in knoxville for a conference, stopped here night one. it was the best mexican food ive ever had…read more definitely stop by!

The food is great if you're okay with the roaches crawling out of the walls while you're eating and…read morefeeling sick even days after eating there. The chicken is 10/10 but I would not eat it again for the pain I am going through now. Service was fine.

First, I thought I had reviewed them already-- so if I do two, that's why…read more I'm giving this 5 stars relating it to other SIMILAR places-- that is, Mexican restaurants within a grocery store--- i.e. more limited menu (although their's is pretty broad), not full bar-service (but they have beer), and not fancy. For what it is-- it is really scrumptious. I had a few tacos, a ceviche tostada and a beer. BIG lunch-- I took one taco home. All the items were really chock-ful of meat. The carnitas on that taco was way too much to be able to pick up the taco with it all inside. They had a good mix of onions and cilantro on them, although I'd have preferred to add my own (I LOVE cilantro). I wish it was nearer; I'd go back often.

This restaurant is located in the back of a Mexican supermarket. It's not very big and if you're…read morecoming here during the week come before noon, a lot of construction workers come in here and fill the place up. The salsa and chips--- First bite tasted like tomato paste to me, very tangy and had a kick of spice. Chips were warm. No Guacamole!!!! What Mexican place has no guac? Chimichanga de pollo-- Shredded chicken with some onions, peppers and covered in cheese sauce. Fajitas mixta-- Steak was a little tough and chicken was very thin slices. Lacked some spices. More onions, green peppers and tomatoes than meat. It wasn't bad, but for our taste we have had better. The whole meal lacked spices. Would we recommend? Yes, give it a try, you might like it. Salsa is good but it's too tomato pastey for us.

Posting Menus as of September 2026 Hope this is helpful to…read moreeveryone Love the chips salsa

Hate to leave my once go-to spot for Mexican food a bad review but after today? They earned it. We…read morewere very disappointed how how we were treated by thecashier, who either is the owner or the manager or both. We noticed added fees on our bill so we very politely asked her to explain them. Before she even looked at the bill? She started to break down the fees, leaving me thinking that many others must have been asking about them too! Anyway......she now charges $1.29 for two small slices of lemon for iced tea if you dare ask for more than the tiny 1 slice that now comes with the $3.49 glass of tea! Note* They used to give you a few small slices on a tall glass of tea. Now? They intentionally offer only one, forcing most tea drinkers to have to ask for more, then they charge you extra for what used to be part of a basic ice tea order and they do it without even telling you. Also? They only give you two very tiny tortillas for a huge/adult dinner portion steak fajita meal where you would need at least 4-6 of their tiny tortillas just to eat this particular meal (AS IT IS INTENDED to be eaten!). Need another tortilla or two? No problem if you ask but they are now $1.49 extra, EACH. Nobody tells you about that up charge either until the bill comes so we spoke to the manager when checking out to ask her about it. As longtime & loyal customers, she knows us pretty well. We were polite and expected nothing less than the same in return, along with a reasonable explanation. Nope! As soon as I said "I just have a question about some charges on here that I am unfamiliar with, since I always get the exact same things." She started off with "yes, more tortillas are usually needed for a meal that big and that's why we sell you extras!". So then we asked her: "why do you offer a meal that requires a few more tortillas due to the very tiny size that you use and shortchange the meal but only giving two? Why not provide enough as part of the actual meal, just like other restaurants do?" That question went right over her head and she went straight to a "rising costs" excuse. As for the lemon pieces? She said how expensive they are too so if you want more than just a tiny piece! "We will bring them to you but it's $1.29 extra". For two small pieces, I asked? I told her that NOBODY in this area ever charges paying customers for extra lemons, not even El Jimador, the competing Mexican Restaurant in town. She didn't like hearing that so she just waved her hand in a goodbye gesture and said "thank you and have a nice day". Wow, how surprisingly rude and very dismissive she suddenly became! We paid the extra $4.29 plus tax because that wasn't the issue for us. The principle behind WHY she added those those fees and nobody disclosed them until I spotted them on the bill and asked? That WAS the issue for us. Her bait and switch game is not hurting our feelings one bit but it will cost her business at least $150 a month in further income because that's the least that we spent there each month and after her attitude today? We won't be back. THERE ARE OTHER MEXICAN RESTAURANTS that we can enjoy without feeling like we're now being ripped off. I wonder how many other overcharged customers will dine elsewhere now too? She'd be wise to remind herself of that. So we're now sticking with El Jimador, where their service is always good, their food is always fresh and they aren't trying to rip customers off with that kind of nickel & diming of their customers. I don't care to hear her whining about rising costs as if she is the only one paying any. We ALL are! I do care about having b/s fees quietly added to our bill by greedy and cheap owners who clearly disrespect their loyal customers. Customers who always tip their servers as well as we do. 30-40% every time. Now? I'm just hoping that our favorite server will quit this place and start working at El Jimador so we can keep supporting him. We are going to miss their salsa and our favorite server, but that's how it goes! We're done with supporting this place.

The service was muy rapido! We were seated quickly, given salsa and chips, and drink order taken…read more The salsa was really good. Our drinks came quickly and so did our order. I got the chile Colorado burrito and it was so good. Many Mexican restaurants steak can be tough, but this was really tender. I liked the ambiance, as it was in traditional Mexican theme. Our waiter was so nice and I enjoyed my time there. Don't sleep on east Knoxville!

Was in TN to visit family and decided on staying on the east side of Knoxville that offered low…read morecost hotel options for a long weekend. Unfamiliar with area, I was disappointed to learn there wasn't a bunch of highly rated options near my hotel. I'd have to go downtown. That was EXCEPT for Habaneros. And who doesn't like Mexican food ? This hidden gem tucked in an area off the side of the road that you might otherwise notice (at least for me) while driving by. And WHAT A SHAME as this place is EXCELLENT. I went to eat at Habaneros on a Saturday night. When I visited it was busy but not packed, the walls inside were well decorated and I didn't have to wait for seating. The menu essentially said "Try my fajitas" they are best, so I ordered them. While waiting they brought me chips and salsa. The salsa they had was delicious. They serve domestic beers (plus Coronas) there if you want an alcoholic beverage but that's about it. That's okay for me though, a Corona was all I needed. Local IPAs don't pair well with Fajitas IMO. FAJITAS COME OUT. Exactly what the menu said. Sizzling, delicious, seasoning was flavorful and the portions for all the condiments/ingredients were exactly what I needed to fill each of the tortillas. Service was fast and they never forgot about me, consistently checking in on me to ensure I had everything I needed. If you live in or around the Knoxville area and you haven't had Habaneros, please do so. You won't regret the trip.

Was visiting Tennessee for my sons wedding and while fast food chains were plentiful, we wanted…read moretraditional mexican food. And we found it here! We arrived just before 11am, and the door was already opened. I ordered the molcajete trio, wifey got the shrimp and my friend ordered a caldo de pollo! Service was amazing, food was amazing. They even changed the music for me, to something more to my liking. Overall a great place to get your home away from home taste!!

Everyone traveling from Nashville to Knoxville or the Smokey mountains and beyond should stop by…read morethis place if they love authentic food. The locals know all about it as it was packed!! So the top picks from our dinner were..... ok, I will just say everything!!! The chicken and steak Fajita cake sizzling in the plate, the guacamole was mouth watering (just thinking about it making me want to drive back from our rented cabin for two hours just to eat there), the best fresh guacamole in a ver long time, the shrimp ceviche was on point, the chips were hot and fresh, the corn wraps were handmade and brought warm from the oven...what else, the spicy Margarita was tasty...their food rocks!!! We took the rest to our cabin and the fajita was still delicious a couple of days later. Top stars to this place!!

Outstanding service - very friendly, attentive team. I…read moreordered the California burrito. I misunderstood - this is not a burrito with sides - every dang thing listed is inside the burrito. None of the many things inside have any seasoning, the meat was overcooked, and it was simply not good. Quite disappointing :( Margarita ok. Chips great. Salsa completely forgettable. BUT - if you go, ask for the Spicy salsa - it is bonkers good! But I won't be returning.

I highly recommend El Jinete. The menu is thick with incredible options. The service is friendly,…read moreefficient and non-intrusive. The restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere with ample seating. They had a nice bar with many cocktail options. We are going to frequent this place.

met a friend for lunch here, smaller than I expected. Honestly, I wasn't wowed by the Pollo Supremo…read morebecause the enchilada sauce lacked flavor and the chicken was sub-par. I would be interested in trying it again. No complaints for the service but the restaurant itself was a little stuffy.

So good! Our server, Juan, was amazing! Checked on us many, got everything right, and was very…read morekind. Food was very good, definitely recommend

I'm now a regular here, can't say enough about the food and staff. Coming from chicago and being…read morespoiled with wonderful Mexican places this is my spot. Just was there with friends had the pork fajitas tender meat and perfectly done. Bonus they have Tecate beer.. say no more .

Awesome restaurant people are friendly. The food is amazing 10 out of 10. I highly recommend nicely…read moredecorated. You will always have a good time and good food here. I love this place.