Tacos are the quintessential American food, just under hamburgers. We love them! They come in all manners of styles and levels of complexity, from the salty and crunch Taco Bell taco you enjoy at 11:30 pm to the fantastically complex taco available at the taco stand down the street. Americans love tacos and Chattanooga has tacos. Here are my two votes for the best tacos in Chattanooga.
I happen to really like the Taco Bell taco. But, really only eat them when I am traveling and need to pull off for something quick. At home in Chattanooga, I choose to enjoy tacos from locally owned businesses. There is something really comforting and satisfying about a the sweet, salty and cool combination of a taco. Soft or hard, I like them both.
Taco Mamacita
Taco Mamcita is the flagship North Shore restaurant of local restaurateur couple, the Monen’s, empire. The funky and eclectically decorated restaurant is comfortable and casual. And so are the tacos. These non-traditional tacos such the Oy Vey, Shrim Po’ Boy, and Vegetarian Jerk are all uniquely Taco Mamacita and all delicious. I love the Taco Royale which is roasted chicken, salsa verde, pico de gallo, crumbled chorizo, black beans, lettuce and their signature house made chipotle cream sauce (Mama Sauce). Spicy and delicious. Their Vegetarian Jerk is also a favorite with plantains, cabbage, fantastic mango salsa, beans, jerk sauce and aioli, which sounds and tastes like nothing you have ever had. Inexpensive, quick and always delicious, these are your “fancy tacos” in Chattanooga. 109 Market Street.
Taco Mamacita
Taqueria Jalisco
These are the tacos you crave when you are starving and want the real deal. Situated in a tiny restaurant on the Southside, Taqueria Jaliso grew from a taco truck to a restaurant thanks in part to the fantastic cooking of Maria Parra and the marketing genius of Jorge Parra. These are the real, Mexican tacos you love. Made with truly fresh ingredients, these tacos come two ways, Americana and Mexicano. Americana has cheese, Mexicano has avocado. Tacos are available with a wide variety of meat and veggies including the typical steak and chicken, but also tongue, cactus, shrimp and veggies. Order the guacamole, two tacos and try the green chile and your day is made. My favorite is the Mexicano taco with grilled shrimp. The shrimp is butterflied and well seasoned and blends well with the cool avocado and the spicy green chile. Fresh and made like these tacos are their business, which it is. 1634 Rossville Ave.
Taqueria Jalisco
Taco Nooga
One of the new kids in town that has proven it’s merit as one of the most unique taco shops in town. Offering a twist on the traditional taco with fresh ingredients and a fun atmosphere, Taco Nooga is located on the busy North Shore strip of Frazier Ave. Offering delicious options such as slow roasted pork shoulder, fried tilapia, and picadillo as well as my favorite, the camaron special with shrimp, jicama and mago salsa. Grab a taco, a side of Mexican street corn and a aguas frescas and you are set. 207 Frazier Ave.
Chattanooga offers an amazing number of food options and tacos are included. What do you think are the best tacos in Chattanooga? Want to live within walking distance of these tacos? Give us a shout!