I ate here recently with a high school friend. We both commented it was the first time we'd visited in over a year, although we both have loved Chez Guevara for many years. I had the Santa Fe (chicken enchilada with green sauce), while my friend had the Elvis burrito. Chips and salsa here are amazing. I especially love the salsa verde. Service was great, per usual! read more

Fantastic ambience! Large portions. Although King Crab Enchiladas are on the menu, they are no longer offered.

I can't say enough good things about this hidden gem. Not exactly Mexican food but exactly what I want every time. They're grilled salmon. Tacos are like something I've never had before. Best margarita I've ever had everything we've ever ordered. Has been delicious. There's no sign above the restaurant, looks small from the outside, but it's actually very large in space inside. The staff is always amazing just like the food. read more

I'm from Texas visiting Tennessee. A lady I met on the plane suggested that I go here. Little hole in the wall. No sigh on the door . No need either. Apparently everyone knows that it's the best Mexican food ever! Did I mention that I'm from Texas ? Never would have guessed that there was better. The grilled salmon tacos I had my first night there were amazing. Tonight's dinner was pork carnitas with mole sauce! The best I e ever had. Spinach queso and margaritas! Best of both. JEZZ. Friendly service. Low key and casual. Just all kinds of yummy read more

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Yummy food, very quick and great quality! We didn't go without, small but very full restaurant! read more

Chez Guevara - California quesadilla - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Generously sized portions, freshly made, good atmosphere and friendly staff. One of my favorite restaurants in Knoxville. The spinach dip is delicious! read more

The place has a cool vibe, and the staff is friendly. With that being said if you like mediocre tex mex and bad salsa then this is your place. read more

Loved the decor and the waiter/waitresses were very polite. I can't go there often as the food is a few dollars more than I'd like but I can come every month for sure' read more

I think I am also in the minority here, but I was admittedly not wowed by the food at Chez. However, I would love to hear more about the biz story, as we were first thrown off by a Mexican restaurant being named after a Cuban revolutionary. But I digress...we ordered a meal to-go and it was ready far after the promised time. Once home, we noticed it was well-packaged and the portions sizable. We ordered: -Eddie Peña enchilada plate-spinach enchilada, pork enchilada, rice and beans. Spinach one was terrible. Chunk of fresh spinach, not well-cooked or seasoned, still had stems. The pork was tasty! The rice and beans seemed more of a dirty cajun style. -Elvis burrito, zucchini, rice-The chicken was sliced and a bit tough. We are so used to shredded or diced chicken in Mexican dishes, so that was a bit unexpected as well. Hubby also did not care for the rice and said he could take-or-leave the zucchini mix. -Chips and salsa (red and verde)- holy onion chunks and very spicy-. Chips were fine but needed salt. I know I've had a good meal when I look forward to leftovers. I honesty threw away 2/3 of my meal. I do not know that we will be back but am glad we tried. read more

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Huge portions of fresh, very flavorful Mexican food. Lots of options on the menu. Entertaining decor. Don't go when you are in a rush. The hot sauce will hurt you. Enjoy. read more

Came across this place on Facebook announcing them selves, food looked good online but when you get there it's small, dark with carpet all over with chips on the floor. It had a musty smell. We ordered a chile relleno and enchilada which are far from good Mexican food. This place is American as can be with there food this is not Mexican or Cuban or whatever there trying to go for. The menu was so mixed. I really wanted to like this place since there is no legit Mexican restaurants in Knoxville but it was bad. From the food to the presentation of the restaurant being so outdated and dirty. read more

I haven't been here in 5 years but was out and about and was excited to return. Why the long departure, the hours, they aren't open for lunch during the week. I was extremely let down to say the least. First and for most the place was dirty, hard to tell because it really dark but you could not miss the chips all over the floor, the table we sat at we had to wipe off including the chairs, so not end of world, it was Friday evening after dinner rush. We were greeted with chips and salsa which the salsa red and green are outstanding. This is where the experience took a turn. Our server was awful, well maybe that's not accurate, because after getting our drink order we never saw her, never. I got the Elvis and the taste was pretty good, but the size, wow for 18 bucks I felt quite slighted. We also ordered the tamale and it isn't a tamale, it's a dab of wet masa on a grilled corn husk (the tamale was not cooked in said husk, it just for show on the plate), one server said it's not traditional, ok, call it anything other than a tamale, like a tostada with a wet corn tortilla or deconstructed style tamale. We didn't get charged for it so that is the extent of my complaint about it, taste was ok. Over all id probably wait another 5 years before I'd return, shame I'd had found memories. Pardon the visine in the picture but wanted to give reference for the picture. read more

Chez Guevara - Elvis burrito not even as big as a small visited bottle, 18 dollars is a bit much. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Simply the best Mexican served in Knoxville. Spinach Queso is outstanding and the Santa Fe enchiladas are superb. But, it will always be Le Paz to me!' read more

Despise the name of this place. Hadn't been here in years, but I was NOT disappointed. Fantastic. Atmosphere was great. Both salsas were A+. Margaritas spot-on. And my beef/chorizo Zapnin was incredible. Had a great time with minimal wait on a Thursday night. Great job y'all! Keep it up and change the name back to La Paz. read more

Abuelo's closed in Turkey Creek so our favorite Mexican restaurant was done. We retried Chez recalling good Tex Mex but a super smokey restaurant back in the day. Since smoking is verboten now, all is good. Chez decor is weird 1/2 Elvis and 1/2 Mexican and really dark. That being said the food here is awesome. Tonight I had the Taco Salad which was loaded with snakebite chili and sour cream, guacamole, cheese, nachos and black olives. My wife ordered the zapnins (chimichanga) beef with Chili con Queso. Both dishes were savory and a little spicy. This is the best Mexican food I've had in Knoxville. The chips and dip are really good, they bring a tomatillo and a spicy red salsa. to the table. The only beef from me is zero draft beer. However, all the bottled Cerveza is done right with lime wedges read more

Chez Guevara - Taco Salad - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Had great amount of food here. The environment is so cute and sometimes you need to look up to the roof:) The chips with green and red salsa plus their spinach dip taste awesome. We got a margarita to share and our waitress was super nice, she even gave us new glasses after we finished one just for fresh lime and salt. Forgot the name of my dish but it looks like a stuffed pancake with steak stuffing, amazing! Highly recommend this place. read more

The food is amazing! Different from traditional Tex-mex. So delicious! The restaurant needs a little more lighting... but the food is so good, I just use my phone flashlight and can see the menu fine! read more

GOD BLESS THIS PLACE. Top 3 Mexican meals of my life. I almost don't know how to write a review everything was so delicious. The eclectic, but cute decor. Carafe of margs in all flavors, warm and complimentary chips, and each meal is about 2 meals in 1. read more

Chez Guevara - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Despite it's name, we decided to try it out for date night. It was such a good decision. I loved the ambiance. It almost felt like we were out of town at a cute lil dive. The service was excellent. No complaints whatsoever. Our waitress was personable, attentive, & lovely. As we left, the bartender told us goodnight like we were old friends. Lastly, the food was delicious. Everything thing we tried down to the rice had so much flavor. I hate to rave so much, because in a selfish way, I don't want them to be even more packed when we return. read more

Chez Guevara - Chicken & spinach tamale & Elvis in the background. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

We arrived right when they opened. The food was SO GOOD and margs were refreshing. It was very hot in there and dark (it's the first 80 degree day in knox), but the food was great and service was pretty good for being told they were understaffed. The salsa especially was very good and I liked my dish the server recommended - chicken acapoco; and I would get it again! The random art pieces were cool to look at around the restaurant as well. I think the only thing that was not enjoyable would be how hot it was in there once the kitchen started working and we got our food. I'd come back :) read more

Chez Guevara - Chicken Acapoco (it's like Mexican chicken parm) - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

THE BEST Mexican restaurant in Knoxville hands down. The menu has a myriad of dishes that could be any restaurant's featured dish. The ambiance is consistently fun and yet sensible for a date night. The service is always exceptionally friendly and timely. If you get there early, you will see multiple people waiting for the opening but, you have a better chance of getting a table right away! Anyone who enjoys Mexican food done peerlessly, needs to check out Chez'! PLEASE TRY THE SPINACH QUESO!!! read more

Chez Guevara - Al Zap's! One of my favorites! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

First time going, we are from out of town and my mother in law recommended the place. Tucked away in the corner of the shopping stores. It was a dark but vibrant vibe inside, great music and decor was interesting. We started out with a pitcher of margaritas, (8/10) not too sweet & perfect flavor. We also ordered the spinach con queso dip, if you are not into any type of spice I would recommend passing, it has a unique flavor with a slow heat. The food itself came fast, fresh & hot!! I would say if you did not come with an empty belly you should probably split as the portions are large. Overall I would come back, the service was fast and on top of things and just a cool vibe for a casual night or date night! read more

Chez Guevara - Santa Fe - Enchilada - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Based on the other reviews and how busy this place is, I am certainly the outlier. And, I'm not disparaging the food, however, it just wasn't to my liking. The Margarita was very tasty. I like the chips, but the salsa was a bit spicy for my taste. My wife and I each had an enchilada dinner. I had the McKendry (with chicken and mushrooms). I also liked the black beans they serve with rice versus refried beans. The dish comes completely covered (submersed) in cheese. I really didn't care for this preparation. I eventually uncovered my enchilada under it all. The plate comes out so hot that it takes a bit before you can eat it (safely). The meal was tasty and well-seasoned. IMO, it had too much cheese, which decreased my enjoyment of it. read more

Chez Guevara - McKendry enchilada dinner - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Chez Guevara is quirky. There's no sign outside and it's stuck in there corner of a strip mall containing Trader Joe's and Barnes & Noble. When I was younger, it was called La Paz. I'm not sure if it's the same owners. But, this has been a Mexican restaurant for probably 25 years. So, that longevity speaks volumes. Especially since it doesn't even have a sign! And it was busy when we went. The name is a good pun....but the underlying historical figure (Che Guevara) isn't one that I would celebrate. Inside, it's like a cross between a college dive bar and a Mexican "fusion" restaurant. When you walk in, it's very dark. Seriously...this is a dimly lit place illuminated by some random hanging lights. Lots of very funky wall art and decor. They're trying to pull in some of the "dia de Los muertes" vibe and mix it with American alternative. Food: The menu is interesting. Good variety of choices and it is not the same as other Mexican options. I had a poblano pepper stuffed with raisins, almonds, chicken, and mole sauce. My wife had some type of Mexican style chicken stuffed with goat cheese. Likewise, the chips and salsa were unique. They bring you green and red salsa too. Green is the milder one. The red has a kick. We also ordered guacamole and it was good quality. Overall, the food was a solid "good." But, I wouldn't say great or amazing to the point where I need to rush back. Price: Above average for Knoxville "regular" Mexican food. Service: SLOW. This isn't like the usual quick Mexican restaurant. They took a sold 40 minutes to bring the food. Maybe good if you are on a date. Not so good if you have young kids who might ask you (repeatedly) why it is taking so long. "Dad, I thought you said Mexican restaurants were fast!" Then again, this isn't a kids place. I also probably jinxed myself by telling my son that Mexican places are always fast. Overall: If you want a different spin on Mexican food, give them a try. read more

This has become our go to Mexican restaurant in Knoxville. Place is a bit dark, but service is the best. Queso is excellent and food is always piping hot read more

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I love Mexican food and this place is a super cool hole in the wall joint the food is great and the atmosphere is amazing good selection with some interesting takes and funky twists vs your typical Tex mex place. Service was fast and real sweet read more

A step above, these folks do amazing work. The location has been known for great Mexican cuisine in the area for many years beginning with La Paz. Chez Guevara carries that tradition forward. read more

Best Mexican restaurant in town. Everything. Is awesome here. The spinach queso is amazing

Awesome authentic tasting food and great service!! Rico our bartender and server was way way cool!! Eclectic and very relaxed atmosphere! Definitely our new Mexican food spot! read more

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Will always be La Paz!! I love, love, love it here!! I have NEVER had anything I don't like. The margaritas are wonderful. And they are on top of keeping your glass fresh, so it doesn't get watered down (and if you like salt that you always have salt). My favorites are the quesadilla, Santa Fe, Pacifica. The salsas are both great!! The chips are warm and fresh. read more

This place is next level. If you haven't had the queso... you're missing out. Service is always top notch with friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient staff. Great place for families, dates, and anyone else you're comfortable eating too much in front of. read more

Longtime family favorite, we've been coming here for over 20 years! Condoleeza Rice is my fave, husband loves the Fajita Quesadilla, and family who has moved to Nashville always requests we bring several containers of the spinach queso when we visit! read more

Lived in Knoxville years ago and this was our go to place for Mexican food. I just remembered it and looked it up and am glad to see the quality still looks excellent. Makes me miss Knoxville! read more

Great food and portions. Web driven by so many times and never realized this restaurant was tucked back in there! Very fun ambience. Service was great. Got to get queso and margaritas! read more

Everything was wonderful, the service and food are wonderful. It is a small and very different type of restaurant. No pretention here. Just great food in an unique atmoshere!!! read more

Tried this out the other day with my husband after my father in law recommended it. We were pretty pleased with our choices. My husband got the Cuban quesadilla, and I had the shrimp zapnin, which was like a chimichanga. My only issue was the amount of cheese on and inside of it. Phew! Service was great and fast, but they do pack you in there. We got jammed in the corner, but it was cozy enough. I do recommend getting there early because it was packed within 20 minutes of opening. We will definitely go back to try something else. read more

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This is the best local Mexican joint in Knoxville, TN. The food is more creole Mexican if there is such a thing! The service is awesome. It must be a great place to work, because I've seen the same workers there for at least 10 years and the owner and workers know us when we walk in the door. The drinks are also a slam dunk and no one can match their margaritas! If you are visiting or living in Knoxville, this is a "must have"! After all, it's always nice to go to a place where everyone knows your name! Cheers! read more

Great margaritas, environment, and fajitas. Unique ambiance with great service. Love the red salsa. I'm a biased regular and thoroughly recommend! read more

Chez Guevara - Fajitas with chicken - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

My absolute favorite restaurant in Knoxville. The environment and staff are so fun! I had a beef zapnin (their version of a chimi) with their queso on top. It was AH-mazing! read more

Chez Guevara - Beef Zapnin - Tex-Mex Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

We were a party of 7 and the food was fantastic! The atmosphere/ambiance felt like we were walking into a shady bar, it was very dark, especially up front by the bar. If the only seats available had been up front we would have gone elsewhere. Thankfully they had an open table in the back, and once our eyes adjusted it felt more like a restaurant instead of a dim bar, but would still be nice to have some brighter lights. Because of the super dark atmosphere I would not give five stars if the food hadn't been so good. Even knowing how good the food is, I would not stay to eat if the only seats available were in the front part by the bar; there were literally no overhead lights on. I like to actually see my food when I'm eating. ;) read more