La Altena is the real deal. It should win some award for the BEST EVER HOLE-IN-THE-WALL MEXICAN RESTAURANT. It is owned and staffed by really nice folks from Guadalajara, Mexico. People in Chattanooga love this place because it is nothing fancy, the food is wonderful, the service is great (and fast), the chips and salsa are awesome, and the happy... More

The food was amazing. One of the few places that has horchata. The portions are large but manageable. The service is attentive but not overbearing. The building is small and cozy. I could see it as being uncomfortably crowded on a busy day but since I went on a Monday afternoon, I had no problems. Absolutely loved it.

We went to La Altena again this evening - probably our 6th or 7th visit and they never disappoint. The food is fresh, authentic and very tasty. The service is prompt and friendly. Oh ya...and the Margaritas are outstanding too (which has nothing to do with this raving review:). Give them a try next time you are on Main Street... More

Good family run resturant with good food and clean fast service. Priceing is good value with many slections. They have been around for a long time.

This place is cramped, a little unkempt for my taste & the smell before getting inside on a windy day is atrocious. Once inside the food is good, but the place is crowded. I guess from many of the downtown crowd not having any other place to go that is affordable & decent without having to pay to park. This... More

I mean that as a compliment. I love Mexican food, but it doesn't always like me, so when I find a place where the food is served hot, tastey, and not too spicey I look forward to going back. If I lived in the area, I would be a regular. The prices are reasonable, and they have Horchata...

Very good mexican restaurant. Good food, good atmosphere, good service (the waiter was literally running from one side of the restaurant to the other). The price was also very good, which means do not expect fancy stuff but definitively an authentic feeling.

Visited this restaurant on a Sunday. The menu is enormous and takes a while to fully understand. The portions are gigantic. Should have shared. Had the beef and chorizo burrito, and it is very good, flavorful, and sufficient for two average eaters. The wait staff is prompt, efficient and solicitous. But, if you enjoy red wine with your meal, try... More

I visited Sept. 2012 based on the reviews on Tripadvisor. La Altena has the potential of being a very good Mexican restaurant but didn't stand up to the review. It was slightly better than average. The pork carnitas were tried based on the reviews. Good but not great. Worst yet was the heavy MSG and sodium level. I'm not sodium... More