Lorena's is not much to look at — a few Christmastime piñatas and colored lights notwithstanding — but this Mexican restaurant is always packed. Lorena’s has been around for many years, and folks in the North Salt Lake/Bountiful/Woods Cross corridor long ago sussed out the good food and cheap prices there. Happily, the restaurant is roomy enough that there's usually not more than a wait of a few minutes for a table. Free chips and salsa are a major attraction. The chips are virtually grease-free, light, crispy and delightful. The simple, unchunky red salsa—no cilantro, onions or jalapeños—is absolutely superb, and even better when washed down with a bottle of Dos Equis Special Lager. The best way to experience Lorena’s delicious chile verde is via the chile platter, which includes a hefty serving of green (or red) chile, beans, rice and a couple of warm tortillas (corn or flour). The thick chile verde is perfectly spiced with a hint of cumin and a blast of Anaheim chilies and sprinkled throughout with small morsels of tender pork.

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