El Jinete Cleveland — Restaurant in Cleveland

I had high hopes when I walked into El Jinete in Cleveland, TN. The decor was inviting, adorned with captivating paintings directly on the walls. But alas, my excitement quickly faded.

As I settled into the booth, I found that even for someone slender like me, the booths were a tight squeeze. Uncomfortable seating aside, the culinary disappointments continued.

The salsa they served was a letdown. Instead of the vibrant mix of cilantro, onions, and a spicy kick, it resembled pureed tomatoes. It lacked the usual flavors that make salsa so irresistible, leaving me craving something more.

Hoping for redemption, I dipped into the cheese dip, only to be met with disappointment once again. It was akin to cheese water, lacking the creamy richness I had expected.

Moving on to the rice, it appeared to be the Mexican-style flavored rice I adore. However, looks were deceiving, as it turned out to be nothing more than bland-colored rice. The flavorful goodness that I usually associate with Mexican cuisine was nowhere to be found.

Even the sweet tea, a staple in southern dining, failed to meet expectations. It lacked both sweetness and the essence of tea, a far cry from the satisfying beverage I had hoped for.

I was drawn to El Jinete due to its novelty in Cleveland, TN. Yet, my experience left me yearning for the comfort of the Mexican restaurants that have graced our town for decades. Those places that have stood the test of time, delighting patrons with their flavors and authenticity.

Regrettably, El Jinete did not earn my loyalty. Despite its newness, it couldn't hold a candle to the well-established gems in town. I'll be steering clear of a return visit to this restaurant, as it simply didn't meet my expectations or deliver an enjoyable...

Stepping into El Jinete in Cleveland, TN, one is immediately enveloped by the vibrant spirit of Mexico. With a commendable health inspection score of 90, this establishment promises not only a feast for the senses but also peace of mind regarding its cleanliness and safety standards. As a family, we gathered around a table rich with the colors and aromas of Mexican tradition. The food, a delightful array of regional specialties, was nothing short of a culinary fiesta. Each dish, from the sizzling fajitas to the hearty enchiladas, was a testament to the authenticity that El Jinete strives to deliver. The tamales, a bundle of corn-husked joy, were packed with flavor, while the guacamole was a fresh, zesty companion to our meal. The staff at El Jinete, with their extensive knowledge and palpable enthusiasm for Mexican cuisine, guided us through the menu with ease. Their recommendations were spot-on, enhancing our dining experience with their expertise. In essence, El Jinete is more than just a restaurant; it's a gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors, all while ensuring a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for families to create lasting memories. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Mexico in the heart...

We are picky as Mexican food is superior on the West side of the states. However we don’t bring what you might think from the West Coast and have been in TN for just over 15 years now. Just had El Jinete for the first time. It is convenient for where we live. They did a great job converting the old Dennys building. It looks nice inside and out. Good service, but was slow bringing the food. The salsa was good and the rice was also. Big plus was unlike the rest of the Mexican restaurants out here, they did not put vegetables in the rice. Also like most out here the ground beef is unseasoned, that is a big negative. So we ordered Birria tacos and the special dinner. The birria tacos were just okay. Any other place including taco trucks we have got birria tacos were by far much better than El Jinete. The regular ground beef taco was bland, the enchilada was subpar, the chile poblano was sweet, not good at all, the tamale was subpar and now that I am writing this review I realize they didn’t give us the chalupa. I’m sure it was not good as well. The beans were not that great. Rice and salsa is the only positives. So, every place we have been to in TN, GA, and NC is better than El Jinete. There me be a place not as good, but none come to my memory...