Cinco Amigos
InlandA busy, friendly Mexican restaurant in Loudon that pulls locals and highway travelers in equal measure.
Cinco Amigos is the kind of place that fills up on a Tuesday at noon and doesn't apologize for it. Located in the small downtown of Loudon, it draws a mix of local regulars, nearby office workers, and highway travelers who spotted it on Google Maps and figured that a Mexican restaurant with a full house in a small Tennessee town must be doing something right. They are usually correct.
The kitchen turns food out quickly and in generous amounts. The menu runs Tex-Mex with some traditional options: fajitas are the most mentioned item, with the Texan Fajitas and fish tacos coming up repeatedly. Birria tacos have their own following, coming with cheese inside and a red stewing broth on the side. The street tacos are a consistent draw. Chips arrive at the table fast, and the salsa is made on-site. The site says fresh produce and meats come in three days per week and that everything is hand-cut.
The bar produces reliable cold beer. Margaritas are popular, with the mango version coming up often. The service is almost universally described as fast and warm, with the staff treating regulars like family. Vegan and vegetarian requests get accommodated without much fuss. There is a patio, though at least one person noted dogs are not permitted even outside.
Pricing has increased in recent years and portions have tightened to match. Pickup orders can run longer than the quoted wait time; build in a buffer. This is the Mexican restaurant that Loudon falls back on, and most people leave satisfied.
Tips
- The lunch specials are good value and the kitchen moves fast at midday.
- Pickup orders can run 15 or more minutes past the stated ready time during busy periods.
- The patio does not allow dogs.
- The birria tacos are worth ordering if you see them; they are a strong point of the kitchen.
What people love
- Large portions and fast service during lunch hours.
- The fajitas, street tacos, and birria tacos in particular.
- Cold beer and margaritas, especially the mango variety.
- Staff who remember regulars and make the place feel like a neighborhood spot.
- Vegan and vegetarian customization handled without complaint.
What to know
- Closed Sundays.
- Prices have increased noticeably in recent years and some portions have shrunk to match.
- Pickup orders sometimes run longer than the quoted time.
- One location on Mulberry; there is a separate Lenoir City location and a few reviews reference mix-ups between the two.
Best time
Weekday lunch is the most efficient visit. Weekend evenings can get crowded and the kitchen gets stretched.
First visit
Cinco Amigos is on Mulberry Street near the center of Loudon, about a mile from the waterfront. Parking on the street or a nearby lot. Walk in and seat yourself or wait at the host stand.
How to get in
Walk-in, no reservations. The dining room fills quickly at peak hours; a wait for a table is common on weekend evenings.
With kids
Kids are welcome and the dining room is family-oriented. The menu has enough variety to satisfy picky eaters.
Signature items
- Texan Fajitas
- Birria Tacos
- Street Tacos
- Fish Tacos
- Mango Margarita
Location
Frequently asked
When is Cinco Amigos open?
Open Monday through Saturday year-round; closed Sundays.
Is Cinco Amigos good for families with kids?
Kids are welcome and the dining room is family-oriented. The menu has enough variety to satisfy picky eaters.
How do I get to Cinco Amigos?
Cinco Amigos is on Mulberry Street near the center of Loudon, about a mile from the waterfront. Parking on the street or a nearby lot. Walk in and seat yourself or wait at the host stand.
Does Cinco Amigos take reservations?
Walk-in, no reservations. The dining room fills quickly at peak hours; a wait for a table is common on weekend evenings.
What should I order at Cinco Amigos?
The signature orders are Texan Fajitas, Birria Tacos, Street Tacos.
What should I know before visiting Cinco Amigos?
Closed Sundays.
Last updated: April 30, 2026