000s Sunset magazine declared the fish tacos at Lone Star Taqueria “the best in the West.” Ever since, foodies — including Guy Fieri of Food Network’s “Diner’s, Drive-ins and Dives” — have flocked to the Salt Lake City restaurant to try the fresh-not-frozen fish tacos made with soft corn tortillas, shredded cabbage, tomato, cilantro, onion, lime and famous cilantro-jalapeno mayo.
2265 E. Fort Union Blvd., Salt Lake City
801-944-2300
lstaq.com
Red Iguana
It’s hard to discuss Mexican food in Utah without mentioning Red Iguana, one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in the state. Zagat named it one of the 10 best restaurants in Salt Lake City, and its grub is highly rated on Yelp, Zomato and TripAdvisor as well. Ramon’s famous fish tacos are a consistent hit with diners who love the grilled mahi-mahi in soft corn tortillas and topped with spicy coleslaw, cucumber salsa and limes, and served with a side of Spanish rice.
736 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City
801-322-1489
Red Iguana 2
866 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
801-214-6050
rediguana.com
Taqueria 27
A Taqueria 27 taco is not your average taco. The casual yet upscale restaurant focuses on fresh, inventive ingredients to make its Latin American street food stand out. There are menu staples, like the citrus pork carnitas, but it’s the daily specials that make each visit unique, like the guacamole of the day and taco of the day. The fish of the day changes, too, but the fish tacos are a standout no matter what you order. The fresh made tortilla chips and salsa are not to be missed, especially with a side or two of guac.
Locations in Salt Lake City, Holladay and Murray, Utah
taqueria27.com
Merry Piglets Mexican Grill
Wall murals of pigs cruising in a convertible and getting engaged on the beach are just one indicator that Merry Piglets Mexican Grill isn’t a ho-hum restaurant. The Jackson Hole favorite provides a true fiesta experience, and its flavorful fish street tacos fit right into the party. Choose from chipotle-battered mahi-mahi with ginger slaw, pico de gallo and chipotle mayo, or shrimp with ginger slaw, grilled pineapple salad and spicy guacamole.
160 North Cache St., Jackson, Wyoming
307-733-2966
merrypiglets.com