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If you’re looking for the best Mexican food in Chattanooga, we’ve got you covered in this article. We’ve used personal experience plus checked rankings on Google and other sources, to come up with the 6 best Mexican restaurants in Chattanooga – not just some arbitrary list of all the restaurants in the area!

We looked for delicious food, great prices, good service with friendly staff and a great atmosphere to come up with our list.

To be fair, there are other great Mexican places in the city, many with more than a 4.5 Google Ranking, but it’s impossible to list them all here as Chattanooga has so many fabulous options. These are our favorites.

So, what are the best Mexican restaurants in the Chattanooga area? Let’s take a look!

best mexican restaurants in chattanooga tn, lady making street tacos

Taqueria Jalisco

With a light, airy and contemporary atmosphere, Taqueria has built a strong following since their food truck days. Their popularity stems from fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine and is great for families, groups and date nights.

On the Menu: Mexican Street Tacos, Grilled Chicken Burritos, Sincronisada, Hawaiiana Torta, Milanesa Torta, Fajita Burrito, Flautas, plus other regular Mexican restaurant menu items.

Our Recommendations: This place really does have authentic Mexican food (we’ve been to Mexico and really loved the food there – this place is the best!). Their street tacos are out of this world, plus we love the flautas. Really, you can’t go wrong here.

Google Ranking: 4.7 with 1.1k Google Reviews

Location: 1639 Rossville Ave. and they have a second location at 850 Market St. but we haven’t tried that one

Learn more about Taqueria Jalisco here

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Molcajete Mexican Restaurant

Molcajete uses fresh, authentic ingredients creating the flavors of Mexico. It has a comfortable atmosphere for families, date nights, and groups too.

On the Menu: Fish Tacos, Guacamole De La Casa, Queso Fundido, Nachos Guanajuato, Milanesa de Steak, Pollo a la Parrilla, Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, Enchiladas Suizas, Chimichanga Shrimp, plus all your traditional Mexican restaurant menu items. Also, for the niños, Taco with Rice & Beans, Burrito with Rice & Beans, or a Mini Taco Salad.

Our Recommendations: I am a huge fan of the fish tacos, and my hubs loves the burritos.

Google Ranking: 4.4 with 878 Google Reviews

Location: 6231 Perimeter Dr., Ste 127

Learn more about Molcajete Mexican here

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Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina

Mezcla is a Mexican kitchen & bar with a fresh take on Mexican cuisine and cocktails in a unique and funky environment. Located on the vibrant Northshore of Chattanooga, this restaurant features made-from-scratch food and drink served in a unique and fun atmosphere great for an exciting evening both for families, groups and date nights. Additionally, Mezcla often hosts special events.

On the Menu: Fiesta Dip, Birria Tacos, Churros, Chicken Fajitas, Fajita Quesadilla Steak, Chicken Tinga Nachos w/ Fresh Jalapeno, Tamales Verde, plus the regular Mexican restaurant menu items.

Our Recommendations: Definitely try their birria tacos and fajitas!

Google Ranking: 4.4 with 372 Google Reviews

Location: 2 Cherokee Blvd

Learn more about Mexcla Cocina y Cantina here

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Taco Mamacita Northshore

Taco Mamacita is a “Fresh-Mex” restaurant specializing in funky-fusion tacos, enchiladas, Peruvian chicken, fresh made guacamole and amazing margaritas! Super fresh and totally tasty in a fun laid back setting. Vegan and Gluten-free options.

On the Menu: Korean BBQ Taco, General Homeboy Taco, Sloppy Joe Taco, Shrimp Po’Boy BLT Taco, Appetizer Sampler, Nacho Mama, Memphis Nachos, Grande Chopped Salad, Tinga Tostada, Roasted Peruvian Chicken Dinner, along with other traditional Mexican restaurant menu items.

Our Recommendations: We really love their tacos, especially the Korean BBQ and the Sloppy Joe!

Google Ranking: 4.4 with over 3k Google Reviews

Location: 109 N Market St.

Learn more about Taco Mamacita Northshore here

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Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant

Beautiful old Mexican decor, Abuelo’s originated in Amarillo to serve authentic tastes of Mexico as well as experience its art and culture for a memorable experience.

On the Menu: Durango Burrito, Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Shrimp, Green Chile Quesadilla, Reynosa Salad, Mi Abuelo’s Manjar, Enchilada Platters, Fabulous Fajitas, Yucatan Barbeque Shrimp, Pork Tenderloin Abrigada plus traditional Mexican restaurant menu items.

They also have a wonderful selection for the niños with Grilled Chicken Breast, Crispy Beef Taco, Bean & Cheese Burrito and Cheese Nachos, all served with a drink and rice and beans or fries.

Our Recommendations: Our kids love this place! It really has excellent kid’s meals and I love the barbeque shrimp while my husband loves the pork tenderloin abrigada.

Google Ranking: 4.4 with over 1.3k Google Reviews

Location: 2102 Hamilton Place Blvd.

Learn more about Abuelo’s Mexican here

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Chuy’s

Chuy’s originated in Austin, Texas and its popularity has expanded across the US. Chuy’s has a fun atmosphere complete with quirky decorations – even an Elvis room- making it great for families, groups and parties!

We have several of these in the Nashville area, too, and find their food is consistenly good no matter which location we dine at, whether a Nashville location, Chattanooga or anywhere we find a Chuy’s.

On the Menu: Fun items such as Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom Enchiladas, Steak Burrito, Panchos, Mex-Cobb Salad, Combo Fajitas, “Big As Yo’ Face” Burritos, Chuychanga. For the niños you can get Mini Bean & Cheese Burrito, Cheeseburger, Cheese Quesadillas – all with free dessert!

Our Recommendations: We love the combo meals here, and that the tortillas are made in-house. The chips are really crispy and delicious, too.

Google Ranking: 4.3 with 2.1k Google Reviews

Location: 2271 Gunbarrel Rd.

Learn more about Chuy’s here

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Here are some other highly rated Chattanooga restaurants:

Dos Bros

El Meson Restaurante Mexicano

Fiesta Mexicana

Taco Town

Las Margaritas

La Altena

Tips for Choosing the Best Mexican Restaurant for Your Family

When choosing a Mexican restaurant for your family, it is important to consider the following:

  • The menu options – be sure to find a place that has something for everyone in your family, including picky eaters, from those who want Mexican classics to those who want something unique, like a Caribbean jerk taco or a burrito with chipotle cream sauce.
  • The atmosphere – you want somewhere that is lively and fun, but not too loud or rowdy.
  • The location – it should be convenient for you and your family to get to.
  • The price – find a place that is affordable for your family.
  • Kid’s offerings – if you have kids, what’s on the menu for them? Luckily, Mexican restaurants usually offer great kid’s meals, which is important to us since we have four kids!

We hope this list of the best Mexican restaurants in Chattanooga will help you find the perfect place for your next meal!

Related: Best Ice Cream in Chattanooga

Final Thoughts on the best Mexican restaurants in Chattanooga TN

If you’re looking for a great Mexican meal, Chattanooga has no shortage of amazing restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, or simply the best food possible, we’ve got you covered with this list of favorite Mexican restaurant places in the area.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start sampling some of Chattanooga’s best Mexican cuisine, from the ones on this list to other highly rated places!

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