Some have tried to call it a ‘scruffy little city’ before, but Knoxville is actually a hidden gem. The Mexican restaurants in Knoxville can be your go-to spots on taco-craving Tuesday nights and margarita breaks. Once in a while, we all need to take a break from the popular meal menu, no matter how delicious it could be! To cater to all kinds of palates, it’s best to save one weekday for tacos and fajitas. Cheesy decor, an efficient service culture, and unforgettable cuisine? This list sums it up! Look for the worthwhile Happy Hour deals, weekday taco specials, and the best salsas to complete your tacos. Find out about the best Mexican restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee.
1. La Esperanza
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Don’t be fooled by this simple and common Mexican joint. The huge servings they give might just surprise you! La Esperanza is known for quick and efficient service even on the crowded days. If you’re new, the Al Pastor Torta could be a good start! The chorizo tacos, shrimp tacos, carne asada, veggie fajitas are the most popular items on their menu.
La Esperanza
Address: 2412 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917
Website: La Esperanza
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 11pm
2. Rosarito's Mexican Cantina
We are ROCKING THE HOUSE KNOXVILLE! It's still early come see us for Fresh food, Friendly service and Great prices! $2.99 Margaritas all weekend!
Posted by Rosarito's Mexican Cantina on Friday, 15 January 2016
What used to be just an idea back in Jalisco is now an established Mexican joint in Knoxville! Rosarita’s offers everyone a generous space and comfortable ambiance to enjoy homemade Mexican cuisine. Their specialties include their homemade tacos al carbon, shrimp tacos, and Mexican lasagna.
Rosarito's Mexican Cantina
Address: 210 Lovell Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934
Website: Rosarito’s Mexican Cantina Official Site
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
3. Mexico Lindo
Mexico Lindo may look cute and small inside with bright lights and colorful booths by the wall, but their overly generous portions will leave no space in your stomach. Regular diners love this family-owned business for their topnotch staff service and the bowl of chips that never gets emptied! Order the burritos, chimichangas or the three tamales supreme deal for a memorable dining experience.
Mexico Lindo
Address: 462 N Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923
Website: Mexico Lindo Facebook Page
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9:30pm (closed on Sat)
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4. Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant
eeny, meeny, miny, moe; which dip are you choosing? ?:@jennkpop
Posted by Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant on Thursday, 9 May 2019
Dining at Abuelo’s gives you an elegant and upscale Tex-Mex experience! They offer made-from-scratch dishes with recipes handed down through the family. These plates are now being served in several Abuelo’s restaurants across 13 states. They have a daily Happy Hour from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant
Address: 11299 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934
Website: Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant Official Site
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
5. Habaneros Mexican Grill
Posted by Habaneros Mexican Grill on Monday, 4 June 2018
Habaneros is a neighborhood treasure in Asheville. This Mexican joint looks inviting with themed decor, sparkling clean atmosphere, and a bustling ambiance that’s never too crowded. For an added bonus, check their menu to see their affordable prices. Sip on their frozen margaritas while you decide what to order from their extensive menu. If you’re near the area, know that Habaneros also has a place at Greenway Drive!
Habaneros Mexican Grill
Address: 4704 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914
Website: Habaneros Mexican Grill Facebook Page
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10:30pm; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
6. El Charro Mexican Restaurant
Posted by El Charro Mexican Restaurant on Monday, 29 November 2010
Looking for steak or seafood fajitas? El Charro offers various specials each weekday and an all-you-can-eat buffet that we all deserve on a weekend break. Catch their daily offers and get fair prices! It’s the perfect place for strong margarita Mondays that won’t hurt your wallet. The service is fast and the staff friendly. Their fajitas are to die for!
El Charro Mexican Restaurant
Address: 3816 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919
Website: El Charro Mexican Restaurant Official Site
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
7. Pelanchos Mexican Grill
Look at all that energy in one bright patio! If great weather permits, there’s nothing more heartwarming than a good meal under bright sunlight. This scene is best combined with their specials - flavor-rich shrimp dip, super nachos, and the Pelancho’s special burrito and enchilada. Pelanchos Mexican Grill is hugely popular, so be sure to make reservations before you visit.
Pelanchos Mexican Grill
Address: 1516 Downtown West Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37919
Website: Pelanchos Mexican Grill Official Site
Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 11am - 9pm; Wed - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
8. Cancun Mexican Restaurant
When you can't decide, sample some of it all.
Posted by Cancun Mexican Restaurant on Saturday, 20 January 2018
Are you celebrating? From traditional recipes to a full alcohol bar, Cancun Mexican Restaurant caters to the big crowds! Families, friends, and groups celebrating all sorts of occasions are welcome to the family-owned joint. The daily specials vary depending on the day of the week only the food tastes as good as ever. The Quesadilla Grande is a crowd puller!
Cancun Mexican Restaurant
Address: 4409 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920
Website: Cancun Mexican Restaurant Official Site
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
9. O! Chulos Grill & Bar
O! Chulos Grill & Bar is the perfect place to get a spicy taco! The spacious grill and bar, lets you enjoy a relaxing dinner night with friends, family and a good amount of beer. Don’t miss out on the strong margarita while you enjoy live music. Sundays are extra special as kids eat free.
O! Chulos Grill & Bar
Address: 9411 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922
Website: O! Chulos Grill & Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
10. El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
Posted by El Mezcal on Monday, 17 October 2016
El Mezcal serves an exciting and attractive weekday special lineup with burritos, nachos, and enchiladas. Their all-day Happy Hours on Mondays and Tuesdays are a must-catch. Add some exciting whiskey and tequila to that! Take note the restaurant also has a branch in Bearden.
El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
Address: 11110 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934
Website: El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Official Site
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
Trying out tempting Knoxville flavors
Did you find some tempting Mexican joints in Knoxville, you want to visit? We can’t wait for you to try them!
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