Chak Balam Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Torrey

During our recent expedition through the red rock vistas of southern Utah, our company of twenty found ourselves in the quaint and sun-drenched settlement of Torrey. There, like an oasis emerging from the desert, we discovered Chak Balam, a Mexican restaurant whose very name seemed to promise mystery and delight.

After a morning filled with service projects and physical labor, our appetites had grown fierce—ravenous, even. We entered the establishment not as mere diners, but as explorers of the culinary unknown. The warm scent of roasted chilies and simmering spices welcomed us like an old friend.

The staff, gracious and attentive, received our party with ease, navigating our considerable number with both kindness and capability. The menu was a tapestry of vibrant offerings, but it was the fajitas that captured the imagination of many in our group. Arriving on sizzling platters, they danced with color and aroma, each bite a harmonious symphony of grilled meats, seared vegetables, and bold seasoning.

As we dined, laughter filled the air, and the fatigue of the day was soon replaced by the comfort of excellent food and shared camaraderie. There was, I believe, a unanimous sentiment among us: Chak Balam had not merely satisfied our hunger—it had elevated our journey.

For those who find themselves beneath the towering cliffs of Capitol Reef and long for a meal that both nourishes and delights, Chak Balam is a destination well...

We were hoping to like this place with the good reviews, but the enchiladas were fishy and disgusting and the beer glass had a nasty bug in it. Despite sending it back and showing the waitress the bug, the “manager” was super unprofessional and said the beer was opened and the food had a bite out of it so we should pay full price for it. I can’t remember the last time I encountered such bad customer service at a restaurant. Since we heard the table next to us saying their chicken was gross, I don’t think it was just us. Can’t recommend at all.

How unprofessional of a response. We paid for the food we consumed, only not for the fishy enchiladas and bug in the beer. I didn’t realize taking a couple bites was 50% of our meal. We still paid for everything else. I must have missed where the waitress tried 3 times to change our food when I was offered to have the same inedible food remade. By then I was already ready to throw up and nauseous so no I didn’t want more. We aren’t the kind of people to not pay for what we eat and we aren’t unable to pay for our food. I hope other customers read this and stay away. I rarely write a review like this but based on your extremely ignorant attitude in dealing with this, I felt impassioned to. I recommend taking a class in management and...

I'm again reminded... Don't judge a book by its cover. For such a new restaurant with a sketchy-looking exterior, this place really surprised me. The food was excellent and so was the service.

What do I know about Mexican food? I previously lived in SoCal for over 25 years and ate at the best Mexican restaurants and carts at least once per week. I also have made it my mission to frequent Mexican restaurants during my travels (I'm usually disappointed). This place was among the tastiest I've been.

My wife and I had carne asada, a fish taco, and an octopus taco. The kids ate a bean & cheese burrito and a pollo quesadilla. We also had chips and guacamole. We drank homemade horchata. All of it was excellent.

The service was provided by a younger guy and what I'm guessing was his mom. They were both very friendly and accommodating. Everything came out correctly the first time.

We sat inside and the place was busy. While the exterior looks simple and worn down, the interior was slightly more upgraded. The only other downside was that they have yet to get their alcohol license, so the beer listed on the menu is not yet available.

I would definitely recommend this restaurant and encourage you not to judge it by...