Starting our night off we called them to figure some hours out so we could come be the average white person and eat mexican but when we called they didn't even know there own hours! Like bruzz come on now. We get here and Phillip had a meal and once he got it and started chowing down and he found a bone like that could have been crucial to his dietary restrictions of bone. Although other meals were lovely his meal ruined the whole night. El Metate not impressed... please kill the pig better or cow not sure! . oink oink moo moo. Also they have good rice. read more

El Metate Mexican Restaurant - BONE IN MEAL #DIETARY - Mexican Near Me - Hixson, Tennessee

Well, we hoped for the best. And we were disappointed! Being from the west coast, I have been eating taquitos since I could walk and everyone knows you gotta have guacamole with them!!!! It's like eggs and bacon....chips and dip....hotdogs with ketchup and mustard!! I got a little dab of sour cream . They were soft and oily. Not good. My husband had a tamale that was okay, nothing to write home about. The salsa was watered down and tasteless. The service was fast and friendly. I'm done, I will stick to taco trucks ! read more

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Always pleased with our service, and more importantly, our food. El Metate has been a staple in our family for a long time now.

Customer service is terrible. Food is, meh. Won't be back. Plenty of other Mexican places who want to take care of the customers.

El metate is a great family friendly Mexican restaurant in Hixson. The food is always great, comes out really fast, service always is top notch. We are all mainly vegetarian and there is always something for everyone to eat. Love their spicy tomatillo salsa--super super spicy and is the perfect addition to any meal. read more

We got seated right away and server came over right away. We didn't really get a chance to look at the menu so we just ordered waters. Jaime was our server and he did really well on checking on us and making sure our drinks were full. The food was really good and I really enjoyed the jalapeños. The birra taco was excellent and I'm sad I didn't order extra consommé to just drink, cause it's so good! It has a fun atmosphere and family friendly. read more

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The first time we had a group and ordered three appetizers and they didn't bring any. At the end, they gave us a $247 non-itemized bill. When I asked for one, they could not provide it. Second time, we ordered take-out hoping for a better result. After checking in and waiting ten minutes, the person at the counter went over to a booth and grabbed my to-go ordered that had been sitting there the whole time. We had to heat everything up again. Also, do not go here if you want dinner and a drink. The most expensive drinks in Chattanooga. I Just ordered a double Vodka and they gave me a single and charged me $22 for a double. The waiter didn't speak English and the manager said I was SOL. Good luck at this place or go somewhere else. read more

Just Wanted To Give Everyone A Heads UP! They are CHANGING THE AMOUNT of Gratuity (TIP) that you write down. The wife and I stopped in there to have dinner a few months ago. When I went to reconcile our checking account, I noticed the balance was OFF a few dollars! I then realized that the Tip (Gratuity) had been changed from what I had wrote down, At El Metate in Hixson, TN.... IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON OCTOBER 20th. 2023. read more

First things first the service was horrible, didn't bring the correct drinks out and wouldn't refill the drinks. The food was bad as well i got the burrito California and it was ok then i tried and piece of the shrimp and it was RAW!! no flavor or anything i was supposed to get chicken with the burrito and i got two little pieces in it. it was decorated pretty good besides there being two tvs in the whole restaurant its in a strip mall which was nice and pleasant till you go to eat at this restaurant it is a waste of your time this was my one and only time ever going there. read more

Located in a shopping center with several other restaurants and businesses, it's pretty easy to find. There is ample parking although most is across the main traffic lane going from one end of the shopping center to the other. This lane can get busy at times so just take care as you cross. Carnitas is one of my go-to dishes. The one here was not all that good. The pork chunks were plentiful, but rather dry. The flavor was quite nice, but the meat was not tender and it seemed like a lot of work to chew. The refried beans were very thick, like they had been cooking down for too long. The rice was fine, nothing special but not bad. The provided lettuce consisted mostly of core pieces with very few actual leaves. I didn't eat very much at all. In addition, the seven jalapeno slices included three tops. As I ordered takeout, I expected napkins, utensils, etc. None were provided. I didn't get tortillas either. I'm not certain they were part of the dish, but they would certainly have been a nice addition. Based on the lack of utensils, napkins, etc. for a takeout order, the three jalapeno tops included in the provided slices, high amount of core in the lettuce, and the thick refried beans, it seems there is a lack of attention to detail. There are many other Mexican food options available, even in the vicinity. read more

El Metate Mexican Restaurant - Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Hixson, Tennessee

We chose take out this night. We ordered tacos, chicken fajitas, one of their seafood burritos, and the chicken/rice/cheese dish (pollo loco I think). We also purchased a side of grilled jalapeno. Let's start with the least successful - the tacos. They were extremely salty - yikes. Even copious amounts of salsa did not help. I have 2 sons, and they couldn't eat them either. Thankfully, the other items were much better. The shrimp burrito was good according to my youngest son and it was rather large. The chicken/rice/cheese dish was good, not super flavorful, but once you add jalapeno and salsa - you get more flavor. The best dish was the fajitas. The flavor of the chicken and veg popped, so adding the beans, jalapeno, and salsa in the tortilla was just layering more flavor! Definitely enjoyed this one! read more

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This place is THE Hixson gem! Mom and I decided to try it since we were hanging out on her side of town last week. We got takeout - cheese dip, salsa with home made chips, and chimichanga entrees. Mom got a chicken chimichanga entree and I got a vegetarian one. The entrees are HUGE! And delicious. The vegetarian chimichanga was full of sauteed squash, spinach, carrots, and cauliflower. The queso was amazing. The homemade chips were crisp and tasty. I do believe we've found our Hixson go to for a dinner treat any day of the week! read more

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Don't eat here if you desire flavor. Portions were nice. Staff was nice. Food was soo very bland. Now I know.

My husband and I have been eating at the Hixson restaurant, instead of the ElMetate in Soddy Daisy which is closer to our home, because the Soddy Daisy restaurant wreaks of cleaning chemicals. The chemicals are so strong that you can taste them in the food. However, the past few times we have been disappointed at this one as well. Their salsa is so very very thin with large chunks of tomatoes and an overload of cilantro which tastes like soap. I ordered chicken fajitas but they were extremely bland this time. I think it's time to find another mexican restaurant. . This used to be our favorite chain to eat mexican food. Such a DISAPPOINTMENT!! read more

The food was absolutely horrible. I took a few bites and couldn't bring myself to finish it. My family of 7 went and we each ordered something different, none of us finished our food. It was so bad. read more

Mondays have 1.25 tacos and the burrito real with drink for 7.99. The service was great and the food was fresh! Great place for quick lunch! read more

Delicious food!!! Everything was so good and fresh! Menu selection was huge! We will definitely be back!!

This place is exactly what you want when you think of Southern Tex Mex: Good flavor, monster proportions, and free salsa. As a cheat meal, my fiancé and I visited El Metate this week. We were seated promptly as the joint wasn't very crowded. One of my favorite things about this restaurant visit is that they serve Coke Zero. Chips and salsa were immediately bright out. The chips are much thicker than the pieces of fried paper you get at places like Chili's (not that I don't love those Chili's chips too though). I ordered the tacos pastor. This is three tacos in your choice of flour or corn tortillas filled with barbecue pineapple pork. There is a bowl of cilantro and onion and a bowl of some sort of chipotle, liquid-fire served with the tacos. The tacos were great as is and I didn't need the extra toppings. This place has a very casual environment. Couple that with the polite staff and the tasty food and I gladly recommend a trip to El Metate any day. read more

El Metate Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Hixson, Tennessee

The staff is great, the food is delicious, and the ambiance is festive! My husband and I eat there often and enjoy it every time. I highly recommend it. read more

We eat here a few times a month at least- it's our go to. We often will celebrate birthdays there as well, and I just met up with friends to do just that. We've never had a bad experience. Service is usually quick even when it's busy and everyone is friendly. I always ask for the spicier salsa, because I love HEAT and it hits the spot every time. My favorite dishes are chiles poblanos, the veggie chimichanga, fajita taco salad, and huevos albanil. Portions are super generous too, so you won't leave hungry! read more

YES YES YES!!!!! Talk about comfort food with a good vibe? The pork they serve is "slap yo' mama" good! I had the nachos with pork, but substituted the chips for rice. It was honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten! My husband raved about his burrito as well. Our server was super friendly and accommodating. As we left, everyone by the front door wished us a good day. Everyone was so friendly. Between food and service, this place is a 5-star to me! I can't wait to go back. read more

El Metate Mexican Restaurant - Nachos Carnitas, but I substituted chips for rice. Super delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Hixson, Tennessee

El Metate is so good! Definitely earned a 5/5 for their quick service, tasty food, and kind service. We had a group of 6 and got our food within 10 minutes of ordering, & everyone in our group was satisfied with their dishes. My brother-in-law and I got the birria tacos and they were incredible (definitely recommend those). The queso dip, salsa, chips were also very yummy. Our waitress was very attentive and kind. We highly recommend this restaurant! read more

I usually love, El Metate, but last night was just a terrible experience so I went for my birthday with a group of friends. The service was terrible. I had an empty glass for almost half my meal but that's not the worst part when I was eating my food I found hair and it. I let the waitress know that I had hair and my food so she went to get the manager. The manager didn't seem like he wanted to help me at all he's like what do you want me to do? So I asked him to make me a new meal. Once my food was brought out, you could tell he was annoyed. The manager didn't even apologize for hair being in my food. I would not go back to this el Metate. read more

Food wasn't bad, but really salty. And service wasn't great. Too many other better choices around, so probably not headed back.

We frequent this restaurant at least three times a month. It's typically Mexican that you find in this area, but the food is always great. Service is quick and the chips are almost always served hot and fresh. My go to at any Mexican restaurant is the chicken chimichanga and there's is a generous tortilla stuffed full of chicken and fajitas. I've also had the taco salad with is just as good. They've updated their menus recently, so if you've never been, definitely give it a chance. read more

Ok El Metate, I'll give you another star. My parents REALLY come here often and that is why we are always dragged here upon visiting. I have come to accept this. The service still really sucks. They're nice people but they do not check on tables often at all. I'm pretty sure we sat there for 10 minutes knowing what to order this past time. It also took forever to get boxes just like before. They still make errors at least half the time. My mom was brought a strawberry margarita once even though she ordered a plain one, my brother rarely gets the jalapenos on his fajitas. One time they charged per cup of tomatillo salsa they asked for with chips, for a total cost of over $2. This is ordered EVERY time we're here and that was the only time anyone has charged for it. I pretty much always get fajita nachos, and they're good. But it's hard to ruin anything drenched in cheese. They do have a lot of options so maybe I'll branch out one of these days. They do always have drink specials but does their draft beer selection suuuuuuck. I realize it's Hixson but I have to comment. I always get a margarita anyway and usually it tastes just of tequila and that is not a problem. read more

After driving past this location dozens of times during the last year, my schedule finally allowed a lunch stop. There's ample parking in the large level lot shared with several other businesses in this open mall center. Inside: The isles surrounding the tables and along the booths are wide and spacious. Outdoor seating is available, should one wish to view vehicles trolling the lot, or if in the tradition of Phillip Marlowe one might be keeping an eye on the UPS store on the corner. Since this was my first visit, I decided to order a classic: Carnitas. My order of carnitas arrived promptly, preceded by the usual basket of corn chips and sauce. Sauce was bland. Chips were average. Beer was cold. The pork on my dish, although savoury, was very greasy, with large, white, pads of semi-solid fat clinging to the other-wise tender pork chunks. This status, though rather disquieting, was easily edited away, leaving a very ample portion to accompany the refries, lettuce, rice, diced tomatoes, and sliced jals, which quickly found their way onto my piping hot tortillas. A word of caution: The plates are HOT! You will be warned, and it is wise to heed the warning. A word; to the wise....... Not a bad meal, and Good enough to return. I shall wear my best fedora, sit on the patio, and gaze surreptitiously toward the UPS store. read more

El Metate Mexican Restaurant - Front Entrance - Mexican Near Me - Hixson, Tennessee

This is my favorite "go to" Mexican restaurant. Fortunately it is in my neighborhood, so I can go there as often as possible. The staff is very warm and friendly to their customers. They make sure that everyone has everything that is needed. The menu is very versatile, and even the picky eaters will find something to love here. The margaritas are prepared in a variety of ways, so if you are a margarita lover, you will not be disappointed. The prices for each entrée is reasonable, and the food is delicious. The atmosphere is casual, and the restaurant is lively and fun. The next time that you are craving Mexican food, I highly suggest trying El Metate in Hixson. It is also a wonderful place for family and friends. read more

First, it is in an outdoor strip mall so parking is free and easy. They have both booths and tables. I ate here for the first time with a couple of friends who come here often. The server might have been the owner because he was very attentive and was prompt. They serve beer, draught and bottle but I am not sure if they have mixed drinks. I was not very hungry so ordered a single beef burrito and my friends ordered fajitas for two. The food came really quickly. It may have been just because the place was almost but maybe not. If you want to chat a while before eating, I would get my drinks and wait to order until maybe 5-10 minutes before you want to eat. I say this with caution because they were not very busy so getting food so quickly may have been a fluke. We got the typical chips and salsa and the chips were bland, really dry yet not crisp so did not enjoy them at all. When I got my burrito it was hamburger meat; I should have asked if they have shredded beef. My friends enjoyed their Fajitas and still took more than half back. Bottom line, the food was pretty typical Mexican and atmosphere was casual. It is and OK place, not expensive, waiter did a great job. My friends thought the Fajitas were good. I have to give this 2 starss due to location and the food did not stand out. read more

An expectation I had entering this restaurant was "just another Mexican restaurant," which is what I happened to be craving. Let's start with the first impression: The salsa was much too runny and did not cling to the chips at all. The sever was incredibly polite, however, and it made for a pleasant waiting experience. Now on to the menu. It had a long list of items to order, which, while it may make a customer happy because there is more choice, it is a recipe for a chaotic kitchen. Despite this, they were able to serve my party quickly. Lastly, I will cover food quality. The quantity of food at most Mexican restaurants is much too large, but this place got it just right. Not too big, not too small. I had the standard "pollo con queso". The queso was slightly too salty, but the chicken, while thinly cut, was still able to retain its juiciness. The rice was the same as all Mexican restaurants - rice cooked in tomato sauce and chicken bouillon, so it was naturally simple and delicious. The tortillas were a little hard, but not so hard that they were ruined. As for a neighboring booth's food, I'm not so sure the food was good for them. A horrible fishy smell came from someone's shrimp order. For my fellow cooks out there, we all know that shrimp shouldn't smell strong, but, rather, salty. The smell let me know instantly that the shrimp was bad and made me glad I did not order it. That, unfortunately, nearly ruined the experience for me. The smell was leaking into nearby booths - mainly ours. Overall, the place gets 2 stars, because while 60% of my food was good, the fishy smell was awful and made me wonder about their quality control in the kitchen. read more

El Metate has become my family's go-to Mexican spot in Hixson. The service is fast and accurate, the food quality is consistent, and even the phoned-in take-out orders turn out alright. The staff, particularly Nacho, is friendly and eager to please. The molcajete and the chili verde are awesome. Don't forget El Metate will honor your competitor's coupons! read more

Food can be hit or miss, but they probably have the best salsa with chips that are always hot when served. Margaritas are great too!

Great food....very friendly staff...burrito California is great kids love the salsa this place is amazing great experience read more

El Metate Mexican Restaurant - California burrito - Mexican Near Me - Hixson, Tennessee

A class act. One of the few Mexican restaurants in town that serves and knows how to make Ceviche. I enjoy conversing with hosts about Mexico and life perspectives. Wonderful people. Great food. Being a pepperhead, I live their homemade Tomatillo salsa. Warning. It will scorch your skull but you will love it. read more

Great food and great price. My wife and I did the fajitas, chicken and steak. The tortillas were flavorful, salsa actually had a little kick to it. Def recommend this place to anyone. read more

I had a chicken tostada and tamale. Both were good, but probably next time I would order the beef tamale instead. Also had a mango margarita which was really good. Our waiter was pretty funny (trying to card me). Made me feel pretty good. read more

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We happened upon this restaurant and am very glad we found it. I recommend trying things outside your wheelhouse. The ground beef burrito that I had was what was expected however my wife ordered the molcajete special, which is a regular menu item, and it was simply outstanding. The service was great and the margaritas hit the spot. Definitely worth the price paid. read more

El Metate Mexican Restaurant - Molcajete special - Mexican Near Me - Hixson, Tennessee

One of my favorite Mexican places in the Hixson area! They are consistent and fast! The food always tastes fresh and have good portion sizes! We typically get food to-go and rarely have any issues or missing items! read more

Great food and prices! They have daily specials that are super cheap! The best service at any mexican restaurant in Chattanooga. They recently expanded their dining room and take pride in their food and the experience. read more

El Metate Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Hixson, Tennessee

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This place is pretty good. I've been there three times and all three times the staff was very friendly and prompt. The California burrito is delicious and huge and I would definitely recommend it. I am giving it 3 stars simply because I am used to my Mexican food having a bit more of an authentic feel to it, which I don't think this place has. It is still tasty but it is Americanized Mexican food. read more