Ayala’s Grill Springcity. TN
Near the lakeSpring City's Mexican restaurant, with a loyal local contingent, inconsistent execution, and a salsa bar that earns its own fans.
Ayala's Grill is a split experience. Regulars come back for the carnitas, the Poblano chile relleno, the fajitas, and the salsa bar. First-timers and occasional visitors sometimes encounter wait times and service that runs inattentive on busy nights. The kitchen is capable; the consistency varies.
The salsa bar is the standout feature. Multiple heat levels are on offer, including a habanero option with its own following. The margaritas come with a Tuesday special (small or medium for $1.99). Horchata is on the menu, which is uncommon in this part of Tennessee. The Poblano chile relleno is the kitchen's most praised plate. The carnitas and the fajita steak chimichanga with cheese sauce are the other high-confidence choices.
Wait times run long regardless of how busy the dining room looks. An automatic 15% gratuity is added to the bill; a credit card surcharge is added at checkout. Know both before you sit down. The right side of the dining room runs cooler than the left in summer.
Tips
- The salsa bar is the thing to try; ask for the habanero if you want heat.
- Tuesday margarita specials run small or medium for under $2.
- Automatic gratuity (15%) is added; confirm at checkout if a card surcharge is also applied.
- The right side of the dining room runs cooler than the left; ask for that side in summer.
- Online ordering is available through the website for carryout.
What people love
- The salsa bar with multiple heat levels including a habanero option.
- Carnitas cooked properly when the kitchen is on.
- Poblano chile relleno that is standout quality for the area.
- Horchata on the menu, which is hard to find in this part of Tennessee.
- Tuesday margarita specials.
What to know
- Wait times can be long regardless of how busy the dining room is; plan for it.
- Automatic 15% gratuity added; credit card surcharge added separately at checkout.
- Service quality varies by night; build in time on busy evenings.
- Room temperature on the left side of the dining room runs uncomfortably hot.
- Two locations: Spring City (Front St) and Dayton (Rhea County Hwy).
Best time
Lunch on a weekday runs faster and cooler than a weekend dinner. Tuesday evenings for the margarita special if that's the draw.
First visit
Ayala's is on Front Street in downtown Spring City. The salsa bar is toward the center of the room; try it before the entree arrives. The fajitas and carnitas are the higher-confidence plates.
How to get in
Walk-in; no reservations. Waits can be long even on slower nights.
Location
Frequently asked
When is Ayala’s Grill Springcity. TN open?
Open seven days: Monday through Friday 11 AM to 9 PM, Saturday and Sunday noon to 9 PM.
How do I get to Ayala’s Grill Springcity. TN?
Ayala's is on Front Street in downtown Spring City. The salsa bar is toward the center of the room; try it before the entree arrives. The fajitas and carnitas are the higher-confidence plates.
Does Ayala’s Grill Springcity. TN take reservations?
Walk-in; no reservations. Waits can be long even on slower nights.
What should I know before visiting Ayala’s Grill Springcity. TN?
Wait times can be long regardless of how busy the dining room is; plan for it.
Last updated: April 30, 2026