City: Pigeon Forge, TN

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (865) 429-7779

Address: 104 Walden’s Main Street

Description: The appearance of No Way Jose’s may take authenticity to an extreme—the place looks like an urban renewal program somebody forgot about, say 10 years ago. Don’t be fooled: When you get past the cluttered exterior and into the dimly lit dining room that really doesn’t look like it seats 160, you’re in for a treat. Daily deliveries of fresh meat and vegetables are cooked in authentic Mexican style and served in generous portions, and the cooks make the tamales, salsas, and sauces fresh daily. The menu includes enough “gringo” grub to satisfy any less-adventurous palates in your group, and margaritas and Mexican beers complement the meals. Free parking is available at the front door, and if the lot is full, the downtown aquarium parking deck is just across the street. The Pigeon Forge location opened a few years ago in the Walden’s Landing shopping complex.