Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill

Given the poor mexican food options in knoxville, this sticks out as one of the best places one can find in town. It would not be so awesome in other states, but we are stuck with bad mexican food in this town. So, thank you salsarita! Many years later, things have changed substantially. Now there are very good options in town while Salsarita has become incredibly expensive compared to when I initially wrote the review. The food is still ok but the other options are now way better and cheaper. Plus, they are actual restaurants with real service. Downgrading to barely three stars. Did not keep up with changing times.

Let's get one thing out here first...this is a fast food restaurant with fine dining prices. A trip through the line where they put food on your plastic plate, a few chips, dip and a drink, and you've just burned through nearly $14 (with tax). Neither the quality or quantity of food approaches that value when there are dozens of other lunch places that charge half that. It's definitely clean, uncrowded (probably because of the prices) and the staff is friendly, but the food is not outstanding...it's average and what you'd expect. To spend this much every day for lunch is not what most folks expect, or can afford. I'll return, but not nearly as often as I might if the prices were a little more reasonable.