50 Best Mexican Restaurants near Signal Mountain

“Oh buddy, buckle up, because I’m about to sing the praises of El Metate in Signal Mountain, Tennessee like it’s the grand finale at a fireworks show.

If you’ve ever said, “I could really go for some tacos that make me question everything I thought I knew about joy,” then El Metate is where you need to be. I walked in expecting a regular ol’ Mexican meal. I walked out feeling like I’d been hugged by a mariachi band and kissed on the forehead by a warm flour tortilla.

Let’s talk chips and salsa first. They come out faster than your cousin Gary at a NASCAR race, and they do not play around. The chips are fresh, crispy, and clearly made by someone who respects the sacred geometry of the tortilla. The salsa? Spicy enough to make you feel alive, but not so spicy you need a medic. It’s the kind of salsa that makes you nod after the first bite and say, “Oh yeah. We’re gonna be friends.”

Now, the food. Sweet mercy. I got the fajitas, and when they brought them out, the whole restaurant turned to stare like a soap opera twist had just happened. Sizzling, steaming, making sounds like a Fourth of July sparkler—if fajitas had a theme song, mine were playing it. And the portions? Let’s just say I had leftovers and zero regrets.

My wife got the enchiladas and made sounds I usually only hear when she’s watching Hallmark movies and someone finds love in a small-town Christmas tree farm. The rice was fluffy, the beans were comforting, and everything on the plate had the audacity to be delicious.

Service? Impeccable. Friendly without being fake. Our waiter remembered our drink order and gave me extra guac without judging me. That’s the kind of hospitality that deserves a parade.

El Metate is the kind of place where you can bring your kids, your grandparents, your in-laws, your mailman, and they’ll all leave smiling and full. Heck, bring someone you don’t like—they’ll probably forgive you after a plate of chimichangas.

So if you’re on Signal Mountain and not eating at El Metate, what are you even doing with your life? Put down whatever sad sandwich you were planning on and get yourself to taco heaven. Just be warned: you’ll think about those fajitas in the shower for the next three days.“

“Love the nice outdoor seating they have!“

“We own a business in Soddy Daisy, where Delia's is located, and this is THE BEST in Chattanooga and all its surrounding areas! We eat here weekly AND it's locally and family owned!“

“Friendly, clean, and with wonderfully flavorful food! Tania greeted us with a smile and was very accommodating with my dietary restrictions. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you’re in Chattanooga!! 10/10“

“never ate anything there that wasn't amazing. best in town“

“Use this good truck to feed roofing crew. Really good food and can serve 50 plus guys fast“

“Fajitas and my House citrus cocktail were yummy! Wasn't offered water to wash down the chips and HOT salsa. Would be nice to know which is hot and which is mild, if you're offering two salsas. Otherwise I enjoyed the atmosphere and the terracotta cup my drink was served in made the drink so refreshing!“

“Awesome as always! Maria and Tito are the ultimate hosts. They’re from Jalisco province...so this is authentic food. Tequila comes from there about too. Enjoy it all....“

“I didn’t even know they were there until I seen their coupon on the back of my Food City Receipt. Gave them a try and love the food. I’ll be back for sure. Check out their coupons for savings on the back of the Food City Register Tapes.“

“Highly recommend this place! Definitely ask for Leah she was the best server I’ve had in a while.“

“Fantastic customer service could not ask for better. Food was great and good selection of drinks. Staff was very kind and patient with children.“

“Oh. My. Goodness. I have had several favorite Mexican restaurants in the Chattanooga area, from La Bamba to El Fogon...but there's very little chance that any place would displace my newest and "bestest" favorite, Spanglish (previously Las Morelianas). I went there yesterday with three friends, we all had completely different dishes, and we were all 100% completely satisfied. Although the tastes of each dish (we all had a bite of each other's) were all perfectly appreciated by all, the big kicker for me was that the manager came around, after my other three friends had been served their entrees, and explained that he was sorry that mine was delayed, but that it had come out of the kitchen on time, but he was not pleased with the way it looked, so he sent it back and had it remade. THAT is customer service, and THAT is what makes a restaurant a cut above the rest. I am sorry that I can't remember our lovely waitress's name, but her attention to our need (including refilling our drinks before we even asked) was top notch. I can't say enough good things about this place; everything was not only a cut above the rest, it was all simply perfection, and all four of us agreed on that. Eat Here! You won't ever regret it.“

“great food and drinks! we went out for my birthday dinner. we had the tropical Margherita and frozen blood orange swirl, and they were the best drinks we've ever had at a restaurant. the Philly burrito and the spicy burrito were phenomenal, and the churros were so good I will ask for those over a birthday cake any day. absolutely 100% recommend and we will definitely be back.“

“We used to go to the one in Ooltewah, it was our go to place when we was out of ideas, or we wanted cheap food quality Mexican food. This was our first time at the one in East Ridge and it didn't disappoint! The food was the same super quality as we know it from Ooltewah and the service was the same great service. We will be back again and again.! You guys Rock!!!!“

“Without a doubt the best food I've eaten, it gave me a new perspective. Food prior to this was an insult to cuisine, perfectly seasoned, smoked and prepared. Phenomenal service, balanced craft cocktails and indescribablely good food. The fact that this hidden gem doesn't have a Michelin star is unbelievable. As someone with celiac disease, this was an entirely safe, comforting restaurant that made me truly feel that Gluten free food can be not just edible, but true artistry.“

“Whenever it’s Monday I get bummed out because the Taqueria on Rossville is closed. And then I remember Taqueria at the Plaza! I cannot got enough of this amazing food. Born and raised in San Diego CA it’s difficult to find authentic Mexican food. Look no further. The breakfast burritos are on point, as are all their staples from the traditional lunch menu. Everything odd always fresh and the service is quick and friendly.“

“this place is wonderful! all of the tacos we tried were delicious. the service is amazing. I highly recommend!“

“We had a great server he was nice and kind ask for Austin great and clean place to eat“

“Nachos El Meson, my favorite. The owners are so nice! Love it here.“

“My wife and I went there for a late lunch and enjoyed the food very much. The service was friendly and the prices were reasonable. You will not go wrong if you try this place, if you like good Mexican Food.“

“My sons and I came here in pursuit of Mexican food as good as what we ate when we lived in Austin, TX. It was amazing! My boys absolutely loved their beans and rice! The tortillas on their bean burritos were tender and slightly crispy on the outside. Their sauces were incredible! I had three tacos, all of which contained beautifully complex and incredible flavors. We highly recommend!“

“Absolutely love Taqueria Alba! The only reason I’m writing this is because the burrito was too good to keep to myself today 🥲“

“Best Tacos in GA. Fast service, Nice customer service. Totally recommended 🌮🔥👌👨‍🍳“

“had the Carne Asada taco with limes and green sauce. Out of this world. Cooked to order. Could eat my weight in them.“

“We love this place!! We come very often. The food is absolutely delicious. The staff is outstanding. Definitely recommend.“

“Always amazing serve and variety of food selection. El Pastor tacos were very authentic. Tony is amazing along with his staff. Great drinks! Clean and able to accommodate our party of twenty inside. Spacious and outside deck is wonderful in the warmer months. We visited in November 2024. So good!!“

“Awesome as always! Maria and Tito are the ultimate hosts. They’re from Jalisco province...so this is authentic food. Tequila comes from there about too. Enjoy it all....“

“When you only get 3 items and your burrito is the same size as your palm. $12.29 is crap. I’ve never got one this tiny before!“

“Amazing tacos!! Everything on the menu is good overall!!“

“Excellent food and service. We were in Chattanooga and stopped in mid afternoon. I had the Birria Tacos and a side order of their Mexican street corn. My husband had chicken fajitas and we shared their house fresh guacamole. Big portions. Everything was SO tasty! Service was good. The restaurant was bright, festive, clean and welcoming. We would absolutely recommend and come back.“

“awesome tacos love the Lengua tacos so tender“

“They have the game on, decent Mexican food for Tennessee, heated bathrooms, so nice.“

“Great food and service tried something different was not disappointed“

“I never write reviews, but I am so enamored by El Jinete that I’m making an exception! I highly recommend this restaurant, which is in the old O’Charley’s on Hixson Pike. I might not call it authentic Mexican food, per se, but the quality is amazing! Their health department cleanliness scores were 100, the AC was rocking, and the staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I am a margarita snob, and theirs are very good. My husband is a tough audience, but he was happy with the fajitas. My kids (being kids) were thrilled with the queso. I’m also a tortilla chip snob, and theirs are very good. Personally, I’m in LOVE with the Hawaiian burrito (again, not fully authentic, but that’s what I like about it: a good mix of traditional and new takes on old favorites). They are not stingy with the meat (steak, chicken, and shrimp), and the shrimp isn’t the gross kind with the veins still included. The presentation is also lovely — I wish I could include a picture with this review, but it is clear they take great pride in their establishment, their food, and taking care of their guests. My family has been twice now, so I feel I can confidently say our experiences were not just a fluke and this is a consistently solid addition to the Chattanooga restaurant scape. Again, highly recommend!“

“Hands down the most fantastic meal I have had ALL YEAR; how did I not know about this gem before?! Come for the pupusas- stay for the world’s most amazing guacamole, some magical mango hot sauce, empanadas, and the PACOS!!!! Five star food, and service. Seriously, come eat, ASAP. Tell your friends.“

“Food is the best! The quesadillas hit different. My favorite lunch spot no cap.“

“I finally made a lunch stop today and I’m so glad I did! The tacos were awesome and the price was incredibly fair at $2 per taco (tax included). I loved them, my dog was incredibly jealous!“

“5 star. Amazing food and great service!“

“Best taco truck East of Texas.“

“i got the loaded fries with carne AL pastor , very DELISH!! 😋😋“

“Delicious Mexican cuisine! Great atmosphere in such on open setting. Bar area is perfect & outside seating is plentiful This is my favorite Mexican restaurant“

“Made accommodations for my vegetarian needs! Food was amazing!“

“Hands down our favorite Mexican restaurant in Chattanooga. Never disappoints! Can’t go wrong with the enchiladas verdes. Ask for Carlos and order a fiestarona with a large cheese dip.“

“Delicious food, extensive cocktail menu, excellent service! The covered patio is dog friendly!“

“Very authentic and everything is fresh and made daily and to order. The salsa's were amazing and went well with the tacos. Tortillas are hand pressed for each order. Highly recommend anyone that wants real Mexican food to give it a try.“

“Me gustaría trabajar en esa taqueria“

“Prices are very decent for the serving and the service is quick and on point. In and out in just minutes. I'll be back for sure.“

“Had a great dinner with my mom! The waitress was really sweet and the food was good👍🏻“

“I ❤️ their food! It’s healthy and sooo good!“