The Best Mexican and Tex-Mex Restaurants in Nashville
Mixing both food cultures of authentic Mexican food with the Tex-Mex flavor, Nashville hosts a number of restaurants to get your fiesta on and raise the spice level to caliente.
Tennessee may not be close to the Mexican border, but that doesn’t mean the South can’t whip up a mighty fine plate of arroz con pollo or enchiladas. Mixing both food cultures of authentic Mexican food with the Tex-Mex flavor, Nashville hosts a number of restaurants to get your fiesta on and raise the spice level to caliente.
From street tacos made with some of the finest ingredients to that warm and spicy queso that we could probably drink gallons of if we tried (exaggeration, we think not), it’s easy to find a favorite spot to grab a Mexican bite to eat even if it’s difficult to choose just one. Sounds Like Nashville has got it covered with a few of the top restaurant choices in town to order up a burrito, chimichanga or whatever else your heart desires.
¿Están listos? ¡Vámanos! (Don’t go to Google Translate—let’s just get started):
Bartaco - 2526 12th Ave S / bartaco.com
For anyone who is anyone, Bartaco is your kind of place. With a clean and simple décor theme combining hues of white and blue, this restaurant is all about the laidback vibes while you’re indulging on perfectly-made tacos and jalapeno margaritas. Every dish is also Instagram-worthy, so take a snap and make your followers wish they were eating there, too.
Taqueria Del Sol – 2317 12th Ave S / taqueriadelsol.com
When in doubt, always head to Taqueria Del Sol. With items to cure the cravings of all taste buds, they specialize in the fact that their menu is simple and to the point. They’ve got a handful of options, including brisket and fried chicken, as well as Tex-Mex classics like queso and charros beans. BRB about to go wait in line for some of the best food on 12 South.
Chago’s Cantina – 2015 Belmont Blvd / chagoscantina.com
Two words: pollo gringo. That dish alone at Chago’s is enough to make the nightly dinner rush crowded with hungry customers. With other specials on the menu like their daily piggy taco and amazing happy hour deals (margs and sangria, hello!), Chago’s is a great space to catch up with a friend over all the chips and queso.
Local Taco - 4501 Murphy Rd / localtaco.com
For those looking for some grub over in the Sylvan Park area, swerve on over to Local Taco for a combination plate of enchiladas, tacos and more. Looking for an underrated yet yummy appetizer to split among your amigos? Cowboy nachos. Yep, that’s right—chips covered in smoked brisket, jalapeno relish, jack cheese, pinto beans and a spoonful of pico de gallo. Um, yes please.
Rosepepper Cantina – 1907 Eastland Ave / rosepepper.com
Located in the residential portion of East Nashville, Rosepepper Cantina is always jam packed full of hungry customers waiting to get their hands on all of the delicious Mexican food. They cook their refried beans and entrees like a traditional authentic Mexican restaurant and their margaritas are the best kind of strong. Don’t forget to check out their hilarious marquee board before you leave!
Mas Tacos Por Favor - 732 Mcferrin Ave / facebook.com/mastacos
What may look like a random little storefront is actually home to some of the greatest tacos in the region. Ok, well we can only assume that, but still. These tacos are mind-blowingly good with options like fried avocado and cast-iron chicken. And get ready…because their elote is muy delicioso!
Baja Burrito - 722 Thompson Ln / bajaburrito.com
When walking into Baja Burrito, many first-time customers may not understand how this California-inspired restaurant works. Similar to that of Chipotle, eaters wait in line and pick out the ingredients they’re craving in their burrito, taco or whatever dish they desire. Only thing different is that it’s way more authentic than any other Mexican food in Nashville, with flavors similar to what one could find in Southern CA cities.
Saint Añejo - 1120 McGavock St / mstreetnashville.com/saint-anejo
This place is Mexican food on a whole other level. Making dishes like enchiladas and tacos that infuse flavors unlike any other restaurant in the city puts Saint Añejo on the map. Plus, customers rave on and on about their Spanish brunch on the weekends, taking a Mexican spin on the classic breakfast staples.
Chuy’s Tex-Mex - 1901 Broadway / chuys.com
Sure, this place is a chain throughout the South, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in its Tex-Mex quality in any way, shape or form. Honestly, who wouldn’t want a burrito as big as your face (or that’s what they say)? Pair it with a Chuy’s Brew a.k.a. a margarita with a Corona thrown in for a dinner that will end up making you fall more in love with Mexican food…as if we all needed another reason.
Taco Mamacita – 1200 Villa Pl / tacomamacita.com
Taking a different approach by creating modern Mexican dishes with spicy flavorings and healthy ingredients, Taco Mamacita is a great stop to grab something fresh and easy. Their owner, Mike Monen, previously owned a barbecue restaurant, which explains why their meat is always cooked to perfection in every plate they make. For those looking to something different than a taco or fajitas, try out the Peruvian chicken roasted rotisserie-style for some tasty eats.
