A Taco Tuesday Go-To
Taco Tuesday at Don Daniel’s
What: Don Daniel’s Mexican Grill & Cantina
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah (Rose Park area)
How Much: ~ $10 / person
Rating: 3 out of 5
Good For: Lunch/Dinner. Anyone in the mood for good tacos at a reasonable price.
Review: “Hey, it’s Tuesday, we’re going to get hookers and tacos, wanna go?”
That’s how I found out about the gem of a Mexican restaurant mashed between Rose Park’s finest pay-by-the-hour motel and Interstate 15. I’m sure glad I went. The food was delicious, and, due to the number of police at the shady-ass motel next door, I felt like I couldn’t have been safer.
From the outside, Don Daniel’s Mexican Grill & Cantina is a newer (or maybe renovated?) building with clean sidewalks and a well kempt façade. Its spotless windows and bright signage instantly make it somewhere you’d want to curb your appetite for Mexican fare. The inside is spacious and noticeably clean, with a traditional Mexican vibe radiating from its carved wooden booths and chair backs painted with scenes of Mexico. Don’t be shy in trying this place out, whether alone or in a large group. They have seating to accomodate singletons as well as the office lunch crew.
The moment we sat down, we were approached by a friendly server who already knew what my friends were going to order (they’re lunch regulars). There’s something to be said about a place with servers who see thousands of people a week, yet put forth the effort to remember what its regulars like. It’s these little things that help set places like Don Daniel’s apart.
Although I checked out the extensive menu, it was Taco Tuesday, so I had to go with tacos.
I ended up getting two Carne Asada tacos, three Al Pastor tacos, and a drink, all for ten bucks. A stellar deal for the level of food, service, and chill atmosphere.
One of the best things about Don Daniel’s is their great salsa bar. It offers an array of pickled vegetables, Pico de Gallo, and hot sauces to please everyone from the most heat sensitive to those brave souls, unafraid of a burning ring of fire.
If I could only eat one of the two types of tacos again, I’d go for the Carne Asada. The savory grilled beef flavors mingled with some sort of magical marinade, which made for some serious mouth pleasure.
Don’t get met wrong, the Al Pastor was sweet, lean, and flavorful. A solid taco I’d eat again on any Taco Tuesday. But the Carne Asada won the day.
So if you find yourself hankering for some quality Mexican food at a clean place with a friendly atmosphere, check out Don Daniel’s Mexican Grill & Cantina near the heart of Salt Lake City.
