Chencho’s is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Downtown South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where tradition and flavor come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Renowned for their authentic Mexican cuisine, Chencho’s proudly serves dishes crafted by skilled cooks hailing from Oaxaca, Mexico—a region celebrated for its culinary excellence. Their specialty lies in homemade Mexican food, including freshly prepared corn tortillas and tamales by Maria Mares and a selection of Americano options featuring flour tortillas. Whether guests crave a taste of tradition or a fusion twist, Chencho’s offers a memorable journey of rich flavors and handmade quality.

The ambiance of Chencho’s is as captivating as its menu. The brand-new building boasts a beautifully styled downstairs with an inviting mix of vibrant colors—emerald greens, soft pinks, and glimmers of gold—that create an atmosphere both sophisticated and welcoming. Upstairs, diners are treated to stunning views overlooking the iconic Princess Theatre and the picturesque streets of downtown South Pittsburg, making every meal feel like a special occasion in a charming, scenic setting.

The name Chencho’s carries deep personal significance for the restaurant’s owners, drawing from cherished family roots. It honors Nancy’s grandfather, Inocencio Colchado, and her husband, Ausencio Rios, both affectionately called “Chencho” as a nickname. Remarkably, both men share the same birthday, September 22nd—a connection that adds a layer of history and love to the establishment’s name. Unfortunately, Nancy’s grandfather passed away three years ago while doing what he loved most, farming in the Milpa, where he grew corn and other vegetables in La Cardona, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This unique bond stems from a traditional almanac that inspired their names, making Chencho’s not only a culinary destination but also a heartfelt tribute to family heritage.

Ausencio Rios is from Miahuatlan de Porfirio Díaz, Oaxaca, and hee came to the United States in 2008 with a dream of a better life than Mexico could offer him. He immediately started working in restaurants, starting as a dishwasher and worked his way up through the restaurant business through almost every single position, including being a bus boy, a cook, a server, and eventually, he made his way to a management position. He now he has opened his own restaurants, where he and his family invite you to visit!

Chencho’s has a business partner, Clint Carroll, who has been such an amazing person to work with and the true definition of a partnership. He helps in any way he can and makes all the visions come to life at Chencho’s. He makes antthing that is asked of him happen, and although Clint is new to the Mexican restaurant business, his drive of being the best at what he does never fails. Ausencio Rios and Nancy say that they are so very thankful for Clint and hope to share many more restaurants with him!

Our passion for Mexican cuisine is evident in every dish we serve. From traditional favorites like tacos and enchiladas created with our special homemade corn tortillas to our Americano classics, each bite is bursting with flavor. All of our tacos are made with homemade corn tortillas, and we offer an option of flour or homemade tortillas with each plate. We source the freshest ingredients and best meat available, including Arrachera (skirt steak) for our fajitas and carne asada. All of our cooks are from the best state in Mexico, Oaxaca, known for their delicious food.