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    El Metate

    3.7 (75 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order El Metate Takeout or Delivery

    El Metate Photos

    Business Info

    EL METATE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - El Metate

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    Pollo real
    Jared M.

    Coming back 7 years later for another review & update, wow, time flies! 3.75/5 overall, so just a little less than the last time. We keep coming back for the food and will continue to...either by way of in-person or delivery. I'd rate it higher, but we had a waiter that was a bit miffed about something...was rolling eyes and barely wanting to help. I have zero clue what his problem was. We tried to continue to be nice but to no avail - we barely got boxes and gave up on asking for chips. After this, we'll probably try to come during lunch hours going forward in hopes of avoiding that, or, at least to get it via delivery. Was really disappointing as 9 times out of 10 everything is awesome end-to-end. WIll be back, just not sure when. Food is amazing!

    Shrimp coktel
    John G.

    The atmosphere is comfortable. It could use lower lighting. Service has always been good. Our servers are very friendly and very attentive. As for the food, each visit has been great! The Birria tacos are definitely my favorite thing from the menu I've had so far.

    Roach egg
    Cheryl S.

    Just had food delivered from El Metate Knoxville in Halls and it has roaches and roach eggs in it and I called them and they tell me that couldn't refund me my money.

    Steak Fajita Bowl
    Jax L.

    The lunch specials from 11-3 are a steal of a deal and the menu is expansive. I came early afternoon on a weekday and was seated immediately with salsa and chips to start. The salsa reminded me of what you can buy jarred at the grocery store so I was worried we would be off to a bad start but in the end I was pleasantly surprised. My husband ordered the shredded chicken Burrito Real which came with rice and beans for only $7.99 and he was stuffed by the time he finished his plate. I snagged a bite and can confirm it hit the spot. I ordered the Steak Fajita bowl and it was a great portion size. The steak was juicy and plentiful. The guacamole was also a big hunkin' scoop but subpar in taste which between that and the salsa is why this place loses one star. Also, while this may not be authentic, they do have a kid's menu with chicken tenders, fries, mac n' cheese and more. This is a huge bonus when you have a picky toddler like mine. As a Los Angeles native who is new to town, it's hard to earn my 5 star approval when it comes to good Mexican digs but this place was pretty darn close.

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    Photo of Karenza K.
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    7 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food is good and the service is just as good! It can get a little loud when it gets busy but I don't mind it

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Best Mexican in Knoxville. Try the Hawaiian burrito. Pineapples make this dish. Great atmosphere. Great service.

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    Photo of Rachel M.
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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Wife and I love this place! Eat there at least once a week! Fajitas are great, chimichangas are great, Fajita burrito is my favorite!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food was overcooked and nothing stood out with flavor. The menu doesn't represent the entree properly either.

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    3 years ago

    It was just right and the cheese dip that was really really good and everything was perfect

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    Photo of Chuck C.
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    6 years ago

    It was good, Nothing really stood out. It was pretty much just like any other Mexican restaurant in town with a typical puréed salsa.

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    4 years ago

    I really love this place! We recently came back from Mexico and we're looking for a good pork Al pastor. This place does not disappoint!

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Their food is amazing! Sooo much flavor, great portion sizes, I don't go anywhere else for Mexican food. This is it!

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

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    La Esperanza - Not a great photo, but I thought of it after I started. Ceviche tostada, a couple of tacos.

    La Esperanza

    4.5(103 reviews)
    6.1 mi
    $

    First, I thought I had reviewed them already-- so if I do two, that's why…read more I'm giving this 5 stars relating it to other SIMILAR places-- that is, Mexican restaurants within a grocery store--- i.e. more limited menu (although their's is pretty broad), not full bar-service (but they have beer), and not fancy. For what it is-- it is really scrumptious. I had a few tacos, a ceviche tostada and a beer. BIG lunch-- I took one taco home. All the items were really chock-ful of meat. The carnitas on that taco was way too much to be able to pick up the taco with it all inside. They had a good mix of onions and cilantro on them, although I'd have preferred to add my own (I LOVE cilantro). I wish it was nearer; I'd go back often.

    This restaurant is located in the back of a Mexican supermarket. It's not very big and if you're…read morecoming here during the week come before noon, a lot of construction workers come in here and fill the place up. The salsa and chips--- First bite tasted like tomato paste to me, very tangy and had a kick of spice. Chips were warm. No Guacamole!!!! What Mexican place has no guac? Chimichanga de pollo-- Shredded chicken with some onions, peppers and covered in cheese sauce. Fajitas mixta-- Steak was a little tough and chicken was very thin slices. Lacked some spices. More onions, green peppers and tomatoes than meat. It wasn't bad, but for our taste we have had better. The whole meal lacked spices. Would we recommend? Yes, give it a try, you might like it. Salsa is good but it's too tomato pastey for us.

    Photos
    La Esperanza - Chips and salsa

    Chips and salsa

    La Esperanza - Chips n salsa. V good opener

    Chips n salsa. V good opener

    La Esperanza - Menu

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    Menu

    El Metate - mexican - Updated May 2026

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