Chattanooga’s vibrant taco scene is a tapestry of flavors and traditions. From bustling food trucks serving up authentic street-style tacos to cozy taquerias offering innovative fusion creations, Chattanooga’s taco spots are a testament to the city’s love affair with this beloved dish. This guide highlights the top taco spots in the city.
In a nation crazy about tacos, every city boasts its champions. Chattanooga, a melting pot of flavors and traditions, is a prime example. From humble food trucks to bustling taquerías, the search for the city’s best tacos is also a journey through its neighborhoods and a glimpse into the soul of its vibrant community. Join us as we explore the delicious tortillas and perfectly seasoned meats of Chattanooga’s top taco spots
Taqueria Jalisco 2 ( Miller Plaza)
9.4/10 (194 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-362-8056
Delicious flavorsCozy ambianceAuthentic Mexican décor
Hidden away at Miller Plaza, Taqueria Jalisco 2 offers delicious Mexican cuisine in a cozy setting with limited seating. The fajita quesadilla special and pineapple aqua fresca are standout items on the menu, bursting with flavor. The traditional Mexican décor adds to the authentic dining experience at this gem of a spot.
Tacos El Tote (Food Truck)
9.8/10 (124 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-834-4295
Quality BirriaGenerous portion sizesFriendly service
Tacos El Tote is a gem tucked away in St. Elmo, serving up quality Birria and the best street corn around. The food is flavorful and satisfying, with the veggie burrito bowl and chicken burrito bowl receiving high praise for their delicious ingredients. The service is friendly and welcoming, with the staff ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The portion sizes are generous, providing great value for the price. The option to substitute corn tortillas for flour makes it an inclusive choice for gluten-free diners. The only minor drawback seems to be the tight location, but the fantastic food more than makes up for it.
Taqueria Jalisco Ania
9.2/10 (1412 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-541-4410
Carnitas street tacosQueso fondidoAmbiance
Taqueria Jalisco Ania in Chattanooga offers a sleek and cool vibe with a modern atmosphere. The food leaves something to be desired, with prices leaning on the higher side. While some dishes like the carnitas street tacos and queso fondido shine in flavor and presentation, others like the alambre tacos and enchiladas mole fall flat in taste. The specialty cocktails are beautifully crafted but may not be to everyone’s liking. Overall, the restaurant provides a decent experience with good service and ambiance, but the food may not be worth the hype it receives. With a mix of hits and misses, Taqueria Jalisco Ania remains an average dining experience with room for improvement.
Agave & Rye Chattanooga
9/10 (1831 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-475-6403
Generous portionsVibrant atmosphereDelicious tacos
Agave & Rye Chattanooga is a must-visit taco spot in downtown; the tacos shine, portions are generous, and the overall atmosphere is vibrant and unique. The menu offers a variety of delicious tacos, each bursting with flavor and made with care. Prices are reasonable, and the service is top-notch. The restaurant itself is a feast for the eyes, with beautiful art and décor that adds to the overall dining experience.
Taco Town
9.2/10 (522 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-870-0909
Flavorful quesabirriaOutstanding al pastorSuper-sweet servers
Taco Town surprises with fantastic quesabirria, pan-fried tortilla bursting with meat and cheese, and rich consomme dip. Best Mexican spot in town. Despite a few hiccups like confusing menu pricing, the outstanding al pastor, suadero, and barbacoa tacos, along with delicious verde hot sauce, make up for it. Super-sweet servers provide helpful and polite service, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina
9/10 (619 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-541-6000
Flavorful dishesFantastic drinksRelaxing ambiance
Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina is a standout spot in Chattanooga for those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine and flavorful drinks done right. The El Hipster and sangria were highlights for my wife and me, as were the shrimp tacos and burrito loco. The bean dip and churros were also delightful additions to our meal. The service was top-notch, and the relaxed yet fun ambiance made for a perfect dining experience. A must-visit for Mexican food lovers!
Taqueria Azteca
9/10 (104 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-541-6685
AuthenticFreshHomemade
Taqueria Azteca is a gem in the neighborhood, serving up truly authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. The menu offers a wide variety of options, from street tacos to enchiladas to tamales, all made to order and cooked with care. The flavors are rich and the ingredients are high quality, truly capturing the essence of traditional Mexican fare. The salsas are homemade and bursting with flavor, adding the perfect touch to each dish. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with Mexican music setting the mood for an enjoyable dining experience. It’s clear that Taqueria Azteca takes pride in providing top-notch, genuine Mexican food.
Mayan Kitchen
9/10 (2634 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-682-7835
Phenomenal fish tacosAttentive and friendly staffRelaxed upscale ambiance
The Mayan Kitchen in Chattanooga stands out as a refreshing change from the typical meat-focused eateries in the city. The ambiance is upscale but relaxed, offering an enjoyable dining experience on a quiet Sunday. The fish tacos are truly phenomenal and the food overall is great. The staff is attentive and friendly, making it a place worth revisiting.
La Altena
9/10 (704 reviews)
| Directions | +1 423-266-7595
Fresh guacamoleJumbo shrimpStrong margaritas
La Altena is a neighborhood destination known for its delicious, authentic Mexican food. The guacamole is fresh and creamy, the Bistec steak dish is a must-try, and the shrimp fajita taco salad is loaded with jumbo-sized shrimp. The staff is always kind and attentive, making it the perfect spot for a date night. With strong margaritas, affordable prices, and the best spicy salsa in town, La Altena is a definite must-visit for anyone craving great Mexican cuisine.
Taqueria Alba
9.2/10 (65 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-633-5831
Authentic Guatemalan street foodHomemade tortillasFriendly staff
Taqueria Alba offers a true taste of Guatemala through their delicious offerings, from exceptional pupusas to mouthwatering tacos with traditional fillings like chicharrón. The authenticity and care put into each dish is evident, allowing you to taste the love in every bite. The staff is friendly and eager to share their culinary heritage with you, making for a genuine taste of Guatemala on the go. The homemade tortillas are a standout, adding to the overall experience of enjoying multiple dishes at reasonable prices. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Taqueria Alba is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
El Agave Mexican Restaurant
9/10 (272 reviews)
| Directions | +1 423-702-5882
Generous portion sizesFlavorful MolcajeteFriendly staff
El Agave Mexican Restaurant is a popular spot in Chattanooga known for its midweek margarita specials and flavorful Molcajete dish packed with a variety of meats and veggies. The street tacos and birria are also highly recommended by patrons. The atmosphere is fun, the service is efficient, and the food is consistently quick, hot, and tasty. Customers enjoy the generous portion sizes and the friendly staff. Overall, El Agave is a top choice for Mexican cuisine in the area.
El Taxqueno
9.4/10 (264 reviews)
| Directions | +1 423-541-7588
Authentic flavorsWide menuExcellent service
Conga Latin Food
9.4/10 (913 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 423-201-4806
Flavorful foodFast serviceDelicious pupusas
Conga Latin Food offers delicious Latin cuisine, with highlights like the flavorful and homemade tasting food and fast, friendly service. The cebiche with white fish was fresh and citrusy, perfect for sharing with ample chips. The classic pupusa with cheese, beans, and pulled pork was one of the best ever tasted, showcasing the authentic flavors of El Salvador. The mango salsa was a hit, and even the habanero sauce wasn’t too spicy. Whether you’re a Latin food enthusiast or new to the cuisine, Conga Latin Food is a must-try spot with excellent value and welcoming staff.