17 Best Mexican Restaurants near Gatlinburg

“The restaurant on the second floor is this building, so you need to pass the diner and find an elevator. We been on Monday day time, so we wasn't waiting. Alive music, food so great ,drink too. The waitress nice,polite and helpful. I really wanna come back. Thank you for such a great experience.“

“Food and service is of the highest order. The place is clean, the people are wonderfully friendly, and the food is genuine. It's totally family-oriented. This is the best store in town; I've been living and working in Gatlinburg for 11 years now, and I can say with confidence that Estrella is the best food and people in town!?“

“We found this place in Gatlinburg and loved it. The food was good and the service even better. The decor in the restaurant was very friendly and we'll done. The service here was the best we have had in a long time so we left a large tip. Would highly recommend this place to anyone wanting a great Mexican meal.“

“The food here is good, as good as you can get for a Mexican restaurant. Food presentation was really good as well, seems they take care in their craft. The atmosphere is unique and gives a very southwestern vibe, looks great. The staff was also great, especially our waiter, very very professional (can't remember his name but he is pictured in one of the pictures I posted). He earned every dollar on his tip. Great place, Great experience, and depending where you are sitted.... nice views“

“The food was absolutely amazing! The best meal we had the whole time we visited Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. We both ordered walking tacos and they were delicious. Food tasted very fresh and flavorful. Would definitely go back & recommend to anyone in the area.“

“Great service and atmosphere. Had the salsa flight but would say not that great. The queso was better though. Fully staffed and the employees were very attentive. However, doors are not marked for entrance into the restaurant so depending on which direction you are coming from you might have to go to the front to gain access versus the side door.“

“This is the best food we had while on vacation in the Smokies, as a matter of fact we went back here twice. Don’t hesitate to eat here, everything we ordered was great, way better than the chain restaurants in the tourist hot spots. We are from Chicago where we’ve got plenty of quality Mexican options and I put this couples food right up there with any of them.“

“Cozy mom and pop with quick and friendly service. I had the carne asada and nachos ? Everything was amazing ? I would definitely eat here again the next time I'm in Tennessee. Actually, I want to make another trip to TN JUST to eat here ??“

“This is a favorite of the locals and for good reason. Fast, friendly service and consistently delicious food no matter what you order. Always love coming here knowing we won't have a long wait or mess of crowds. For a great view, try the patio!“

“Service was great when they were present. Lots of chips and salsa……solid margaritas. Slowest food service ever from a Mexican restaurant but food was solid…less one meal served warm “ish”. Food was solid….prices as well. A very disjointing experience…….we would give them another chance though.“

“The Asian girl was great but had me smiling when I first saw her at the register in this Mexican restaurant.Even though they forgot the black beans I was very pleased with my chicken burrito and the family was also happy.The portion sizes put Chipotle to shame and the dozen hot sauces satisfy almost anyone.Parking: In a Food City strip mall so parking was plentiful.“

“The food was average. Not bad, but not awesome . The portion size is great for the price. The service is good and the restaurant was clean. I loved the authentic Mexican music and the atmosphere. The only really negative comnent would be that they do not serve chips with salsa or quest.“

“Absolutely delicious fresh food in the restaurant! I've had their Texas Fajitas 3-times in the last 2-weeks, it's beef, chicken & shrimp with onions & peppers, it is so flavorful. Their grocery section with butcher shop are unique and wonderful. The cold cases hold tasty treasures like flan, tres Leche, sodas, juices and more. Highly recommend this place!“

“Awesome place! Finally found great authentic Mexican food on par with the places we're used to in Chicago! El Eslabon is on the top of our list... we're local and will be here regularly.Tried a sampling of tamales, tacos El pastor, Chile rellenos, enchiladas and the huerache...and of course margaritas! Absolutely delicious! Our server was super nice, attentive and food came out quick. I highly recommend El Eslabon.“

“Excellent food in no frills digs - we got the burrito, tacos, cena hondurena and parmesan hondurena and it would have been enough for 6 or 7 people. Very flavorful and authentic food, served with two excellent homemade salsas. When we went the woman at the front did not speak any English - if you don't know any Spanish don't let it stop you! They have a visual menu and everything is delicious.“

“We were a bit worried with a 4.2 star review, but we tried it anyway. We were pleased with the food! Chips were served warm, salsa was good, and our meals were very good. The restaurant itself is a bit run down and small and the menu was north as large as a lot of Mexican restaurants. Overall, I would definitely eat here again when visiting the area.“

“We went on a Thursday night. It was not crowded at all. Very clean and friendly staff. the Complimentary chips were warm and fresh. Our food came out just as we ordered it, and was very delicious. I was looking forward to a glass of wine, but the server said they were out. One thing I did not like, they added a tip automatically and did not tell us. It was just the 2 of us, I did not think that was necessary. Unless folks in Pigeon Forge are known to be cheap tippers!!! Still, I would go back.“