No Way Jose's Cantina
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Sizzling fajitas, house-made guacamole, and a creekside patio on the river that's hard to leave once you're settled in. At stoplight 5 on the Parkway, across from Ripley's Aquarium — walk-ins only, so get on the waitlist before you head down.
No Way Jose's Cantina is a from-scratch Mexican restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg, with a creekside patio on the river that's hard to leave once you're settled in. You'll find No Way Jose's in Gatlinburg at traffic light #5 on the Parkway, directly across from Ripley's Aquarium. It works just as well for feeding the family after a long hike as it does for margaritas and sizzling fajitas.
555 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (traffic light #5, across from Ripley's Aquarium) · (865) 430-5673
From-scratch Mexican food and a full bar
Riverside patio, weather permitting
Walk-ins only; Google waitlist at busy times
The setting
Inside, the dining room is comfortable and lively. Outside, the riverside patio offers open-air seating over the water with mountain views behind it, weather permitting. It's a relaxing spot to slow down over a meal in the middle of downtown.
The food
The kitchen works from scratch, with guacamole made fresh daily and house-made salsas and sauces. Sizzling fajitas are the house specialty, arriving on a cast iron skillet with grilled onions, peppers, and your choice of protein. The menu also covers starters, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, tacos, specialty plates, combination platters, and a kids menu. See the current menu at nowayjosescantina.com.
The bar
The full bar is known for its margaritas, with cocktails, beer, and wine too. Ask your server for the current drink list.
Hours and waitlist
No Way Jose's is open daily from late morning into the evening, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Special hours apply on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve, so check nowayjosescantina.com before you go.
The restaurant doesn't take reservations, but you can join the waitlist through Google during busy times. On summer evenings, join before you leave the cabin.
No Way Jose's in Pigeon Forge
There's also a No Way Jose's at 104 Walden's Main Street in Pigeon Forge. See our No Way Jose's Pigeon Forge page.
Tips for your visit
Ask for the patio — the riverside seats are the best in the house, weather permitting.
Join the waitlist first — it's walk-ins only, and summer evenings fill up.
Order the fajitas — the house specialty.
Bring the kids — there's a kids menu, and the aquarium is right across the street.
More Mexican food in Gatlinburg
For Mexican food on a rooftop, try Loco Burro on the Parkway. See all Gatlinburg restaurants.
Nearby
No Way Jose's sits right across from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, steps from the Anakeesta gondola, and a short walk down River Road from Mysterious Mansion. After dinner, try Alibi Speakeasy for a nightcap or The Crazy Mason for dessert. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.
Frequently asked questions
Where is No Way Jose's in Gatlinburg?
At 555 Parkway, at traffic light #5, directly across from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
Do they take reservations?
No. It's walk-ins only, with a Google waitlist at busy times.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes. The riverside patio is open when the weather allows.
Is there a kids menu?
Yes, a dedicated kids menu.
Is there a full bar?
Yes. Margaritas, cocktails, beer, and wine.
Is there a No Way Jose's in Pigeon Forge?
Yes, at 104 Walden's Main Street. See our Pigeon Forge page.
Stay close to the Parkway with our Gatlinburg cabins, or bring the whole family with our family cabins. Book direct and the Stay & Play Pass includes free attraction tickets for every paid night.