50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Knoxville

“My husband and I are both allergic to cumin. When we walked we told them and the manager and chef and our server made sure there wasn't any cumin in our order. The food was absolutely fabulous!!! Andrea was our server. Thank you Loco Burro, we will be back!!!!“

“We have been coming here for 3 years, since we bought our house in the area. This has become our weekly family dinner out, and they(staff)have become like family to us. The food is extraordinary, the service and staff are fantastic. When our friends and relatives come to visit, going to Monterrey’s is a given. We tried a new dessert tonight that they are considering adding to their menu. I am not a sweets eater, but I did sample a taste, at my husband and kid’s insistence. It was fantastic! Then.. I had more than one bite, lol. It is a guava infused cheesecake and absolutely divine!“

“Great tacos! The carnitas and mahi mahi fish street tacos were amazing. The Gluten Free items were clearly marked on the menu. The GF hand made corn tortillas were wonderful.Dietary restrictions: Wonderful Gluten Free options clearly marked on the menu.“

“This was my 2nd trip to Casa Brava & it is officially the best Mexican food in Knoxville. From the moment I walk in I'm greeted with such happiness from the owner Javier and my server Jorge. The hugs may be free but they are priceless. The cuisine boasts of fresh ingredients, not overly spiced but just perfect. The natural flavor of perfectly prepared dishes complimented by just the right amount of spice. Though some dishes are fried, I never feel like I have eaten greasy food. They are clearly vigilant about this. The atmosphere is festive and colorful, slightly eclectic and with a touch of warmth and class. I am now a regular here and I can't wait for my next meal and the smiles and hugs waiting for me.“

“We have been multiple times, the food, service and margaritas are always great, Restaurant is always clean, very nicely decorated and well lit. Many Mexican restaurants are very dark inside. prices are reasonable and portions are always great. We have become regulars.“

“Food was good. Lack of seasoning on rice and beans, but the Birria Quesatacos were great! The drive through line was kind of slow, but the bag was packed with utensils, sauces and plenty of napkins. Ambiance is not something to comment on because we picked up!“

“Staff was friendly and attentive but not over-bearing. We were seated quickly. Food was typical Americanized Mexican, though they had a couple of traditional dishes on the menu too. Nothing I got to eat was special. However, their peach margarita was delish!“

“We had our new place set up for internet today. Our installer highly recommended Pepo’s Burrito Bar. We visited for dinner tonight and everything was absolutely delicious!!! We all loved our food!!! We will be back time and time again!!!!“

“Food is excellent, staff is friendly and professional, and the place is clean. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want good Mexican food. They also have kids meals, tacos, quesadilla, or chicken nuggets.Parking: 6 spaces in front of store by street, it can be difficult to get in and out of. There is more parking to the side.Wheelchair accessibility: There are no steps or ramps, just go straight from your car to the door.“

“The atmosphere is Cataleya Cantina is amazing! Our server was also very accommodating, and the food was great. My brunch burrito bowl was good, but the food my friends got was better.Parking: PlentyKid-friendliness: As a kid i found plenty of options.“

“Lunch party of four on Saturday, greeted at door and seated immediately. Our wait staff was Emily. She met us at the table and immediately brought water and took drink orders. Mixed drinks came quickly and were well done. Food also came soon after ordering. We ate steak tarta, brisket and hamburger burrito’s, and vegetarian quesadilla. All meals were delicious. The burritos were very large. We were only able to eat one half of each. Emily continued to provide friendly and attentive service through the entire meal. We were in the back room and enjoyed the entire experience.“

“rude, blamed me for my sea food allergies after they poisoned me with seafood when I ordered chicken. rude nasty people. offered to pay for the free chips and drinks, got sworn at even after they saw that we only ate 2 bites of our food. they cross contaminate the sea food with everything else. good luck to all who dare enter, the waiter was a jerk, his boss was even worse. when asked if they cooked seafood with everything else (after my allergic reaction) he said why wouldn't we. & his boss said that it was our own fault for getting sick for going there. my advice don't go there unless if you don't care about your safety or your life“

“One of the best Mexican restaurants in town with some of the friendliest staff. Always great food. Some of the fastest service in town. Everything always tastes so fresh. The staff here is always happy to see new people and welcome back old friends.Vegetarian options: There is a vegetarian section of the menu. Plenty of options to choose from.Parking: Depending on the time of day you eat here the parking can be a challenge. Other times there's sufficient parking spaces.Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly restaurant. They have kids menus and there are TVs to watch.Wheelchair accessibility: There a few wheelchair accessible parking spots as well as a ramp to get onto the sidewalk.“

“This store is rather large with a nice selection of Mexican groceries. They even have a butcher towards the middle of the back. In the back left corner is like a small kitchen (cocina) that serves full meals to their customers. We decided to try out the Parillada to get a nice variety. The huge platter of meat and sides was enough to feed 2-3 people! Everything tasted good and authentic. The place is no frills, but if ever hungry in the area... give them a try. We were impressed by the speed, size, and flavor of it all.“

“Delicious hidden gem! The restaurant has plenty of seating in the back of a grocery store. Beer is available.The bucket of chips (fresh and warm! ) keeps arriving along with delicious salsa ?Our server was attentive and brought packaging for our remaining chips and salsa after we were completely stuffed. We had three steak tacos, two meat (chicken and steak) quesadilla, and two sopes: one chicken and one roasted pork. We slowly finished it all.Everything is fresh and made onsite. You won't find anything better if you are traveling through, like we were.Make the stop! Not far off the highway.Vegetarian options: Fish options, many vegetables available to sub for meat dishes. Beans, rice and avocado available.Kid-friendliness: This is a grocery store with a restaurant. It is perfect for kids.Wheelchair accessibility: All flat surfaces. May need help to open the doors. Grocery aisles, so some are narrow. Accessing the restaurant area should be a good L shape entry.“

“We have eaten several times. We would come more often but live in Maryville so come when we can. I usually get a combination and they are always very tasty and a great value. I recently tried the chicken fajitas as I had my eye on them but ended up getting a combination each time. The fajitas were fantastic, some of the best I have ever had. The mango margarita was delicious. We got the happy hour special and they packed up our second ones to take home. They were bagged and sealed and were thoroughly enjoyed at home watching some tv. I highly recommend Porton. Good food, nice owners and staff, and clean facility.“

“Queso taco are the best! We love this food truck. We've tried the regular tacos, burrito, quesadilla and everything was great. Hard to understand the lady taking orders ? but we usually call a head and it's ready within 10 minutes. Sometimes the line is too long to order and wait.“

“Great meal tonight. Cheese dip was great, salsa bar is still awesome and our server was amazing. Might be my new favorite north Knox Mexican joint!Original review: Had chicken fajitas and enjoyed it. Love the salsa bar. Cheese dip was bland, lacked any flavor.Service was slow, even though restuarant wasnt busy. Had to ask for refills, to place order and to get check. Table we had was broken as well.“

“What a fun place! Being new to Knoxville, we met up with some friends. We loved playing bocce ball. The food truck had some amazing food. I had the birria tacos and they were delicious. The cheese dip and guacamole were good too. Several people had the burger and they said it was awesome. We sat outside on the picnic tables, the weather was perfect. And the best part it is FIDO Friendly!“

“First time eating at this gem. Loved everything from the bean dip to the fresh veggies used in their dishes. I will definitely be back. Lots of options friendly staff and most importantly fresh food. I hope this place survives east Knoxville.“

“My wife and I noticed this restaurant as we were driving up the interstate and decided to give it a try. We are glad we did because this is one to add to the trip list. The service was prompt to status and take our drink and appetizer order. The menu has so many options with great pictures it's hard to decide which one you want. The food was so flavorful and the portions were so large we needed three togo boxes. We also ordered the panchos did and the cheese was not watered down like most places and also had a ton of beef in it. The restaurant was very clean and all the staff was very kind. I would and will be eating here again.“

“This unassuming little taco truck is my favorite lunch spot in Knoxville. It's best for takeout, since the seating is limited and all outdoors, but the food is delicious the service is friendly and efficient, and the price leaves me feeling like I got a great value because the meal is always perfect and satisfying. It draws a mid-day lunch crowd that can cause longer wait times, but you can call ahead for quick pickup. I'm lucky to work nearby, so I get to eat here a few times a week. Highly recommend.“

“I will just say love this place, my go to for my Mexican fix! Never any problem with requests to alter a dish a bit like sauce on the side and the service is good. They have a bar too. I am designated driver so never had drinks. Love their chicken burritos and tacos, fajitas are great too and they will do double toppings etc. Handicapped accessible. And they probably would have no problem doing vegetarian versions of most dishes. Kids OK and lots of free parking“

“Cool little hangout spot with authentic South American food options all prepared fresh daily great services and friend staff and atmosphere with bar and company super coolVegetarian options: Talk to your sever and ask about customizing dishes to be vegetarian friendly can always replace meat with extra dishes plenty of variety of fresh veggies preplares everyday I've heard from asking personally“

“It's a Mexican Seafood restaurant based mostly on the Pacific cuisine of the Mexican state of Nayarit. Lots of fresh lime ceviche choices along with other delicious seafood including shrimp, langostinos, tilapia, snapper, crab legs, lobster, octopus... The portions are good size to huge depending on what you get but the images in the menu don't do the actual food justice. It's rare the food looks better than the photos, but it does here. My only warning to folks who want to dine here would be that the language barrier is strong. I haven't met any good English speakers working there yet and outside of pointing to items you want on the menu, asking for a substitution or any other questions are not easy unless you use Google translate or are fluent or are with someone fluent in Spanish. It doesn't stop us from going back but it can be something to consider.Parking: It's in an old Perkins restaurant so the parking is exactly as it was but the entrance is now on the Kingston Pike side since the bar is where the typical entrance would have been previously.“

“O M G I have another favorite Mexican restaurant. The food is absolutely delicious! The best empanadas in Knoxville. Good portions that are worth every penny. The staff are so fast you might wonder if they are on skates. And the margaritas don't taste like some cheap mix. Had a mojito and I don't think I have ever had better. Now this is how you end a rough week.“

“We have lunch here once every few months when we are in the area, and always look forward to it. At our most recent visit, the salsa recipe changed, and it was outstanding. Some of the best chips and salsa we have had, with warm chips, cilantro, and the right amount of spiciness. We have ordered several different entrees, and all are always very good with generous portions. I especially like the Mexican rice and the fish tacos.“

“It was wonderful! Definitely coming back and putting it in the dining out rotation. Not close to me, but worth driving a few miles out of the way. Food was delicious. Service was above and beyond. Price was reasonable. Even the bathroom was clean and well stoked. Definitely recommend!“

“I've been coming to Habanero for 4 years now, & have never been disappointed. The carnitas are always my go to dish. Perfectly crispy chunks of pork with all the trimmings. Hugh portions & super friendly staff. Also can't go wrong with the "texas" sized Marquerita!!“

“Me and my family are from Atlanta and we came this way for a volleyball tournament, and after the tournament we was headed to wing stop but they had a 45 minute to an hour wait. Went down the road a little and seen this taco truck and man oh man if I could have game it 10 stars I would. We ordered 9 steak tacos with extra cilantro and onions and of course it was ?!!!! I highly recommend this business 100%.“

“They have really good horchata.Have to pay for chips and salsa but whatever. I got a shrimp quesadilla. It had shrimp and greasy cheese... that's it. If you wanted anything else like sour cream...extra. I might go again but order something else.“

“I enjoy going to Whole Foods. Great selection of healthier food choices. I can pick up a fresh slice of pizza, some sushi, and a sandwich. Good selection on the hot bar and salad bar. I'm not a fan of Jeff Bezos, but it's a good place to shop.“

“Just out in Knoxville so it's lunchtime and was in the mood for some Mexican food. Tennessee so far had not impressed me with some really great Mexican food. Decided to try this place out. Read in the reviews that it was still new so figured... what the heck. I ordered the Quesabirria tacos and my girl had the ACP. Food was exceptionally delicious and quite a nice serving. The vibe of the place reminds me of being on vacation. You must try this place out. When I return to Knoxville I will be back to eat at this place. Staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable of the menu and item. You cannot go wrong here.“

“This is the best Mexican food you can get in Knoxville clean, fresh, and most importantly, delicious. There is nothing better than parking by the lake and enjoying that meal. Don't forget your drink, their horchata is absolutely delicious.“

“I had read a couple of good reviews about this place and we decided to give it a try. The Latin food was authentic. I was surprised that they were not busy in a Friday evening. The food was really good. We all got something different so we could share. The service was a little difficult because of the language barrier. I will definitely go back. I love real authentic Latin food. I will say if you're not use to real authentic Mexican food you may not like it. It's nothing like most places. But if you decide to try it have an open mind. The flavors were great“

“Sampler dip was great! Chorizo is some of the best, cheese dip great, guacamole so so could loose rhe onion!ACP is good as well as the talopia! Salsa is to chunky for my liking, bit has flavor!!!Our server is probably one of the best experiences I have had. Very nice, complimentary, and very attentive! Her name is Maria! Very sweet ladyNot to mention the specials for margaritas!!!!Ok Dos Agaves thanks for taking care of my husband and I.“

“This is a place you go for great food, not fancy atmosphere! The floor was dirty, but tables were clean. Tekemundo was on and the jukebox was blasting in Spanish. The corn tortillas are outstanding! Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path, even though it might look a little sketchy! It was great!“

“El Charro catered our daughters welcome dinner last weekend in Piegon forge. The food was great! They handled all the delivery and setup. We are from out of state, they made handling all the details over the phone, so easy. Thank you so much. I highly recommend them them for any catering needs“

“Fantastic Mexican store and authentic south of the border eat in or to go food! Staff is very friendly and attentive. The market side has a good selection of spices, canned goods, some veggies and meat counter. The small restaurant has a dozen tables and a good selection of the real deal Mexican cuisine. We ordered a variety of 5 different tacos(2.99 each), a tamale (2.00 each) and some roasted jalapeños peppers(.99 for three). Made fresh, this is some of the best Mexican food we have eaten since living in California! The burritos we saw were enormous! The value vs quality was superb. Highly recommend on your next stop in Knoxville.“

“The last restaurant in downtown Knoxville that gives you a lot for what you pay for. Front counter guy gave me helpful suggestions when asked and I ended up having the Californian burrito with Guacamole and pico de gallo and was I not disappointed in portion, quality, or taste. The place certainly looks like a whole in the wall but it hit the spot. Worth it and I'll be back.“

“This is a great locally owned Mexican restaurant and ice cream store. There's always a bunch of people eating, but you usually don't have to wait for a seat. Food is brought out quickly within five or seven minutes in most of the three visits I've had there. They have your own salsa bar that you can make your own combinations and nice bar with various mixed drinks as well as beers and ice cream store is incredible. Homemade popsicle type treats and homemade ice cream of flavors including the ones you normally see and a few that you rarely see like mango and most of queso cheese ( it is amazing). Petrillos has become one of our regular places to grab a really nice meal. They also have a bodega next door that even has a butcher shop in it.Wheelchair accessibility: Concrete ramp access to the front door. Also outside seating with tables and chairs, and covered area as well as a side porch.“

“The food was excellent! Restaurant was clean and servers were friendly. I had the taquitos and my husband had a burrito. And of course, chips & queso! Would definitely come back. They were open after a snow storm when a lot of places were closed!“

“rude, blamed me for my sea food allergies after they poisoned me with seafood when I ordered chicken. rude nasty people. offered to pay for the free chips and drinks, got sworn at even after they saw that we only ate 2 bites of our food. they cross contaminate the sea food with everything else. good luck to all who dare enter, the waiter was a jerk, his boss was even worse. when asked if they cooked seafood with everything else (after my allergic reaction) he said why wouldn't we. & his boss said that it was our own fault for getting sick for going there. my advice don't go there unless if you don't care about your safety or your life“

“Love El Chicos !!!!! Please open another El Chico's location in Georgia . My family previously useto eat at the location on Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain,GA on a weekly basis. It has been closed for years . Please open another one in ATL .Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu .Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair friendly“

“okay I'm on visit number 60 and this place is nothing but 10 stars! everyone here is still amazing and the food never disappoints! The drinks are on point. everyone here is like family. seriously give this place a try because without it you don't even know what a good experience is!“

“If you’re in the Knoxville area, this is definitely worlds better than all of the Chipotle locations out here and for around the same price. Not saying Chipotle is bad, but the Knoxville locations aren’t very good. Plus, the food here is much more fresh and consistent.“

“Pelanchos is absolutely amazing. The food, the service, and the look is phenomenal! This is one of the best Taco Tuesday places for the family. I recommend the appetizers and the Chile Colorado (basically carnitas). overall this is the best Mexican restaurant in town.“

“This was my first time at this restaurant. I was trying to read the menu but so much of the foods are foreign to me. The waiter asked if he could help, and he did. The waiter suggested a steak quesadeia and salad. It was very good. The steak was not spicy and the salad added to the quesadia made a very good open burrito!“

“My first time at Victor's was a success. I have been hearing about Victor's for a while and wanted to give it a try... I was not disappointed. The menu is as simple as the food... and the food was good.The price was spot on for what we wanted and the place was clean and inviting. What more can you ask for?“

“pretty sure i left a 5 star review a long time ago and after getting take out yet again tonight I had to come here and give them another one. i order out from here a lot and it is always perfect and delicious. they always get it right. i don’t normally tip on take out orders but i do here because they deserve it.“