I will admit I'm biased because I already liked this place but I have reviewed it before. I knew before walking in that I wanted the carnitas, but I didn't know that I'd have the best carnitas ever. The flavors were deep and well developed. Seasoning was perfect and nothing was too salty. Even the refried beans were above average. At most restaurants the beans are like, whatever, but these were delicious. They were a little runny texture wise but the flavors were fantastic. The service was prompt and attentive. He kept checking back every two minutes or so to see if I was ready to order. The food came out fast, but the runner forgot my tortillas, my extra plate (for my two year old) and silverware for my seven year old. I asked for my tortillas and also ordered an horchata (deliciósa!!) and both came out very fast. They even gave me the horchata for free, which I believe was to make up for the shortcomings in service. read more

Got the steak fajita taco salad, wasn't the best I've ever had per se, but the steak in it was really high quality and charred nicely. Service was prompt and very friendly. The standout for me was the Micheladas or however its spelled - basically a bloody mary crafted with sour beer instead of vodka. It was so good I could have easily had 4 more. I hear this place is legendary with college kids for their 50 cent margaritas. The parking situation was pretty awful, I don't know how they manage when it's overflowing with kids having a good time. And there was a freaking honest to god payphone outside the building. A real relic. I almost cried. It was like witnessing god those things are so rare to come by these days. I hope they never remove it. read more

Do not let the location or the bars on the windows fool you, this place is great. Authentic mexican dishes, freshly prepared, and served quickly. Best mexican place I have found in Chattanooga, and the prices are great. You can leave this place full spending less than 8 dollars. They have huge portions so you are sure not to leave hungry. I highly recommend the grilled chicken nachos. Heck the grilled chicken anything. The marinade they use on their chicken is just fantastic. If you like salsa, the hot kind, you have to request it. It is good, much hotter than I figured it would be. The regular salsa is fairly watered down with lots of cilantro. In fact that is my only complaint. If you order a burrito, and you do not like cilantro, you are in for a bad surprise. A whole layer of the burrito is devoted to fresh cilantro. The wait staff are all very friendly, and you may even catch one of the waiters singing as he delivers food and cashes out checks. Over all it is a great little restaurant and I eat here a few times a month. read more

La Altena's friendly, hole-in-the-wall feel makes me want to love it, but the food ranges from just good to downright yucky. The chips and salsa have a pleasant flavor, but the latter lacks any spice. Both times we went, we asked for some of their super smoky, spicy hot sauce and I mixed the two together. The guacamole was very fresh but again, no spice. As far as entrees go, the meats are pretty well flavored. The chicken is all boring breast meat but they do a good job of seasoning it. Beans and rice are above average. Avoid anything with melty cheese. Breaks my heart to say that, but the processed crap they're using is plain nasty. Beer and margaritas are reasonably priced. The service is disconcertingly fast, but that's kind of a nice change of pace in these parts. Based mostly on location, I'll probably go back. But I just can't get that excited about a Mexican restaurant where I want to avoid their guacamole and melted cheese dishes. read more

Best service. Must go. Most importantly, 4-9 pm happy hour. The margs are really good.

Terrible customer service. Do not eat here. The first waiter bigger dude with an attitude asked what we wanted to drink didn't give us a chance to respond like half a second, then walks away. He also sat us next to the restroom and when the door opened up me and the 2 other people I was with got a big sniff of smelly bathroom poop odor . Food wasn't anything special I could see this place on Kitchen Nightmares. Worst experience in a mexican restaurant ever. Do not recommend go to ANY other mexican restaurant. Not real mexican food generic. read more

Very accommodating and professional service. For the carnitas, the pork was just as it sounds be: chunks that were crispy on the outside, but very tender and moist... All covered in outstanding tomatillo sauce. The Pollo Guadalajara was very yummy... Tender fajita chicken with cheese sauce and delicious rice... I loved it. And our ticket was only $32 before tax and that also included a pitcher of Modello Especial and fresh, delicious guacamole and cheese dip! These are all reasons that I keep coming back. read more

We love authentic Mexican food; decided to stop and give it a try due to the good reviews & high stars. Mistake! We ordered the fish tacos & a burrito. The tacos were tiny with little flavor and the burrito, although big, was dry and bland. Our service was just as dissatisfying as the meal. So disappointed :( read more

Not from town but received a recommendation from an unsolicited opinion. We went and the food was GREAT! Prices and service was the best! Highly recommend read more

Service was very quick and friendly. Maybe a little to quick because my carne asada was not hot. Most places I frequent, they cook the carne asada to order. Her it seemed like it was already done. Overall disappointed in the food. Very bland carne. My husband had supreme nachos- nothing outstanding. Would not come back again. read more

This review won't be very good. I ordered a few things as I do when it's my first time at a restaurant. I was seated immediately which was great and my beverage (water) was brought out promptly. I ordered the mojato burrito which has "marinated steak and chorizo". None of the meat was fresh, the steak was grey-ish in color and it was pretty subpar to say the least. The salsa brought out was warm which I thought was odd. I asked for the house hot salsa which was very good and was actually cool upon arrival. The cheese dip was as you'd expect, cheesy and warm. Hard to mess that up I suppose. I figured I would try a margarita since it was a beautiful summer day..nothing special, pretty sure it was just a pre-made blend they just poured into a glass and attached a slice of lime on the side of the glass. My water refill tasted like it was dirty dishwater so I didn't drink any more of it. The server was around a lot but very unfriendly so I'm giving a star for the guy at least being around when I needed him. Overall I was highly unimpressed with the place and will not put my two feet back in there again. read more

Yummy classic family-run Mexican restaurant. We've been going here for years and they never disappoint. The frozen margaritas are a really nice touch too... read more

WORST SERVICE I HAVE HAD. Today my boss decided he was going to buy everyone lunch at the office and he said that La Altena would be good because it is close. So I tried calling close to 10 times to call in the order and got nothing but static and hanging up. I decided to drive down to place the order instead since the phones were not working. Once I got there I was greeted and I said I needed to place a to go order. I began to order the tacos we wanted and about 1/3 of the way through the order the man looks at me and says "No ma'am, no ma'am, no ma'am! I will NOT be taking your order! You need to call at least 2 days in advance for to go orders!" As I am standing there astounded at the RUDE tone of voice he said that to me in, I asked "How am I supposed to know my boss was going to buy us lunch as a surprise 2 days ago?" and he precedes to tell me "I do not care. We will not be taking your order because you did not call at least 2 days in advance. You can stop there. We will not be making your order." I had nothing left to say, so I left and called Molcajete on the other side of town and they told me that they would have it ready in 30 minutes. Food was a lot better AND they had great customer service, something this place could use more of. read more

Exactly what a Mexican restaurant should look like, smell like and taste like. The whole block just smells good. Try the mojada burrito....it is just awesomeness in a tortilla. Excellent staff and very authentic food. read more

I discovered this place due to its proximity to the office, I finally tried it on the recommendation of a friend. It looks a little rough from the outside, and the inside isn't that much better, but they do have some pretty good food here... La Altena has bars on the windows and the front door is covered in paper and stickers, so you wonder about it a little bit... when you head inside, the reception area is a little rough looking too, but the restaurant itself is quite nice for a Mexican restaurant and the booths are pretty comfortable. The tables and chairs aren't a big high dollar spend, but who needs that in a Mexican joint anyway? I've been several times and each time I get the same server... he's pretty friendly, he seems to remember me, and he does love to sing. If you hang out long enough, you might get to hear him sing... he's pretty good at it too. He's always quick to keep my drink filled too. While the food is always excellently prepared, sometimes the ingredients are hit or miss, which is why I rated it only three stars. The food always comes out fast and while I appreciate that, I often wonder how long some of this stuff has been sitting on the grill. I usually get something with grilled chicken in it. One time I got the Pollo Guadalajara (grilled chicken on top of rice and covered in cheese) and the chicken was pretty tough.... it was hot, but it was tough... and dry. That wasn't the first time I had that dish, so I knew that wasn't the usual way it was supposed to be. I've been other times and had some great dishes. I really enjoyed the Steak & Chicken Fajitas. That is a lot of food! It comes on three plates and the steak and chicken are piled high atop green peppers and onions. You also get a generous serving of refried beans, rice, sour cream, salsa, and lettuce and three flour tortillas or four corn tortillas. This was a dish that I just couldn't finish. I also enjoy the free chips and salsa you get when you sit down. Their salsa is really good and the chips are always hot and fresh. The prices here are pretty cheap too. Stick with water and you'll save yourself a couple of bucks. If you're in the area and looking for a cheap, decent meal, stop by... but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. read more

So, don't come to La Altena looking for great atmosphere. It's nothing special to look at inside, and while they do have outside dining, the view of the street is not terribly scenic. But they have great flavors in in their food. The house salsa is fresh and herbaceous. I had the chicken enchiladas and they were good: simply prepared, moist and flavorful chicken in a tangy sauce. My dining partner had the shrimp cocktail with avocado served in a gazpacho-like cold soup that was "really good." And the price was right for downtown, just a few blocks from the Choo-Choo. Kids menu available. read more

I was a little scared at first because our server was a Mexican jersey-shore roid-head. He was extremely quick and had a lovely singing voice. The food was fine the chips were normal and the salsa was also fine. Small, crowded, it was a nice time. read more

Hands down the best salsa in town. Don't discount this little whole in the wall. It is some of the best mexican food in town. When we used to live nearby we ate here weekly. They have great service and often remember you by name. read more

La Atlena is absolutely delicious. Their queso never fails to hit the stop and literally everything we have ordered off the menu is to die for. It's our favorite spot to get an authentic mexican meal!! read more

A great place. Large portions, great variety, and good flavor. The service is fast and very friendly. It's everything a great Mexican place should be. read more

Finally did find La Altena after google maps got me lost. The food was fresh and delicious. The staff was energetic and appeared to like what they were doing. Went there for lunch, the place was bustling with activity, and the food was exceptional. Doesn't look like much on the outside, but obviously very popular with the locals as most if not all of the tables were full.. read more

Great spot that my kids and I could walk to whole spending the weekend in Chattanooga. Very chill and casual atmosphere and loved the crowded vibe with the dogs allowed to sit on patio. Quick and easy food with cold beer. Very friendly wait staff and kid friendly. I'd go back! read more

Authentic Mexican dishes with huge flavor and the hardest working staff I've ever seen. Atmosphere isn't great. Its literally a hole in the wall, but hey those are usually the best places to eat. I recommend the Mexico city tacos with carnitas or steak. read more

We love this restaurant! Every time we order the food is out extremely quickly. The prices are fair, and the people are nice. We eat here weekly! read more

Wow! After all of the great reviews the residence of Chattanooga must be accustomed to MICROWAVED Mexican food... Go ahead-ask the server "how they cook their food"? This place is well below average when it comes to real authentic Mexican food. Trust me, you are better off eating somewhere else. Don't say I didn't warn you... read more

Not much on this side of Chattanooga. But this place rocks!! Awesome chips and salsa. Great service....fast!!!!! Very friendly too. Kinda scary on the outside but inside is authentic. read more

Favorite mexican restaurant in Chattangooga and we go every time we are in town. Everything is incredibly fresh and the staff is super attentive. Love this place. read more

Not a fan. We started off by ordering guacamole. It was not mixed very well, skimpy on the avocado, and the avocado that was there was in clumps. My margarita was skimpy on the tequila. I ordered the veggie fajita and stated that I could not have cheese or sour cream. The beans came with cheese on them. The fajita was very mediocre, and when I bit into something hard I was just completely over it. They topped it off by turning the lights off on us at exactly closing time. read more

Best Mexican restaurant in town, and it's locally owned! The service is always swift and very friendly. Don't let the exterior deter you, the food is excellent. Coming from someone who lives in the neighborhood, this place is definitely worth checking out! read more

Best Mexican food in Chattanooga... And it's crazy cheap. Try the Mojado burrito. Also, they love cilantro.

Went with the wife and kids yesterday for an early dinner. We poked our head inside and asked to dine outside with the weather being nice. I don't remember much about the inside other than it was more or less like any other Mexican Restaurant. The kitchen is on your left when you enter and you have more or less a full view of the cooks working. I like it when a restaurant is confident enough to let you look right into the kitchen. The patio dining is right on the street with little more than a couple feet of sidewalk between you and the asphalt. It is also a bit cramped, but between the traffic and one police car on a mission and the aforementioned tight quarters my kids loved it. Our waiter was helpful with the menu and very personable. After a bit of looking through the menu which is quite extensive and offers house specialties and a section to build your own combinations of traditional (to the South East anyway) dinners. We ordered a Crunchy chicken taco with rice and beans for one child and a cheese quesadilla with rice and beans for the other. The only thing remarkable was the rice had some Veg-All in it. OK, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for Veg-All in my Spanish Rice so I stole as much as I could from my kid's plate. My wife had a build your own combination with a tamale, a batter fried poblano and a ???. I tried bites of both. Both were good. The tamale sauce reminded me of tomato soup, but I like tomato soup so.... The poblano had a brothy sauce on it and was very good. I was feeling a bit more adventurous and decided on three tacos "Mexico City" style which are fresh cilantro & onions on corn tortillas with one meat served with a lime wedge. Other places call them Mexican Tacos and I am fond of this style of taco because some of the more cheese heavy menu items kind of give me the Thanksgiving let me get on the couch and unbuckle my pants affect. Mexican tacos make you feel full without feeling stuffed. I had two taco with beef cheeks (barbacoa) and one with tongue (lengua). I wish I would have gone straight lengua tacos. Not that the barbacoa tacos weren't good, it was that the lengua tacos were much better. The texture is really different from anything else. It is maybe a bit springy vaguely like octopus but way more tender. The flavor is also more delicate and had less seasoning than the barbacoa. I definitely recommend the lengua tacos. So, it was kind of a mixed bag. Most of the menu items and preparation weren't markedly different than most Mexican places. And even though it was bargain food our plates could have had a bit more attention paid to presentation. My fresh onions were an odd assortment of sizes as if someone who never cut an onion took a whack at it. I'm sure we will go back. The food is reasonably priced as are the drinks. The kids liked their food and I like a menu with items that I am most likely not going to try at home. And again this place is easy on the wallet. read more

As a salsa connoisseur, I am usually disappointed and have to dress up my salsa between layers of hot sauce. But La Altena will not disappoint salsa lovers. The restaurant has a warm and friendly atmosphere. I almost got the waiter sing me happy birthday. Next time. read more

BEST Mexican in Chattanooga! Yes, the outside looks a little sketchy but it is one of the most authentic restaurants in Chattanooga. Instantly greeted by the friendliest staff and hardly ever a wait. Food is fast and consistent every time I have gone (which is at least once a week). The chimichangas are one of my favorite items. If you're ever craving Mexican, go here!!! read more

La Altena Taqueria's food was just average at best. The service was adequate...certainly not a top pick in our minds and not a restaurant we will ever visit again. read more

After finding this place, walking in, and seeing nobody around or anything but a pile of trash in the middle of the floor, I was a bit skeptical. The waiter popped our of nowhere and seated us. He brought us some nachos and salsa, and took our drink orders. Nachos were warm and fresh, and the salsa was pretty good, we ordered some cheese dip as well - it came out like it was fresh out of a microwave, cheese had bubbled over the sides of the bowl... it was mediocre, seemed a bit overpriced as well for the quality and quantity... anyways, onto the entrees! I had ordered the grilled chicken nachos, which had nachos topped with grilled chicken and smothered in cheese; chicken was for the most part nicely seasoned and juicy, but some of it was was over-seasoned to the point of tasting nothing but the seasoning. Could have done with less cheese, it was almost a workout for my mouth. My meal was average, pre-meal salsa was good, sweet tea was really nice, and my friend's rice and tamales was pretty decent. I would consider going back in the future if I was in the area but probably would get something different. 3/5 stars, place wasn't too clean and bathroom was dirty, my food was a bit average, friend's food was pretty good, and staff was friendly. read more

We normally love this place, but just got to go and I know it's cinco de mayo but we got home and talk about pitiful meals. We had a chicken and rice dish and we had a tenderloin on each. read more

La Altena - More green than chicken. - Mexican Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Probably the best Mexican restaurant I've ever visited. It is authentic with very affordable prices. The guacamole is fresh, handmade and the fajitas are excellent. I would eat here everyday if I could. read more

Authentic Mexican food on Main St. Worth checking out. All the food I've had has been delicious but has given me heartburn. Not sure if this is due to this particular food or the style in general. read more

This place was exactly what I needed. We just drove in from Memphis and I was starving. I always order a weird order and Mexican places and they got it perfect and got it to is super fast. My tacos were great, my husband loved his fajitas. The margarita was perfect. read more

I have been going to this restaurant at least once a week for quiet some time now. I love their prices and location. We typically have wonderful service specially by the older servers. Last night we had an almost traumatizing experience. We walked in at about 7:30 pm, everyone kindly greeted us and told us to come on in. So we did and proceeded to sit in the back of the restaurant. We sat and after 15 minutes no one came to take our order. We were not in a rush so we just waited and instead of one of use getting up to find a server we called in (maybe that was a mistake on our part but we didn't mean anything bad by it). The restaurant answered and we said "we are in the back sitting, maybe no one saw us sitting but we are ready to order". I was the one who personally made the phone call and it was a friendly conversation. A server name Tito came immediately and instead of saying "hello" which is pretty much the basic. He told us we sat ourselves down and didn't care to follow the restaurants protocol. He told us we have to follow their protocol if we want service. Then, before we could even speak he told us he would forgive us and would go ahead and give us service today. So we are very confused about the way we are being treated but immediately apologize to him saying we were not upset and we simply wanted to order. He then tells us to wait a minute and walks away. He comes back and literally starts yelling...yes yelling "like I was saying you didn't follow protocol but I'm the one in charge here, been here for 19 years and no one is going to take my happiness away" follows that statement with a "woooooo" super loud. At this point we are as confused as you are just reading this. We decided to stay because we were terrified to leave considering the way this young man was acting. I was petrified to even move from my seat from the vibe and loud replies we were getting from him. Then we place our order and walks away singing.... A server we have had before brought us chips and we told him we like his service and would make sure he serves us next time. Apparently our current server, Tito, heard this and came back almost as soon as the other server left. Tito gave us the most chilling look and said "next time you come I will make sure I'm your server just so you don't request other or complain about me". Honestly we felt so bullied at this point. The fact that I was too scared to just walk out is absolutely unacceptable. We asked him to please calm down if he felt we offended him in any way and once again brought up the fact that he has been there for 19 years and protocol is important. He was in a state of euphoria off and on. I'm almost certain this man was not on his sound judgement. Today I called and ask to speak to the manager who is listed as Maria Fuentes on one of their pages. He answered (I recognized his traumatizing voice) and he refused to let me speak to her. He insisted on taking the call and I just asked if I could call at a better time to speak to her instead. I have never in my life experienced what I went through last night at any restaurant. read more