Chismoso — Restaurant in Knoxville

I have to agree with Haley Johnson's review. We were looking for a Mexican restaurant and based on all the 5 star reviews we were excited to give it a try. The photos of the queso dip and other items that everyone was posting looked amazing. I did see the review that said if you want tacos this isn't the place for you but I was in the mood for some chili verde, and the rest of our party wanted some traditional mexican food so I crossed my fingers that maybe this was just a little more upscale. Boy were we in for a shock. The menu has about 15 things on it and they are all tapas portions. The appetizers ranged in price from $11-17, and the rest of the menu which features microscopic portions climbs up in price fast so if you're hungrier than that, tell your wallet to buckle up. We were ensured that the main courses were for sure big enough to split so my husband and I ordered the 8oz carne asada. 8oz is not very big but it came with refried beans and vegetables so we figured we would trust her. What showed up was room temperature steak, two small spoonfuls of refried beans, a few veggies, and two cold tortillas that fell apart as soon as you picked them up. Last I checked, refried beans are not expensive and I would expect a larger portion of them. The dish was $40, come on. My son was really hoping for some enchiladas but nope, not on the menu so he got the smash burger which was one of 4 entree options. It came with a small handful of potato chips. It was just okay and absolutely not worth $22. My daughter had the mussels. They were $17 and came with the option of adding two cheese quesadillas for a $6 up charge. When asked if we could also order a side of quesadillas for other people at the table because we were still hungry the answer was no. What? Why? I think it's important to share this because we were really fooled by all of the 5 star reviews and photos that other people posted and were looking forward to some Mexican food. Instead we had a monster bill and left hungry. The only positive, is that our...

Chismoso is exactly what Knoxville has been craving—a local spot with a unique, funky, and out-of-the-box tapas style menu that’s made with so much love and attention to detail. The food is outstanding, prepared by some of the best chefs in Knoxville who truly care about sourcing top-quality ingredients and delivering an unforgettable experience for every patron. Every bite shows the passion they have for what they do.

If you’re looking for truly authentic cuisine, made by people deeply connected to the culture rather than a watered-down attempt by a restaurant lacking authenticity, Chismoso is your spot. The chefs’ backgrounds and knowledge of the flavors make all the difference, creating dishes that celebrate tradition while adding a creative twist.

The service has always been spot-on and friendly, making each visit feel warm and welcoming. And a major highlight? The no-additive tequila selection! It’s a fantastic addition to Knoxville’s dining scene, and it elevates the experience even further.

As with any new business, there are growing pains, and while I've seen a negative review or two about reservations and wait times, these are understandable hiccups that come with opening a new spot. Personally, I’ve had only great experiences and believe that a little patience and understanding go a long way. Chismoso has something special, and I hope the community continues to support this amazing team and their dedication to bringing something fresh to Knoxville. Don’t miss out—this is the place to be if you’re a local looking for a...

Five stairs all around. The owner- a gentleman who takes care of his employees who has a father who is an immigrant business owner. He learned the ropes and dare I say, perfected them. The staff- beyond kind, Emilee, Kendra, Ryan, and Corbin all deserve a shoutout. They treat you like family, remember your drink, sometimes give ya a free treat, and welcome you with open arms no matter where you come from or what your day is like! It’s truly heart warming like a dive bar, but honestly glamorous and chic on the inside. AND the food is divine- I’m a picky eat and I keep trying the next menu items and they are ALL good. The chefs? Can grill and sear a steak to the gods. The crust on the steaks are incredible. Better than any steakhouse and in an incredible atmosphere. Good prices too and ALL product comes from local butcher’s and farmers?! The cows, pigs, veggies?! All local? It’s nuts! At this point I sound like a paid actor but I swear I’m just...