Sometimes waitstaff are almost telepathic in their comments. My quest for a decent Mexican or Texmex eatery continues, with my latest attempt involving a visit to an establishment that (from the reviews on record) has had its share of 'ups and downs'; Taco Roc. With decent appetites my office mate and I visited this location on a recent weekday afternoon, shortly after the lunch rush seemed to have passed, at approximately 12:35. The menu items are prominently displayed over and behind the registers, a good idea, for an 'order and sit' type of establishment. I ordered the three taco (beef) dinner (#21?), and my friend ordered a veggie quesadilla. Grabbing our numbers and our soft drink we snagged one of empty several tables and began to wait for our lunch. (And to borrow a line from that great movie, "Casablanca". . "Wait. . . . . and wait. . . . . . . . . . and wait. . . . " Our wait gave us, first-time patrons both, ample time to observe our surroundings and soak in (what has been described on more than one occasion) the "authentic" ambiance of this venerable institution. Doing so was our first mistake, no wait. . . our FIRST mistake was actually visiting this eatery, walking in, and placing an order, but I digress. As the minutes passed and our conversation waned, I noticed dried food remnants on our table. Not a recent skim of remnants, perhaps left behind by an over-loaded wipe-cloth, but debris old enough to be unidentifiable; a grayish crusty coating that allowed me to give thanks that I wore long-sleeves. My gaze moved to the wall adjoining our table and to the dried spatter encrusted there. Over-zealous chip-dipping, perhaps? As I looked over the condiment containers I began to fervently pray that my meal, should it ever appear, be adequately seasoned. By now the meal was twenty minutes ordered, and we had nothing other than empty tummies and a foreboding sense of the impending encounter with our plates to show for our time. Food servers moved languidly across the dirty floor, a summer sun peeked through the hand-stained door and window glass. A couple of dogs, laying in the dark corners would have finished the mural my mind's eye was painting. Not a 'Rivera', by any means. 27 minutes from order to table, my taco dinner arrived. SOGGY corn tacos. The beef, was there any present, would have been awash in a reddish oil that coated an overabundance of onions and green peppers. With hunger-driven dread I took the first bite, and my newly formed opinion was confirmed: I've eaten better meals, with better service, and in a cleaner environment in dirt-streeted Mexican villages. As I finished my last bite, my companion's quesadilla arrived: COLD. Our server, as he slid the plate across the table, pointedly (and I might add 'prophetically/telepathically') mentioned, "This will NEVER happen again!" And we heartedly agreed! The ONLY reason this isn't a one-star review is apparently this establishment does, on occasion, serve decent food and offer acceptable service. However, with the unevenness that this eatery displays, there's just no reason I can recommend taking a chance on spending any of your finite time on earth within the confines of Taco Roc. read more

The perfect example of a "hidden" treasure. Upon walking in, the menu presents many different options (all delicious). Complimenting the many menu options are numerous sauces to go with whatever you decide to order. The cactus tacos were presented fashionably as the pictured in the menu. In order to hold all the food, there were 2 corn tortillas per taco. The cactus pairs nicely with the sautéd vegetables, and the salad separating the two tacos had pineapple which adds a nice tropical flavor to the dish. Overall, the many options ranging from the sauces to food options does not disappoint. read more

Nice vibe, awesome Flautas. Love this place. They have a huge salsa bar selection too.

Authentic Mexican comes to Chattanooga. Authenticity lies at all the strengths and the one weakness of Taco Roc. It's 95% Mexican. Which means the salsa has been toned down to the edible temperature for the average American. The tortillas are corn, (a great indicator of real Mexican food. They mostly reserve flour tortillas for dessert.) The meat comes in chunks (not ground mush) and the guac is fresh. They even have barrels of those fantastic Mexi-juices that I can't pronounce! (Fruit and cactus juice? Wait, is that a fruit? Yeah, I think that's a fruit.) Their chips and salsa are 2nd to none. None. Real sliced and fried tortillas. Real (cilantro-tastic) salsa. Unfortunately, when I recommend it to people, they usually respond with, "Is that the place with the neon banners in front? I didn't know...that...that was a restaurant." From the road, it does look like the kind of place that the mariachi music would stop and everyone would stare, if your average (Caucasian) Tennessean were to walk in. That's not the case, though I do recommend going to those types of places as well. Check it out. Taco Bell will never taste the same. read more

I miss and standing in line to get to the counter and having to stand next to the wall to eat your food. I miss cheese not even being an option or anywhere on the menu. I miss not having a blaring TV and not having to yell across the table to be heard. But most of all, I miss Jorge and his family pouring love into the food and knowing everyone by name. I question the reviews who call this place "authentic." IMO, this place has just turned into another Amigos-like resto that's on every corner in this town. Sure, they still have street tacos and horchata but everything else is Tex-Mex. People, cheese is not authentic! Tables aren't getting bused timely and the wait staff all carry sour expressions. The horchata is powdered mix and gritty. The tortillas are greasy and the barbacoa is no where near the deliciousness it once was. And now, having been served a failing health inspection due to COCKROACHES, I'll not be going back. Ever. http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/33386145/flies-found-in-two-chattanooga-restaurants-with-failing-grades read more

Great specials and Good food. Great salsa bar. Can't go wrong if you stick to the staples - beans, ground beef, lettuce/tom and cheese ... and of course Salsas. read more

Taco Roc - La Tostada :-p - Mexican Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

I really do like this place, and feel very fortunate to live nearby! It is the most-authentic Mexican restaurant we've been to in this area. The atmosphere makes me feel like I'm somewhere else in the world (we love to travel), and the food is always tasty too! The prices are reasonable. They often have a nice selection of homemade "fresca" fruit juices and horchata which we enjoy, along with a great condiment bar with a variety of salsas, peppers, cilantro and limes, etc. The menu board can be a bit overwhelming at first (there are LOTS of great options), but I've discovered 2 or 3 things that I really like and just ignore the rest--I'm vegetarian so that somewhat limits my options but they will make many of the dishes "vegetarian" which is nice. read more

Food is definitely great. Loved the Gordita and quesadilla. Love the wide variety on the menu, definitely has more than most Mexican restaurants. Service was a little slow and the cashier seemed a little distracted with her phone when we came in. But all in all, good food at a decent price. read more

I haven't been to the Roc since November of '10, but every time we went for lunch it was great. We would always have 3-4 folks with us and I will agree that the seating could use an upgrade. On to the food...this place has one of the largest burritos I have ever had. My usual meal was the carnitas, excellent. Their chips are probably the best out of any Mexican place I've ever eaten at. That being said the Chicken Nachos are awesome. They are piled high with chunks of chicken brest and veggies. I no longer work in Chattanooga, but will be going back to get one of those awesome burritos. read more

Oh my!!! Don't judge this place by the outside. Everything we had was AWESOME! We ordered guacamole, queso, tacos and a steak quesadilla (which was huge!!) So much flavor and it was under $30! We'll be back ! read more

Always amazing authentic Mexican food. Always a pleasure to have a meal here. I bring new people every time I come and they love it just as much as me! read more

I've been looking for a Mexican restaurant in the Chattanooga area for about 2 years now and now that I finally found this place I can't get enough. It's so good and authentic! I truly recommend! read more

Great local Tex-Mex for in or take-out. Willing to modify items to my Vegetarian tastes as well. Our favorite place for burritos.

I love tacos. Let's start with that. I'm from New Mexico and I do get "food home sick" this place makes me less "food home sick". Fair prices. Nothing to complain about. Just good food. read more

This is my other Mexican food place to eat at in Chattanooga! Some real deal Mexican food In chatt. Only a few places here that are legit.... This is from a dude that was born in California 34 years ago and only been in Chattanooga for a year. If your in the area and want the real deal swing by for a bite to eat.... read more

Low review because the lady at the cashier with blue/purple hair was very rude. Was upset because we walked in 30min before it closed and she clearly did not want to be working. Gave really dirty looks and was very dry and flat. Even walked by our table on the phone and made the comment to the person she was talking to that she was annoyed because a group of people walked in last minute and she would be getting off later. I've eaten here multiple times, I love the food but the customer service is not good. read more

Go to Carnitas Carmelita for real Mexican instead! Very disappointing! From the once good Taco Roc, apparently the restaurant has been declining in service and quality. First off the charge for chips! Who does that? It's pretty ridiculous, the service is also gone down, we placed an order and 30 mins later they forgot us then they blamed us for the food not coming out. we received no apology and were only given a partial refund. It's sad that a once fantastic little place be ran down to the ground! We won't be coming back here anytime soon. read more

I am picky as H over mexican food. My food allergies demand I be so, my taste buds second that motion. They were incredibly sensitive to my food allergies and fed me the best damned mexican food I've ever had! My GOD, these people know what they are doing! AGAIN.. Best mexican I've ever had. 4 stars instead of 5 because you order at the counter instead of at the table. Lose the fast food feel, about quality food and I will happily rate a 5! read more

Very authentic, fair price, good food. I love their salsa bar (especially fried jalapeño) read more

The best tacos I've had in Chatt. I loved how they have a salsa bar with limes, cilantro and jalapenos. I kinda pigged out....ordered a ton of food. I got a carne asada quesadilla and thank heavens they don't use queso cheese....that's one thing I hate so much. Queso should be reserved just for dipping chips..and even that is blasphemy. I also ordered a tripa taco....i asked for it to be crispy but it wasn't as much as I hoped for. Still, it was decent, not the best I've had but can't complain. I also ordered a tostada with al pastor meat. I was very impressed by the al pastor as it had flavor and pineapples. They really know how to do it right =). As impressive as the meat was, the tostada was very hefty...so hefty that the chip broke into a crunchy taco as I was chomping through it. Hahaha. Anywho,....I shall return to check out more things on the menu but..I think I might just come back just for more al pastor.... read more

This was a good location. The counter person spoke English and Spanish. The food was not that bad. I would return. Not used to paying for Chips and Salsa though. They charge for everything. read more

I have been wanting to try this place for a long time and I'm so glad I did! This place is authentic Mexican. The prices are fair and the food is delicious. The restaurant itself is a little dated, but I didn't feel like it was dirty. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting an authentic Mexican meal. read more

Been a fan since the opening and it just gets better. Try the Torta with chorizo and steak. I can't tell my wife I went without her or I get in trouble. La Altena is still no. 1 but Taco Roc is close. Skip the soft drink that you can get anywhere and get a Agua Fresca. read more

Taco Roc is, hands down, the most authentic Mexican food in Chattanooga. You can get the average American Mexican food here - hard tacos, refried beans, rice - but why? Their street style tacos or the Taco Roc plate are vastly better and more interesting. They offer a variety of meats, from basic ground beef and sliced chicken to chorizo, barbacoa, and chiles verde and rojo. The tortillas are delicious, and even the cheese dip is a notch above the usual. The salsa bar is great: cilantro, onions, limes, fresh jalapenos, grilled jalapenos, several kinds of homemade salsas that vary in heat and ingredients, and a variety of bottled salsas too. My favorite is the avocado-based salsa. Go for the more unfamiliar dishes - you won't regret it. The horchata and agua fresca are both fantastic, too. The space itself isn't particularly refined, and it does indeed feel like stepping into Mexico. It's a bit of a hole in the wall, but that's where the best ethnic food always is. Staff is friendly, in my experience, and service is reasonably quick, given that the kitchen isn't big. Prices are reasonable, too. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for good, authentic Mexican in Chattanooga. read more

Awesome food.Best horchata in town! Everything on the menu is excellent,and is very fairly priced.Repeat customer for years! Trust me go try this place out. read more

In Chattanooga for business and I was looking for a good taqueria. I decided to try this place despite the negative comments. I ordered tacos al pastor. They didn't have a bad taste but they were by far not near to other al pastor tacos I've eaten. The bathroom left much to be desired. Place was empty when I arrived but customers began to enter as I was leaving. The locals apparently like it. read more

I was misled by the signs saying "Authentic handmade mexican food". Maybe their interpretation is "mexican food that you would make yourself given that you can only cook toast" I ordered a nacho plate and some of the tomatoes were not even cut up all the way and I ended up finishing up the job with a fork. Not only that the tomatoes and green peppers weren't ripe and pushing it with the expiration date. I also ordered a rice plate with cheese and the veggies in the rice I could tell are frozen and the rice is nothing to write home about. I could make a better rice dish than this! I couldn't even finish the rice plate it was that bad. If that wasn't bad enough the dining area had really loud music that was annoying. And this is coming from a guy who wears hearing aids so you know it's bad! Never again! read more

Stopped in on the way from DC to Florida, needing some food in Chattanooga. Easy highway access, and it's delicious. The cactus tacos were heavenly. Excellent burrito as well - great flavors. read more

A little hole in the wall place that doesn't look the part, but it is well worth a visit. Full of flavor and great pricing make this little gem worth a stop. Food was hot and served fast. Excellent local option. read more

Authentic Mexican tacos. Don't expect the americanized cheese and iceburg lettuce here. Salsa bar. Good prices. LOVE it.

Go to Carnitas Carmelitas on amnicola or Tacos el Cunao in Cleveland instead. Taco Roc used to be better, but is now way overpriced. They look more like the standard Mexican fare instead of the authentic attraction they once were. The food is still decent, but just overpriced. read more

Heavily disappointed. I love small, local authentic mexican restaurants because they usually feature food made with absolute love and care. The attention you can tell your food received can help you overlook errors or things not to your taste The Bistec Rancho seemed like a good idea, but the execution was just bad. The beef in Bistec is never a great cut, but it is usually marinated for tenderness and/or sliced so thin that it becomes an acceptable cut. I bent my fork trying to hold these pieces down as I sawed away with my butter knife. There were pieces of gristle so tough it moved my jaw awkwardly when my teeth encountered it. Several times, I had to reach in my mouth to pull out offending, indigestible bits. The rice was dry and the refried beans, which are usually as much a feature of the dish as the protein in a place like this, we're paste. It was crusted when it hit my table. This is the first time my fellow Yelpers have steered me this wrong. I so wanted to like this place PS weird little charges for stuff like to go boxes don't help. read more

Restaurant is hidden in a little strip by intersection and food is ho hum. The corn and flour tortillas that come with each meal seem store bought and the proteins that are served with the chicken and steak dishes were tough and flavorless. Service was also a little slow and decor and bathroom left more to be desired. The salsa station and condiment station was full and plentiful however. read more

Over priced, over priced, over priced. That is basically my thought on Taco Roc. There are far better places in town to get tacos for reasonable prices. Their food is not bad, it is just that they charge an arm and a leg. Knowing what it cost to make the food myself, I feel like they take advantage of customers with their prices. Now if you are rolling and don't care about spending money and so/so tacos, this is the place for you. read more

Their chips are fantastic. The salsa bar has some phenomenal choices. Roasted jalapenos as a condiment! Their guacamole salsa looks like Gerber strained peas but tastes like a slice of heaven. Their guacamole on the dishes is similar. Had pollo roc #43 today. Try it. You'll thank me later. It's not 5 star accommodations. Don't let that phase you. Go for the food and leave happy. read more

authentic Mexican this is easily one of chattanoogas best secrets. gotta try the horchada. read more

Taco Roc - horchada. the best drink ever! - Mexican Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

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Closest you will come to authentic Mexican food in Chattanooga. Good place for lunch. Food is great but the dining area isn't very appealing. read more

Authentic and unique but not one of my favorite Mexican food joints in Chatt. Liked the salsa bar but nothing is labeled. They aren't very friendly and the food doesn't strike me as that fresh. read more

Bodega-style setting with solid dinner options. I got the chiles rellenos, which were not seedless (read: spicy), with beans and queso fresco. The horchata was delicious and refreshing! Can't gush about ambiance but if you are looking for authentic Mexican I'd check this place out. read more

Easily the best authentic Mexican in Chattanooga. Not incredibly clean, but what hole in the wall restaurant ever is?