Taco Mamacita: Chattanooga’s Authentic Mexican-Peruvian Obsession

The Low-down on Taco Mamacita Chattanooga

The moment you step inside Taco Mamacita Chattanooga, it’s easy to see why the North Shore restaurant is a local institution.

The rustic atmosphere blends the playful flair of a traditional roadside Tex-Mex taco shack with the tasteful creativity of a modern beer bar. It’s a place equally well-suited for after-work drinks, a low-key first date, or a Sunday morning round of pre-game margaritas.

Start with an order of chips and guacamole, then add a sampler of all three of their salsas — it’s all house-made and fantastic. The bar menu leans heavy on local craft beer, although you can keep it real with a Durty Sanchez (a 12 oz. can of PBR backed with a tequila chaser) too. If you’re in the mood for something a little more authentic, the margaritas and sangrias (preferably by the carafe) are all solid bets.

The menu is heavy on a la carte tacos that fuse authentic, Tex-Mex flavors with funky, often Southern-inspired twists. The Baja Fish keeps it straightforward with panko breaded tilapia served with crispy Napa cabbage, authentic Mexican white sauce, pico de gallo, sliced radishes, and cilantro. Then, there are the jacked-up options like the Shrimp Po’Boy BLT Taco (Creole fried shrimp, spicy remoulade sauce, iceberg lettuce, pepperoncini peppers, crispy bacon, pico de gallo and jalapeno lime mayo), the Oy Vey Taco (slow-cooked chipotle beef brisket topped with Mama’s Rachero Sauce, crispy lettuce, pico de gallo, Monterey jack cheese, guacamole, and fresh escabeche), and the General Homeboy (Panko breaded shrimp with a sweet Thai chili sauce, shredded cabbage, sliced radish, green onions, and cilantro — served mild or spicy).

Their Peruvian Chicken is the favorite alternative. It’s an authentic preparation of the traditional South American dish, served halved with two sides. I highly recommend the Mexican street corn and Chipotle turnip greens. But, frankly, you can’t go wrong with just about anything here.