If you want good Mexican food, this is the place to be. Chivo Taqueria is located on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. If you time it right, you won’t have to wait to be seated, otherwise be prepared, and they don’t take reservations. There is a small outside area at the front doors which is first come-first serve and you can order off the menu. This is a decent option on a nice day. The vibe inside is cool and funky, and you are welcomed by their well-stocked tequila bar (they do offer flights).
I cannot come here and not get their nachos. They are served piled high and smothered with queso, roasted corn, black beans, jalapenos, avocado crema, Korean BBQ and of course pico. The house made chips do not get soggy, even to the last bite. These are very filling, and you can add protein if you like. Another favorite here is the Queso Dip which is made with roasted jalapenos throughout and served with the house made chips. I usually add chorizo which gives a little more heat, but not too much. Both are delicious!
For the main course, you better come hungry if you get the Brisket Burrito. This thing is huge and hearty. The brisket is tender and they give an abundant amount wrapped in a flour tortilla sprinkled with black beans, onion, rice and jalapenos throughout. This is all smothered in chihuahua cheese. They aren’t stingy on the queso either! This can truly be two meals in one! Same with the Ground Beef Burrito, which is well seasoned ground beef with black beans, tots, jalapeno, onion and crema smothered in chihuahua cheese.
Steak Quesadilla
Another two in one meal can be the quesadilla. I have tried both the Steak Quesadilla and the Chicken Quesadilla. These are jam packed with either grilled steak or adobo roasted chicken, black beans, roasted corn, jalapeno and chihuahua cheese all between grilled flour tortillas. I opted for no corn in my steak quesadilla and the server recommended adding grilled onions. How ever you choose to order yours, you can’t go wrong. These quesadillas are overflowing and the most filling I have ever had at any restaurant.
For the smaller appetite, there is a great selection of tacos that can be ordered a la carte. Hands down my favorite here is the Clusterduck Taco. If you ever try this, more than likely you will find yourself gravitating to it each visit. It is simple with only three ingredients; roasted duck, black cherry reduction, and goat cheese. The flavors are wonderful, but be warned, this taco can be a little messy due to the reduction. A close runner-up is the No Meat? Guacward! Taco. This is such a unique taco … beer battered fried avocado layered with slaw, queso fresco, pickled onions and aoli. This is an avocado lovers dream, you can’t find this anywhere else, but if you do, it’s not as good as Chivo’s.
Cluster Duck and Limp Brisket Taco
The Limp Brisket Taco is delicious. It is served with goat cheese, jalapeno, and cilantro, but be prepared for diced onions. The Fourth Meal is another good one if you’re not looking to try anything “new”, with seasoned ground beef, chihuahua cheese, crema and pico. If you want to try something a little different along those lines, the Tators Gonna Tate may be a good choice for you with chorizo, tator tots, onion, avocado crema and cilantro.
There is also the Piggy Smalls, Big Shrimpin’ and Party Fowl to satisfy the pork, seafood and chicken lovers. Honestly, any taco from Chivo’s is a hit and you cannot go wrong.
Paloma
Serve any of the above with The Chivo and you have a memorable meal. The Chivo is their House margarita, but can be made in Strawberry or Blackberry which are both refreshing. If you like the Blackberry Chivo, you need to try the Black Betty made with Los Altos Blanco, blackberry puree, lime, pomegranate, and orange liqueur. If you are a Paloma fan, this one is a must made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, definitely one of the best, if not the best I have tasted.
After the nachos, drinks, and a few tacos, I rarely make it to dessert. They do offer churros, cheesecake and flan. I can honestly say, if you go here, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend!
For another downtown restaurant review, click here!
-Tennessee Taster
