Dedicated: Sonora Grill
It’s not every day you’d find us making the jaunt from Salt Lake to Ogden to sample the local fare. But when the crew from three-month-old Sonora Grill gave us the challenge, we happily obliged … after perusing the menu, of course.
Sonora Grill is an authentic Mexican restaurant shacking up in Ogden that aims to put a contemporary twist on old-time favorites like chilaquiles and doraditos. (Yes, it’s true there’s more to the south-of-the-border menu than just burritos and tacos.)
For starters, Sonora Grill is all about the starters. Begin with an agua fresca—-a perfect-for-summer drink that blends exotic fruit juices like grapefruit and ginger. Ours was guava lemonade and we could have downed five. Then try a healthy portion of guacamole mixed right before your eyes, and any number of three salsas to dip your chips in: red from smoked morita chiles, green from tomatillos, or habanero for the very brave. The tomatillo salsa was some of the best we’ve laid tastebuds on.
The same goes for the ceviche—which we like to think of as the Mexican version of sushi, and couldn’t get enough of. We got a trio sampler (a good deal at $15.95) and opted for the ahi tuna (thinly-sliced tuna in ginger-lime and habanero chile sauces); coconut scallops (whole bay scallops in coconut milk and lime); and a chef’s special: marlin with cucumbers and pickled poblano peppers.
You could stop there: just head to the Grill for really good drinks, fresh guacamole, savory salsas, and awesome ceviche for a quick bite with friends. But you should try more. The menu was drawn up on a trip to Mexico and the executive chef has an impressive resume, after all. And if that wasn’t enough, the presentation alone is worth seeing.
We took it easy with a taco sampler (one coconut shrimp, one salmon, one carne asada and one al pastor.) We then moved on to the chilaquiles with grilled chicken, which consists of tortillas, Mexican cheeses, tomatillo salsa, and chayote-jicama salad. Both got an “Aaaamen.”
But you could also try the grilled corn on the cob or fresh fruit salsa. Obviously, we can’t say enough so you’ll have to try it for yourself. Start with the agua fresca and a glance through the menu. We’ll be headed back to this Ogden eatery, with our families in-tow, eager to show off this latest discovery.
{Hot From the Grill}
Sonora Grill
2310 S. Kiesel Avenue
Ogden, Utah
(801) 393-1999
Open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
www.thesonoragrill.com
{Doorprize!} Sonora Grill isn’t going to wait for you to show them some love. They’re beating you to it by gifting one oh-so-lucky YHO reader with a $50 gift card. So, what are you waiting for? Leave a comment already, and you’ll be the one gushing over the savory ceviche.
Leave just one comment before 10 p.m. on Friday, July 11. Muchas gracias, Sonora Grill!
July 8th, 2008 at 7:13 am
yes! i live right by ogden and my family and i are always looking for new good restaurants in ogden! and this one is right by the movie theater! perfect! i cant wait to go there! pick me!!
July 8th, 2008 at 7:15 am
pick me – i’m dying for some quality mexican food
July 8th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Yummy. What refreshing looking food. I can’t wait to try it!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:02 am
You had me at guacamole.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:05 am
This looks great, can’t wait to try it out!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:10 am
I la, la, love mexican food and am always looking for new places to try! It looks wonderful!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:19 am
okay those tacos look so fresh! pick me.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Sounds delish, I’d love to go.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Mmmm…all that food sounded amazing!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Oh please please please, I moved just south of Ogden from Draper last year and I love reading your blog but there are so few things up this far north to review it seems like…..I NEED this!! It will help me be happy about not being in Draper anymore!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Que sabroso! It looks so much lighter than traditional Mexican-American food! Pick me!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:49 am
This actually appears to be the real stuff…I’m dying to try it. Thanks for a great review and tempting photos! Planning a trip to Ogden…
July 8th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I would love some fresh quac!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I am from Ogden. We love it here and are pleased to see new local places. Good job Steve and Chris!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Yum!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:01 am
My sister in law has been raving about this place for the past two months. I’m dying to try it – please pick me!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:07 am
we have just realized that there is a whole new world in Ogden – please help me explore!!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:12 am
oh, sign me up! this looks delicious!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Looks delicious! I love mexican food!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:18 am
looks fab!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:22 am
please choose me! my husband and i love mexican and visit my sister in ogden regularly!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Oh my gosh, I’m salivating just thinking about it! If I won I would totally make the trek to Ogden!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:27 am
We have been to the Sonora Grill on the way to Park City (Jeremy Ranch exit). Is it the same owners? It was great!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:31 am
YUM!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:31 am
yum! i love mexican.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Can’t wait to try out the tomatillo salsa. Sounds de-lish! PICK ME!!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:34 am
yumyum, pick me pick me!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Pick me pick me, I like to try new places to eat and a $50 gift certificate would do the trick at getting us to take to trip to Ogden to try it out.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:43 am
i love ceviche.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Oh my, this sounds amazing! It definitely seems worth the drive! :D
July 8th, 2008 at 9:45 am
I’d be happy to make the trek! I love Mexican food.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:47 am
mmmm aguas frescas
July 8th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I love Mexican food. And it would give me an excuse to go to Ogden and go to 25th Street!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:38 am
oh man my mouth is watering already!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:44 am
My mouth is watering as I read your review. Mexican food is my weakness.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Delish!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Just what I’ve been looking for!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:55 am
moved here from AZ and i’ve been searching for some delicious/authentic mexican food! i think this place will do the trick… can’t wait to wrap my mouth around some tacos!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I want to leave work right now and go eat there! Looks and sounds fresh and delicious.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I live in O-town and though its on our list to try out we just haven’t made it there yet. This is the push we needed. (Although the $50 gift certificate would be sweet.)
July 8th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Nothing better than a baja twist on Mexican food. Count me in. Gotta love the new Otown.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:17 am
mmmm sounds tasty!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Oh, sweet, beautiful Mexican food. Be mine.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Me gusta…
July 8th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Looks delicious!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:37 am
I am a Mexican food freak! I would love to win this!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Yes! Finally a good Mexican place in Ogden! I plan to visit regardless.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
looks delicioso! yum……
July 8th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I loooove ceviche!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I was JUST complaining to a friend that there are no good Mexican restaurants around here (Syracuse)! Please, please, please, I want to go! I am having salsa withdrawal.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
gimme, gimme gimme!!! I’m flying all the way from Virginia just for your food!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Finally! A good Mexican restaurant in Ogdo! Please pick me, I would love to come up and visit!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I have a husband who would love me forever if he could try that ceviche. And that means more rewards, if you know what I mean… :)
July 8th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I live by Ogden and am always looking for great places to eat up here! We sure would enjoy this GC to such a fabulous place! :)
July 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Although we live in Salt Lake, this post made me want to take the trip to Ogden to try Sonora. Our mouths are watering!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
My best friend lives in Ogden, and I would LOVE to take her! Looks fantastic!! I love to see real mexican in the midst of all of the fast food out there!!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I NEED to try this place out!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
oh my! That sounds DIVINE! Even with the price of gas….I would drive up to Ogden for some of that!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I am so excited to go here. The fact that I love Mexican food is only part of it–my grandma and her parents owned a Japanese restaurant on this street for over 60 years before she retired. I’m so glad to see that another great restaurant has found its way to Kiesel Ave!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Yum. I could go for some good guacamole!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
i can’t wait to try it! mexican food in utah is sooo hit or miss but this looks amazing.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Yum!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
LOVE supporting little restaurants and LOVE supporting Ogden!!!
We would LOVE to win!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I grew up in Phoenix and have greatly missed the “authentic” Mexican cuisine. This seems like the “real deal” and “I’m REALLY excited”!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I live near Ogden and keep hearing about this place! I’m dying to try it out!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Yum. I can’t wait to taste those tacos!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
pick me
July 8th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
yummy!! we ate there a few weeks ago and it was delicious!! the guacamole was the best I have ever had. and the chips!!??? to die for!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
we’ll have to try it!
July 8th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
A real live guacamole man and mexican sushi?
July 8th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Sounds yummy! Count me in!
July 8th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Let’s see if I love food enough to will myself to win this…
July 8th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I was excited to hear that the Sonora Grill serves authentic Mexican cuisine. My husband’s grandmother cooks authentic Mexican food and I have heard all about how wonderful it is since we got married, almost 13 yrs ago. I love to cook and have tried several times to prepare culinary masterpieces to appease him, but I seem to always fall short. His grandmother is elderly and doesn’t really cook much anymore and I know he misses it. I have had the privilege of eating her food a couple times and it has been wonderful. I would love to take him to the Sonora Grill to sample your menu, it sounds exquisite. If it is half as good as what people are saying, I think he will love me forever!
July 8th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Yea for Davis County! I am always in the mood for Mexican!
July 8th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Ever since we talked about this on Thursday, I’ve been thinking I want to drive up to Ogden to try it out!
July 8th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
After reading this, I’m craving Mexican food. Thanks, YHO, you’ve convinced me to stop in Ogden next time I’m passing through (which will probably to tonight, just to sample Sonora)
July 8th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
The food looks AMAZING!! I”m a big fan of Mexican food and I’m always looking for a new place to try. I’ll make my way to Ogden with or without the giftcard, but it would be so much better with giftcard in hand.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I’m always on the lookout for good food in Ogden…it seems to be quite a rarity! After living and working my whole life in Salt Lake, I got a job in Ogden (which is in Weber County, by the way, Amber) and have had some withdrawals from abundant good food. A $50 gift card, and a good referral, would be just the ticket.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I would love to come try Sonora Grill! I happen to be coming to Ogden next month! I am always looking for good Mexican food.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I never win anything, so please pick me. I am dying to find a fantastic, to die for, can’t live without Mexican restaurant!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Wow. Looks delicious.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
mmm this looks like my kind of food! my sisters live up there so I would have three reasons for going :)
July 8th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Pick me. I NEED this. I will have everlasting love for you!!!!!!!!
I’m drowning in my drool right now.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Wow, sounds great, I’m ready!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Me quero!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Everything I have heard is that the food is AWESOME!!! I will definalty be there to try it out! :)
July 8th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
yummy!!!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
i’ll drive to o town for that stuff. yum
July 8th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
por favor!
July 9th, 2008 at 6:20 am
i’ve been looking for good mexican for quite some time now. hope i win!
July 9th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Looks delicious. I’m in.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Mexican is our favorite, and this all looks so delish!
July 9th, 2008 at 8:28 am
That looks and sounds delightful!!! Oh please count me in!!
July 9th, 2008 at 8:50 am
YUMM!!! We may have to take a little drive up to Ogden and check out this new restaurant! It looks so good and we love good food!
July 9th, 2008 at 9:50 am
It all looks so dee-lish, I need to make a trip there, and soon!
July 9th, 2008 at 10:14 am
looks so yummy and its only 10:15 am. pick me!
July 9th, 2008 at 10:24 am
My husband and I try restaurants all over Utah. This one will be added to our list. :)
July 9th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Yeah new restaurants!
July 9th, 2008 at 11:37 am
i’d drive to ogden (at $4.09 a gallon) for some good mexican…
July 9th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I’ve been there and LOVE your salmon dish. It is the best I’ve ever tasted. Divine.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Sounds yummy!
July 9th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I am drooling just looking at the gorgeous pictures. I want to partake of some of that goodness. Please pick me!
July 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Me! Me! My husband would love this!
July 9th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I am always willing to try something new!
July 9th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
um.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
That sounds heavenly. Hooray for quality restuarants in the Salt Lake Valley!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Sold…with some ceviche, please!
July 9th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
me me me! i am craving mexican food like no ones buisness!
July 9th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Ummm, yes please. Yo quiero mexican food
July 9th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Looks de-lish!
July 9th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
A Davis Count girl who’s on a bit of a budget here. Would love to sample some fresh mex. Oh please pick me, please. please. :)
July 9th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Your description really got me jonesing for some fresh mex. Please pick this Davis County girl!!
July 9th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Table side Gaucamole??? Everything is fresh?? I’m there!!
July 9th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I’m moving to Utah next month, sign me up!
July 9th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Yum yum! Chilaquiles!
July 10th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Sounds so good…. Can’t wait to try it.
July 10th, 2008 at 7:48 am
I agree, besides the oustanding taco al Pastor, and carne asada tacos their ribeye is the best I’ve ever had! I can’t wait to go back and try the fresh guac.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:23 am
We L.O.V.E. the Sonora Grill. The grilled carne asada is my favorite!!! I could eat it every day. Love it, love it! Everyone should definitely try it out even if you think you don’t like Mexican food. This place will change your mind.
July 10th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Thanks for the tip! I’m ALWAYS looking for good eats!
July 10th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
YUM!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
My husband served his mission in Sonora! He would love this!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Always looking for good Mexican food and I can’t wait to make the drive up there and try it!!
July 10th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Sounds delish! count me in!
July 10th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I would love to surprise my husband with this when he comes home! He LOVES mexican food and eats pre packed food all the time cause he is a truck driver and we need a new place to go when he is in town!
July 10th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
My favorite kind of food! I would love to try a new place.
July 10th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I love Ogden and Mexican food. Sounds like the perfect combo!
July 10th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I would love to visit your restaurant. My husband lived in California for a little while and he claims that he has never eaten at any Mexican restaurant in Utah that is as good as what he had while living in California. I would love for him to find a Mexican restaurant that he “loves”. We have eaten at many places in Utah and he has never found the taste he is looking for. We would love to try your restaurant!
July 10th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Oh my gosh!!!! My mouth is watering!!! I am so hungry!!!
July 10th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
i’ve been eyeing this place… $50 gift card or not, i’m there.
July 11th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Oh wow…looks like heaven. I can’t wait to try it.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:30 am
That food looks AMAZING! My husband and I love authentic Mexican food and we love trying new restaurants. We live in SLC and the best place for authentic Mexican food we have found in Utah is the Red Iguana. After seeing your website though we will defiantly have to plan a trip up to Ogden. In fact my husbands birthday is on July 20th and that $50 gift card would be by far the perfect gift. We were planning a trip to Argentina for his birthday because he served a mission there but then he lost his job and that being said, we can’t do the trip right now. But all he has been asking for is to go to a Taco stand and have unlimited tacos for his birthday. Weird, I know. Anyways, we would love to experience your fabulous restaurant and the $50 gift card would just be icing on the cake.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:39 am
My Sonora Grill Poem
by: One hungry Mother
I love the Sonora Grill,
The food is such a thrill.
The gift card would be great,
Then dh and I could have a date!
Mexican is my favorite food,
Makes me say “Darn good Dude!”
Thank you for doing this giveaway,
Winning would really make my day :-)
July 11th, 2008 at 10:34 am
I love to salsa!
July 11th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Looks tasty! Love the freshness aspect, especially.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I hope I win.
July 11th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
our friend steve opened this restaurant and it is so amazing! he has put so much work into making this place authentic. every flavor combo explodes in your mouth. the marinated carne asada, oh my! great feature, there are so many great places in weber county.
July 11th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I hope I get picked, this place looks and sounds awesome! I can’t wait to try it out, my husband and I could use a night out on a date!!
July 11th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Now I’m craving it!! Please, me!
July 11th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
been there a few times and i love it! fingers crossed
July 11th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
MMM…I love Mexican food and would love to try out this place!
July 11th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I love mexi food…i hope i win
July 11th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
ohh that looks so so good! I live not to far from ogden… im for sure going to have to try it!!
July 11th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Sounds yummy. Hope I win.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
My friend and I were looking to find good seviche!! It would be great if we could win!!!!
July 15th, 2008 at 9:00 am
I’ve heard so much about the Sonora Grill on the PYP website and would love to be able to try it. How wonderful of you to offer a gift card to one of us lucky Penny Pinchers out there. Thanks!!
July 15th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Oh the food looks so good and I love Mexican food. It looks like a restaurant I need to eat at! I hope I win the gift certificate…if not I’ll still have to stop and try the food when I’m in Ogden next!
July 18th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Finally – a mexican restaurant in the area that serves some good chilaquiles – one of my favorite dishes. Plus, tableside guacamole is one of my favorites parts of our trips to Mexico. I’m glad to see someone doing it stateside. I think we’ll coming back often.