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!“

“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“

“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....“

“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!!!!“

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

“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.“

“awesome tacos love the Lengua tacos so tender“

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

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

“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.“

“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.“

“I come here every year when I visit Chattanooga. Great restaurant with authentic mexican food. The South of Chattanooga offers a variaty of restaurants and this one is amongst my top favorites. The corn from the cob is really special and also ordered the shrimp taco’s served with rice and refried beans. Excellent spicy margaritha. Friendly staff and great atmosphere. Could highly recommend.“

“My husband and I grab lunch here as often as his job allows him in the area. They're always quick, fresh, and affordable! You can spend 13 dollars on a burger and fry or you can come here and get fresh food and too much of it plus a drink in a hurry.“

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

“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.“

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

“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....“

“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.“

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

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

“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!“

“Best taco truck East of Texas.“

“We had an opportunity to host a Launch party for my memoir, Vestiges of Light, at Las Margarita's aka Las Mas on Hixson Pike. They outdid themselves for our party and we could not have asked for better food or service! Georgina and the staff there are over the top wonderful and so accommodating. They portioned off a part of the restaurant just for our group. The empanadas with sauces were delicious! Thank you so much for helping make our book launch party a success!“

“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!“

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

“5 star. Amazing food and great service!“

“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.“

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

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

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

“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!“

“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!“

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

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

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

“Me gustaría trabajar en esa taqueria“

“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.“

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

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

“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.“

“Muchas Grasias por mi nueva troca Carlos Rangel“

“Excelente sabor y muy buena atención.“

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

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

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