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Nashville Mexican Restaurants You Should Check Out

With the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and other world-famous attractions, you’ll find no shortage of fun in Nashville, Tennessee. Plus, you can enjoy some awesome meals, including a vast variety of delicious Mexican cuisine.

Nashville Mexican Restaurant Salad

Before my first time visiting Nashville, I had no idea the city had so many great Mexican restaurants! From authentic tastes to creative and contemporary cuisine, you’ll find it all in Music City, USA. I’ve rounded up all the places you’ll want to know about, from casual places perfect for friends and family to upscale spots great for a date or celebration. Check out my list of the best Mexican restaurants in Nashville below!


Mas Tacos Por Favor

732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: 615-543-6271

More tacos, please! When you want to go where the locals go, head over to Mas Tacos Por Favor. It’s unpretentious, authentic, and inviting. While the tiny spot is a bit hard to find, just look for the crowds, as Mas Tacos typically gets pretty busy during lunch and dinner. You’ll find them just north of the Maxwell Area, near the corner of West Eastland Avenue and McFerrin Avenue. They’re just one block up from Nashville Beard and Barber. They serve up a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, soups, and more. Most of their tacos have a bit of kick, making them a touch spicier than many other Mexican restos around town. Aside from their tacos, I also recommend their lime margaritas.


Saint Anejo

1120 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-736-5301
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I love celebrating special occasions at Saint Anejo. They have a mezzanine that you can rent for private parties, and it overlooks the entire main floor of the restaurant. The rest of the restaurant is pretty great, too, with large patios and an interior/outside bar. It’s a fun, family-friendly place on McGavock Street between 11th and 12th Avenues, just a few blocks south of Broadway. If you enjoy tequila with your Mexican meal, Saint Anejo is right up your alley, as they feature a tequila and mezcal menu with over 120 labels. They also offer a wide range of Mexican fare, including tacos, fajitas, and ensaladas (Mexican salads). My favorite is the Lone Star Burrito, which features salsa verde, rice, black beans, and more.


Rosepepper Cantina

1907 Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: 615-227-4777
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For over 11 years, Rosepepper has been serving up an eclectic menu of Mexican-inspired dishes.They’re at the corner of Eastland Avenue and Chapel Avenue, minutes away from Downtown Nashville and Five Points. It’s a cool, casual place with vibrant colors, a large outdoor patio, and loads of art on the walls.Their expansive menu features tons of different options such as burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and Especialidades de la Casa (house specials). If you’ve brought your appetite, I suggest the Carne Asada, a 10-ounce cut of ribeye steak served with flour tortillas and fresh guacamole.

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Bakersfield

201 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: 615-522-0970
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Bakersfield delivers authentic Mexican street fare, along with over 100 types of tequila, in a cozy, vibrant setting. The restaurant is located right in downtown Nashville, just a few blocks east of Riverfront Park, at the intersection of 3rd Avenue South and Demonbreun Street. They’re within a short walking distance of many major downtown hotels as well as the Nashville Symphony. The menu is kept refreshingly simple, with less than ten tacos options, as well as a handful of taquitos, tortas, and ensaladas. But within the small menu you’ll find plenty of big tastes, such as their Baja Shrimp, Pollo Diablo, and Short Rib tacos. I’m also a big fan of their signature drink the Bakersfield Sour.


Nada

202 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-925-3362
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Nada is one of my top recommendations for dining with your family or a group of friends. It’s a contemporary Mexican restaurant with a beautiful, inviting atmosphere and a wide variety of dishes. They’re in Music Row, at 21st Avenue South right across the street from the Vanderbilt Law School. They’re open for brunch and dinner every day of the week. It’s a fun place for groups because the menu offers many shareable dishes, such as the Peruvian Chicken and the Grilled Fish “Contramer.”Most of their entrees are served on small plates; I typically order two different entrees for each meal, and often even share with everyone at the table.


Chago’s Cantina

2015 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-386-0106
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You won’t find anything quite like Chago’s. They’ve thrown authenticity out the window, instead proudly proclaiming that they do things their own way. The place is a friendly and funky neighborhood restaurant and bar. You’ll find them right near Belmont University on Belmont Boulevard where it meets Bernard Avenue. They’re within easy walking distance of the Nashville Improv. Their menu combines Mexican and Latin American classics with a New Orleans twist. Some of their dishes will seem familiar, such as carnitas and quesadillas, while others might be new, such as their Bang Bang Shrimp tacos. They also have a varied vegetarian menu, making this spot a good pick when dining with non-meat-eaters.


Baja Burrito

722 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: 615-383-2252
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Whenever I’m in Berry Hill, I make a point to stop by Baja Burrito. It’s an independent, locally-owned place that perfectly fits the fun, artistic style found throughout the neighborhood. They’re right off Thompson Lane, just before the Bransford Avenue intersection. Their menu sticks strictly to the basics, but they’ve got the basics down to perfection. Customize either a burrito, taco, or salad with a variety of proteins, veggies, and more. They also have a Little Surfer Meal kids meal for kids under 12.


Cerveza Jack’s

135 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: 615-942-7733
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When you’re in the mood for a San Diego beach vibe, Cerveza Jack’s is where you want to go. Located in the Pacific Beach neighborhood, they’re on Garnet Avenue just before the corner of Everts Street, between Guru Tattoo and Lefty’s Barbershop. It’s a fun, social environment with live music and generous happy hour specials. They have tacos, burritos, crafted quesadillas, and fajitas. Besides some great Mexican food, their menu also includes the El Jefe Burger, Hot Chicken Sandwich, and a Classic Cheeseburger. They’re one of the best Mexican restaurants in Nashville for drink specials, too, with $6 margaritas and $5 wells from open until 6 pm.

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Taqueria del Sol

Multiple locations
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Taqueria del Sol is a popular fast-casual restaurant that’s great when you’re out-and-about in Nashville and looking for lunch or dinner. Founded in Atlanta, the first Nashville Taqueria del Sol opened its doors in 2013, located in the 12 South neighborhood on 12th Avenue South and Elmwood Avenue. In 2017, they launched their second TN spot, located near Richland Park on Charlotte Avenue. Both restaurants have a hip, lively atmosphere with a friendly staff. Tacos are the main draw here, available in a variety of styles. My personal favorite? Truthfully, it’s a three-way tie between the pork-filled Memphis, the Veggie Bean, or the Cheeseburger, which includes ground beef, jalapenos, and a cheese dip.


Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina

Multiple locations
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Billing itself as the “oldest newest restaurant in Nashville,” Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina is home to good times, creative Mexican dishes, and one of the best rooftop bars downtown. In addition to their downtown location, found on Rep. John Lewis Way, they also have a second location in Sylvan Park on Murphy Road. Their menu is filled with unique dishes and bold, often-spicy flavors. Plus, with three tacos available for $15.50, it’s affordable, too. Of course, I’ve got to mention one of my faves, their Big Ass Nachos, a giant plate that’s perfect for sharing with friends.


El Jaliciense Méxican Restaurant

3225 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: 615-227-9866
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When you’re in the mood for contemporary Mexican fare, with loads of variety and an emphasis on fresh ingredients, head to El Jaliciense. They’re open every day of the week from 11 am until 9 pm. You’ll find them in the Manor Place neighborhood at Maynor Avenue and Gallatin Pike. They have all the tasty standards you’ll find at a Mexican restaurant, such as burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. But, in my opinion, you should try some of their signature dishes. I can’t get enough of their Bistec Ranchero, which features grilled steak and tomatoes, or their Mar y Tierra, a delectable combination of steak and shrimp.


Cinco De Mayo Mexican Restaurant

Multiple locations
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Wherever you are in Tennessee, there’s likely a Cinco de Mayo restaurant nearby. They have 10 spots in the state, with three in Nashville – at Cummins Station, Woodland Street, and White Road Bridge. Each of their locations delivers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with a wide range of traditional and contemporary dishes. I love their combo plates, which offer a broad selection of flavors. You can’t go wrong with the C3, which includes a taco, enchilada, and burrito. Chicken fans will also find lots to love here, such as the Pollo Fundido and the Pollo Encremado.

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Oscar’s Taco Shop

Multiple locations
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In 1967, Javier Ruiz immigrated to America with a dream to open a taco shop. Over 50 years later, he’s the proud owner of 13 shops (!) across Tennessee and Florida, which are today operated by his kids. Their Nashville locations are in Downtown, The Nations, and Vandy. These fast, casual dining restaurants are family-friendly, affordable, and fun. You can create your own burrito bowl or choose one of their signature options, such as the California, with marinated steak strips, or the Pastor, with pork, pico de gallo, and guacamole. They’re also one of my absolute favorite spots for breakfast. They have huge breakfast burritos – and they’re available all day! 


Chuy’s

Multiple locations
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You might already be familiar with Chuy’s, as they have dozens of locations across the Eastern US. Their Nashville spot is located Downtown along 19th Avenue between Broadway and Division Street. Inside, you’ll find a fun, funky, and family-friendly environment. They serve big portions of accessible Tex-Mex. Bring your appetite and try their signature “Big As Yo’ Face” burritos. I’m not sure I’ve ever finished one in a single sitting, but they’re great as leftovers the next day. The famous burritos can be filled with bean and cheese, seasoned ground beef, roasted chicken, or fajita chicken or beef.


El Metate

1805 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
Phone: 615-650-2099
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Sometimes, I’m in the mood for simple dishes made with fresh ingredients – and El Metate is where I go. They’re along Dickerson Pike just before East Trinity Lane, a few blocks due east of Tom Joy Park. Although the spot doesn’t look like much from the outside, they clearly put their time into making fantastic food. Their large menu features tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and dishes made on the grille. My favorite is Chuy’s Special (not to be confused with Chuy’s restaurant above). It’s loaded with grilled chicken, steak, and rice with a cheese dip.


Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant

Multiple locations
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Las Palmas has made a huge impact on Nashville’s entire Mexican restaurant scene. First launching in 1990, today they have nine locations throughout town, including restaurants in Charlotte Park and the Knob Hill area. They’re an accessible, family-friendly resto that’s great for lunch and dinner. The menu is vast, with plenty of customization options. If you’re not sure what to pick, try their Grilled Fish Filet or their Chimichangas, two of their signature dishes. While they’re maybe not the trendiest spot in town, it’s easy to see (and taste) why they’ve been so successful.  


Taqueria La Juquilita

803 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
Phone: 615-739-4917
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Taqueria La Juquilita is open every day from 6 am to 8 pm, making them one of the best Mexican restaurants in Nashville for breakfast. They’re conveniently located near West Park on Morrow Road between North 60th Avenue and Morrow Road. Their Steak Omelet is great for starting the day off with a hearty breakfast. It includes carne asada, melted mozzarella, and avocado. Another breakfast fave of mine is the Breakfast Burrito Wrap, with eggs, bacon, and Chipotle Mayo. Aside from breakfast, they’re also well-known for their tacos, quesadillas, and the Torta La Cubana, a fully-loaded plate with “a little bit of everything.”

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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