My family and I spent the night in Bristol while traveling and we ate here in 2021 for the first dirt race at Bristol and I thought it was pretty good so we tried it again despite the recent reviews. All of our food was to us quickly and tasted great(chori pollo baby!). I'm usually a 2-3 drinks per meal type of person but I didn't even have time to polish off 1 before everything was in front of us. Service was good, chips refilled early and checking in often. Prices were very fair and including a tip over 20% we payed $70 for a family of 4. read more

Update (6/14/26). Still terrible. Staff unprofessional and the food was pretty mediocre. Still have menu price issues. Ordered a steak fajita burrito menu says $13.49. Check said $16.49. I asked and the waitress said there was a $3.00 up charge on beef right now and there was a sign by the door. I checked, the sign was a piece of printer paper tapped to a board tucked half behind the podium. My review stands. Among the bottom 2 Mexican restaurants in the area. From 2024: If you decide to eat here there are a few things to be aware of. 1. Their menu prices are not current. You will absolutely be charged more than menu prices for some items. If you tell them that they will refuse to honor the menu price. This happened on two occasions fairly recently. On one occasion they lied about honoring it and adjusted the gratuity to hide the fact. 2. Their specialty drinks are not mixed correctly. Either overly sweet or overly sour. 3. The wait staff will forget to bring things to your table. Normally that's not a big deal if you see them again before you finish your food. 4. The food is mediocre most of the time. Its not bad, but its not great either. 5. The food is over priced for the quality they serve lately. If you want a better experience for less or the same money, go to Puerto Nuevo. La Carreta used to be much much better than they are now. read more

I would rate a 0 if I could. I have never walked out on service in my life but the way we were treated ( party of 8) was horrible. Ordered drinks and the waitress didn't seem to understand the menu and when we asked questions she ignored us and then said something under her breath in Spanish. All was asked is if the margaritas were pre made but we asked for a specific tequila. Next we ordered queso and she brought no chips and when we asked if we could have chips with it she rolled her eyes. Being restaurant workers ourselves this was HORRIBLE. We will never go back there and being there prior the food isn't even real authentic or good to even try again. That girl should not work with people because she was awful. Wasn't even a busy time and we were trying to work with her but clearly she just hates people and doesn't want to have any customer service. Don't wast your time poor service and food is blah read more

This place was awful, they was rude to us the entire time. they took forever with our food and belive me we order the most common food on the menu. Legit the staff had family there and was just talking to them the entire time. They was siting in the booth completely ignoring everyone but their own. The only thing positive that I would say is that they had good cheese dip. Even when I asked for a Millitary discount they was rude to me. I fight for your rights, the least you can do is be respectful. We will never go here ever again. DON'T GO!!!! read more

Took our server 5 tries to fix our receipt and even with our patience she proceeded to talk shit about us to another table. Such poor customer service. read more

0 stars wasn't an option but should be. Ordered Mexican guacamole. It came out and was brown from either sitting in fridge since yesterday or using old avocados. Margaritas were made with mix u could buy at grocery store. Ordered a bottle beer which was totally flat. Dunno how that's even possible. My wife's salad came out covered in raw broccoli, onions and cauliflower. Pretty sure it was supposed to be sauteeed. They were supposedly out of ranch so gave her thousand island and laid the dressing packets on her salad. We were expecting a normal Mexican rest experience and got food that shouldn't be fed to a dog. Completely terrible. Don't go!!!! read more

La Carreta - Awful salad - Mexican Near Me - Bristol, Tennessee

La Carreta may certainly satisfy your Mexican hankerings, but the food and drinks aren't really anything to write home about. I tried one of their combination dinners, which was tasty enough. But, frankly, everything on the plate tasted the same. Moreover ,the entrée came out really quickly after I ordered, which was a little suspicious to me... especially because my order wasn't hot enough when it arrived at my table. I was in a hurry, nevertheless, so I just went with it. Drink-wise, I only tried a skinny margarita, but it was likely one of the worst margaritas I've ever tasted. It just tasted really artificial. I'm not sure if it was the mix they used or what, but I would definitely avoid asking for a skinny margarita in this place. Another disappointing thing about La Carreta is that it is super bright inside. The bright lights just make the place seem more like dining in a warehouse and less like dining in an inviting space. As for service, the staff at La Carreta was friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. Nevertheless, good service wasn't quite enough to flip this experience. Bottom line = If you're desperate for Mexican food, hit this place up. If you have the time to search around for alternatives, do that instead. read more

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Went in at noon on a Saturday. Waited at the front podium 10 minutes for someone to come to the podium and seat me. They weren't very busy but saw a couple of waiters and waitresses delivering food to tables and one leaving (right past me) with what looked like a catering order. Also, there were three employees cleaning a serving station in plane view only 10 feet from the check in podium. Finally left in disgust. If the service is so bad they couldn't bother to seat anyone I can't imagine how long the wait might be to order,let alone, get food. There was a line that had formed behind me. Kind of wonder if they ever were seated. Definitely not going back here! read more

Recently went here, food was great until I noticed hairs, not just one, multiple in the food. Not on just one plate, TWO plates. The manager came over and said, and I quote, "They should be wearing hairnets but most of the time they don't. I promise it's not on purpose." That's insane for a manager to tell customers that. Our waiter was super nice though and he apologized (even though it wasn't his fault). Please save your money and time. read more

I should have paid attention to the bad reviews! Asked what a Virgin Margareta cost. Waiter said he didn't know. Figured he'd find out and tell me later (he didn't). Ordered a vegetarian combo plate with chili releno. Took quite awhile to get the food. There was only a couple of small chili pieces I could find mixed with ground beef. Asked waiter where the chili was and said I couldn't eat beef. He said they don't do the full chili relano and made a comment about the chef making his life harder. He said he'd get me a different breaded pepper. The picture speaks volumes about the quality of the food... Complained again to the waiter and he said his hands were tied. Also Complained at the cashier about the plywood pepper and they just looked at me like I was nuts. I was hoping they'd at least offer me a discount (they didn't). I didn't want to make a scene so just left (still hungry) and will never go back. read more

La Carreta - Pepper so hard and dry couldn't cut it. So tough wouldn't even bend with my fork stabbed in it Stiff as a board. - Mexican Near Me - Bristol, Tennessee

I never give a bad review. Ever. But if I could I would give this rude and racist establishment a negative rating. We liked the food here and looked forward to eating here every time we visited pinnacle. But thanks to the way the servers and managers behave, we will certainly never visit again. I know one person doesn't matter. But in my book, you do not disrespect people. Period. read more

Waiting for our movie to start decided to stop in for some quick grub. Was greeted and seated as soon as we walked through the door. Server was very friendly and helpful. Thumbs up for service. My main stop here was for a 32oz mug of ice cold beer. The food just happened to be ordered because everything on the menu looked good and we didn't want to take a whole table just to have a couple drinks. Got a variety of things to nibble on and it's typically Mexican restaurant fare. Nothing stood out. Not to say it wasn't good, it was... just absolutely nothing about their dishes made it unique to them. As for hot sauce and was hoping they'd have some home made sauces but no. Their flan dessert was very good. I would also like to state that their food prices are very good. Portions are very generous. And food came out quickly. I understand lots of the menu items are not cooked to order, but still... for those looking to get full cheaply, you really can't beat this. read more

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Absolute worst Mexican restaurant I have ever been to! Food was crap and so was service.

When I first arrived, they had the nerve and audacity to pull the door back shut not letting us inside. Then this Lady was very rude with us all because we came in 30 minutes before they closed. We just wanted 2 orders of nachos. The nachos are definitely pre-made and won't take more than 5 minutes to make. She then began to talk to us as we walked away without saying a word to her. Quite ridiculous if you ask me. ALL I KNOW IS........... I AIN'T GOIN BACK read more

The women was very aggressive about wearing a mask. As I opened the door she aggressively held the door back with no explanation as to why. I would have went and got my mask had it been more polite. Terrible customer service, I would have been better off at Casa Mexicana read more

When la carreta first began with just one restaurant their food was freshly made now it's all precooked frozen food so obviously it's just about profit margins instead of being a authentic Mexican food restaurant so we don't bother with wasting our money on a Mexican McDonald's read more

I visited the La Carreta last night on my way home from Johnson City. Been here a few times I was promptly greeted by the host. I was also promptly greeted by the waiter. He knew the beers on tap which was good. I got a Dos Equis in a frosty mug. I got the chips which ate a few but they was stale. I know it was towards the end of the day but been to places before at that time and they was still fresh. I ordered a burrito. It was one of the cheaper ones because I was just looking for a little bit to eat and didn't want to eat too much. First it said that I could get either get chicken or beef and the waiter didn't ask me which one I wanted so I just got beef. It was alright. I am on the fence with this. It wasn't bad to be a cheap one just expected more from La Carreta. I will be back for more chances. But hopefully better than this time. read more

I went to the Bristol for the first time today for lunch. I will not go again. The food was terrible and the waiter was worse. He had a terrible attitude and was repeatedly rude, disrespectful, and aggressive! The on duty manager tried to calm him down but to no avail, so she took my order and sent him home. She did comp my meal, but it was so bad I couldn't really eat it. The only good part was the chips and salsa. I would not recommend this place. As a matter of fact don't waste your time or your money. Fast food is better. read more

Our family dined here and 4 of us got sick - only the kids had no issues - horrible service, tasteless drinks and bad quality food

Bottom line: the chips and salsa are very average, but the fajitas are excellent. Came in looking for a change from the Italian place across the street (I bring my grandparents to the medical office near here frequently), and this was a good decision. I'll come back. Staff was friendly, building is clean and modern, prices are reasonable. I judge Mexican places by their fajitas and authentic Mexican "street tacos" (which were sadly lacking from the menu here), and this place is a solid 4. read more

Nothing to be impressed by. Nothing especially bad either. I was charging the car, so had about 45 minutes and needed a meal. The service was not slow, but not terribly friendly either. Not much conversation at all. More like the conversation at a McDonalds drive up window. Food came and I was missing a few items, they were brought to me. I ate some of the meal, tilapia. The fish was cooked in a way that left it with a unique taste. Not terrible, but definitely unusual. Most of the plate was at best ok, the avocados were fresh and good. I didn't have time to finish so I got a to-go box and had the rest for lunch today. It was better the second day. lol Not even what I would call a "good" restaurant, but the prices are low and everything else matches the low prices. So it's ok if you like the food, just don't come here expecting much. If you want good food, try Aubrey's at the end of the block. Their food is at least what I would actually call good. Oh yeah, and they at least have wi-fi which La Carreta doesn't have. read more

This location is NOT up to par. Every La Carreta we have ever been to has been absolutely amazing except for this one. The food seems reheated, not fresh, and the servers and management are very rude and not willing to accommodate for any mistakes they make on their end. They are privately owned so they insinuated that they didn't have to answer to anyone. Also the owner was very rude to a customer that left a bad review. Basically if you leave a bad review then they will do what they can to make you look like a liar or a bad person. This is a horrible business and wish it would have been like every other La Carreta that knows how to run a restaurant. read more

La Carreta - A review that a customer left with the response of the owner. - Mexican Near Me - Bristol, Tennessee

This was my first time eating at this restaurant. I'm a big fan of Mexican food, but I found the food here mediocre compared to other Mexican restaurants. We were seated as soon as we walked in, and had our drink orders taken shortly after being seated. It took approximately 15 minuets to get our food ordered, then another 20-25 minuets until the food got to the table. The restaurant was moderately busy for a Sunday and Mother's Day. As for a recommendation, based on solely on the food, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time here. read more

La Carreta - This was a new dish on the menu - Burrito Verde. - Mexican Near Me - Bristol, Tennessee

I have been to this location twice and it has been perfect both times I've always been a fan of this restaurant. read more

La Carreta - Big Texas fajita quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Bristol, Tennessee

We'll never return! First, we were made to wait 15 minutes to be seated in a mostly empty section. The salsa was too hot so my wife ask for a mild salsa. Folks, spaghetti sauce is not salsa. When our order arrived, my wife's food was cold to the touch and my daughter's had a hair right on top. My wife sent her's back and was not offered a replacement. They did recook my daughter's food. At no time did a manager come to our table to apologize. Presentation of the food looked like it was dolloped out with an ice cream scoop and the flavors were so-so. Not worth try the trouble. Since this review, the manager contacted me via email. She was apologetic and offered to make it right on our next visit. However, she still made the excuse that the restaurant was busy when only a few tables were seated. She also chided me for the review. That makes me want to come back (healthy dose of sarcasm) read more

I drove from Bluff City to get a call in order I had placed 15 minutes prior. The worker who picked up the phone was talking to a coworker and laughing while I was placing order. I do have a speech impediment that makes it hard to pronounce certain letters; they then began to laugh once I placed my order. I showed up to pick my order and they said they didn't have my order nor did they receive it. read more

The food was great, the waitress was not. She looked miserable, she acted miserable, and my friend never got a single drink refill. She never smiled, not even once, not even at other people she was waiting on. I had to ask for my drink refill. While our cups were empty, I watched her sit at the bar with 2 other guys who I assume work here. We were seated right next to the bar, so she could clearly see we were empty and didn't seem to care one little bit. The name on the receipt was Destiny. Destiny could use a serious attitude check. read more

First time here but travel through often. Derive is top notch and food ranks up there with the best. I recommend this place and will be back!! Ask for Ricardo( Mexican with the mustache). He made this experience the best! read more

La Carreta - Mexican Near Me - Bristol, Tennessee

Was hesitant to try this resturant because it had only 2.5 stars but exceeded our expectations.

Definitely not my favorite Mexican restaurant. Prices were normal and they have a better than average kids menu. The salsa and cheese dip were bland and the cheese sticks served on the kids menu only came with 3 sticks! Fries were burned and not really edible. We will not be visiting this location again. read more

I live down the road from the Pinnacle we eat out a few times a month for the last couple months its been Mexican. "American Mexican food" this does the job I have eaten here 4 times since they first opened not to long ago, its our fav at the moment. good food consistent quality and service. chips and salsa placed in front of you while you browse the menu. Naturally the place is very clean it's brand new for 2016, Staff is always friendly. Ricardo is one of the waiters we have had when we first went on opening week he is fantastic open and friendly and always greets us when we go if he is there it's one of those things that keeps me& my family going back as well as the food. like it use to be before corporations took the personal out of our lives for mass produced food like products.. read more

La Carreta - Number 29 was very good&filling - Mexican Near Me - Bristol, Tennessee

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Do not DoorDash this place!!!! They have frequently left food out that have been ordered. I don't know if they think the person receiving the food won't file a refund claim because it's a hassle and they will just get free money or they are just that careless on the orders. If you can't fulfill the orders correctly then you shouldn't be on DoorDash read more

We just tried La Carreta for the first time, it will also be the last time. We have been looking for a restaurant with good authentic Mexican food, which is hard to find in this area. We ordered 2 orders of La Sinaloense, 16.00 per order. Our total came to 35.00 and tip for the door dash driver. The food was so salty we couldn't enjoy it. Almost like someone had poured a whole salt shaker in it. The portions were extremely small. There was maybe 2 tablespoons of beans, 1/8th a cup of rice and the chicken and chorizo we couldn't eat because of the salt. I didn't look at reviews on Yelp before ordering or I wouldn't have ordered from here. Lesson learned. Not worth the money. read more

I have eaten at other locations but this one is a Home Run!! I was told the salsa was made fresh daily along w/many other things being prepared the same way. After that conversation I won't feel near as good going anywhere else! This place has it ALL!! Very friendly staff and management and great prices. It's always refreshing to go some where to eat and ask, " What would you suggest" and have your mind blown!! Suggestions: Mexican guacamole, cheese dip and anything off the grill read more

La Carreta - Mexican Near Me - Bristol, Tennessee

me and my cousin went here to eat. we got our table and we did not get a waiter until like 15 minutes later. she took our orders, but she did not place them in. the people who came in before us got their food first. it then took 45 minutes to get our food. it took so long that we got there at 5:30 and didn't leave until 6:50. we were then going to go to bath and body works but it was closed by the time we got there. the food was okay, but it was a bit cold. i recommended their food but not the service. read more

I can say this is a Mexican restaurant where the people are actually Mexican. The drink selection would be what you'd expect from a basic Mexican place. Your coronas,dos Equis, margaritas ect. However don't expect any other types of beer that aren't Mexican, which isn't too much to hold against them. The food was sub par, personally I wouldn't go there again. It was very basic. Better cooked than you would expect from a Taco Bell, however it packed extras. I love my onions and peppers and queso. Upon ordering my food I was very disappointed to find none of these things in my enchilada and smothered in a strange green sauce I've never received on an enchilada before. The pricing and freshness of the food is why you'd go here, not the actual quality of the food. read more

Fast, friendly, and fresh. Very filling portions and I love that they have a kids menu that includes non Mexican choices. The place is clean, the staff is amazing, and the food is hot and delicious. read more

So my fiance and I ate here together for the first time yesterday. The server was abrupt, which is understandable as they've been busy, but the food was good. We were polite and tipped decently. But here's where things get messed up. Later on that evening, my fiancé goes with his friends to dinner while I stayed home to study for my nursing finals this semester. They had a group of 8. Despite having a few booths open, the hostess informs them there will be an hour wait. They then tell her that they're fine sitting separate and get the two booths. The server from earlier in the day is the one waiting on them. He recognizes my fiance and then proceeds to ask: 'So that person with you earlier, was that a girl or a boy?' I realize that I'm not exactly the most attractive lady in the world, but I can honestly say I've never been mistaken for a man before. I'm short, curvy, and have shoulder length hair, so my fiancé immediately took this as an insult. Literally, no one has made the mistake of thinking that I'm a man. I'm not some genderneutral hipster either. Just a short, squeaky voiced girl who was in a t-shirt and jeans. So yeah... That's fucked up. He was dining with 7 or 8 mutual friends who opted to get up and leave the establishment. Bruscoe's got to profit from this... The result is that I now have a group of friends who refuse to eat here, a ton of embarrassment, and the knowledge that the asshole who insulted my fiancé's honor still works here. Why the hell does whether or not I have a penis or vagina matter if I'm paying you for food? You bring tacos, we give you money - transaction should end there. Regardless, one tactless server has cost this place future sales as long as that guy works there. read more

The food was really good. The service was excellent. If it were closer we would go there more often!! Go and enjoy!!! read more

I wished I could leave a zero. The food is great but the service is the worst I've ever had. Our waitress took our order and came back one time. Its a shame to have such good food and no service to go with it read more