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    La Altena

    3.9 (96 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    La Altena Photos

    Business Info

    LA ALTENA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Gary N.

    Nice look and feel of Mexican when you walk in. Music playing and decor. Although it had the smell of a smoky kitchen. The salsa is pretty plane and bland. This from a guy who hates spicy. This was not even near having any bite, not much taste either. The chips were on the brink of stale. But a hungry man ate all of it. Chicken Chimichunga was good but not very hot. The plates are cold when they put the food on it which just cools the food. That said the meal was fine but could be hotter.

    the outside of a restaurant
    Carrie Neal W.

    Well, damn, y'all. Now I can't leave Chattanooga. At least until I have tried 92.3% of the menu at La Altena. After hearing much to do about this little spot (see my pics - if you don't know what you are looking for, you will easily miss it- if you do, it's like your eyes blink and you're on the street somewhere really . . . authentically Mexican-looking . . .) I ventured in today and found them open - yay! Divey. Friendly. Cramped inside. Love. Huge menu, from start to finish. Queso to start with their chips and salsa (note: first round of chips, free; second/more, 0.99) - white as I expected but thicker than at home. Tasty. So many choices, from all the usual solo suspects to combo plates, fajitas and salads and more. I went with the tacos- got the Mexico City style and picked two (you can order a la carte or an order of 3 for just under $5) which is your choice of meat (I got steak which was well flavored, and they also have chicken, pork, spicy steak options) with onions and cilantro - note, both are very generously added, so for me I picked off about half the white onions and enjoyed the heavy amount of cilantro as served - and I got the extra tomatoes and sc - odd, though, that it was sliced tomatoes in a cup not diced (so I didn't eat, partly because of that but also because they just weren't that ripe/tasty looking, I guess it still being early Mar and all). Perfect amount of food for me with the starter of queso and I was a super happy camper with my big Diet Coke. Expect to see your typical spectrum of worker-bees-at-lunch, like the corporate guys sitting at a big table in the middle of the main dining room or the slightly bitchy, verrry gossipy Erlanger nurses crowded around a booth for four (they fit six). Note that the women's room has a step UP to get in, and DOWN to get back out - don't trip on the pretty tile floor. NPWH. I will be back, soon. Those fajitas - they have a small, regular and large size, all with rice, beans, etc! - are calling my name . . .

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Great restaurant, good food and atmosphere !! We request Fausto as our server, he is great !

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    5 years ago

    Authentic food, very flavorful and well-prepared. Loads of atmosphere and fun/lively attentive service. I will definitely return!

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    6 years ago

    La Altena has Very good food, almost no wait for the food to get to the table and has very nice waiters.

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    Agave & Rye - Chattanooga - The Sugar Daddy of the Plain Jane

    Agave & Rye - Chattanooga

    4.1(594 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Agave and Rye was an absolute standout. The menu is packed with so many creative, over-the-top taco…read moreoptions that choosing just a few felt almost impossible in the best way. I ended up going with the taco flight and selected two Crown Jewel tacos -- the truffle mac and cheese with lobster -- along with one Island Banger, featuring coconut shrimp and mango salsa. Every single taco was phenomenal. The flavors were bold, layered, and genuinely exciting. What really sets them apart is their signature double-tortilla approach: a fried hard shell tucked inside a soft tortilla. It creates the perfect contrast of crunch and softness in every bite and holds up incredibly well to the generous fillings. Between the inventive combinations, fun menu, and the unbelievable execution, this was a top-tier taco experience from start to finish.

    The food is very good in this trendy, downtown eatery. Creative Tex-Mex. Be sure to try the side…read moredish Elote - excellent. BUT, our service was abysmal. I can't speak to the other wait staff, but our guy clearly had other things on his mind. Every part of our visit took way longer than it should have. We were done about 30 minutes before we ever managed to get our checks and pay. So, I'd make sure to pay for a couple of hours of parking. I'm going to attribute all that to this particular waiter, and judge the place on its other merits. The person you get might be quick and attentive. All in all, this place wasn't my cup of tea, to be charitable. The decor was pretty over the top. Young adult is obviously their demographic. I'm 65, so take that into account. Taste, of course is an individual thing. Therefore, I'm giving the food about a 7, the ambiance a 2, and hope I'm never served by our waiter again .

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    Mayan Kitchen - Chicken Nachos

    Mayan Kitchen

    4.4(516 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    My family was staying at a nearby hotel and decided to try this place for dinner after a concierge…read moresuggested it. So happy we did! It was delicious. We enjoyed strawberry margaritas, queso, Mayan fajitas, steak tacos and kids Mac & cheese. Service was great & the restaurant was very clean. Would definitely go back if we're in Chattanooga.

    This is one of the best places I have found to eat in Chattanooga. The food and service are…read moreconsistently excellent, and the experience is reliable every time. The bathrooms are always clean, which I appreciate. Paid street parking is usually easy to find, though during busy hours it can take a little more time. The veggie fajitas are an absolute treat and full of flavor. The guacamole is fresh and perfectly seasoned, and the salsa is truly top notch. One of the most delightful surprises is that the churros are vegan, and they are unforgettable. The Papillón dish is especially meaningful. It can be made vegan and comes from the owner's grandmother's recipe in Guatemala. That personal touch really shines through and makes the menu feel inspired and unique. There used to be a young blonde male bartender who was hands down one of the best servers I have ever had. He was personable and somehow remembered both your order and your conversations even months later. That level of hospitality really stood out. Prices are not cheap, and the ingredients are not explicitly organic, but the quality, flavor, and thoughtful menu make it well worth it. Highly recommend if you are looking for consistently great food and a standout dining experience in Chattanooga.

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    Mayan Kitchen - Maya kitchen

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    La Altena - mexican - Updated May 2026

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