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.
Chris O.
A great addition to the side of town! It's still fairly new, so I'm hopeful that next time will be a five star experience. First off, the set up is fantastic. Will sit at the bar next time to feel more like date night. There were a ton of families here which is cool that it fulfills the need for a neighborhood family restaurant. Great patio for when the weather warms up. Looks like they have heat lamps available for that area. Wish wish I could remember our servers name because she was a doll. So attentive and friendly. Got the chips, salsa, and queso to start. Very good it was hard to stop. Ordered the jalapeño margarita and it was fine but next time I want to try the flight or the habanero one. Tried the Trio de Carnes (3 meats: chicken, steak and carnitas) - carnitas with the onions were hands down the best. Even better next day. I got the California burrito and it was good but was totally overshadowed by the carnitas. Got a side of esquite (corn) and the chipotle sauce was a bit too spicy. Want to try plantains, birras and empanadas next time. So much potential here. Will try again soon!
Kaylee Dyer
I was excited to try this place. Went Saturday evening around 8:45pm, host said they’re open until 10pm. First thing I notice is no one is eating… other customers are gathered around the bar drinking there may have been a sports game on but thought it was odd no one else had food. The place smelled of some type of cleaner and directly behind where we were sat was a table full of people rolling silverware. I start to get the feeling they have already closed or pre-closed their kitchen. My date tells me it’s fine, so we decide to look at the menu. The food selection is limited and expensive. You’ll be spending atleast $25+/person. More for drinks. We end up sitting at the table for close to 15 minutes and no one has come over to speak to us. Now I notice there are about 10 young servers and hosts gathered at the host stand hanging out. That was it for me I honestly felt like a bother or that we came at an inconvenient time and they did not want us to order food so we left.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Andrew
Amazing food and amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danni Petersen
The food was absolutely incredible. I definitely recommend the street corn. I could order five of those and be happy!! Great service, beautiful area. Will definitely re-visit!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ivette Gibbe-Fields
What a delicious place!!! The food is very authentic which I truly appreciate!! The ceviche is delicious.. the tacos are amazing!!! Definitely will be back!!! ???
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips Salsa, Ceviche
Andy B.
We live nearby, so we were very hopeful that the newly-opened Celestina would join our regular restaurant rotation. Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed. Let's start with the good. Nice interior and decor. A large bar area, so it would seem to be a good place to grab a solo meal or a happy hour. Our waiter, Daniel, was nice and was very eager to please. Sadly, the average-sized margaritas are ~$15 each and were not very tasty at all. We tasted the margarita flight (4 different kinds) and literally none of them were remarkable in any way. Neither were the chips and salsa nor the queso dip - which was quite milky and mostly flavorless. Our friends had the soft tacos and nachos. Their responses were similar - bland and not very good value. All in all, if Celestina adjusts its food quality upward, adds some flavor, and prices their menu items - and especially drinks - down closer to their competition, we might give it another try. Until then, there are MUCH better Mexican food options within just a few miles.
T Dean L.
Cool new place in West Knoxville. Sat at the bar and Service was kind of slow but hey it's a new restaurant. El Presidente margarita and fajitas were both delicious
Niklavee
The staff is wonderful and the food is too. I love the vibe and convenience to my neighborhood. Will definitely be back quite frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deb Presson
My experience at Celestina has been great! We have been 3 times since it opened and every time I got something different on the menu. All of the meals have been so good. Their Presidente margarita is the best so I have not varied from that!
If you're in search of an authentic Mexican dining experience that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you craving more, look no further than Celestina. This is a hidden gem and a haven for foodies seeking traditional flavors and exceptional service. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with warm hospitality. The ambiance effortlessly welcoming with modern flair, setting the stage for an evening with family and friends. Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the burrias. Prepare your palate for a symphony of flavors as you indulge. Each bite is a perfect harmony of tender, slow-cooked meat enveloped in a rich, flavorful broth, all encased in a perfectly toasted tortilla. I can go on and on...
Sand P
Run don't walk to this new establishment. Just had a quick lunch here and the staff was extremely friendly. Since we were just having lunch we just ordered Street Tacos and a Street Quesadilla but the tortillas were homemade and the steak they use was delicious. I opted for street corn as a side and I was not disappointed. While I didn't try them the deserts sounded delicious. I tried the Perfect Margarita they offer and it was so good! they have obviously put some sincere thought and effort into it. I noticed they have several variations and even offer a flight option.I will be back for dinner next time and I'll bring an appetite to try out some of their shareables and something from their main menu as well as their Margarita flight. So happy to have found this place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kailey Shaye Jackson
Came in this past weekend and sat at the bar. Service and food was excellent. Millionaire Margarita was delicious! Will be coming back!
Some of the food was not hot, just like warm. They do not offer extra chips, or drinks, don't check back with you to see if you need anything else.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Toby Cole
Really had high hopes for this restaurant. We sat at the bar which was very crowded upon arrival. Took at least 10 minutes to get a draft beer that was flat and tasted horrible. Later to find out they had ran out of two of the five choices available. Wait staff was milling about the restaurant while the poor bartender could not get anyone to empty the overflowing trash. Much of the time, my beer sat empty on the bar waiting for a refill. It took us reminding the bartender tres times to bring a flight of margaritas. On to the food. Chips and salsa were pedestrian at best, could have gotten better at Publix. Food arrived COLD, no joke, cold to the touch. I had the Cochinita Pibil. The beans and rice were literally cold, the slow roasted pork was cold and hard like it had been sitting on the counter for hours. My wife had the Flautas which was not as described, was supposed to have pickled cabbage and onions but only came with raw cabbage and a tasteless mild salsa. Also supposed to have mashed potatoes in the taquitos but had none. I am not one to ever complain, this is my first time ever leaving a review for a restaurant. Our experience was not good! I want to give them the benefit of the doubt since they just opened but it will be a while before I give this another chance. I will say the restaurant itself was very nice along with the decor.
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.
A great addition to the side of town! It's still fairly new, so I'm hopeful that next time will be a five star experience. First off, the set up is fantastic. Will sit at the bar next time to feel more like date night. There were a ton of families here which is cool that it fulfills the need for a neighborhood family restaurant. Great patio for when the weather warms up. Looks like they have heat lamps available for that area. Wish wish I could remember our servers name because she was a doll. So attentive and friendly. Got the chips, salsa, and queso to start. Very good it was hard to stop. Ordered the jalapeño margarita and it was fine but next time I want to try the flight or the habanero one. Tried the Trio de Carnes (3 meats: chicken, steak and carnitas) - carnitas with the onions were hands down the best. Even better next day. I got the California burrito and it was good but was totally overshadowed by the carnitas. Got a side of esquite (corn) and the chipotle sauce was a bit too spicy. Want to try plantains, birras and empanadas next time. So much potential here. Will try again soon!
I was excited to try this place. Went Saturday evening around 8:45pm, host said they’re open until 10pm. First thing I notice is no one is eating… other customers are gathered around the bar drinking there may have been a sports game on but thought it was odd no one else had food. The place smelled of some type of cleaner and directly behind where we were sat was a table full of people rolling silverware. I start to get the feeling they have already closed or pre-closed their kitchen. My date tells me it’s fine, so we decide to look at the menu. The food selection is limited and expensive. You’ll be spending atleast $25+/person. More for drinks. We end up sitting at the table for close to 15 minutes and no one has come over to speak to us. Now I notice there are about 10 young servers and hosts gathered at the host stand hanging out. That was it for me I honestly felt like a bother or that we came at an inconvenient time and they did not want us to order food so we left.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Amazing food and amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was absolutely incredible. I definitely recommend the street corn. I could order five of those and be happy!! Great service, beautiful area. Will definitely re-visit!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a delicious place!!! The food is very authentic which I truly appreciate!! The ceviche is delicious.. the tacos are amazing!!! Definitely will be back!!! ???
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips Salsa, Ceviche
We live nearby, so we were very hopeful that the newly-opened Celestina would join our regular restaurant rotation. Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed. Let's start with the good. Nice interior and decor. A large bar area, so it would seem to be a good place to grab a solo meal or a happy hour. Our waiter, Daniel, was nice and was very eager to please. Sadly, the average-sized margaritas are ~$15 each and were not very tasty at all. We tasted the margarita flight (4 different kinds) and literally none of them were remarkable in any way. Neither were the chips and salsa nor the queso dip - which was quite milky and mostly flavorless. Our friends had the soft tacos and nachos. Their responses were similar - bland and not very good value. All in all, if Celestina adjusts its food quality upward, adds some flavor, and prices their menu items - and especially drinks - down closer to their competition, we might give it another try. Until then, there are MUCH better Mexican food options within just a few miles.
Cool new place in West Knoxville. Sat at the bar and Service was kind of slow but hey it's a new restaurant. El Presidente margarita and fajitas were both delicious
The staff is wonderful and the food is too. I love the vibe and convenience to my neighborhood. Will definitely be back quite frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My experience at Celestina has been great! We have been 3 times since it opened and every time I got something different on the menu. All of the meals have been so good. Their Presidente margarita is the best so I have not varied from that!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
If you're in search of an authentic Mexican dining experience that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you craving more, look no further than Celestina. This is a hidden gem and a haven for foodies seeking traditional flavors and exceptional service. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with warm hospitality. The ambiance effortlessly welcoming with modern flair, setting the stage for an evening with family and friends. Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the burrias. Prepare your palate for a symphony of flavors as you indulge. Each bite is a perfect harmony of tender, slow-cooked meat enveloped in a rich, flavorful broth, all encased in a perfectly toasted tortilla. I can go on and on...
Run don't walk to this new establishment. Just had a quick lunch here and the staff was extremely friendly. Since we were just having lunch we just ordered Street Tacos and a Street Quesadilla but the tortillas were homemade and the steak they use was delicious. I opted for street corn as a side and I was not disappointed. While I didn't try them the deserts sounded delicious. I tried the Perfect Margarita they offer and it was so good! they have obviously put some sincere thought and effort into it. I noticed they have several variations and even offer a flight option.I will be back for dinner next time and I'll bring an appetite to try out some of their shareables and something from their main menu as well as their Margarita flight. So happy to have found this place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came in this past weekend and sat at the bar. Service and food was excellent. Millionaire Margarita was delicious! Will be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips Salsa, Enchiladas Verdes, Margarita Flight
Some of the food was not hot, just like warm. They do not offer extra chips, or drinks, don't check back with you to see if you need anything else.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Really had high hopes for this restaurant. We sat at the bar which was very crowded upon arrival. Took at least 10 minutes to get a draft beer that was flat and tasted horrible. Later to find out they had ran out of two of the five choices available. Wait staff was milling about the restaurant while the poor bartender could not get anyone to empty the overflowing trash. Much of the time, my beer sat empty on the bar waiting for a refill. It took us reminding the bartender tres times to bring a flight of margaritas. On to the food. Chips and salsa were pedestrian at best, could have gotten better at Publix. Food arrived COLD, no joke, cold to the touch. I had the Cochinita Pibil. The beans and rice were literally cold, the slow roasted pork was cold and hard like it had been sitting on the counter for hours. My wife had the Flautas which was not as described, was supposed to have pickled cabbage and onions but only came with raw cabbage and a tasteless mild salsa. Also supposed to have mashed potatoes in the taquitos but had none. I am not one to ever complain, this is my first time ever leaving a review for a restaurant. Our experience was not good! I want to give them the benefit of the doubt since they just opened but it will be a while before I give this another chance. I will say the restaurant itself was very nice along with the decor.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Margarita Flight