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El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant in Tennessee

El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant in Oak Ridge, TN offers authentic Mexican menu, great cocktails, fast service, and cozy dining. Check hours, reviews, & location.

4.5 1,870 reviews $10–20 Mexican Restaurant American · Southern

191 S Tulane Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · Tennessee · 57970
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El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

Ground Beef Chimichanga Lunch Beer Cheese Dip Taco Salad
Rating★ 4.5 / 5
Price$10–20
CategoryMexican Restaurant
Today 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant serves up authentic Mexican flavors in a casual and cozy setting located at 191 S Tulane Ave, Oak Ridge, TN. Known for generous portions and fast, friendly service, this neighborhood favorite offers a welcoming atmosphere ideal for college students, groups, and tourists alike.

The menu features a variety of comfort food staples, from sizzling fajitas and chimichangas to refreshing margaritas and a popular cheese dip. With options like vegetarian dishes and quick bites, guests can enjoy a delicious meal whether dining in onsite with outdoor seating or grabbing takeout. The establishment does not offer delivery but provides ample free parking and wheelchair accessibility throughout.

Gallery

Photos from El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Enjoy authentic Mexican flavors paired with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent service at El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant in Oak Ridge.

Fast Service

Meals are served quickly, perfect for those seeking a satisfying bite without a long wait.

Great Cocktails & Beer

A wide selection of beers, cocktails, and specialty drinks complements every meal, including happy hour offerings.

Family & Group Friendly

Welcoming for kids and groups alike, featuring a kids' menu, high chairs, and spacious seating options.

Convenient Location & Parking

Situated at 191 S Tulane Ave with free parking lot and street parking for easy access.

Highly Rated Mexican Cuisine

Praised for generous portions and fresh ingredients, popular dishes include ground beef chimichangas and jumbo margaritas.

Cozy & Casual Atmosphere

The trendy yet comfortable setting appeals to college students, tourists, and locals for lunch or dinner.

Full Accessibility

Features wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, parking, and seating ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.

Multiple Service Options

Choose from dine-in, takeout, or outdoor seating to suit various dining preferences.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

El Cantarito offers a vibrant Mexican dining experience, perfect for casual meals throughout the week with a lively bar scene and quick service.

The combination of authentic dishes, generous portions, and a strong selection of beers and cocktails make El Cantarito a standout spot for both relaxed solo lunches and lively group dinners. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Group Dinners

Enjoy sharing flavorful small plates and hearty dinners in a welcoming, cozy atmosphere designed to accommodate families, friends, and college groups.

Casual Lunches

Quick and satisfying lunches like the popular Ground Beef Chimichanga or Taco Salad make midday visits both delicious and efficient.

Happy Hour & Cocktails

Benefit from an extensive array of cocktails, beer, and wine during happy hour alongside comfort food classics in a trendy bar setting.

Takeout Meals

For convenience, take advantage of quick takeout options and enjoy authentic Mexican flavors on the go with no delivery service needed.

Family-Friendly Dining

Good for kids with a kids’ menu and high chairs available, its inviting space welcomes families seeking flavorful meals in Oak Ridge.

Best for

Great Food Cocktails Quick Service Dine-in Takeout Group Friendly Wheelchair Accessible Free Parking

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

NM
Nilijia Mundra 2 week ago

"This is a hidden gem for Mexican food. The portions are generous and everything is very fresh. Their salsa is delicious, the food comes out quickly, and the prices are very reasonable. Highly recommend!"

WS
Wanda Santana 4 week ago

"Absolutely love this Mexican Bar and Grill!! Very modern , authentic and the food was super delicious!! Huge viarity of drinks to choose from and the bar tender is a true mixologist in his field !! The service was on point , the music was a bit of everything and I felt truly relaxed at the bar !! A thumbs up and I will definitely be back again !!"

JD
Jenifer D 4 week ago

"This Mexican restaurant is amazing! The food tastes great and the prices are very reasonable. I ordered the Combo Fajita (steak, chicken, and shrimp) for only $13.50 before tax, and the portion was huge. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the sizzling skillet made it even more appetizing. It also came with rice, beans, guacamole, and tortillas, so it was a complete and filling meal. Definitely worth it, and I’ll be coming back again!"

KM
Kathryn Morcos 1 month ago

"If I could give this place a 10 out of 5 I would. We have been here a number of times and it’s always amazing. Service is prompt and fast. They bring free corn chips and salsa whilst you read the menu. Servings are massive, we can never finish our meal! They happily provide to go boxes. The food is great quality and delicious! It’s also extremely reasonably priced! They also have lunch specials which are a little cheaper and still way too much food! My favourite is the chicken fajitas! Also their guacamole is excellent order it as soon as you sit down to have with the corn chips and salsa! I have nothing but great things to say about this place! If you are in the area and love Mexican food you must try it!"

SS
Sarah Schaffer 2 month ago

"This is the best Mexican food in our area. Even when I am in Knoxville, I want El Cantarito. The chips and salsa are always on point. The staff is kind and efficient. The prices still make my jaw drop after 10 years (way cheaper than most places). They have Coke products and the giant red plastic cups. If I want comfort, I want Cantarito. Is it fancy? No. But it hits all the right spots in all the right ways."

SH
Sabrina Hatt 2 month ago

"I come in from out of town sometimes and I always make sure to come here before I leave. I really appreciate the big serving you get for a very reasonable price and it's delicious, I love the cheese sauce. In my experience if you go on a night that's not super busy you get your food very fast and it's not even a horrible wait on busy nights."

BW
Bruno wuzhere 3 month ago

"The sign outside says it’s the best Mexican food in town; I can’t completely verify that independently as it’s the only place I’ve tried, but after one meal; I don’t need to try the others. The service was fast, the portions were generous, the food was top quality, and the price was fantastic!"

BM
Brian McEwan 3 month ago

"Great food, great service and reasonable prices. Definitely recommend"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 9:30 PM
Weekly hours
Monday 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Visit during lunch or dinner hours for fresh, flavorful Mexican dishes served quickly in a cozy atmosphere. Typical visits last 30 minutes to an hour.

Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM Fri & Sat: Open until 10:00 PM Ideal for lunch and dinner dining Popular with groups, college students & families Happy hour offers great drink specials

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant in Tennessee .

Address 191 S Tulane Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
Phone +1 865-482-0090
Area Tennessee
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant, including menu offerings, hours, accessibility, and dining options.

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays or special occasions.

Takeout and dine-in options are available, along with outdoor seating. Delivery is not offered at this location.

Yes, the restaurant provides wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

The menu features traditional Mexican dishes like chimichangas, tacos, and salads, plus appetizers and desserts. Drinks include beer, cocktails, coffee, wine, and happy hour specials. Vegetarian options are also available.

Yes, the restaurant welcomes children and offers a kids' menu along with high chairs. It’s a good spot for family dining in a casual and cozy atmosphere.

Customers can pay by credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Cash is accepted but contactless payments are encouraged for convenience.

Reservations are not accepted. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly during peak hours.

Free parking is provided on-site as well as free street parking nearby, making it easy to visit by car.

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.