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Longtime, kid-friendly chain serving Tex-Mex staples & margaritas in a colorful space.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 116 Cedar Ln, Knoxville, TN 37912
Phone: (865) 687-4242
Website: https://www.elchico.com/
Menu Photos
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El Chico
Our restaurants reflect nearly ninety years of changing tastes and styles and our guests’ preferences. We have taken care to preserve the heritage.
El Chico | Knoxville, TN
El Chico · 116 Cedar Lane Knoxville, TN 37912 · (865) 687-4242. Yelp Rating. $$ – 118 reviews. Overview. El Chico’s signature enchiladas are prepared and …
El Chico – Updated 2026, Mexican Restaurant in Knoxville, TN
Get menu, photos and location information for El Chico – Knoxville in Knoxville, TN. Or book now at one of our other 2093 great restaurants in Knoxville.
Reviews
Bryce Solomon
Come here fairy often as it’s close to me and isn’t your typical bar either. The two bartenders I’ve dealt with are Carlos, day shift, and Hannah, night shift. Both are excellent servers and have their different quarks about them. Carlos is quick with a smile and to share his crazy stories. Hannah is more reserved but quick to open up once she gets to know you. That being said, Hannah is great at recommendations when it comes to different drinks to help you broaden and try different things. Carlos is great when it comes to food recommendations. That being said, my go is the Monterey chicken with an extra chicken breast. Their street tacos are legit too. Just have to ask which cook is working that day.
… moreBritten McDowell
I haven’t eaten in an El Chico in over 20 years. Our local El Chico closed due to structural issues with the building, and I assumed the whole chain has closed. I was greatly saddened by this because El Chico was a fav spot for fam and friends to gather. So you can imagine, I was floored when driving to our hotel to see an El Chico sign shining in the distance. Our waitress was Sherry ( a 33 year veteran of this restaurant) and she was fantastic. The food was just as I remembered and atmosphere was the same as our old place back home. It was a great trip down memory lane with good food great service and lots of great memories when we ate here! If you get a chance patronize these guys they are doing it right!!!!
… moreKen
The chicken fajitas were very good and the portion was plenty big enough for my wife and I to split. The only thing I would do differently on my next visit is ask for some lettuce to go with my fajitas. That said, they did come with grated cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico. A health inspection score of 100 is always a good thing to see when eating out, and that’s what they had.
… moreJeanne Phillips
Service was Perfect. Some of my food was a bit too spicy but was my own fault as waiter told me the sauce is spicy but I thought I could handle it. Drinks were mixed well without too much or too little alcohol. My cousin ordered the 3 diablos I think it was and she was in heaven, Loved it.
… moreR W
Hubby and I went to El Chico after checking into our hotel (Tru by Hilton). The guy at the front desk (Andrew) recommended it when I asked about it. I was kind of wary because I am a foodie. It did not disappoint! The food was fabulous. The waitress was friendly. We even ordered a “Burrito By You” to-go so Andrew at the hotel could share it with his front desk partner (to thank them for recommending such a fabulous restaurant).
… moreLa
We had burrito bowl was excellent!! Really loved this ! And the enchiladas! Really excellent also ! Salsa had a nice kick ! Service was pretty good –
… moreLisa Cromwell
We live in Lexington, KY and a few years back our El Chico’s unfortunately closed. We miss it greatly. This is where we frequented with friends after many of our kids baseball games and celebrations or just a friendly family meal. Usually 2-3 times per week. We knew the managers and servers by name and they knew us. They were like family. The food was always great!! Best queso hands down. Lexington has not experienced the same since. So, when we are traveling down I-75 we always make a stop to either dine in or get our favorite queso/salsa/chip combination to take home to our kids who are now college graduates but keeping those great memories alive for them and us:) They ALWAYS ask, “ Stop at El Chico?” Yesterday, we were driving back from NC after attending a wedding and we stopped but they had closed at 4pm and this must have been closer to 4:30. Someone at the door said,” Well I cannot let you in but this guy may be able to.” As he smiled. He asked what was going on and I explained how we were traveling through and it was a long shot since they were closed and I would understand if my request could not be fulfilled. Just wanted to see about getting queso/ salsa and chips. I would take the bottom of the pan or a drop or two just to take home:) The back story is that my oldest son graduated law school on a Friday and the following Monday had a medical emergency warranting a 911 call. I was a few feet away to resuscitate him. He is fine now but things changed in an instant and life has a clearer perspective for all of us. He was requesting the queso… When Girish Desai listened to my request or plea, he immediately said, “come in, I will take care of it.” I told him only if there was something leftover. He said ,” No worries, I can warm some up.” I really didn’t want to cause a delay in their closing so I was feeling bad. He comes back out and I hand him my credit card and he says ,”No.” I told him that I absolutely insist! He still said,” No, this is for your son from me.” I burst into tears and he extended the most caring hug! I wasn’t sure if I could walk out because I was so emotional. We still didn’t tell my son until we arrived home. When I showed him the El Chico bag he put up with the biggest smile ever but when I told him about the blessing he received he beamed and was also emotional. I told my entire family,” There are still such good people in this world! Always make sure to show kindness even when you are not sure if the recipient is in need or wanting it. We are just walking through this world together and we should help one another along the way.” People write reviews and some can be hateful or negative. Remember to show grace … that grace will come back to you in ways that are unimaginable!! Thank you El Chico and Girish Desai -Operating Partner for blessing my family with kindness and queso:)! Come back to Lexington!!! I miss my Chicken Monterey Much love from the Cromwell family!
… moreHunter Brady
I was very disappointed with my experience. The food was overpriced for the quality and lacked any real flavor. Some items were questionable and seemed undercooked, which was concerning. Service was also poor and inattentive, adding to the frustration. Overall, this was not a good value, and I would not recommend dining here.
… moreBenjam
We went to El Chico Mexican Restaurant many times over the years since they have been open. Their menu has not changed much over the years but there have been many additions including 1 of my favorites which is the Bowl. Normally when I eat there, I get some version of Fajitas. Whether it be Shrimp or Steak or Chicken or a combinations of those. I also like the Burritos, Chimiis, Enchiladas, and the Quesadillas. When it comes to the Desserts, either the Mexican Apple Pie with Ice Cream or the Fried Ice Cream. Special note here, the Queso Blanco here are El Chico is my Personal Favorite of all time. They made it right, a Spicy White Cheese dip is out of this world. In my opinion, the Queso Blanco here should not be an Appetizer, it should be a Main Course. Yes, it is that good. They have a separate Lunch Menu as well. Their restaurant is clean, plenty of parking, Wheelchair accessible as well, and The Staff are friendly & helpful.
… moreGJ Comer
We stopped for Lunch, The hostesses was kinda dull and uninviting… So was not expecting much
Besides that the rest of the experience was great! Food and drinks where amazing.
Enrique was one of the best servers I’ve had in any resturant. We will definitely be back.
… moreBesides that the rest of the experience was great! Food and drinks where amazing.
Enrique was one of the best servers I’ve had in any resturant. We will definitely be back.