I'm updating this review because while I still like this restaurant, I have some new food opinions to share. The salsa isn't good anymore. It just isn't. It tastes like tomato sauce; there is no spice. It is essential for a Mexican restaurant to have a good salsa - have two options for people if you're afraid people won't like it spicy. The only alternatives here are this bad tomato sauce, and jarred hot sauce. One thing I would suggest, is ordering a side of pico de gallo to use or mix in. That being said, I have tried some new-to-me menu items that I think are really good. The pollo Jalisco has a slightly spicy sauce/marinade and melty cheese that you assemble into tortillas with rice, beans, pico, etc. I've also had the Chile Verde which is the bomb. It's carnitas (pork) in what is actually a very flavorful salsa verde / green chile sauce. This also comes with tortillas and sides so you assemble it the way you like it. Take note you can also get the carnitas in this sauce as a burrito, but it does have additional vegetables (fajita vegetables) in the burrito. So I still enjoy the food here, but I really wish they would get on point with their salsa game. It is a shame to suck at salsa when the rest of your food is so good. read more

This place has very good food. Nice variety and excellent value for your money. I have been to this restaurant at least 10 times in the last 6 months. Carne Asada and Papas locas are a must try. Service is awesome, very friendly staff. read more

Found a new favorite! The salsa was very flavorful and guacamole was tangy with just the right amount of heat. I enjoyed the shrimp tacos and husband loved the steak and cheese stuffed poblano with ranchero sauce. Excellent service and the owner couldn't have been more friendly. read more

My family and I have gone to Monterrey's for years (the staff knows our orders by heart!) and we've always enjoyed eating there. It is very good Mexican at a very reasonable price. I do have to say that sometimes the level of spiciness is variable day by day (some days the food is really spicy, sometimes not so much), but we've always gotten great service. However, I do wish the Sweet Tea actually tasted like tea and not sugar water somedays. read more

It's always good here. The staff is friendly and you never have to wait for food. I love it here, I highly recommend it! This is a North Knoxville Staple. It's been here for over 20 years for a reason. read more

Love this place. Food always hot and fresh. Great small family owned atmosphere. Big portions for the price. You won't leave hungry.

Excellent service and Food! We had very personalized service especially when the waiter (owner's son) found out we were from out of state. He gave great recommendations and had a great sense of humor! The food was fabulous and a good value for each meal! The margarita was huge (I ordered the medium) and very good homemade taste. We found out they are opening a new restaurant in Indiana so we will definitely stop on the way to Indianapolis to see my parents! His dad even came to our table to tell us about it! Wow what a great family owned business...we love Local Flavor! read more

Monterrey - The medium sized margarita! Yummy! - Mexican Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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I love this place. Food is alway good, the owner is ivolved and over see. I love Chili Rellenos, and theres do not have all that breading and they are not fried. Great taste. But i have never eaten any thing bad here and always busy but they get you sat and served in good time. Also check out there shrimp cocktail. read more

The last review I read on 6-6-2012 cound not have been talking about the same resturant I ate at on 7-16-12. Being from Latin America, I can tell you this is NOT authentic Mexican and it most definitly is the worst food I have ever had. My girlfriend and I were looking for something close so we checked Monterry out. We initially got chips and Salsa, the chips were fine, but the Salsa was runny and cheaply made. I do not think I have ever had a place that served Salsa that terrible with no peppers, onions, tomoatoes, etc. All it tasted like was old tomato juice and random pepper seeds. To make up for the poor Salsa, we ordered guacamole. To my amazement, it was worse than the Salsa! A few weeks ago I was at Roosters off Northshore and ordered guacamole, being a sports bar/resturant I did not expect much. As it turned out, their guacamole was just as bad. When I asked the server where they got their gucamole from, he told me Sysco food products. In other words it came from a can on a truck delivered God knows when. This to say the guacamole at Monterry looked and tasted the exact same! I was very disappointed in the quality because I personlly make guacamole and it does not look like green nasy paste. We would have walked out when we got the guacamole, but we had already ordered. My girlfirend had two steak tacos and I had three hard shell tacos. She said her tacos were not bad, but for her celantro and hot sauce, Monterry put it all smashed in together. My beef tacos were terrible, there was no seasoning on the beef and the only other topping on the taco was shredded white cheese. I could have made better tacos from home using ground meet and ortega taco seasoning! As far as service is concerned, it was just as bad as the food. Our server was slow and at one point when we tired to locate him, he was nowhere to be found. My girlfriend literally ran out of water and had to start drinking mine. Meanwhile I went without water until it was almost time to pay for our meal. When the server finally saw we were out of water, I was so frustrated I was just content to wait until we got home to drink something from the tap. Needless to say neither of us finished our meals. We just did not want to waste what food we had needlessly paid for already. When we got to the registar to pay, the man rang us up and our total was $18.85 (not including the tip she put on her card). Keep in mind this was for literally, two waters, 3 beef tacos ($4.00), 2 steak tacos ($5.00) and guacamole ($4.00). All of which did not amount to $18.85 and furthermore would have probably cost under $10 at any other Mexican resturant. We left, but my girlfriend was so upset we went back and politley asked the manager to review our bill. When he did he hastly shoved $5 into my girlfriends hand and told us to have a good night as it was obvious he did not want us there anymore. I am usually not one to ever post about bad experiences, but I have to warn others in Knoxville to not go to this resturant. I will never go back to Monterry or any other resturant that is affiliated with it. The food was terrible, the service just as bad and they overcharged us for sub par service and food! Do yourself a favor and check out Soccer Taco, La Palma, Don Pablos, or any other Mexican resturant for that matter. read more

This place is the worst! Just went there for the first time so I'm not sure if the food has gone down in quality since others have reviewed it or people just don't know bad Mexican when they get it. The service was fair and the food came out quickly but it was horrible from the first bite. I ordered chimichangas and the filling was greasy and resembled a Steak-Um. The rice and beans were not only cool but flavorless. My husband's burrito was also flavorless. The guacamole was a joke (i.e. no avocado product to be found...it was straight from a packet of powdered mix). Please don't go here. We tried to gulp down the food and both of us felt terribly ill all evening afterward. Save yourself! read more

This restaurant is average at best. Their food is typically tasty but they have some huge downfalls. The rice is just about always extremely hard and dry. I avoid it at all costs. Also, the beans are usually bland but can be flavorful from time to time. The worst part of the restaurant is actually the service. Once the waiter takes your order, you will be lucky to see them in the next 20-30 minutes. If the side items and service were better then I would frequent the restaurant more often. Until that occurs I believe I will drop in only if no other options exist. Overall I would recommend the main food items to a friend, but would warn them of the lack of service ahead of time. read more

Monterrey - Lunch Chimichanga. With beans, lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream. - Mexican Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Won't ever go here again. Service was horrible! Drinks went empty for long periods, and waiter had no manners at all. To be honest it looked like they were overworked and understaffed. Only 2 Servers taking care of the entire restaurant. I took this into account and thought maybe they were just very busy but they had no sense of urgency. I am a waitress and this would never fly at any restaurant I have ever worked at. Also, the food was horrible, my husband and I were both sick after we left. I had to pull over and vomit on the way home. Yes I was pregnant, but it wasn't nausea from the pregnancy that caused it. It was the food. I won't ever go back. read more

Excellent food - steak & chicken quesadilla, cheese dip delicious. Nice staff. Definitely a do-over.

First time I eat at this location, and it will be my last. I stop in on 1/16/2014 with three other guys, and all three of us got sick with the same symptoms. I called the manage and his answer to me was "What do you want me to do about it?" This is not the response I wanted to hear when you had a combination of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Two guys ended in the hospital with a diagnosis of food poisoning. I didn't go but I should have because I was sick for more then 4 days after eating there. read more

Only average Mexican food, salsa was decent and I asked for a hotter sauce and was brought out a really interesting green chili sauce. Service was O.K., but the food arrived hot. Try the steak burrito, packed with meat. read more

This is some pretty decent Mexican food and very reasonably priced. I have found that much of the "authentic" Mexican food in this area tastes the same and is somehow soupy...menu items also taste the same- burritos taste like quesadillas, which taste like enchiladas etc. This is a step above that...I haven't seen anything soupy at Monterrey. They have great taco salads and give generous amounts of sour cream and guacamole. One good thing about Monterrey is that no matter how busy they are you get seated quickly and you order is out within minutes. I am really not crazy about Mexican food lately, but when I have to go, this is the place I pick. read more

This restaurant has excellent service, food, and outstanding margaritas. They have an excellent variety of Mexican food on their new menu.

The cheese dip alone is always 5 stars! The absolute best queso I have ever had (and it's my favorite food so I have had it everywhere I can get it). The rest of the menu is delicious as well and on top of that the service is quick, attentive and personable. read more

I've been deathly sick for the past 24hrs from eating from here along with 10 other of my coworkers. I've never been in this much pain, we believe it was the salsa as it was most likely left out of the refrigerator too long. Regardless, we've called the health department on them, we also called today to speak with the manager only to be told that he wasn't in and would call us back around 3pm - no call. This place is horrendous, avoid at all costs!! read more

I love Mexican food and going out, but this place makes me never want to eat out again. I unfortunately was just about finished with my meal when I found a baby COCKROACH buried underneath the lettuce on my plate. My husband alerted the server who did not seem alarmed, and told the manager. He told me I could order something else for free. I said no, and have never eaten at this dirty restaurant again! Just thinking about it makes me want to puke! read more

Service was average. Guacamole was fair. Fajita shrimp nachos and hot sauce were great. Warning: the "large" draft beer lives up to its name. Might as well have brought me a pitcher. read more

A better than average Mexican restaurant. Locally owned, always a plus, and very good food. You can order the Americanized Mexican food that most people are used to or some more authentic options. The tacos de carnitas are fantastic. Served in a traditional fresh corn flour tortilla with no nonsense toppings. Just some lime juice and some hot salsa. read more

I am always looking for a good authentic Mexican restaurant, and this one is authentic and pretty good. Is it amazing? That's pushing it. It's good, and will do the trick when you've got a hankering for some fajitas and a margarita. read more

The taco salad, the salsa, the enchiladas, the nachos, EVERYTHING. I love the food and the service. I am sorta picky so I might have sent a dish back once or twice but never has anything been inedible, and the service is always great too. read more

My favorite place in town. Delicious. I almost always have the Monterrey cheese steak or the burrito Jalisco. The chips and salsa are really good. I like their re fried beans. When I'm in the mood to break my diet, this is my absolute hands down favorite place to go. read more

The best mexican food in Knoxville. Great food and great service. The chicken chimichangas are the jam. I live in NYC now and I miss this place more than anything else. It's my bae. read more

Super friendly staff.... Horrible food. I just moved back to Knoxville from San Diego and became aquatinted with good authentic Mexican food. Despite the great atmosphere and clean restaurant , they use horribly cheap substitutions for ingredients... Worst Mexican food I have experienced. I think knoxvillians may not know much better. read more

Nothing impressive. Food is bland at best. Guacamole was bad. Tasted like it was out of a bag, not fresh made. Just OK

Favorite queso in town. It's spicy and doesn't have a gross, thick consistency like some places make theirs. Their red sauce is unlike any I've ever had and I love it! Wow, I really want to eat there now. If you dine in, request Emmanuel as your server! read more

I've never really had a problem with the food or service here. In fact, my family goes here all the time because it's decent food at a decent price. I love the Monterrey dip and never forget to order it. Now, I'm not an expert on more traditional Mexican cuisine, so I'm probably way off base. Their chips are good, as are their tacos. I've order burritos in the past and for this picky eater, they are perfect. When we ask my son where he wants to go eat, he most often chooses to go here. read more

Well after reading the reviews, I figured it was worth a try. Loved the review that mentioned the salsa being a little spicy. That pushed me toward the restaurant even more. Mexican food is supposed to be a little spicy. So that being agreed on, back to the review. The food is super tasty, it was hot, (temperature wise) and our waiter was great. Very clean and a kicked back atmosphere. All in all, a very enjoyable and great tasting experience. Will be returning as soon as possible. read more

Chicken Monterrey is to die for!! Incredible, authentic, Mexican food. My #1 Mexican restaurant in Knoxville.

It's just slightly better than any other Mexican restaurant which all seem the same.

Great place to eat! My favorite dish is the Carnitas Dinner. Good service, Good food, Good margaritas! Reasonable price too read more

Monterrey - Queso !!! - Mexican Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

They had no authentic Mexican drinks (jarritos or sidral) the salsa was the flavor of spicy water (no veggie to be found in the bowl) & the beans & rice were AWFUL!! The chorizo was good but that's IT! If you people want authentic Mexican food...you won't find it here!!!! YUK read more

If you like good service, authentic Mexican food that is prepared with fresh and tasty ingredients, quality service, and a clean shithole; then this is one place you should never consider visiting. Monterrey in Knoxville, TN values none of these restaurant traits. Not only did my server not understand a single word in English, but even her manager couldn't answer when I asked for my server's name as I was paying at the cash register. I'd rather get fast food. Its almost the same cost anyway. read more

I'm a regular. Best Mexican in Knoxville! Beats El Chico (across the street) every single time, and it's cheaper. You really can't beat their prices, service, quality, preparation, and presentation. I've never been disappointed. They're also SUPER quick! read more

My favorite Mexican restaurant by far. Always great service and the food comes quickly. I've been eating here for 20 years.

My favorite Mexican restaurant in town!! The food is always good, the service is always good. We go here weekly! Best chimichangas in town for sure. read more

The food and drinks were equally horrible. Watered down margaritas and food with no flavor. Tried to address the issue and was told it was MY fault and that no one else had complained when there were at least 2 other tables in the 30 minutes we were there that sent stuff back. Our waiter didn't even check on us other than to set our food down. Will never be going back and telling others not to go there. Taco Bell would have been a better choice. They don't even deserve the 1 star I was made to give them. read more