El Centenario

Food and margaritas were fantastic and the prices, especially for the margaritas were wonderful: $ 5 for a medium, which can be $ 8 elsewhere. They had a pineapple margarita special that was $ 5.99 and it was scrumptious! The salsa was fresh and the spinach and mushroom quesadilla was fantastic and full of flavor! The staff was extremely friendly and attentive, also, even with a 40-​person party inside! The patio was also nice, even on a somewhat rainy day. I’ve been to several Mexican restaurants now in the Hermitage area and this one is my favorite!

Good Mexican food. You can’t beat the Tuesday lunch special of AYCE tacos (chicken or beef), which comes with beans and rice. A great lunch value with quick service. You shouldn’t leave hungry.

Unfortunately, our attempt to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal of great quality was not met. We walked into an overwhelmingly florescent lit dining area which is not conducive to a relaxed meal.
While the salsa that accompanied our complimentary basket of chips was adequate, the chips themselves was a disappointment. This is a great opportunity for a Mexican restaurant to set the tone for the rest of the meal by presenting a basket of warm, freshly made chips. Instead we had a ho-​hum basket of factory manufactured chips. Our server had recommended their special that night which was a pitcher of Margarita so we ordered it. After a lengthy wait it was finally slopped onto our table. Rather than being a vibrant taste that could showcase their prowess of mixing a great Margarita, we got a watered down flavorless beverage with a scant amount of tequila waved over it.
About that time a large group of rowdy, nicotine smelling, unruly child carting, people was seated in the four booths across from us as well as behind us. It was evident to us they were familiar with the restaurant and were there to participate in karaōke night. Thinking that there was a slight possibility we could be somewhat entertained by their performance we decided to stick it out.
After a very lengthy wait we finally were approached about our order. We ordered chile verde, seafood enchiladas, which promised to be crab and shrimp filled, and a chile relleno which I requested a substitute of tomatillo sauce instead of a meat sauce. When we received our entrees we were underwhelmed. The requested tomatillo sauce was not on the relleno which was a greasy, soggy horror. The crab in the enchiladas was not crab but rather surimi. The chile verde, which should be falling apart tender, looked like it had been sat on.
We eagerly waited for our check so we could escape before the calamity of karaōke started. Alas, the florescent lights were cut, and the gang of horribly loud, rude, and smelly patrons dashed to the mics and proceeded to fill the restaurant with their even louder karaōke talents before we could escape. As we were leaving we observed all the other patrons except ourselves and the aforementioned gaggle of uncouth had left. Climbing into our vehicle of escape we observed reinforcements greeting a portion of the rowdy contingent who had retreated, AGAIN, to the patio to smoke. Hurray! We had escaped before the restaurant was filled with more of their ilk.
Bottom line. Don’t go. Especially on karaōke night. I’m sure the same talent will be there every time.

Simply amazing! I’m so excited to have this little gem in the neighborhood. The hot salsa that came with the chips was delicious. I had the chicken and beef enchiladas. So bomb! The staff were completely friendly and accommodating. I’d definitely come here again.

I cannot figure out these high reviews. Average, flavorless, boring. Had the tacos, enchilada, and chili relleno combo plate. They put my tacos in the enchilda sauce and they were soggy instantly. Yay. I pulled them out and stuck them in the chip basket but they were too far gone. Crunchiness wouldn’t save them anyway because the chicken tasted like literally nothing. I could have boiled and shredded it with zero spices and that’s what it would turn out like. Oh and the shells tasted like straight out of the box. Think I’ve had a better taco at Taco Bell. Enchilda was ok. Sauce was bland though. Chili relleno was not terrible, a little soggy because they over did it with the sauce on top. This was the first time in my life I have salted Mexican food at a restaurant (besides chips).
Yes, it is summer time– I know. However it was freezing in there! One lady pulled out a fleece jacket and someone else retreated to the patio. Can you take a hint from my goosebumps and shivering?! Also, the music was blaring so loud my ears literally hurt. What the hell? It’s Friday afternoon lunch. 3 customers in there. It’s not exactly a party situation.
Well maybe I know why there were 3 customers. Best part? When walking out I noticed the 77 health score. Praying I don’t get some kind of illness now.
Suggestions? Improve the food A LOT. Tone down the mariachi music, time and place for that. Have a comfortable dining room temp. Oh and scrub the floors with some bleach! The place looks a little run down, dirty, and dark. Could definitely use some ambiance.

Went today for lunch after a friend recommended it several times and it was delicious, had the carnitas with refried beans & rice & Chile releno. The service was good. Did carryout today food was great. Will definitely return. Good portion sizes

Great little place. The guys are always really nice and quick for takeout at lunch. My favorite is burrito bandera

Food is good! Fresh. Not too greasy. I felt satisfied, not weighed-​down like I often do after eating Mexican restaurant food. Authentic as you’re gonna’ get from American-​Mexican fare, aside from Mexican friends’ home-​cooking!
Decent vegetarian selection. The meat is great too, I like both. Staff is friendly. Ordered takeout twice. 1^st time took a little long, but it was really busy that night. Getting better. Atmosphere is very laid-​back. Clean. Fresh colors on the walls. It’s a pretty new establishment & I feel like they are still decorating. Like a work in progress. I dig the fish tank. The fish swim around cheerily like they are dancing to the up-​beat music, no kidding. Must be something in the water… I say give ‘em a try. I’m hooked!

I got really excited after reading these reviews and tried it last night. I will give it 2 stars for the cheese dip and friendly staff. The food though was not that great… I judge all Mexican restaurants by their crunchy beef taco. If they don’t fry the tortillas themselves and buy ready made shells from a vendor, they don’t pass my test of authentic Mexican food.

Best Mexican food in Hermitage/​Donelson!
I was reluctant to try because the Mexican food in Nashville has been subpar so far… my opinion has changed.
The place is spotless and the staff is very friendly. They have a nice little patio.
The chips are fresh and the salsa is refreshing… tomatoes, onion and cilantro. If you like your salsa thick… then you are out of luck.
I ordered the pork carnitas and it was fantastic! Not overly fatty but super flavorful. The rice and beans were delicious and the garnishes of lettuce, avocado and jalapeño were a nice addition.
My husband ordered the steak fajita quesadilla and devoured it.
The best part is dinner was less than $ 20?! WTF!
We will be back.

After having a hard time finding true authentic Mexican food for a sit down meal, I finally discovered the diamond in the rough. This place is authentic and superbly delicious. I had the Carnitas which was spectacular while my boyfriend had the winning meal with his Chile Verde. There were only 2 guys working. One in the kitchen and one out front, but it was a saturday afternoon and we didn’t mind the slower more casual service. The waiter was super friendly.
We will definitely be back and often!
P. S. They have real Chile Rellenos.

New place, Margaritas are very good, Jose is a great guy, fun place, beef Fajitas were good, going back soon!