The 5 Best Mexican Restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

From local favorites to a brand new restaurant, we’ve rounded up delicious dining spots for when you crave the best Mexican food in the Smoky Mountains.

1. Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina

The only rooftop bar in Gatlinburg crowns this cantina, where the mountain views are amazing. Specialties include mesquite-grilled fajitas, classic tacos, and burritos smothered in house-made sauces. If you dare, order The Whole 5 Lb. Chihuahua. You’ll get it for free if you can eat it solo in 30 minutes! The drinks menu features more than 90 tequilas, plus sangria, mojitos, beer, wine, and eight specialty margaritas. Don’t miss a ride on the mechanical donkey!

2. No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina

Family-friendly No Way Jose’s has locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, so you’re never far from their fried ice cream! Start with Mucho Mucho Nachos, heaped high with beef and pickled jalapenos. Leave room for entrees like chicken and avocado salad, fajitas, handmade tamales, burritos (ask about “The Outrageous” burrito!), and the Jalisco Trio, starring three different enchiladas.

3. Tequila Spice Mexican Grill

This family-owned Sevierville restaurant whips up guacamole right at your table. Homemade corn tortillas come hot off the grill. Every salsa is made fresh from scratch. Tequila Spice is an authentic taste of Mexico with 80 dishes from all over the country. All your favorites are here, from burritos and fajitas to loaded combo platters and vegetarian dishes. Dine on the large patio for a fiesta atmosphere beneath the decorations and lights!

4. El Sonador Mexican Grill

“El sonador” means “the dreamer.” This Gatlinburg jewel will have you dreaming of unique, mouthwatering Tex-Mex food. Alongside fajitas, burritos, and tacos, El Sonador offers chicken and seafood entrees, grilled steaks, and tortas (Mexican sub sandwiches). Specials include Pina Loco–resh pineapple with shrimp, chicken, and chorizo–and Pasta Mexicana, a south-of-the-border twist on linguini. Listen to live music and enjoy the breezy patio.

5. Azul Cantina

Located in the Tower Shops–Pigeon Forge’s newest shopping and dining destination–Azul Cantina will spotlight traditional Mexican cooking. Try dishes loved from South America to Texas. Wood-fired grilling is the secret! When its doors open, Azul will welcome you to Pigeon Forge’s first rooftop bar. Check their website for details on their 2023 debut.

Dine or grab takeout to eat at your vacation rental cabin! Reserve your Smoky Mountains cabin today and plan to sample the best of Mexican cuisine.