When you crave delicious Mexican food in Tennessee, it’s great to know about a spot you can count on to deliver the goods. El Tipico in Knoxville delivers, and its authentic food is far from typical. The adventurous menu contains everything you might expect like tacos, sopes, and burritos. Yet, it also includes bona fide Honduran staples. You can order fried bananas, fried whole fish, fried chicken, oysters, and other items you won’t see in most other Central American eateries. 

El Tipico is a tiny restaurant and market on Lonas Drive in Knoxville.

Google Street View It may seem unassuming from the street, but the attention to flavor makes it a true hidden gem.

A burrito plate is always satisfying.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook This combo can also be ordered as a chimichanga, which is a deep-fried version that adds a whole new layer of flavor.

A steak torta is always a winning choice.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook Tortas are sandwiches made with soft bread, meat, beans, cheese, avocado, lettuce, and tomato. It’s the perfect food.

These three tacos are a bit larger than you’ll find at other places.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook A keen eye will spot the Victoria Beer. While less known in the United States, this libation accompanies many great meals in Mexico.

Oysters with jalapeños, hot sauce, and queso fresco.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook There are plenty of seafood options found on the menu. The shrimp is well-loved and often written about in online reviews.

The Pescado Frito is a fried fish served with fried bananas, rice, beans, and cabbage salad.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook It’s so good you won’t want to share, but you’ll have to. Everyone will ask for a bite.

If you’ve never tried Mexican or Central American soups, you’ll want to give one a try.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook

Chuleta Frita is pork chop served with fried bananas, rice, beans, and cabbage salad.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook This platter appears to have carne asada on it as well. Yum.

It’s also fun to order family-style.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook The portions are large and crafted with care. You might want to be a camera along!

Once you try El Tipico, let us know what you think. Are you already a fan? Be sure to stop their Facebook page to share your love and spread the word!

Google Street View

It may seem unassuming from the street, but the attention to flavor makes it a true hidden gem.

El Tipico Restaurant & Market/Facebook

This combo can also be ordered as a chimichanga, which is a deep-fried version that adds a whole new layer of flavor.

Tortas are sandwiches made with soft bread, meat, beans, cheese, avocado, lettuce, and tomato. It’s the perfect food.

A keen eye will spot the Victoria Beer. While less known in the United States, this libation accompanies many great meals in Mexico.

There are plenty of seafood options found on the menu. The shrimp is well-loved and often written about in online reviews.

It’s so good you won’t want to share, but you’ll have to. Everyone will ask for a bite.

This platter appears to have carne asada on it as well. Yum.

The portions are large and crafted with care. You might want to be a camera along!

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Address: El Tipico, 4329 Lonas Dr, Knoxville, TN 37909, USA