As spring break approaches, you might be thinking of some fun things to do! If you live close enough to Chattanooga to make a trip, I highly recommend visiting Taco Mamacita and taking a walk in Coolidge Park afterward.
The downtown Chattanooga area was a short drive from our Raccoon Mountain campsite. We found inexpensive parking and headed for a walk around town.
We were pretty hungry upon arrival, so we walked to the first place that looked good — Taco Mamacita. We probably could have parked here if we’d planned ahead! The entrance was rather difficult to get to since we were walking on the wrong side of this plaza. We ended up on the other side of a gated wall and had to navigate all around the entire parking lot. My husband wasn’t really happy with that, but it was worth it!
The inside of the restaurant was very funky and bold. We loved the bright colors, floor-to-ceiling decor, and fun vibe. All of us were hungry, so the chips and cheese dip were welcome arrivals!
YUM! It was delicious. As I looked at the menu, it all looked good. I couldn’t decide between 2 tacos, and the waitress pointed out the way the restaurant lets you order any 2 tacos + a side for $9.99. None of the sides appealed to me. I ended up getting the General Homeboy and Shrimp Po’boy with a side of plantains.
The General Homeboy taco was AMAZING. I could have eaten 4 of them! Though the Shrimp Po’boy was good, it left me wishing I’d ordered 2 of the General Homeboy tacos. These are on the small size flour tortillas, so they weren’t really filling. No one at my table liked the plantains; they were too soft and flavorless. I would go back for the General Homeboy, though!
My son is the only family member who will sometimes let me photograph his food. Taco Mamacita’s kid menu allowed the little guy to get a taco of his choice plus 2 small sides. They didn’t have just plain ground beef taco meat like I serve at home. Of course, that’s what he wanted. We got the beef brisket (he didn’t eat it), mandarin oranges, and mac & cheese. He loved the sides.
After dinner, we walked around Coolidge Park for a little while. This little park was charming! It was the perfect place for a stroll.
The fountains were breathtaking, and we enjoyed watching these for a few minutes. We saw some neat little shops and a few street musicians. It reminded me of Asheville, NC in a way!
The kids spotted this building and wanted to go explore….guess what’s inside?
An awesome carousel! Ride tokens were available from a self-serve machine. Take some dollar bills with you. Both of my kids wanted to ride twice, so it gave The Hubs and me a chance to sit on a bench for a while.
Am I the only person who thinks that photo looks like the lion is trying to take a bite out of the guy…and he looks like he’s trying to get away? I didn’t notice that until we got home. Funny!
We had such a fun evening in Chattanooga. I can’t wait to go back!
What unique cities do you like to visit?
Loving the food looking good
My hometown has an old carsouel, but the food around it isn’t nearly as good looking as the pics you posted! wowza
The food looks amazing and the town looks fun. We have visited TN but not Chattanooga before.
We have a great 100 year old carousel here in Denver. I’ve been riding it all my life.
What a great vacation idea! I haven’t been to Tennessee in quite some time, but if I am ever back, I am going to hit up that taco place! Looks amazing! 🙂
I’ve been to Tennessee before but not Chatanooga. What s great place. The food looks awesome. Looks like a place to bring the grandkids when traveling. Thanks for the post.
I’ve never been to Chattanooga but you made it look so appealing – great photos!
This certainly looks like a really nice getaway spot. I thank you for sharing the post.
I haven’t had a chance to visit Chattanooga, but Taco Mamacita looks delicious. The carousel would be fun to ride too.
This place looks amazing! Ive never been to Tennesse!
The carousel is beautiful! I would love to visit Tennesse!
This food looks delicious, I wish we had one in our area!!!
(Coolidge Park carousel + Taco Mamacita in Chattanooga TN) Those tacos look really good, our local place here in town has sold a lot of tacos, but I don’t care for them because they are too greasy for me. (a heart attack just waiting to happen) Looks like you all had a great time.
I love carousels. The food looks delicious.
This looks like a fun place to visit. We like to visit Frankenmuth, MI.
Looks like tons of fun. and food!
If I ever get down that way again I am absolutely going to stop and eat there!