The 3 Best Mexican Restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN

If you’re looking for something a little different during your vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, lunch or dinner at a Mexican restaurant is just the thing! A delicious enchilada or a serving of arroz con pollo is the perfect way to mix it up in between visits to BBQ joints and traditional Southern eateries. Although there are not a ton of Mexican restaurants in town, the ones we do have are simply spectacular. To help you make the most of your next getaway, we have put together a guide to the three best Mexican restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN.

1. Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill

Authenticity is the name of the game at Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill. Considered a hidden gem in Pigeon Forge, this wonderful restaurant is a family run business that offers mouthwatering food, excellent service, large portions, and reasonable prices.

A highlight of Cielito Lindo is the salsa bar, which features a variety of different salsas, so guests can spice up their meals to their liking. Whether you prefer your salsa extra hot or just mildly spicy, you’re sure to find a flavor that you love.

One of the most talked about items on the menu is the lava bowl, which comes filled with chicken, shrimp, chorizo, beef, and vegetables. Another can’t miss dish is the chile relleno: a roasted poblano pepper that is fried and stuffed with melted cheese.

In case you were wondering, “cielito lindo” is a term of endearment in Spanish similar to “honey” or “sweetheart”!

2. No Way Jose’s Cantina

No Way Jose’s Cantina is another one of the best Mexican restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN. This popular eatery offers Tex-Mex style cuisine in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. Situated near the Walden’s Landing shopping and entertainment complex, No Way Jose’s is the perfect place for a meal after watching a movie at The Forge Cinemas or visiting The Tomb escape game.

No Way Jose’s serves all of your favorite Mexican dishes, including burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, enchiladas, and tamales. The restaurant is famous for its incredible salads, which are served in fried flour tortilla bowls and topped with your choice of freshly grilled meats. Be sure to come hungry because the portions are very generous!

3. El Ranchero Loco

El Ranchero Loco is frequented by both locals and vacationers alike. Located right on Veterans Blvd., this restaurant has built a loyal reputation for its spectacular food, which is made from scratch using an authentic blend of fresh ingredients.

The restaurant’s goal is to make each customer feel like a part of the family. The menu features favorites like their famous authentic fajitas and the Traditional “Huarache,” which is a flattened oval of masa shaped to resemble the sola of a Huarache filled with Mexican cheese, chopped steak and avocado.  You will definitely want to save room for dessert when you dine at this restaurant because the chocolate chimichanga is out of this world!

Final Thoughts

What are your favorite Mexican restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN? Are there any other hidden gems that we should add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!