Best Tacos in Chattanooga
Tacos are God’s gift to the culinary world. They’re perfect for any meal of the day, any day of the week. Chattanooga is blessed with many amazing places to enjoy tacos. Today, let’s explore some of the best places to eat tacos in Chattanooga.
One of my favorite questions I get from tourists and visitors is, “Where should we eat while in Chattanooga?” It’s a loaded question, because there are so many options, depending on their preferences, dietary restrictions, and favorite cuisines. But I always make a point to recommend at least one place to eat good tacos in Chattanooga.
Although life is a bit different right now and we can’t exactly dine at these restaurants like normal, many of them are still open for takeout so you can enjoy their food at home. My boyfriend and I try to do takeout once a week to support local business, and several of these places are in our regular rotation. Can you guess which ones?
Here are my favorite places to eat tacos in Chattanooga!
You’ve got plenty of options.
Taqueria Jalisco // I don’t usually like playing favorites, but Taqueria definitely ranks in my top places for tacos in Chattanooga. And in my top favorite restaurants overall, if I’m being honest. They keep their tacos simple: street-style Mexican (meat, onions, cilantro on corn tortilla) or American (meat, cheese, lettuce, pico on flour tortilla). That’s all they need, because they’re delicious. I never go to Taqueria without getting chips and queso, either.
TacoNooga // This place is a Chattanooga institution. Their menu of authentic Mexican eats is wide and varied, so there’s plenty of options for everyone. Their tortillas are handmade and herbs are homegrown, and they use the freshest meat and seafood they can get their hands on. With 20 tacos (classic and specialty) on their menu, plus quesadillas, fajitas, tortas, tamales, and more, you might have a hard time choosing.
Dos Bros // I’ll admit I didn’t know Dos Bros was locally owned until recently (it started up the road in Cleveland, Tenn.). They’re set up a lot like fast-casual Mexican restaurants, but so, so, so much better. You go through the order line and they prep your meal in front of you—you know the drill. I love how customizable their menu is, so you can really get the exact tacos (or quesadillas, or burritos, or bowls) exactly like you want them. As a bonus, Dos Bros supports Chattanooga Football Club, so they’re extra good people.
Mojo Burrito // Another Chattanooga institution with a huge focus on local, Mojo Burrito is set up in an assembly-line process similar to Dos Bros, Moe’s, etc. Their name suggests burritos are their big deal, but don’t count out their tacos (or queso). In an ordinary world, they have dollar taco specials on Sundays, which are the perfect treat at their St. Elmo location after a hike at Lula Lake. You can enjoy some Mojo at three locations around Chattanooga and Ooltewah, seven days a week (disclaimer: currently on the Red Bank location is open for takeout and delivery).
Citron Et Sel // Situated in the West Village downtown, Citron Et Sel offers a variety of tacos, burritos, bowls, tequila, and other Central and South American inspired provisions. Mix and match your tacos, and don’t forget some queso or table-side guacamole and a cocktail! Read more about Citron Et Sel here.
Naked River Brewing Co. // Come by one of Chattanooga’s favorite breweries for Taco Tuesday. Get three tacos, filled with their delicious, smoked-on-site barbecue, and a side for $10. And of course get one of their beers; I usually go for the Sturgeon General IPA or their current River Gorge series IPA.
Taco Mamacita // A member of the Monen Family restaurant group, Taco Mamacita serves up a variety of Tex-Mex and fusion tacos (and Peruvian style chicken). They’re not the most authentic tacos in Chattanooga, but they’re great when you want something a little more in the “guilty pleasure” camp. My usual order was the 2 Tacos + Side deal, with the Sloppy Jose and California Club tacos and sweet potato fries. Oh, and their passionfruit sangria is quite tasty.
California Tortilla // The Hixson location of this franchise opened in October 2019. In addition to serving up tasty fast-casual tacos and Mexican cuisine (and absolutely delicious queso), California Tortilla’s “Green Initiative” emphasizes reducing their ecological footprint and minimizing their impact on the environment. Many of their materials and products are compostable and/or made with recycled materials.
Honorable mention: Conga Latin Food. They specialize in Latin American cuisine, and their menu boasts pupusas, ceviche, empanadas, yucca frita, tacos, and “bandejas” (platters). I don’t think I’ve ever gone to Conga and not gotten pupusas.
Check out my other Chattanooga food and drink roundups here: Burgers // Dessert // Breakfast // Brunch // Biscuits // Pizza // Craft Beer // Coffee Shops //
