Lawrence Kansas | Salty Iguana

The Salty Iguana is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Lawrence, Kansas. Located in northwest Lawrence, the margaritas never disappoint and the salsa is always amazing. Whether watching the game, watching Hawk Talk with Bill Self, or watching time go by, the Salty Iguana is a great place to be.

Atmosphere.

The Salty Iguana is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It is located in a nice part of town, in a nice strip mall (Hereford House, Central National Bank, and JB Stouts are located in the same shopping center). It is not dirty, it is not dark, it does not smell funny, and everyone speaks English (not that this is a good or bad thing, but just different than most of the Mexican restaurants I go to).

When you walk in, you will also notice something clearly different any other Mexican restaurants - the walls are covered with Iguanas! And not actual Iguanas, but Iguanas doing human things. There are baseball playing Iguanas, basketball playing Iguanas, doctor Iguanas, lawyer Iguanas, and Iguanas doing everything in between. I must admit it looks a little cheesy, and it is certainly not something you'd see in any other restaurant, but it lightens the atmosphere a bit. And it isn't so obtrusive that is affects your eating experience (and the kids love it).

The Food

The food here is second to none. I would describe it as more American-Mexican than true authentic Mexican food. Whatever your taste though, there is something on the menu for your liking.

I usually order the three taco meal, the fajitas (my wife and I split these), or the guiltless quesadilla (my wife and I also split this). Its a safe bet to get one thing and split it, because with the chips and salsa that comes out when you sit down and the iguana dip that you order, you will be full after splitting a meal with someone.

You may be wondering what this iguana dip is. It is only the best cheese dip in all of Lawrence, Kansas. It is a white cheese dip with a hint of spinach. It is amazing. And amazingly addictive. We order it every time (a small one is plenty for two), and we are never disappointed.

Drinks.

What would a Mexican restaurant be without margaritas? The Salty Iguana is no different, taking great pride in their margaritas. They have margaritas both on the rocks and frozen. The rocks margaritas come out of a tap, are made daily by the staff, and are both strong and well tasting at the same time.

The frozen margs are equally as tasty. Available in lime or strawberry, these margaritas are made in a margarita machine. This means your margarita does not come to you as a bunch of blended up ice and margarita, but a nicely frozen tequila concoction, with the consistency of a milkshake. My wife loves frozen margaritas, and she loves these. Again, can't go wrong with the drinks.

Visit Salty Iguana to have an Great Dining Experience.

If you couldn't tell, Salty Iguana is one of my favorite restaurants in Lawrence, Kansas. I eat there at least once a week, would recommend it to anyone, and give a full five stars.

Lawrence Kansas Spotlight

Lawrence Kansas | Kansas Jayhawks National Champions!

Jayhawk fans the best ever!

If you didn't know it, Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas Jayhawks, 2008 Orange Bowl Champion and 2008 Men's Basketball National Champion. If you live in Lawrence, Kansas or visit Lawrence, KU's campus is a must see and must do. It is beautiful, the people are beautiful, and there is a lot to experience on the "hill."

Booth Family Hall of Athletics

Start your experience off with a visit to the Booth Family Hall of Athletics. Newly constructed only a couple of years ago, the Hall of Athletics houses all of the tradition of KU athletics, going back over 100 years. The setup is wonderful, it is housed in historic Allen Field House (the best place in the country to watch a basketball game) and it really is an enjoyable experience. No visit to the University of Kansas is complete without a visit here.

Natural History Museum/Spencer Museum of Art

As with any institution of higher learning, the University of Kansas is home to two fantastic museums. The Natural History Museum is three floors containing a glimpse into the world of the past. With items ranging from prehistoric dinosaurs to Native American arrowheads, a stroll through this museum will make any afternoon enjoyable.

Spencer Museum of Art is somewhat smaller than the Natural History Museum, but is home to many more traveling exhibits. As its name denotes, Spencer provides visitors and students alike to view and study great works of art right here in Lawrence, Kansas.

Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas

When you are done reliving the past at the Booth Family Hall of Athletics and the Natural History Museum, walk over to the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and take in a speech from a some of the world's most influential people. Also built within the last ten years, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics serves as a gateway of higher learning for University of Kansas students and local citizens alike. Speakers include the likes of Tom Brokaw and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

Crimson and Blue at the University of Kansas

If you are coming to watch a game, tour a museum or study some art, remember to wear your crimson and blue, the official colors of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Anything else and you'll stand out like a sore thumb!!