From Tex-Mex and more authentic Mexican food to unique twists on classic favorites, there’s no shortage of Chattanooga Mexican restaurants to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a taco, cheese dip, or a margarita (or two!), check out some of the most popular options in the Scenic City.
La Altena
Location: 314 W Main St., Chattanooga, TN
Located on Main Street, La Altena is a local favorite for Mexican food. This family-owned restaurant offers authentic home-style Mexican food, featuring classic favorites, like burritos, quesadillas, house specials, and more. With great prices, service, and food, this location keeps locals coming back for more.
Taqueria Jalisco Ania
Locations: 1639 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga, TN;
850 Market St. Chattanooga, TN
Located on Rossville Avenue in Southside and on Market Street downtown, Taqueria Jalisco Ania is another popular Mexican restaurant in Chattanooga. With small and large plates, tacos, tortas, and more, Taqueria Jalisco has a wide range of mouth-watering eats to choose from. If you’re looking for a drink, check out their drink menu, offering craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina
Location: 2 Cherokee Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN
Located on the north side of the river, Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina opened in 2020 and has been feeding Chattanoogans authentic food ever since. With made-from-scratch food and craft cocktails, this eatery is sure to delight. Whether you need a quick lunch break or a romantic dinner date, this is a location you won’t want to skip.
Tacos el Cuñao
Location: 5813 Lee Hwy, Ste. 4, Chattanooga, TN
For more authentic Mexican cuisine, check out Tacos el Cuñao off of Lee Highway. With the slogan, “siempre imitado, jamás igualado,” or “always imitated, never equaled,” this local eatery boasts some of the highest-quality tacos in town. Make sure to stop by on Taco Tuesday, and don’t forget to grab a churro or agua fresca while you’re there.
La Santa
Location: 551 River St., Chattanooga, TN
On the outskirts of Coolidge Park, one can find La Santa, offering Mexican food and drinks for guests to enjoy. With fan favorites such as shredded beef tacos, nachos poblanos, and carnitas, La Santa is a great spot to grab some yummy Tex-Mex dishes while receiving excellent service. And don’t forget to check out their happy hour and brunch specials, too!
Don Juan Taqueria Mexicana
Location: 6016 Ringgold Rd, East Ridge, TN
Located in East Ridge, Tennessee, Don Juan Taqueria Mexicana is another popular stop for more authentic Mexican cuisine. With popular dishes like pastor tacos, barbacoa, and steak burritos, this restaurant offers quality food and speedy service. Don’t forget to try out their tortas and menudo, a traditional Mexican soup.
Amigos Mexican Cocina
Locations: 1906 Dayton Blvd, Red Bank, TN; 3812 Tennessee Ave, Chattanooga, TN;
501 McFarland Ave, Rossville, GA;
6830 Flamingo Ln, Harrison, TN
With four different locations across the Chattanooga area, including Red Bank, St. Elmo, Rossville, and Harrison, Amigos Mexican Cocina is a popular stop for locals. With classic favorites like street tacos, fajitas, and every kind of nacho or burrito imaginable, you’re bound to leave satisfied. Make sure to stop by on Mondays when you can grab hardshell tacos (either bean or ground beef) for only $1 each!
Mexiville
Locations: 809 Market St., Chattanooga, TN; 103 Cherokee Blvd, Suite C, Chattanooga, TN
Mexiville has two locations: one downtown, opened in 2014, and one in Northshore, opened in 2018, for tourists and locals to enjoy. With daily specials, as well as trivia on Friday, karaoke on Saturday, and Salsa dancing on Sunday, Mexiville serves up good eats and good times for its guests. Don’t forget to check out their happy hour from 2 to 8 p.m. or brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Fiesta Mexicana
Location: 4021 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN
Located directly off of Hixson Pike, Fiesta Mexicana has been serving great food for 20 years. Originally starting in Alabama, the restaurant now has 12 locations across Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Known most for their margaritas and cheese dip, Fiesta Mexicana is dedicated to “exceptional service and high quality food at a reasonable price.”
Taco Mamacita
Locations: 109 North Market St., Chattanooga, TN;
2031 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN
This isn’t your typical Mexican restaurant, but Taco Mamacita does serve mouth-watering eats. According to the restaurant, Taco Mamacita “is a ‘Fresh-Mex’ restaurant specializing in funky-fusion tacos.” Try their shrimp po’boy BLT, loaded gyro, or hot chicken tacos to get a taste of their unique menu. Check out their locations in Northshore, Hamilton Place, and Nashville, if you feel like a drive.
Taconooga
Location: 207 A Frazier Ave., Chattanooga, TN
For more authentic tacos, check out Taconooga on Frazier Avenue in Northshore. Try out their specialty tacos, like the grilled cactus taco, el gringo taco, and taco huevon (topped with fried egg). For those who aren’t into tacos, the restaurant also offers nachos and other plates.
Las Margaritas
Location: 1101 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN
Located off Hixson Pike in the middle of Northshore, Las Margaritas is a staple Mexican restaurant in Chattanooga. This family-run restaurant has its own parking lot, plenty of seating, and a roof-top patio for dining al fresco. With classic entrees and friendly service, this is an excellent choice for your next dinner out.
Fonda San Jose
Location: 401 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN
Another Mexican restaurant option downtown, located off of Market Street, is Fonda San Jose. Fonda San Jose’s mission is to “express the Mexican culture through cooking,” which they accomplish by using fresh, all-natural ingredients throughout their expansive menu. While a great option for an intimate dinner out, Fonda San Jose also offers private parties and event catering.
