El Jinete - Hixson — Restaurant in Chattanooga

I’ve yet to be impressed by any of the 1.3 million Mexican restaurants in Hixson, but figured I’d give this one a shot. Big mistake.

I ordered Supreme Nachos online via their website. When I arrived to pick them up, no one had any record of my order. That in itself didn’t bother me, mistakes happen. But what followed was a complete lack of communication or basic customer service. After I showed the manager my receipt, he disappeared into the kitchen without a word, then came back out and stood around joking with staff while I waited at the host stand like a ghost. No update, no apology, nothing.

Eventually, I sat down assuming they were making the food. When he finally returned, he handed me the bag and said, “Have a good night.” At that point, I was still trying to give them the benefit of the doubt. That ended the moment I got home and opened the container.

What I found was a greasy pile of mush that they dared to call nachos. A congealed layer of oily cheese (maybe?), soggy chips drowning in grease, bland ground beef and chicken, a smear of sour cream, and one sad slice of tomato tossed on top like an afterthought. No attempt at seasoning, texture, or even presentation. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for decades, and as someone of Polish descent, I could still make better Mexican food in my sleep.

I managed to eat a few non-soggy chips, scraping off what I could stomach, but that’s it. I’d honestly rather skip dinner than eat here again. Absolute waste of...

Let me start by saying I love the food, and I've been a regular since opening. Unfortunately that doesn't make up for the terrible service I had today. Everything was going smoothly until my waiter suddenly started trying to rush me. It began with bringing my check when I was only half through my meal with an assurance that he 'wasn't rushing me' and needed me 'to sign this'. Odd, but whatever. Not even five minutes later he comes back and urges me to pay. A little irritated, I did. He beings the check back, mentioning again that I need to sign. Refusing to be rushed I didn't sign and focused on eating. Again he returns, starts to pick up the the check which is when I tell him I hadn't signed yet, and he then urges me to so he can 'go on break.' At this point it wasn't even 2:30 and I had been there for maybe 25 minutes. Baffled, I signed the check and continue eating. Next thing I know the waiter is giving me to-go boxes, a to-go cup, and a bag while I am actively eating and nowhere near done. My past experiences with this waiter have been nothing but pleasant so being effectively shoved out by him was baffling.

As a food service worker I understand the want to go on break and that it can suck when you have to wait, but rushing your customers is not only rude but also affects your tip income. I don't know if I will come back to eat anytime soon, and if I do I will be asking for one of...

This is the newest addition to one of the best, most consistent local Mexican restaurant chains in the Area. I've eaten off this same menu for over 10 years now and it's always been very good between all the locations I regularly go to. They also have a full bar and make excellent scratch made top shelf margaritas and several American lagers and cervezas on tap or bottled.

This location in particular is closer to my house and work than the El Metate down the road which is the same menu btw. Food portions are big and priced very fairly. Some of the servers are familiar faces from other locations offering the same great, fast, and attentive service alongside the new employees.

What isn't familiar is the former O'charley's building that has been completely overhauled with a beautiful Central American theme lined with tile, light fixtures, comfy leather chairs/booths, and several very detailed hand painted murals. There are several different seating sections, so it always feels cozy no matter where you sit and has a great capacity, so you rarely have to wait to be seated.

Since opening, they have kept this place completely spotless and always looks and smells clean. I've taken various friends, co-workers, and family to this chain and no one has had anything bad to say about their experience. I recommend it to anyone wanting delicious fresh and fast Mexican dishes at a...