Chez Guevara Restaurant
8025 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37919
Chez Guevara Restaurant Menu
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Address :
8025 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN, 37919 - Phone (865) 690-5250
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Jeremy D.
My favorite joint in K-Town. Get the Elvis, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Jordan K.
The Best Mexican Food in Knoxville! Everything is great. I have been several times and always look forward to going back.
(4)Martha B.
Yum! I have been going here for years and I love it. You have to have a sense of humor and a relaxed attitude to really enjoy this place. It has eclectic food, atmosphere and decor. You will probably have to wait for a seat as this place has the best chips and salsa in town (two types...I like the green the best). I always have the beef nachos...they are loaded with tons of cheese and beef and are huge! Just going here is an experience worth having.
(5)Izzat A.
Prolly the best mexican restaurant in Knoxville. This is the definition of what a good hole in the wall should be. It's definitely a low key restaurant that is kind of hidden in a strip mall, but it serves awesome food. I thought the decor was cool. Definitely a great place to go to.
(4)Lori R.
Looking for a good Mexican place on our way North from Disney so turned to Yelp...for the WIN! The restaurant was difficult to find with no sign outside in the corner of a strip mall, but it is worth the hunt! I tried the salmon tacos which blew my mind, and mom had the Kiva quesasilla, which was pretty amazing, too. Most importantly, the margaritas got a thumbs up from the crew!
(5)Lan N.
Worth the wait and worth your money. A little hole in the wall mexican food restaurant and surprisingly it opens up bigger in the back! A great place to take friends and family. It is very eclectic with paintings upon painted walls from the ground up. A lot of things to look at and wonder while sipping your margarita. You can also order it skinny here too. I had the pork tamale and I was thoroughly impressed. I've never had a tamale served to me in this open faced kind of way. Think of a corn husk laid out with a 1/4" spread of masa smothered with shredded pork on top. The pork was definitely not skimped here and not compensated with more masa like most CA places. Typical black beans and rice comes on the side which normally I am indifferent to. Chips and salsa were good too. A red and a green salsa comes with chips upon being seated at your table. The lighting can be very dim and conversations at your table can be a bit vocalized. The bathroom was not as clean as I had hope for there were dirty paper towels on the ground. Overall rating is superb. Good food, good drinks, and good vibes. I will definitely want to be a regular here.
(5)Annie C.
Chez Guevara is just too cool for school. There's no sign, even at the door - only a small photo of - you guessed it: Che Guevara. Cute - though we were with a friend who knew where he was going, otherwise maybe slightly frustrating (hint: it's right next door to a beauty supply store). The space is a lot larger than it looks from the outside, there's a full bar, and an expansive dining area towards the back. The decor is a complete hodgepodge of random. Lanterns line the ceiling, along with rosaries, various depictions of the Virgin Mary, several pictures/relics of the king himself: Elvis Presley, along with several more knick nacks lining the walls. I enjoyed the food, though its a little pricey for Tex-Mex - however it was a Tex Mex with a slight twist: on there menu is salmon burritos, and king crab quesadillas and various entrees most "Tex Mex" joints wouldn't have. We started with the traditional complimentary chips and salsa, and also ordered spinach dip for the table. The spinach dip was tasty, and it had a nice kick to it. (not too strong). For my entree, I chose the 'Sonoma' quesadilla, which is a chicken quesadilla. with sliced almonds and apples, with brie cheese. The BF had the Kiva quesadilla, which was shrimp, bacon, and avocado. The quesadillas came with the traditional sour cream and lettuce on top, but it still worked with the contents of the quesadillas. Though I did like my entree - the apple provided a welcome tart flavor, I couldn't really taste the brie or almond aspects of it, which was a little disappointing as I love brie. The Kiva quesadilla had the same issue, I liked it, the shrimp was great, but there was no evidence of bacon flavor. The service was great, we were seated quickly and our food came out quickly. They mistakenly made the chicken Kiva for the BF, but it was rectified quickly and the server kindly brought him a Corona on the house. Next time I'm in a Knoxville, I'll have to try their other dishes.
(4)Stephanie G.
I'm not a big Tex Mex fan but you can not beat stopping in for the biggest bowl of chili con queso and a pitcher, or 2 ;) of the best margaritas in Knoxville. I also crave their salsa verde on a regular basis. Everytime I leave stuffed to the brim and very happy!
(5)Tara S.
I'm not sure how I haven't reviewed this yet as I've been eating here for over 10 years. I think, in looking over the reviews, you either love Che or you think it's a load of crap. Not many people are on the fence about it. I, clearly, love it. I can't say much in terms of the atmosphere or decor that hasn't already been described, and that has gone unchanged throughout the years. I will tell you my favorite menu items. The spinach dip (the same that comes atop the Elvis) is perfect for an appetizer - get a small order to go with your salsas. Menu highlights for me are the Blue Mesa chile rellenos (add chicken or pork!) - these are poblanos stuffed with spinach & cheese, fried in blue corn meal. El Juanito - carnitas enchiladas with mole sauce. Vegetable tamales (their roasted veggies are really good - i usually sub them instead of rice for my side). Acapulco quesadilla with shrimp (cheese and sun-dried tomato salsa). They have great specialty salsas that come with some dishes, like cucumber and sun-dried tomatoes. I do think they have great margaritas, just crisp and tasty without that disgusting twangy green taste of bottled mixes. The kitchen is pretty flexible about adding and subbing, so long as its something featured on the menu elsewhere. I recommend sitting at the bar, or one of the high tables in the bar area. It gets REALLY crowded to the point of being awkward in the main dining area. Try to get here right around 5, and check the board out front for specials!
(4)Kevin C.
One of the best tex-mex places in Knoxville. My only complaint is all the food on the plate seems to blend together.
(4)Afton T.
This was a fantastic place to stop for dinner as we were passing through Knoxville. It's a very popular place despite the fact that it is literally a hole-in-the-wall. No sign, crammed into a strip mall, and appearing from the outside to be only slightly larger than a closet, you'd never stumble across this place on accident. Clearly, they rely on their fantastic food to keep bringing customers back. We went at 8 PM on a Sunday, and it was surprisingly full. We ordered two of the vegetarian entrees, the Blue Mesa Chiles Relenos and the Vegetable Tamale. Both were extremely delicious and portions were gigantic. To my surprise and delight, the two entrees tasted entirely different from each other and had a decent amount of spice. Usually vegetarian entrees at Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurants are just the same ingredients rehashed into different types of tortillas, but this is definitely not the case at Chez Guevara. Obviously a lot of care was put into developing the menu items. Service was friendly and fast, and looking at the wide variety of decor was fun. At our table, we had a photo of Elvis, a mirror decorated with southwestern tiles, a drawing of a pig on cardboard, a painting of a lady with a orange fuzzy mustache glued on her face, and a framed puzzle of the Last Supper. The 80's music playing was a little bit strange, but it somehow fit with the eclectic ambiance of the place. If I lived in the area, I'd definitely be a regular here. It also looks like a great place to stop for a drink, as they had a good selection of bottled beers.
(5)Brad H.
I wanted to like this place. The atmosphere is neat. I had a few decent meals there. But my last experience was pretty bad. Both mine and my friend's meals were burned - like they had sat under a lamp too long. The edges were crusted onto the plates. My beef and chicken enchiladas plate was just a bunch of beef in the middle of the plate with lettuce and burned beans around it. I couldn't find any chicken. There was a little bit of tortilla caked onto the plate, underneath everything. I ate a couple bites and it didn't taste right - like they messed up the order and tried to fix it or something. I basically didn't eat any of it and the server didn't notice. When he brought the check, I explained my disappointment and he didn't charge me. A few problems happen now and then, but there was just too much going wrong this time. I won't be back for a while.
(2)Carrie J.
Hands down best Mexican in town! This local dive has been around over thirty years, and is definitely a superior little hole in the wall. There isn't even a sign out front, perhaps ward off those too docile to wander inside and discover the awesomeness awaiting them within. The atmosphere, with its dark lighting, mismatched chairs, antique lamps, eclectic art and posters on the walls, delight me. Their margaritas come in the carafe and half carafe, and are especially tasty. And OMG the food. The FOOD! It's so yummy. They offer two salsas, and their spinach con queso is to die for. I love the enchiladas de mar, the tamales with mole, and any of the chile rellenos. I haven't tried anything there that I didn't love. Give this place a try.. I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)Judy E.
Great atmosphere, Great food! If your looking for a hole in the wall spot, this is your place!
(5)Jamie M.
Great southwestern food, with expansive menu. The salsa is housemade also. Meals are $10 and up but they have a lot to offer. The food is amazing and is the best southwestern I've had in knoxville besides El primo taco truck. Would recommend for mexican food lovers.
(4)A. Lane S.
I had been wanting to try this place for quite some time and when I did I found that it really did live up to the hype. My husband and I went for dinner and there was no wait (a nice surprise seeing as how I had heard wait times were usually long.) The atmosphere was eccentric and cozy, though I did think it was a tad too dark inside. The food was really delicious. I had carnitas and black beans. They had an interesting flavor, almost like Mexican chocolate, which can be an acquired taste but I enjoyed it. The margaritas were good and just strong enough, not too much sour mix which I hate and seems to be the norm at most places that serve them. The chips and salsa were delish. It's a bit cheesy but I especially love the detox/retox sign out front (the place is next door to a hot yoga stuido.) Nice to see a bit of humor. Also, we drove right past it so many times. There's no sign above the establishment like the other places in the strip mall. Just look for the hot yoga studio and know that the restaurant is right next to it.
(4)Anne K.
We enjoyed a drink at their very funky bar-- Negra modela for one of us, margarita for the other. And we were so comfortable we considered ordering dinner there. But we wanted to check out the dining room, so we waited for a table. The place was packed, but we got a table in about 20 minutes-- enough time to down that gorgeous margarita. But the food was even better: I had vegetarian tamales, side of guac. The plate was huge, and hot out of the oven. My dining companion had another beer and a quesadilla stuffed with chicken, bacon, and Gouda. This last dish was not on the menu, but our server knew about it when we asked (we'd read about online). The bar and table service were both excellent. We found this place while driving through from MD to TN (thank you kindly,yelp) and will most certainly be back.
(4)Chuck C.
Been going here my entire life and it has never disappointed me. Everything is super delicious. You get red and green salsa. It's so good that sometimes I go and just get salsa to take home. It's always so very crowded.
(5)Brian B.
This place is so hard to find, I had to call twice. The host that answered the phone was very unhelpful and short and was giving me directions like I was a local. Then, when I finally did get in the right parking lot, I still couldn't find it because they had NO SIGNAGE at all! How annoying. After 20 minutes of driving around to find the place, I got there to find out they had a 40 minute wait for 2 people. GET A SIGN! How ridiculous.
(1)Nick O.
Best Mexican in town, by far! Get the spinach queso and the Elvis burrito it's absolutely wonderful! Really hard to wrong with just about anything here. Great, friendly wait staff and most importantly great food! If we ever have guests from out of town, this is our go-to!
(5)Lauren C.
I had to send my food back twice. I ordered a combo meal which included two enchiladas and a side of rice and beans. I specified that I would like chicken enchiladas with a side of queso. When my food came out, the queso was on top of the enchiladas, so I sent my plate back. The second time the waitress brought my food out, the enchiladas had beef inside. My patience wearing thin, I sent my plate back again. Finally, the third time, my order came back correctly. Through this entire process, the waitress kept a smile on her face and was very polite, which I appreciated. The meal ended up not being very tasty, so I took the majority of it home for my fiancé to eat. It's safe to say that I probably won't be going back here anytime soon.
(2)Lindy P.
knoxville's best kept secret :) This place has it all, and the atmosphere is rockin. They are always crowded, and there's not even a sign outside that says the name of the restaurant! They're just that good. Their margaritas are deeelicious, and their spinach queso is on point. I recommend their fajita quesadilla, the el mckenry enchiladas, or the elvis burrito. YUM! this place is quite divey, and if you want a quiet meal, don't come here. the music is quite loud, but it totally fits the atmosphere- so eclectic! i need one of these in raleigh, stat :)
(5)Chris G.
Chez Guevara came very highly recommended by many area foodies, so I was excited to finally check it out. When I arrived I wasn't sure this was the place. There's no sign with the name and its tucked in the corner. Only a sandwich board outside proclaiming tamales gave me the hint i needed. After a few moments I ventured in. The decor is very eclectic. There's Mexican stuff, reprints of famous painting and portraits as well as random pieces from IKEA and what look like garage sale or thrift store pickups. There's plenty to look at. After a wait of about 50 minutes I was finally seated. I ordered the Full House Tamale and a Dos Equis. The chips and salsa were delivered quickly, and the serving staff was attentive when my salsa and beer disappeared. The salsa itself was pretty good, and appeared to have been homemade, but I could be wrong. For those who life the hot pepper lifestyle, the salsa wasn't bad, but could have used more kick. The menu was full of fish and seafood options and had lots of combinations you wouldn't see at your average Mexican restaurant. There's lots to explore here, I wish I had the time to check them all out. I definitely recommend Chez Guevara. The wait was worth it to me to find a place with unique and eclectic decor and menu options to match.
(4)Sabrina R.
Horrible horrible horrible my kids wouldn't even eat there quesadilla because the cheese was so hard! My husband ordered fajitas which were over cooked and thrown on a plate with the rest of his food..not a served on a skillet...I order the chicken and spinach tamale it was dry and unflavored with can corn in the masa...it's a very "Anglo American" spin on Mexican food!
(1)Cal D.
This place is superb! We had a great 1st experience! The cuisine is not your run-of-the-mill Mexican! The music, atmosphere and ambiance will make you think you are (almost) not cool enough to eat there! The service is expedient and attentive. All the cuisine seems very well thought out and is certainly worth every penny! I will most certainly be back again! #7MILE [CAL]
(4)Charlie P.
Surprisingly good! Ordered take out: Chips and guac. The guac was pretty tasty and they gave us A LOT! Blue mesa Chile relleno. Nice and crispy, even after the drive home. Wasn't drenched in sauce like some chiles relleno. Veggie tamale. Plenty of veggies, very tasty. There are lots of vegetarian options - thank you! The crowd inside seemed lively, happy. Bartender was cool. Couple downsides: A little hard to find for the first time due to lack of prominent signage. Also, their takeout was served in a Styrofoam container lined with aluminum foil, causing me to nearly eat said tin foil with every bite. Not that big of a deal, I know. We'll be back!
(4)Lauren Jeanne G.
Finally! Some amazeballs fish tacos after a year of TN mex-mediocrity. Best Mexican since I transplanted from AZ. Great service too. No sign above, but look for the tables and cactus between Trader Joes & the Hot Yoga. Comfy, snug atmosphere, with a plethora of velvet paintings.
(4)Channa P.
I have been to this place several times now, and depending on when I go what I love about Chez one night may annoy the crap out of me another. Like many have noted, the restaurant is pretty intimate. It's two small rooms and bar with no tvs. It's really meant for you to dine and converse with 3-4 friends. Every time I go there is a wait, but tonight I snagged a spot at the end of the bar with no waiting. Sitting at the bar alone, I was able to stare at all the decor that usually makes me give a "huh" face. Literally, the walls are decorated with pictures of Elvis, Spanish sayings, Virgin Mary's, and just random stuff. The music in the background has been Kool and the Gang or some other late 70s funk/r&b band just about every time I go. The food here is pretty awesome. It tastes fresh and doesn't ooze oil and grease like many Mexican restaurants. Sometimes I'm not in the mood for lobster in my burrito (it may not be a burrito), but it's nice to have a pretty diverse menu. The salsa is just spicy enough, and I can never eat too much of the black beans. The margaritas are okay, but they aren't the best I've had. If you go here just ignore any previous idea of a Mexican restaurant that you may have. Think about it this way, you're at a Mexican restaurant named after an Argentinean born, Cuban revolutionary.
(4)Sam B.
Best hole in the wall mexican in Knoxville I got the Elvis burrito. Wow what a twist in favors!!
(5)John D.
Love this place! Awesome eclectic hipster vibe, this place is truly one of a kind. It's a chips & salsa style Mexican joint with some awesome non-traditional & vegetarian twists. My favorite is the California quesadilla with spinach and goat cheese. The margaritas are pretty good and come in pitchers, although I do wish they had a frozen marg machine. You know a place is good if they don't advertise, are hidden away and don't have any signage outside, yet are always packed.
(4)Pat H.
In from out of town, checked Yelp on Cinco de Mayo and paid a visit. Great find in K Town. I doubt most Monday nights were like tonight, but the food was very good, portions too large and bar staff very friendly. I will visit again for sure. I had chicken Faitas...could easily feed two.
(4)Adrianna L.
If you don't know where is this place you better know where it is as there is no sign. I did not like the food, too much fat and is a little pricey. My enchiladas were a hybrid between fat and a crappy sour cream soup and one egg on the top. My husband did not enjoy the meal either. The service was awful, it takes 30 minutes or more to have you plate on the table. but at least I waited in my table outside while I was watching the moon. I did not ate inside because they have this "bar vibe" (loud music and everybody talking loud ) not very interesting if you want to talk and enjoy your meal. I'm Mexican and I can tell you there is better places where you can find real Mexican food. I went to this place because my best friend (american) told me about the great food, but after I give it a try I definitely I don't want to come back.
(1)Rooosterpuddin I.
Spent my birthday here last year. GOOD steak!
(5)kristen o.
I've been going to Chez for a few years now. They have the best margaritas in town, I don't know exactly what they put in them, but they taste like the nectar of the Gods. I've had a few dishes here and enjoyed them. It's not the best mexican food, but it's good. The atmosphere and decor is really unique and eccentric. They play a wide range of good, classic music you won't likely hear anywhere else in town. The place seems like it would draw a younger crowd, but honesty all I ever see are older couples or families with children. Kind of odd. I guess the location has something to do with it. All in all, this is a great place.
(4)Jason M.
This place has been given many names over the years, but the one thing that rings true is that the food is consistently amazing. The place is a little cramped. Unfortunately in my opinion too cramped. They have crammed a table against every wall in the place, and if the place is packed you will put your butt into someones face to get out of your squished in seating. Decorum is awesome. it juts reminds you of going to your aunt ethels house; old knick nacks are everywhere, followed by some Velvet Elvii and some scary clowns. Enough about the decor. Lets get to the vittles. This place has really taken standard Tex-Mex and re invented it. Their takes on Quesadillas for example. The Brie quesadilla with apple, almond and chicken is to die for. The shrimp one as well. If you ask you can do 50/50 of your favorite two (prices vary) If you want to splurge, get the Salmon Tacos. They are chock full of salmon, and are stuffed with a chipotle cream cheese. You will be miserable when you leave. Also if you like Margaritas, theirs are on point. Just get a pitcher. After two you will wish you had anyway. Keep in mind that this place, with its limited seating and welcome atmosphere makes for a little bit of a wait depending on when you go, but its worth the wait.
(5)Kelly R.
Their salsa verde comes free with the meal and it is the BEST! I love Chez!
(5)Kristi J.
I have eaten here many many times over many many years. I have tried about everything on the menu. I have never had anything bad. I have a terrible time deciding what to order! The salsa is great, I love the decor, I love everything about this restaurant.
(5)Michael C.
Had the Elvis burrito -- it was awesome!! Great service as well!!
(5)Ashley T.
I've been here maybe 4 times, and it is always a year or more in between each visit. I can never remember what I ordered the time before but every time I go, I am consistently unimpressed and feel as if I've spent way too much to not love my meal. I'm not saying the quality of food is bad. Maybe I'm just not a huge fan of tex-mex. My favorite things about this restaurant are the decor (eclectic, a good kinda clown creepy, and super divey), the chili con queso, and the chips with red/green salsa. That's pretty much it for me personally. One of the girls ordered the queso for the table and it was awesome. It had a little heat to it and tasted awesome mixed with the green salsa as well. I wish I had just eaten the chips, salsa, and queso because they were all great. Instead I chose a $14 dinner that I didn't even eat half of. I ordered a plate (once again I've forgotten the name on the menu) with a king crab enchilada, chili relleno, a beef taco (gave it to a friend because fish was not an option in this combo and I don't eat the other meat options), refried beans, and Mexican rice. I only ended up eating some of the beans and the chili relleno because I was hungry and it wasn't great but it wasn't bad either. My husband had the black beans and they were too smokey for me but the refried beans were good. I was so excited about the king crab enchilada but it was literally just a corn tortilla stuffed to the brim with only crab. TOO MUCH CRAB. I know, I know. How can I say such a horrible thing? I love crab. But it was overwhelming and had no other sauce or cheese or filling inside. I let several people at the table try it and they agreed it was a lot of crab. My husband didn't like it either. He thought his meal (the chili relleno dinner - his were breaded where mine was not) was alright but he wasn't wild about this place either. All in all, I will probably never eat here again because I don't live in Knoxville anymore and there are so many other places I love to eat at when I'm in town.
(2)Megan S.
This is probably the 5th time I've been here. The atmosphere of this place is awesome, from pretty cool Elvis pictures, to a tasty looking pizza clock. The servers are always nice and attentive. The man behind the bar ( I wish I new his name) is always so helpful and keeps you informed on what's going on with your table. The prices can be a little expensive depending on what you are wanting to spend, I think the Elvis burrito is $13.00 (rounded up) or something. I usually get the Elvis burrito and its pretty freaking good! This time I had just an a la carte chicken burrito (I ate so much chips and queso it's all I could handle!) I didn't like the green topping that they put on there, I do not know if it was their green salsa or something else. The texture of the sauce was a little rubbery. Other than the sauce it was ok but not the best I've had. The cheese is absolutely amazing with just enough spice and their chips most of the time taste fresh. Love this place and a definite try even if it's just for the atmosphere!
(4)Kellan S.
The restaurant is tucked into the very corner of the strip mall in a very unassuming location. The interior is very dimly lit so upon entering it was hard to perceive the true seating capacity. On the way to my table I walked past a lengthy bar but failed to recognize they had no beer taps. I soon realized that would have to settle for my Dos Equis Amber in the bottle. No Problem. The menu is very diverse. What stood out to me was the number of dishes that features king crab. I decide to save that trial for another visit as I quickly noticed chile rellenos and made that my dinner choice with chicken filling and mole sauce. As I waited I was presented with chips and choice of red and green salsa. The red salsa was good dipping consistency with a good level of spice. Unfortunately, cumin was very over-powering. On the other hand the green salsa was very good with a great mix of onion, cilantro, and green tomato. Hands down - the green salsa was a winner. Dinner arrived on a very well presented plate. The presentation is where the beauty ended. The chile poblano was split the a sliced grilled chicken breast was placed on top then covered with melted cheese, raisins, and almond slivers. The chile and contents were placed on a bed of mole sauce. It was accompanied by sides of black beans and rice. Although it was presented very well none of the items were very tasty. The entire plate screamed for a touch of salt. The restaurant is obviously popular with the locals/college students. During my visit, I did not see a single worker or patron that appeared to be of Hispanic culture. It could be that I just caught the kitchen on an off night or it could be that the regular patrons just have never had the privilege of authentic hand-made chili rellenos and wonderful mole sauce. I want to take the opportunity to thank a wonderful friend and awesome Mexican cook for sharing her family traditions and recipes that makes me appreciate the real-deal of Mexican cooking. Marcela Scarry, I miss your cooking!!
(2)steve r.
My favorite Tex Mex place in knoxville. Lots of quirky, interesting dishes to try, but their mole is especially excellent! Poblanos Chile Rejenos is my favorite... Or Try the mole on the side of ur entree doesn't come with it. Often busy, and occasionally service on the slow side, but that gives you more time to enjoy a pitcher of margaritas with friends or family.
(4)Lori W.
Let me first say "Thank You" to my yelper family for leading us to the most delicious mexican food Ever!!!!!!! We found it very easily thanks to the picture from one of the reviews. Just look for the Open sign.... I ordered the chicken chimichanga which here they called it something else...and it is AMAZING!!!!! I asked for a side of mole sauce and put it on top of it as well... The chips and dip were great with a little kick to it...which is good. We will definetly be coming back for the "chimichangas" (just tell the waiter/waitress she knows where it is on the menu.) Highly recommended!!!!!
(5)Bill P.
Five stars for the spinach queso only. Hands down the best cheese dip of any kind I've ever had. Aubrey's is close, but Chez's has something else in it. A manager there said the cheese dip "built this place." Guessing it costs around $10 now and everyone orders it. They probably make $1000/day just on cheese dip. Worth every cent. Back when this was part of the La Paz chain, I would order the cheese dip at their Atlanta locations (which have all gone belly up). But it never tasted anything like the Knoxville location. The Knox manager told me that each location kind of did their own thing. For several years, when the La Paz in Knox closed, I figured the spin/queso was history, too. Thankfully someone told me that La Paz in Knox just changed names and was open all along. Other than the spin/queso, I don't like anything food-wise about Chez.
(5)Cindy D.
This restaurant is tucked away in a strip mall. The service was horrible. People in my group order margaritas. Small glasses , not your typical Margarita glass. Took 30 minutes for the waiter to take our order. Asked for my dinner with no cheese. It was delivered with cheese. People in my group had to go to the bar to get drinks, waiter was to busy. The place has people packed in like sardines. Not an enjoyable environment. Very hard to move around. I ordered the fish tacos, just ok. I didn't even take a picture. If you want poor service, like being cramped and just ok food this is your place. I will not be returning.
(2)Samuel B.
Not your typical Mexican style restaurant. From the moment you walk into Chez Guerava's you notice this place isn't the A typical Mexican restaurant. The decor is unusually Americana with pictures of Elvis Presley taking precedent in the decorating. The dinning area feels small and is dimly lit for dinner service. The feel is cozy boarding cramped due to the tables being very close. It's also quite load, but still creates a decent ambiance for a dinner date or even a larger gathering. The chips and salsa is obviously freshly made and is delicious. Their margaritas are pretty standard size, cost, and strength. Chez Guarava's shinning point and main reason for visiting is their robust selection of quesadillas. I had the Chicken, Bacon, Guoda and I can't think of eating better quesadilla anywhere, ever. While it's a little hard to find if you aren't looking for it (the restaurant is tucked into a corner of the shopping center of Kingston Pike that houses the Toy's R Us and Barnes and Noble). Definitely check this place out for yourself.
(4)Michael M.
Having moved to the Knoxville area recently, I really didn't expect to find much that would really... "wow" me. However, this little joint in the corner of a shopping mall has floored me multiple times now. They don't have a sign outside, it's not correctly listed on google maps, and they refuse to have a website... because knowing about this place is like a "best kept secret". It's not only my favorite place in Knoxville thus far, it's perhaps my favorite restaurant. Whatsoever. Anywhere. Order the Bacon, Gouda, and Chicken Quesidilla. No, it's not on the menu.
(5)Keats K.
awesome food. I ordered to go and that's what I recommend cause when I got there the line was long on a Thursday. Food was great and portions large.
(4)Donna A.
Great place! Authentic flavors! Service a little slow but it was a busy time of evening.
(5)Teresa R.
Chez Guevara is a funky Mexican restaurant that's been around for a long time in Knoxville. I used to visit the restaurant back in the 1980s when it was called La Paz. The place is always busy so prepare to wait. If your lucky you can get a seat at the bar and eat dinner there. My husband and I sat at the bar during our most recent visit. Immediately we were greeted by the bartender and within a few minutes had our margaritas. The margaritas are amazing. Soon after the green and red salsa dips and chips arrived. The green salsa is so good. We decided to split an entree because we weren't that hungry. We tried the carnitas chipolte burrito. It was fantastic. The pork fell apart, and the sauce was spicy but not so much I couldn't eat it. I definitely recommend this dish. I wish I could post a picture but it is very dark in the restaurant and I don't like using my camera flash so you just have to trust me. Other good dishes: Elvis burrito, chili verde pork taco, shredded pork burrito and the king crab quesadilla. Have a good time at this funky little dive.
(4)Mary T.
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Knoxville! They have the best salsa around town! it is spicy which is hard to find because I think most restaurants like to water it down and make it a not-so-spicy salsa. That kind of defeats the purpose of salsa, don't you think? They also give you a salsa verde which has awesome fresh flavors to it! My 2 favorite things to order are: the Burrito Gordo with chicken and I get the beans on the side, and the Pollo del Mar. I also like to order the Tuna Chalupa. Sometimes I like to substitute the tuna out and get chicken instead. I also like to order the chile relleno with chicken a la carte. The margaritas are really good and so it the red sangria! I think you should try this place out as it is not only one of my favorite restaurants but one of my favorite bars to hang out at. I know you will love it too! The atmosphere is awesome as the owner has memorabilia all over the walls including some of his staff from the 80s that still work there. It has been around a while and is well worth it! The things I don't recommend are the tacos because they can come out kind of plain, and the taco salad. PS The Cuban Quesadilla rocks! The Black and Blue Nachos with Chicken are good too! On the weekends get there early because there is always a wait! One more thing, they aren't open for lunch. FYI, Everyone who has been going here for years calls this place La Paz. That was the original name until a company trademarked that name and the owner had to change it. Cheers and Enjoy!
(5)Sunny B.
I LOVE this place. I've been 3 times all on road trips. I literally will plan my trip to pass by Knoxville when Chez Guevara is open, just so I can eat there. Everything I've had there is yummy and the chips/salsa are unique and they keep em' coming. Love the atmosphere, decorations and funky waiters. Its kind of strange that its in strip mall type place, but once inside you'd never know it. Maybe the only thing I didnt like was the rest room, but for the life of me I cant remember why (its been a while since I've been there)
(5)Mike H.
The chips and salsa are awesome. So is the pitcher of margarita. I wish I could take this back to Denver with me.
(5)Dawne D.
Worth the hunt to find it. Funky little hole in the wall that serves world class Mexican food. Loved the pork strip burrito.
(5)Shelley P.
This is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant in Knoxville. I have been going here for years....and still call it La Paz. We usually get a pitcher of margaritas on the rocks.....certain nights offer half off pitchers as they are a little pricey. Order some of the spinach queso! It is so delicious and spicy, and you'll have enough left over to take home (you can get order a cup instead of a bowl). Free chips and salsa are great too....and, I even love the green salsa. I either get the Chicken Zapnin or the Chicken Nachos. The Zapnin is heaven in a bite!! I kid you not...try it and you'll be hooked! Because the restaurant isn't very large, there usually is a wait. I only wish they were open for lunch!
(5)Laurie L.
It's ok. The enchillada sauce had too much paprika for me. It was just... ok. Service 3/5. didn't refill drinks that often. Atmosphere 3/5. loud. Food 3/5. nothing real great. ok.
(3)Steve H.
I had a pork tamale with beans and rice. My wife had a quesadilla with the same. She asked for shrimp in hers, and she had a hard time finding any, but then again she wasn't charged extra. The red and green salsa was very spicy; not to my wife's liking, but I don't mind well-made spicy salsa, which this was. The chips were fresh and crunchy. My complaint is there was little to distinguish the pork tamale from all off the rice/beans/cheese piled on it, except for the corn husks. The spices were pleasing to me; a hint of cinnamon, but I really couldn't taste the mole sauce. We ordered a side of guacamole, which was generous and fresh. The strange thing about this place is, no sweet tea. C'mon, this is the South! But the unsweet tea was good with enough sweetener. This looked more like a drinking establishment, anyway. Speaking of which, the décor was retro/hip, and I enjoyed looking at all those things: Clint as "The Man With No Name," many Elvises (Elvi?), a Navajo rug, a portrait of the Devil himself who was a dead ringer for Jack Nicholson. Very enjoyable atmosphere and a cheerful staff and clientele, but dimly lit. All in all, I think that, in a pinch, I prefer Mexican food from one of the many Hispanic-owned restaurants in the Knoxville area, where you can distinguish the food on the plate and get sweet tea. That being said, those choices can be hit or miss sometimes, and I would return to Chez Guevara, just to try something different and perhaps have a margarita or two.
(3)D R.
I love places like this, no sign in front. Killer chips and salsa. good margaritas, I forgot the name of my dish but it was tasty! A very slight bit too much corriender but thats a comment only for the chef. Most people couldnt tell. This place is totally worth a go.
(4)Rich D.
Went here last night for dinner. Non-descript location; you better know where it is as there is no sign. Trendy decor with the required heavy wooden bar. Music was MUCH TOO LOUD. Both the salsa verde and the red salsa were very tasty as was the spinach queso. The ingredients in my veggie burro were fresh and had excellent flavoring. The cheese that was used both inside the burrito and on top of it overwhelmed the overall flavor a bit. The refried beans were excellent! I would recommend this restaurant.
(3)Mark B.
Pretty cool place, but honestly, I don't see what all the hoopla is about. By the time we left there was a huge wait and the bar was packed. The atmosphere is unique, so that is great. The food was above average for a Mexican place, but it isn't anything out of the ordinary. It was the typical, cheese smothered, Tex-Mex stuff you get at most small Mexican restaurants. The salsa was pretty good. I got the chicken fajitas and subbed the rice and beans for a bowl of the snakebite chili. The fajitas were average, but the chili stole the show... after I pealed literally about half the bowl of melted cheese off the top. I mean, who needs THAT much cheese! My wife got some crazy raisin tamale thing that she didn't much care for, but in my opinion, what can you expect from a raisin tamale?! That just sounds gross! In all, I liked the place but there is no way I would wait to eat there. There are dozens of Mexican places around that are just as good. If I were to return, I think I would just order the chili... With no cheese!
(4)Joan M.
Spent a couple days in Knoxville, TN, and went to Yelp for a Mexican restaurant suggestion. Based on the reviews, we chose Chez Guevara. When we finally found it, the place was packed, and we waited for quite some time for a hostess, but given it was 8 on a Saturday night, it didn't seem unreasonable. We found a spot at the bar and dove into a carafe of Margaritas, which made the wait for a table seem much shorter! The incredibly smooth Margaritas were SO delicious as was the homemade salsa served with the chips. We had enchiladas and crispy tacos - both wonderfully flavorful. The dining room was packed and noisy, but the waitstaff, ahhhh, the waitstaff - they were fantastic - attentive but not too much so, discreetly filling water glasses, bringing fresh salt-rimmed glasses full of ice for our Margaritas, clearing empty plates, moving gaily and efficiently about the dining room. Being from Arizona where we undisputedly have the best Mexican food in the country, I feel qualified to be critical of Mexican food elsewhere. This little restaurant, tucked in the corner of a nondescript strip mall in Knoxville, TN, ranks right up there with the best of them.
(4)Elizabeth M.
Nice place. Delicious food. Although it is in a strip mall, once you get inside, the atmosphere is fun and colorful. A good place to hang out with friends.
(4)Britany R.
My new favorite place in Knoxville! The best/most authentic Mexican food I've had in town yet.
(5)Matt P.
One of my favorite places on earth. Most of the staff has worked there forever, the owner is as nice as they come and Mike the bartender is great for conversation. You could try and take all of the pictures, gadgets and memorabilia off the walls and try and put it in another restaurant, but you could never re-create the atmosphere here. Chez is truly a one of a kind of place, my kind of place. Order a margarita, a BL, or a road racer if youre feeling frisky. And for the record, the food rocks too
(5)Dale L.
This is the place to go for Tex-Mex in West Knoxville. Formerly La Paz of years past (but I believe under the same owner), this place has got some of the tastiest salsa in town. They give their own homemade red and green, and the red has got a little kick (not overwhelming) to it. My mother and her girlfriends used to go to La Paz once a month when I was a kid and I remember she would bring home a bag full of just the chips and salsa. The menu items are good, some with quirky names like 'The Elvis Burrito'. Most items are your standard Tex Mex items, but done well. It's a few notches above your run-of-the-mill Mexican joint. The way you can usually tell is whether or not the sauces used in the dishes are watery. Everything is flavorful. It's a good experience, too. Lots of borderline eclectic art and decorations on the wall - definately a different atmosphere. Lots of young people come to this place in an otherwise suburban area of town, which is a sign that it's good enough to venture away from dtown/campus areas to check out. Staff are usually lively and helpful, sometimes the owner works behind the bar, and is very friendly.
(4)Juliette V.
This has got to be my favorite restaurant in Knoxville. I found out about it several years ago from a friend and tried it out- I immediately loved it. Their burritos are absolutely amazing- I recommend fasting before eating there because the portions are nice and sizeable. You definitely get what you pay for! Furthermore, the environment is wonderful- it's a small, cozy little place situated in the corner of a strip mall containing a Barnes and Noble and Toys 'R Us. You wouldn't even know it was there upon first inspection. There's not even a sign/placard indicating where it is. But as soon as you see the warm, colorful interior through the windows, you easily get sucked in. The walls are covered with random photos and interesting doo-dads. But nothing corny or mass-produced like they have at Cracker Barrel or Chili's. Before you go, however, you have to be aware that the restaurant is quite intimate- and by that, I mean very small. If you go with a group of, say, 5 to 6 people on a busy night, be prepared to wait a long time. It's alot easier to go with just one or two other people. Also, be prepared to have several servers- during a recent visit, I counted 5 servers who visited my table. One took our drink orders, one took our meal orders, one replenished our drinks, one served our food, and one took our check. I guess they all look out for eachother, which I suppose is nice... After having the absolute best Mexican food ever when I lived in Phoenix, I consider my high rating of this place to be a pretty good compliment. Enjoy!!
(4)Jon D.
Great margarita's and green salsa. Get the tacos al carbon, you wont be disappointed. The food is unique and really good but don't be fooled, this is not TexMex. However, still a great option.
(4)Salmaan T.
Texans may want to laugh, but Chez is as good as any "Tex Mex" place I've tried in Texas. Very unique atmosphere and their salsa/sauces tastes home made. The salsa is outstanding and their burritos are excellent. Love this place and I don't really care for Mexican. I'm talking about the food, not the people ;).
(4)Lisa G.
Love this restaurant! Elvis burrito is very yummy. Restaurant has a very unique atmosphere. Kind of loud but lots of fun. Margaritas are the best
(5)Janine A.
Finally tried this place last night. Awesome salmon tacos (surprisingly good) with large portions and a pitcher of margaritas. Aside from the music being too loud, a very delicious experience.
(4)Steven B.
Do not be deceived by the "corner of the strip mall" description of Chez Guevara (admittedly accurate). This is the best Mexican food in Knoxville. The only downside is you're not going to walk in there at a peak time like 7:30 Friday night and get a table because it's going to be packed.
(5)Will Y.
I am a Knoxville native, and I grew up coming here weekly. Upon turning 21, this quickly became my favorite local bar. Many of the servers have been here for 20 years or more. The food is excellent. Try the spinach con queso or the Elvis burrito. They have no beer on tap but no one ever seems to mind.
(5)Harry T.
Just driving through Knoxville so I used Yelp to help find a restaurant and this has the most positive reviews. Got there at 4.30pm Sunday so it was still closed (opens at 5pm for dinner). Went to another one with positive reviews K10 at the mall but found out at the mall that it was no longer there so we went back to Chez while it was still opening. We were among the first to get in the restaurant and within 15 min. the place was almost full. The food is good, more flavor and seem fresher than other mexican restaurants. Difference is kind of like between eating a regular, hormone and corn forced-fed chicken versus an organic chicken. Very slight difference but you can tell if you pay attention. Food is good, service is average and the plump, dark tanned hostess seem to be having a bad day and greeted (or rather, ignored) us with a scowl on her face. Maybe she is related to the owner cos I can't imagine her staying in her hostess job frightening away customers with her attitude.
(4)Tim M.
"Are you sure this is the place?" she asked, as we slowly drove past the New Balance store and parked in front of a rusting steel cactus. "Oh yeah. I've heard that this is where it all goes down." I pushed the door open and waited for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. "Wow - from the outside, this place looks like it's the size of a port-a-potty." "I know," I said. "I had no idea it went back so far." "I'm scared," she said. "Hold me!" "Look, calm down - all the other Yelpers can't be wrong about this place. Let's just have a seat and see what the menu looks like." And we did. And it was great. I don't fully understand the whole Elvis / Mexican food relationship that's going on in the back, but it didn't detract from our meal any. Music was loud and dissonant, but nobody seemed to care. Where did all of these people come from, anyway? Spicy salsa, large platters of delicious Mexican food and cold beer. What more could you ask for? I understand that some of you might be able to enjoy Chez Guevara more while dropping acid, but that's totally at your discretion.
(4)Jack B.
I've been eating at Chez Guevara here for over 20 years, when it was La Paz. It is my favorite Mexican type restaurant any where. The menu will look familiar to folks who have eaten at "La Paz" restaurants (in other cities) for a while as the owner of Chez split from La Paz years ago. The La Paz restaurants have become chains and the quality has suffered somewhat. Chez has not. Unlike La Paz, the menu here hasn't changed much if any since it became Che Guevara. The guacamole is outstanding and served in a generous sized bowl. The cheese queso can be spicy, depending on who makes it. The only problem with going to Chez is that it is hard to choose what to have for an entree. Dishes are served promptly and hot. Portions are generous. Soft drinks and tea are served in large tumblers with frequent refills. Vegetarians have a nice variety to choose from as well. Go early to avoid the wait, which can be a while on weekends. Chez also serves deserts, but I have rarely had them because I am too full.
(5)Ellen S.
Chez Guevara can be a bit hard to find, but it's worth the trouble to find it. (Hint: It's in the back left corner of the shopping center -- if there's a sign, it's practically invisible.) Plenty of people know how to find it, so you may have to wait for a seat, unless you go early. Every Mexican restaurant meal starts with salsa and chips, but Chez Guevara may be the only Mexican restaurant in Knoxville to serve both red and green salsa with their chips, and both salsa colors are tasty. Their margaritas are tasty, too -- be careful not to overdo it on the margaritas... The menu items are similar to what you will find on a standard Mexican menu, but not the same: this restaurant is creative about the ingredients it uses and the way it combines them. They've also been creative with the decor. Every inch of the walls is covered by the crazy "art" collection -- images of every cultural icon from Elvis to Che, a glitzy light-up version of "The Last Supper"... everywhere you look there's another strange discovery. Kids seem to like this place in spite of the fact that it is not at all kid-oriented -- I suspect that the walls are what attracts them and keeps them entertained.
(4)Austin R.
Great salmon burrito. The salsas tasted very fresh. The tomale was great as well. Really cool atmosphere inside and some awesome and refreshingly creative Mexican dishes you won't find at other places around here. My salmon burritos for example or the Apple chicken and brie cheese quesadilla. I highly recommend giving this place a go.
(4)Meredith C.
The random toilet sitting out front should've tipped me off. It's a tex mex place, which I don't care for, but I wasn't aware it would be like that going in. Tastes a lot l ike La Paz. Kind of pricey. Pretty sure the margaritas are from a mix. The salsa definitely uses canned tomatoes. Apparently, none of the mexican places in K-Town can get their hands on any cilantro either. Salsa without cilantro is just tomatoes. My search for a good mexican (and italian, for that matter) place in Knoxville continues. This is definitely not a city for people who don't like chain restaurants.
(1)Angelia S.
Wonderful Mexican food with a twist! I had the salmon burrito, my husband had a santa fe enchilada dish that was really good. Service was fast, but not very friendly. Next time we'll sit at the bar if we can. I noticed they had friendlier service there. Plus we like sitting at bars and they're bar looked quite fun and cozy. The BEST salsa I've ever had in a restaurant.. tastes VERY fresh!! The chips were also very fresh and hot! I would go back for them alone. Prices were cheap! but the food doesn't taste cheap,,,, gotta love that! I
(4)Dandylion M.
I loooove this place for a number of reasons. Namely, It's low-key. It doesn't advertise so it's only through word of mouth that anyone would ever venture into this establishment but the house is packed every night of the week. Secondly, the ambiance is amazing. It's the perfect date spot and there's so much going on with the decor that you can never take it all in with a single visit. Doubly, the food will knock your socks off. The best way to describe it is Tex Mex with a west coast twist. The food is always fresh and always good and there's always so much of it. Once you step into Chez Guevara it's like you've been instantly teleported to someplace magically delicious. I recommend it to anyone tired of the same ol same ol Knoxville has to offer.
(4)Justin C.
I'm piling on because people need to recognize and appreciate good places. Give it some time if you hit rush hour and be polite, no reservations. You'll leave with an appreciation of black velvet art as well.
(5)Helen C.
Our favorite Tex-Mex place in Knoxville. It is tucked in the corner of a strip mall, a little off the beaten path. The 'Rita's are delicious, so be sure to order them by the pitcher. This is a small, funky place, not like your standard cookie cutter Mexican restaurant. Unless you get there when they open there is almost always a wait. Great food!
(4)Audrey D.
I like this place because it's in a strip mall, but once you go inside it's like a dark and moody kitch art museum, including a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. So lively! The food is solid - I mean it's beans, rice, cheese, etc. Not really room for error there. I'm not crazy about the salsas - but I don't eat a lot of chips here, either. I get the vegetarian tamale!! Yum. A great place to get a drink with friends and talk. Feels warm and inviting. I feel like I'm in a bigger city eating out because the place is packed and the tables are close together. I happen to like that, but if you are used to spreading out your legs and needing a lot of personal space, you might be uncomfortable here. I've never had bad service and I've probably eaten there about 6 times.
(4)Lorraine P.
It's a kitschy place. I enjoyed the dishes I've had here. One entree is in reality 3 meals easily, so you get your money's worth. There are a lot of vegetarian friendly dishes, which is nice considering most Tex-Mex is meat focused. If you have the attitude of an upper crust person of privilege, you will more than likely not enjoy it. If you want to experience good food with others that want the same, then enjoy!
(4)Emily W.
LOVE this place and try to eat there each time I'm in Knoxville. The margaritas (a pitcher is the way to go) are refreshing and down-right slap your mom delicious. There is usually a decent wait, but there's typically room at the bar tables to have a drink while you wait. I've never had a bad meal there and if you're in to black velvet art, this is the place for you. YUM
(5)Tiffany B.
The food here is good, but the service can be kind of slow because they are typically so busy. This is not an "authentic" Mexican restaurant. That is fine by me because I go for flavor and not authenticity. I would call this "Hippie Mexican" (I am a long time Cartman fan, so I tend to declare things to be hippie). By this, I mean that they have the weird ingredients like salmon and spinach and all sorts of other stuff you don't typically see at Mexican restaurants. Hippie pizza places are common, but hippie Mexican is quite rare. The nachos were okay, but nothing spectacular. The chicken enchiladas are quite possibly the best chicken enchiladas I have ever had. They are not the typical dry, cheese filled enchiladas with sauce on top. These were juicy inside and out and the chicken was better quality than the chicken you get at the "authentic" places. Great flavor. On the downside, they are more on the expensive side. I can't remember exactly, but I think that an enchilada a la carte was $5. At most places you can get 3 for that price. It is good, though, and different from any other Mexican food I have eaten around here.
(4)