Possibly my current favourite restaurant in Knoxville!!! Everything about it was simply fabulous!!! From the ceviche dip that comes with the chips and salsa to the fresh oysters on the half shell to the made to order main course, not to mention our fabulous waitress Raquel who was not only extremely knowledgeable about the menu but just an incredible waitress in EVERY aspect!!! This place ROCKS!!! I saw some previous negative comments about the decor and music, there was nothing at all wrong with either. Just because it's different from American culture doesn't make it bad. As I said, it's my current favourite restaurant in Knoxville!!! I highly recommend it!!! read more

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The worst shrimp you can ever eat. Is disgusting. They better sale Only beers amd have the little game set . Peor marisco que puedes Comer esos camarones llevan meses frizados. El dueño mejor que venda solamente cervezas y siga la maquinas de Jugar Si no se va a la quiebra a lo cubano!!! TREMENDA MIERDAAAA. read more

We had been out hiking and worked up a sweat, and it just felt like we had walked into a beach bar somewhere along the Mexican coast. Walking past the pool tables we sat down and saw a menu that made no compromise: seafood, all seafood, and nothing but seafood (OK, I think there was a chicken taco, but really, why?) We just had several of the smaller items, which we re-ordered after the first ones were so good. Shrimp and ceviche tostada, fish tacos, and some good cold beer. We thought about the crab soup, but that is definitely for the next visit. This is November 2018 now, he's been back a few times in my wife absolutely loves the various seafood soups. Tonight I also had crab soup. I think I'd go with Shrimp soup next time just because it's so difficult to get much crab meat out, but damn the soup was still delicious. I'm still very impressed that they give ceviche as an appetizer, and they just have some great menu items. read more

La Bamba Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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I stop here for lunch from time to time when working in their area. The ceviche with chips is amazing as are their fish Tacos. Under $10 for a good, healthy lunch when paired with their lime water. Other dishes can go $19.99 and over but look delicious. It's fairly empty at lunch which is unfortunate since this place can be so easily overlooked. read more

The food was SO GOOD!! Even the picky 10 year old enjoyed his meal. We stopped here by chance road tripping our way to Gatlinburg but will definitely make a point of returning now :) read more

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A Jewel of Knoxville You Drive Past Without Thinking If you've crossed over the Henley Street bridge toward Chapman, there's a solid chance that you've noticed Burger Boys on the left-hand side of the street more times than you've noticed La Bamba. Sitting in the same corner of the plaza where Disc Exchange South previously existed (RIP), it's a location you may have written off many times or thought "One day, I'll look at a review for that place." Once inside, the decor is a little overwhelming in a way that I respect: It's obvious that this place is also a music venue a few times a month. If you've ever passed the parking lot on a Friday or Saturday when a group is in town, the place is absolutely packed. I've checked out a few of those Events and listened to the bands -- one day I'll check that out. This isn't about music, though. I can not recall off the top of my head what my better half ordered but I ordered the seafood soup. Both of our fish tasted so fresh that we couldn't really get over it. The broth for the seafood soup is something I still dream about since I guess I have weird dreams about broth. Throwing in a few pictures but they don't do the food justice. I forget what review app had reviews with half starting out with a title like "Don't judge a place by its looks!" That's absolutely dumb. If you're on the fence about going here? Look at the number of reviews. I think it looks great inside: It looks like a restaurant that serves amazing food and also gets the eff down as a venue a few days out of the month. Seriously, give it a shot. read more

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What a hidden gem! You will enter and automatically feel like you don't belong. They will then spot you and seat you. I found the menu to be quite confusing. I didn't understand the difference between all the specials. Maybe it's the sauce? I ordered what the waitress recommended which was the Molcajete. This dish serves for 4 so I guess that makes us a fatty for finishing it? Our food arrived about an hour later. It's definitely worth the wait though. It was served in a stone bowl that keeps the food hot and sizzling. The dish usually comes with rice, salad and beans but they ran out of beans. The rice was over cooked and the greens seemed recooked. The greens had the heated frozen vegetables taste and texture. Regardless, this dish was so fun to eat! There were tons of peeled and unpeeled shrimp, baby squid, 1/4 crab, crab meat, onions, and a lot of seasoning. The flavor was similar to Cajun with a twist. You can definitely make this a finger food dish which I did. Or you can be proper, like him, and use the utensils but that's less fun. We vacuumed everything in a matter of minutes and surprisingly wasn't judged by the waitress. The water service was also on point! The waitress gave us a full cup of water to start and it was never near empty. She was so considerate and gave us to go cups for the water! As for the ambience, there was a birthday party and they were singing karaoke so it was very loud and impossible to have a conversation. There are pool tables but they are not free - you'll have to pay on the side so bring your coins. Overall, this was a very different experience. I love the cultural aspect of this. You can tell right away this is a mom and pop restaurant. We left full and happy. read more

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Really enjoyed the Seafood and have revisited multiple times. Service can be a bit slow, but that is totally fine because eating with people is all about enjoying the company. First time I ate here I was blown away by how good it was. Also been here on a date and my date liked the food, so you could do a lot worse in terms of date options. read more

Holy smokes, the food here is fantastic. We have passed this nondescript place, just south of the Henley Street Bridge many times without every considering a stop. Today, while in the area I was looking at the great reviews and decided to give it a try. This is a colorful, low-key, casual place. Many local Hispanic families were there. There are pool tables (not my thing), but families were playing, not the hard-core rough crowd. There is a stage set up for a band, probably an interesting place at night. We sampled quite a few things: Instead of the over-prescribed salsa you get ceviche. Ceviche: the best I have had outside of Florida. Fish tacos: Outside of California, the best we have ever had. The buttered shrimp: perhaps the best shrimp in town. Better than Chesapeake's. Campechana Tostada: a shrimp and octopus tostada. Pretty Darin good. Highly recommend this place, unless you are uncomfortable around Hispanic people, and, if you are uncomfortable around Hispanic people, please un-follow me. read more

La Bamba Seafood - The best ceviche I have had in all of Tennessee - Seafood Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I got 3 shrimp tacos with a side of beans and rice. It was quite underwhelming for the price. ($16 for a taco platter??) As someone from Texas who eats Mexican food like it's a sport, I was disappointed in the lack of flavor (and cilantro). Won't be returning. read more

This is great MEXICAN seafood!!! Great MEXICAN music (Conjuntos, Banda, etc.)!!! This is what Knoxville needed. Reminds me of home (Los Angeles). The restaurant has about six pool tables, big screen TVs for sports and Karaoke anytime day or night, and a stage for live music. We had a Tostada de Camarón, a Tostada de Ceviche, and Agua Chiles (shrimp, cucumbers, purple onions in a bath of lemon and chile. The Mi Chelada Dos XX was super delicious too. I have to say that the seafood was by far the best I have had in a long time; the workers were very attentive and friendly, so no complaints there. If you come to this establishment and have never been or eaten at a Mexican Seafood restaurant, come with an open mind and without judgments. What's the point of eating out if you always eat the same thing. Try something new and honest to God, good! read more

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Very nice staff and food was awesome!!!! Cooked fresh right before serving. Outside was deceiving because everything else fabulous!!! read more

Took some out of town family there on Friday which was a bit of a risk since I had never been there before. Minor negatives: 1. It was a little difficult to find, Google Maps misdirected me a little, but once I found it I was not disappointed. 2. They don't have margaritas, assuming due to no liquor license but that's ok. 3. We had children with us as well and there is no kids' menu. Positives: 1. The servers were very nice and accommodating for our group. 2. Even though they didn't have a kids' menu there were foods that they enjoyed on there and they are pretty finicky eaters. 3. Ceviche - only place I've ever been that gave you ceviche with seafood in it with your tortilla chips and it was awesome. 4. Soups - I got the fish soup and the server even asked if I wanted to add shrimp to it, which I did and they put shelled shrimp in it at my request since I don't prefer trying to shell the shrimp in the hot broth. The soup was fantastic, great flavor. My sister in law got the seafood soup and enjoyed it very much as well. 5. Tortillas - seemed to be freshly made tortillas. I love fresh flour tortillas, some members of my family observe gluten-free and enjoyed the corn tortillas too. Everyone enjoyed their food and it was a good night out. First time there, but won't be my last. read more

Aghast that every time we dine at La Bamba seafood that the place is almost empty. Breaks my heart with such amazing food & that they have great friendly staff. Creative seafood dishes well seasoned. Ceviche is always a welcome starter & is included with dinner. This was our 4th time here & we will be back. read more

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Hands down best Mexican food in Knoxville!! Seafood is AMAZING! service is wonderful. I will definitely be coming back. read more

La Bamba Seafood - Mixed Fajitas - Seafood Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Folded Paper Octopus was my mouths target tonight and I had the best aim. Very good as I got the medley so everytime I thought I was covered in flavor town there was a new resident and the population there is super friendly. I'm glad I was alone because I didn't want to talk after the first bite, just eat. Get there and if you want a challenge get it spicier. read more

This is one of those places you wish there was a better than 5 Star rating. Amazing flavors, generous portions and traditional Mexican coastal seafood. To start a cervice instead of the Americanized 'salsa' is a nice way to begin. Watching food from other tables makes you hungry. The soup bowl looks like a small wash basin in size! I had a Mixed Fajita without Chicken. The fish was insanely well prepared. As what you expect from a 5 Star seafood restaurant. The seasoning blend is perfectly complimentary. Shrimp were cooked properly and not overdone. The vegetables and side items were great including a nice bean side with fresh grated fresco instead of cheese sauce so popular today. My wife has a shrimp chimichanga that was grilled nicely and firm and not doughy like so many places fall prey to. If you want flavor and want great seafood creations with an authentic flare please try this place. The service was quick and friendly, which was nice. It wasn't just a quick "Hi How Are You, What Do You Want To Drink" it was genuine and refreshing. It needs to be filled every night!! Just try it, I did. And I am already planning when I can go back!!! read more

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The food at this restaurant is very good. They cook to order and bring your food out immediately as it's finished. The location, lighting, and decor may seem sketchy but I promise the food is worth it. The staff is really nice but there is a language barrier if you don't know Spanish because their English isn't that good. Overall I'd say it's great. It's just the area that might err on the side of caution. read more

Stat didn't wear masks or anything and the seafood was frozen mush. I cannot believe how bad it was. Just the worst most cheap frozen garbage I've ever had. I really wanted to like this place but it's terrible. read more

This is probably the best place to get prepared seafood in Knoxville. The fish is not overcooked like most places and the sauces are wonderful. Melt in your mouth wonderful and the warm corn tortillas just finish it off perfectly. This is definitely not your avg americanized mexican place. Go check this place out and try something new! Even though the menu is hard to follow at first, the owner is very helpful and really takes pride in his dishes. Get a Michelada! read more

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Do not recommend this place food was tasteless, drinks were prepared so bad, stay away from this place so expensive

Good food. We got molcajeta, seafood soup, taco salad, shrimp goya I think. All good. Very authenticates. Be aware this is a more real experience as far as food culture is concerned. read more

La Bamba Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I bought a Local Flavors coupon for this place so decided to give it a try. 1st impression- ew. The plaza that it's in leaves something to be desired. There were tables out front but no chairs. That was ok tho because the area was dirty. Walking inside we were greeted by dirty, stained pool tables and a bad smell. It was Friday night, 6 pm, and there was one table occupied. Probably Local Flavors coupon buyers also. The bar area was a cluttered mess as if it was also used for storage. We started to sit down and then the creepy feel of the place got to us so we left. I should probably give more stars despite all these things because we ended up at Balter BeerWorks. I highly recommend Balter BeerWorks. Anyways I now have a $10 coupon for La Bamba that needs a new home. Update 8/29 - Local Flavor reimbursed me! read more

Clean, delicious, and generous, La Bamba starts you out with complimentary shrimp ceviche and chips, and complementary salsa upon request. Wow! It's good, too. Ordered octopus, red snapper, and shrimp tacos. All were delicious. It's nice to see a better fish used than tilapia, which is about the cheapest seafood you can get. It's close to downtown and convenient, just right across the bridge on Chapman Hwy. We will definitely be back. read more

Hole in the wall is right. But we braved it anyway based on reviews. When we walked in, was basically empty but this was around 4ish. There was a musty a smell upon walking in. Then a very pleasant lady greeted us, we sat down. So this is a Mexican seafood place. Menu was not the easiest to navigate with clarity but the waitress was very helpful in recommending. They serve chips and ceviche instead of salsa. It was quite good and my husband loved it, which is saying something. I got the shrimp chimichangas which was enormous and looked different than any one I'd seen before and it was very very good. My husband got mixed fajitas and they were super good too. The beans were great! Our waitress was very attentive and personable but not overly attentive. If this place was cleaned up and or moved to a different location I think it would swamped, in my opinion. It got busier as we left. Would like to try their giant seafood platter that looked awesome and is enough for 2 people. Check it out! read more

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This place is not fancy but the beer is cold and the food is GOOD! I ordered and item not on the current menu, Fish Veracruz and my companion ordered Spicy Fish. Both plates were delicious and more than we could eat. The beans are not the usual mush and had fresh grated queso - so good. The yummy ceviche starter is a nice change from traditional chips and salsa. read more

This might be the best Mexican seafood restaurant ever. Went here based on the reviews and I was not disappointed. Fist of all the cerviche is immaculate. Fresh and very well seasoned. A lovely change from the day to day salsa most restaurants serve. Then my dinner companion had the loster tails in garlic butter sauce with fresh mushrooms and rice and beans on the side. Someone else mentioned it, but the fresh cheese on the beans is a very refreshing change. I had the shrimp tostada. I don't know what magical seasoning they put in this blend but I was forced to do my "happy food dance" while eating it. I also had the watermelon water. The waters are made fresh each day and infused with different fruits. Couldn't wait to get a bottle of Bacardi and drop it in with some Sprite. Absolutely sublime. The waitress, Angelica, was very attentive and helpful as the menu is all in Spanish. Well worth the visit and I will definitely be going back again. read more

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Great Mexican seafood. Fun atmosphere. Loved the ceviche instead of salsa. It all tasted fresh.

I went to La Bamba Seafood Restaurant expecting good food but instead I was given french fries instead of beans as ordered. The shrimp was small and dry (cooked too long). I did like the rice and small salad. Price too high for what I receive...This restaurant is off my list, I will not go back. read more

Not to put too much emphasis on the appearance of this place, but.....this place looks like it was an OLD nightclub. An OLD lower end nightclub. But, I was willing to look past that. The waitress explained that some of the entrees had a seafood "mixture" in them. We asked what that meant and she was not able to tell us, but would check with the kitchen. They said seafood, so why not try it. My party ordered different entrees. The portion size was HUGE. The quality and taste....not so much. The seafood mixture included whole shrimp of various sizes and qualities, squid rings, a filet of "swai" and, most unfortunately artificial crab meat chunks. For 30 dollars an entree, you should not get ANY artificial anything. Back to the appearance......do NOT use the bathrooms. I will leave it at that. read more

Well, unlike "Mr. Progressive" below, I don't care whether people who read this are uncomfortable around different groups of people or not. That's your business. It's not mine, and it's certainly not that other dipshit's business. Having said that, this place is awesome! It's in what looks like it used to be a bar, with a stage, small dance floor and some pool tables. Nothing fancy at all. But the food is freaking solid! Wonderful seafood, superbly prepared and very reasonable prices. Do yourself a favor and check it out. And, yeah, there are some hispanics here. So?? Just means the food is authentic. I'd give it 6 stars if I could. read more

Killer grindz! Came here bc I bought a Groupon but this place is so legit. The restaurant atmosphere is a bit grungy but its the food thats got me in love. My boyfriend and I sat down as it is self seating. The waitress I mediately brought us fresh ceviche consisting of crab shrimp, onion, red pepper and lime. We ordered Modelos to drink. We explained we were in no rush and taking our time. We then ordered a 1/2 doz raw oysters on the half shell. After a few more beers we ordered the Molcajete which is a volcanic rock bowl with red snapper, whole shrimp with the shell and head on and shrimp without the shell or head on, squid, cactus, chicken, mushrooms and jalapeños which comes with a plate of refried beans, salad and rice and a basket of tortillas. It was more than enough for us. We both felt stuffed after eating and still had a full take away plate for left overs tomorrow. The flavors of the food are excellent and satisfying. I will definitely be back to dine here again. read more

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Don't be fooled by their side of the road location and lack of fancy storefront. Not only are the fish tacos HUGE and delicious, but they have a fantastic bucket of beer special. Go here! read more

What a hidden gem!! We bought a local flavor coupon for Knoxville and stumbled in here. The fish tacos are AMAZING! We had the garlic fish filet entree and it did not disappoint. Their servings are definitely enough for two so keep that in mind when you order. As far as the location, it probably keeps some from stopping in (it used to be a club) but don't let that keep you from enjoying some of the best seafood in Knoxville! We will be back and highly recommend! read more

We drove pass this place and didn't have any expectation. To our pleasant surprise, the food is good. This is a seafood place. So the price is a bit higher than a typical Mexican restaurant. But the food is good. We ordered the spicy octopus and seafood soup. First off, the octopus is very tender. The Hot and Spicy sauce taste great. Then the seafood soup is gigantic. It is big enough for three in my mind. All in all, it's a good place. The front door is a bit dark and unassuming. But the seafood dish is good. Will come back to try other dishes. read more

haven't been there yet. but i can't wait to try it!! we lovemexican food. it is near where we are staying for our vacation. see ya'll soon read more

I went to this restaurant because of a review I read on yelp. I admit that the place has no curb appeal, but the food was really great. Even the setup on the inside was not an indicator of how good the food was. The waitress was nice and helped us choose something that would best suit our needs. You have got to try this place if you are ever in Knoxville! read more

Best seafood restaurant in Knoxville. The portions are enough for two and the food is excellent. The place doesn't look that good when you walk in but the food is way better than any seafood I've had anywhere. read more

I ordered the shrimp and mushrooms. It was perfectly cooked. I didn't know I was going to get sliced carrots, broccoli, cucumbers and lettuce. It was a nice cool touch to the meal. Also on the plate was rice and beans. I ordered quacamole extra! OMG it was delishious! My husband got the fish tacos and a plate of rice and beans. We both were very pleased and highly recommend !!! It was a pleasant and clean restaurant with fantastic food!!! read more

My wife and I really enjoyed the food at this place. We are appreciative that there's an actual authentic Mexican seafood restaurant in the area. I hope business picks up for them and we wish them the best of luck! read more