Las Glorias Mexican Restaurant: A Red, Green and Yellow Glimmer of Hope!

Last Saturday, I was wrapping up some appointments in Draper. Again, I had overlooked breakfast as I had a lot to accomplish; not a wise choice. I was craving Mexican food and drove down 12300 S. looking for La Puente. The searching was in vain as there was no La Puente to be found and my spirits were beginning to be crushed. Right as all hope was going to fade forever, I saw a bright green, yellow and red sign that read "Las Glorias Mexican Restaurant." It looked delicious!
While walking in, I saw the daily special written on the board, Carnitas Burrito: a homemade flour tortilla filled a touch of refried beans and very tender pork carnitas topped with our special sauce and melted cheese. Served with a side of rice, avocado slices, lettuce and pico de gallo.

That actually sounded really good and it saved me from having to read the menu. The waiter who seated me asked right then if I knew what I would like. I mentioned the special and he said that he would get working on it and bring me some chips and salsa as an appetizer. This all took about 30 seconds. In my mind, I can see my wife's eyes rolling as she reads this.

All the food here is homemade including the chips and salsa. The chips are thin, crispy and delicious. I often find myself on a hunt for good tortilla chips. The closest that I have come to finding chips like these was in a grocery store while on vacation to Whidbey Island. The salsa is filled with chili peppers so make sure that you have your glass of ice water close by. It's worth the heat despite having to guzzle cold water. They have developed some fabulous flavor profiles here.

They are right about the pork carnitas; it is very tender. Pork is so easy to overcook and they do a masterful job of keeping it moist and tender. The Burrito was loaded with a lot of pork and refried beans. Their special sauce must be mole-similar to a chili pepper puree. It's delicious and goes really well with the dish. It reminded me of the mole at El Mana. I wasn't sure about how the avocados would fit but they were very nice; a creamy, soft component to a pretty powerful entree.

My only slightly negative thought by the end of the meal was that it could use a hint of sweetness. There are some powerful, spicy flavors in there. You don't notice it at first but like a high-maintenance relative, it takes it's toll in the end. I will say however, that authentic Mexican cooking likely doesn't have much sweetness. That is when food gets "Americanized." that it becomes sweeter.

The service here is impeccable. They really care and are invested in both your experience and the quality of the food.

Las Glorias Mexican Restaurant

185 East 12300 South

Draper, Utah, 84020

Happy Eating