50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Knoxville

“Tiffany was the best!! Always refilling our drinks and so accommodating! The front lost our reservation we made the day before on the phone, we had the phone receipt to prove the call but was told we still had to wait which wasn’t awesome but Tiffany really turned our experience around!!“

“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.“

“It was our first time at Caza Brava and it definitely exceeded expectations. The server, Jorge, was amazing. They were so friendly and checked in on us several times. We also mentioned it was our first time there and they made sure we felt welcome. They even brought us some wings to try on the house and they were delicious. We also met the manager or owner, I’m not sure, and they were also amazingly friendly and nice. The food was very good. I had the Mexicano Bowl and it was great. The highlight for me was the tres leches cake, it was the fluffiest cake ever. Our cake portion (picture) was small but it was because I specifically asked for a small piece. I am very excited to come back and bring friends! They also have a great outdoor area that has heaters in the winter, and an area outside for music.“

“My boyfriend and I were looking for good restaurants near our hotel and decided to try this place out. I'm so glad we did. Our server was super friendly and attentive, as was the other staff we interacted with.As for the food and drinks - the margaritas were very good and easy to sip on. The salsa had actual chunks of tomato in it and was actually spicy, which I like. I got the carnitas in salsa verde as my entree, and wow, it was just delicious. Perfectly tender, flavorful meat and maybe the best salsa verde I've had at a restaurant.Overall, I would highly recommend this place and I definitely want to eat here again when I'm back in Knoxville!“

“This place is right by my house! My husband and I came shortly after it opened and we have become regulars! The food is great and big portions for the price! Our favorite appetizer is the “Queso Fondido”. We always sit at the bar and we love the staff! Everyone is so welcoming and we enjoy the food!“

“The staff are very friendly and welcoming. I ordered the quesadilla combo and added chicken to my quesadilla. The flavor was amazing. When you take a bite it is evident that they pour love into their food. You can tell that all of the ingredients are fresh. Also, the dining area is very clean. I highly recommend dining here if you enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.“

“My wife and I visited around 3pm ish today. The place was a little smaller than I expected, but it was nice. As for the food.... she had the beef chimichanga with cheese sauce, rice and refried beans. I had a Taco Boy combo with a beef burrito and chile relano both with white sauce as well as refried beans and rice. I also had a cow tongue taco on the side. All of the food was amazing with lots of flavor. I had a tongue taco years ago and have been wanting another. It was great. Going to try a pig stomach taco next time. Wanted to today but was too full. Our server was Chuy. VERY nice and checked on us frequently. I HIGHLY recommend this place. It's now in my Top 3 mexican restaurants that I like.“

“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!!!!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“My husband and I ate here for the first time tonight and we both agreed this is one of the best Mexican restaurants we have ever eaten at. The food was not super greasy like most restaurants are. The service was great and the atmosphere was great too. The restaurant was very clean and well maintained! We will definitely be back to Habaneros. Also, we love supporting local!“

“The food was delicious. Very authentic. I had the taco plate and chose steak as my meat based on the server’s recommendation. Great call! It came out quickly. The serving looked a little small initially but, I was full without finishing the rice and beans. First time here. Won’t be the last.“

“One of the few Mexican restaurants I’ve been too where the food looks like the pictures on the menu if not better. The hot salsa is plenty hot but actually had a good flavor. All the items we ordered were great and the service was friendly and on top of it. A great Mexican restaurant unlike every other Mexican restaurant and definitely worth trying.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“What a great first experience! As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with friendly smiles and lively energy. The service was so polite, attentive, and super fast! We got our food barely five minutes after ordering, and it was delicious! Overall, we had an awesome lunch experience, and we definitely plan on returning in the future.“

“A nice little Mexican neighborhood market with a deli in the back. The salsa was the best I’ve had at any Mexican restaurant and the steak burrito was huge and enough for two full meals. It was also nice to be able to pick up a few essentials that I needed in the market without having to go elsewhere and I was able to pay for those and my meal all at once.“

“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“

“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.“

“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“

“Food was fresh and delicious. The chicken was perfectly season with good heat that was not overbearing at all. The Bahama drink had a good blend of alcohol and mix. Best part was the customer service. I left there to go back to work on campus and left my wallet there on accident. They had it and I tried to give them a reward. The gentleman that was the host did not want anything. Really good people.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“We stopped in on our way through town on a family vacation, everything about the experience was amazing. We had 6 people in the group and the service was top notch, food was some of the best I've ever had, and the owners were around and checked in with all of the customers, it made me feel like it was family.10/10 I would recommend“

“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.“

“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%.“

“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!!“

“Went with a co-worker for lunch. Set right down immediately. Drinks and salsa came pretty quick. Waiter waited a little long to come back and take order but no big deal. The salsa bar was a good perk. Food was pretty good. It is beside a gas station so don't let that fool you. It was actually laid out pretty well. The food did come quick and it was hot and fresh and very flavorful. Would definitely go again.Parking: Wasn't bad when we went but I can see when it's busy being limited or having to park on the other side of the building. It shares a parking lot with a gas station.“

“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.“

“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?“

“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!“

“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.“

“I tell you what even though it looks kinda dingy, the food was freaken amazing!!!!! Worth the wait. And reasonable price too. Now I come from Detroit metro area and we have a Mexican town where you can choose spots to go to and I'll say this them carnitas tacos were some of the most softest most delicious tacos I've ever! Had!! Was highly impressed on the quality of the food. So don't be scared of the crowd in there just mine your bznes and let that food love on you because your gana love it!!“

“This truck has been a favorite of mine for years. Delicious, authentic tacos on corn tortillas. I have never had tacos anywhere else that compare. Owner is super friendly as well. I recommend the chicken and steak tacos with all of the toppings. You will not be disappointed! ¡Gracias por la comida deliciosa!“

“Well done authentic Latino dishes. Very kind and helpful staff. Reasonably priced. However, the facility is dated and small. Bathroom is inconvenient to use. You have to ask for a key and then it is a trek through some winding hallways to find it. The tables are all slanted. But I am happy with the cost savings. I can eat steak fajitas with a fountain drink for under $10 and don't have to tip. This is one of my go to lunch spots due to the quality and price. Can't beat the value.“

“The food is excellent. The staff is even better than the food. We almost always have above average service. And while some of our favorite staff have moved on over the years, they seem to attract great servers. The restaurant is always clean, and the food is top notch. Love the fajitas and love the Tacos de Carne Asada!!!“

“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.“

“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!“

“Great Tex mex staff is always friendly and prompt!! Food always comes out hot and fresh. Me and my buddies love coming here at the bar to watch sports they have big tvs and awesome bartenders! Plus they put the sound on for the games. Highly recommend. Ps. Great happy hour 2-7!“

“Mexican food is one of my favorite go-tos and as I travel around much of the country, I enjoy the different interpretations of the meals by the different immigrants from different parts of Mexico and where they have decided to find a home in the US.Cantina Amigos is definitely one of the better Mexican restaurants I've eaten at.Tonight's choice was Pollo Enchilado with delicious glass of Horchata.The serving size was large and the dish tasted amazing. A large portion of chicken topped with chorizo and shrimp coated and baked with a delicious cheese sauce.I'll definitely come back. The nachos were perfect though the salsa could be spicier.“

“Very very rich! The tacos ? my favorite combo dish ❤️ I added a different meat ? to each one ☺️ super friendly staff, a very fresh and pleasant atmosphere delicious to eat there if you are passing through Knoxville ? I recommend it!“

“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.“

“Wow!!! It's like a drive in for Mexican food! Awesome vibe! The staff are amazing people! The food here is great! They are among my top two places for tacos. We tried the lunch chimi, birria tacos, and al pastor. We tried their Horchata as well. We got all this under $40. The wait for our food was next to nothing and they were so helpful. The salsa roja is my favorite. The also make habanero salsa but haven't had the habaneros in a long time to make it. Their menu is packed with variety and flavor and they are always adding new items! This is great summer spot for the family or a date night with your loved one. It's all take out or to go where you eat in your car like a sonic, but there are booths and tables out side under the shelter or with umbrellas over top. They even have a drive thru option as well. I recommend this for a good time, great eat, and affordable alternative for wonderful grub.“

“Amazing ? Food was tender , flavorful, huge portions compared to other restaurants, beans were different and better than other places . Very accommodating my 1st time and they did not disappoint... And their Margaritas $2.99 was good too.. I will definitely be back..“