A Local’s List of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Nashville

Last Updated on June 4, 2026 by Tori Pines

Nashville has a LOT going on when it comes to the food scene, and the Mexican restaurants in Nashville are no exception. Whether you’re a local looking for your new go-to Tuesday night spot or a visitor trying to squeeze in the best meal possible between sightseeing stops, this list has something for everyone. From hole-in-the-wall authentic taquerias that are absolutely worth the drive to buzzy downtown cantinas with incredible cocktails and rooftop views, Nashville’s Mexican food scene is honestly better than most people give it credit for.

I’ve eaten my way through this city for years and these are the spots I keep coming back to, the ones I send my friends to, and the ones I think about when I’m hungry on a Wednesday afternoon. Some are local legends, some are chains that have genuinely earned their spot on this list, and a few are hidden gems that not nearly enough people know about. So pull up a chair, grab a chip, and let’s get into it.

Why Trust Me?

Great question! I’m a Nashville local who has lived in and loved this city for years, and my husband and I take our Mexican food very seriously. Like, embarrassingly seriously. My family nicknamed my husband “Chip” because he eats that much chips and salsa. No joke.

I’m not a food critic and I’m not getting paid by any of these restaurants, I’m just someone who genuinely loves a good taco and has eaten at more Nashville Mexican restaurants than I care to admit. Every spot on this list is one I have personally visited, multiple times in most cases, and every opinion here is completely my own. No sponsored content, no free meals, just honest takes from someone who really, really loves this city and its food scene. If I don’t love a place, I’ll tell you. And if something is absolutely worth the drive to the suburbs on a Tuesday night, I’ll tell you that too.

Best Mexican Restaurants in Nashville

1. Bartaco

Website
Hours: Sun: 11am-10pm, Mon-Thurs: 11am-11pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-12am
Address: 2526 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
What to Order: Baja Fish Tacos (THE BEST!), Rice Bowls, Elote, Plantains

Okay, okay, okay so it’s not a local spot, but I can’t help myself. I just LOVE Bartaco! The food here is 10 out of 10 every single time I visit. The tacos are fresh and bright and bold. The bowls are super yummy too and are just the right size and don’t even get me started on the sides. The street corn and plantains are out of this world! By far my favorite thing here is the baja fish taco. It’s what makes me want to come back time and time again and make this the number one spot for Mexican restaurants in Nashville.

They’ve got a phenomenal bar as well with cocktails made fresh right in front of you. All the limes are freshly squeezed and make everything that much better.

The vibes here are perfect, casual and cute with the walls open to the patio during most of the year. You can definitely expect to wait for a table if you visit on the weekends, but hop on their website as you’re leaving home and you get your name on the waitlist.

There are two locations but I always recommend going to the one on 12 South so you can treat yourself to a bowl of Jeni’s Ice Cream after dinner which is a short walk up the street.

2. Nectar Urban Cantina

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Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
Address: 2526 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
What to Order: Cantina Burritos, Carne Asada Tacos and Chimichurri Avocado Salad

Outside of the city to the east in the Hermitage area is this absolute gem. Urban Nectar Cantina looks like nothing special from the front but step into their massive backyard and you’ll very quickly understand why we visit this place all the time. They have a large tent filled with tables and then a huge lawn with a stage for live music, lawn chairs and fun play area for kids. It is the PERFECT summer dinner spot for everyone, but especially for those with kids. You can relax, listen to music, drink a marg and let the kids run! It’s a great spot in Nashville for live music!

As for the food, it’s just as amazing as the atmosphere. We love the burritos, they’re super simple but large and flavored perfectly. The bowls are awesome too, and you have to have the guac and queso of course!

We have been so many times and return over and over for the great atmosphere and even better food. This is a must-visit.

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3. Memos Mexican Kitchen

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Hours: Sun & Mon closed, Tues-Sat 11am-8pm
Address: 1319 N Mt Juliet Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 
What to Order: Guacamole Autentico, Grilled Jalapenos, Quesabirria, Huaraches, 

Listen, if you love authentic Mexican food (which you should) then you absolutely must make the 20 minute drive out to Mount Juliet. Easily the best and most authentic Mexican food we have ever had in the US is found at Memo’s Mexican Kitchen. If it weren’t for the fact that it’s not in the the city, it would have held the #1 spot for the best Mexican restaurants in Nashville in my opinion! Seriously, its the best food of any place on this list!

This spot is owned by the sweetest couple ever, Memo (from Mexico) and his wife Katie who is so kind. And their food is out of this world. The front of the menu features super authentic dishes from Memo’s home in Mexico (anything you order from this section will wow you) and the back features a bunch of items you’ll be used to like nachos and burritos.

My personal favorites are the Guacamole Autentico and the Grilled Jalapenos to start, followed by the Quesabirria and Huaraches to follow. Oh, and don’t forget the Best Darn Margarita to wash it all down. This place is worth the drive out to the suburbs for sure.

Tori Tip: Head out on a day trip from Nashville to somewhere on my list that’s East of the city and stop here for dinner on the way home!

4. Mas Tacos Por Favor

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Hours: Sun 10am-4pm, Mon closed, Tues – Sat 10am-9pm
Address: 732 Mcferrin Ave Nashville, TN 37206
What to Order: Baja Fish Tacos, Street Corn, Plantains

Many times, the best food can be found in the most unassuming places. And that’s definitely the case with the hugely popular Mas Tacos Port Favor. This spot in East Nashville blew me out of the water. I had heard incredible things, and knew that oftentimes the line for the order window was wrapped around the building, but I was still so shocked with how outstanding the tacos were here.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything I ordered here, from the tacos to the corn, beans and plantains, and the margaritas of course! My friend lives just around the corner from this amazing spot so I know I’ll be coming back time and time again now that I’ve fallen in love.

5. Oscar’s Taco Shop

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Hours: Sun 10am-9pm, Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm
Address: 1234 6th Ave N Nashville, TN 37208
What to Order: California Burrito, Chicken Nachos, Chicken Fries, Fajitas (so much food!!!)

For a slight change of pace on this list of best Mexican restaurants in Nashville, head to one of the locations for Oscar’s Taco Shop. It’s a quick service chain that’s local to the area (and now they have a few spots in Arizona, random, I know). They serve a great variety of Mexican dishes from tacos to burritos plus fun things like loaded fries topped with things like guac and refried beans.

I especially love the chicken here. It’s cooked in little strips and is super juicy and flavorful. I get it on fries, nachos, burritos and more and it’s always really freaking good. This spot is quick and super fresh and way better quality than some of the national chains you’re familiar with.

It’s very casual since it’s a quick service spot, but they do serve alcohol which is a nice plus. We eat in sometimes, and take it to-go a lot too. Honestly, we eat here a LOT since it’s close to our house and it is consistently really good.

6. Taco Mamacita

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Hours: Sun 10am-9pm, Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm
Address: 1234 6th Ave N Nashville, TN 37208
What to Order: Korean BBQ taco, blackened mahi mahi taco, buffalo chicken taco, fried avocado taco

Okay so if you haven’t been to Taco Mamacita yet, what are you even doing?! This place is SO fun and honestly one of my favorite spots to take out-of-towners when they visit Nashville. It’s right near Music Row and Vanderbilt and the whole vibe just feels like a beachy, coastal escape, which honestly? We need that in Tennessee.

The menu here is where things get really exciting. Like, yes, you can get a classic taco — but you can ALSO get a Korean BBQ taco, a blackened mahi mahi taco, a buffalo chicken taco, and even a fried avocado taco if you’re going the vegetarian route. It’s creative without being weird about it, and there is genuinely something for everyone here. Picky eaters, kids, taco purists, they’ve all got you covered.

And don’t even get me started on the patio. It is perfection on a warm Nashville afternoon. Grab a table outside, order one (or three) of their famous margaritas, get the queso, obviously always get the queso, and just soak it all in.

Now listen, if you’re hunting for super authentic, traditional Mexican food, this might not be your spot. But if you want bold flavors, a fun atmosphere, and a great time? Taco Mamacita delivers every single time. It’s perfect for groups, casual Nashville date nights, or honestly just a Tuesday when you need a really good taco and an even better margarita.

7. Taco Mama

Website
Hours: Sun 11am-8pm, Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
Address: 1612 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212 
What to Order: barbacoa, ahi tuna taco, elote

Okay so Taco Mama isn’t going to blow your mind, but here’s the thing, it doesn’t need to. Sometimes you just want really solid, consistently good Mexican food. And this place delivers every single time, which is why I made sure to include it on this list of Mexican restaurants in Nashville. It’s located in Hillsboro Village, one of the cutest neighborhoods in Nashville. So it’s always a good excuse to make a little outing of it.

The whole concept is build-your-own tacos with fresh ingredients, which I appreciate because you really can’t go wrong. The barbacoa is a personal favorite, the ahi tuna taco is worth trying, and the elote is a great little side to round out your order. Nothing on the menu is going to shock you, but everything is just really well done and reliably good.

Happy hour runs from 3pm to close with half-price margaritas. Which honestly makes this spot even easier to recommend. But be prepared because it’s right near Vanderbilt and college kids can’t say no to a drink special. Come for the deal, stay for the tacos.

It’s not the most exciting entry on this list, but if you’re in the area and want a casual, no-fuss Mexican meal that you know will hit the spot? Taco Mama is your place.

8. Blanco Cocina + Cantina

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Hours: Sun 10am-10pm, Mon-Wed 11am-10pm, Thurs & Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm
Address: 530 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: Chicken Tinga, Green Chile Smash Burger, Margarita Tree

I especially love Blanco as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Nashville for being in the best location possible. It sits right on Broadway in the 5th and Broad building so is perfect for anyone visiting the city and wanting to check out the honky tonks and top sights while also enjoying some delicious food. I planned a dinner here for my sister’s bachelorette party in Nashville and we had such a fun time!

The space itself is beautiful, bright and vibrant.  It’s got a really cool, polished feel without being stuffy about it. The menu puts a fresh twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. So you’ve got your classics covered but with a little something extra. The Sonoran-style chimichanga is really good, the ceviche is a must order, and the chicken tinga bowl is one of those things you just keep thinking about after you leave.

As for drinks, the tequila and mezcal flights are so fun and unique, and the margaritas are consistently excellent. If you’re feeling festive, the frozen margarita is absolutely the right call.

The service here is always wonderful and the prices are super reasonable for how good everything is. Eespecially given the downtown location. Make a reservation, show up a little early, order a round of drinks and the ceviche to start, and you will be a very happy person. For a girls weekend in Nashville, or just a night in downtown, this spot is a good choice!

9. Calle Taco

Website
Hours: 11am-3am everyday
Address: 600 9th Ave S Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: Texas Queso, Birria Burrito, Birria Ramen, Birria Grilled Cheese, Pibil Taco

Okay can we just talk about how underrated Calle Taco is for a second?! This spot is tucked into the Gulch and is known for its authentic Mexican street tacos. And honestly it deserves SO much more attention than it gets. The quesabirria tacos are out of this world, the al pastor is incredible, and the chips and homemade salsa are reason enough to go back alone.

The atmosphere is fun and intimate with good music. And it has a bit of a hole-in-the-wall feel which I personally love. And here’s the best part: they’re open until 3 AM every single night. So whether you’re stopping in for a casual dinner or need a late-night taco fix after a night out in Nashville, Calle Taco has you covered. This one is a gem.

We stumbled upon this spot on our first day in Nashville. Literally, the first day we moved here we went into town and found a spot for lunch, and it just happened to be this place! And now five years later here we are, and we still love Calle Taco!

10. Saint Anejo

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Hours: Sun 10am-9pm, Mon-Sat 11am-10pm
Address: 1120 McGavock St Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: Ceviche, Carne Asada Tlayuda, Baja Kale Salad

Saint Anejo is one of those spots that just has really good vibes. It’s located in the Gulch and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and contemporary take on Mexican cuisine. The patio is lovely, the space feels cool and lively without being overwhelming, and it’s a great spot for a fun dinner out.

The tequila and mezcal menu has over 120 labels, which, yes please, and the margaritas are consistently great. The cucumber habanero margarita is one I keep thinking about. Food-wise, the guacamole and queso are solid starters, and the street corn is awesome. I’ll be honest, the food isn’t always the star of the show here, but the overall experience, the drinks, the atmosphere, the location, makes it absolutely worth a visit. Plus it’s part of a small local chain that has a variety of super exceptional restaurants (like Moto, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Nashville) which makes it that much more reputable.

11. Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa

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Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-2am, Thurs-Sun 11am-2am
Address: 308 Broadway Nashville, TN 37201
What to Order: Sweet corn fritters, Hot Chicken Taco, Casa Wedge, Cowboy Skillet, Pina Loca

Listen, if you’re visiting Nashville and want to do something that’s an all-in-one experience, Casa Rosa is your spot. This Mexican restaurants in Nashville is a multi-floor venue with live music, Tex-Mex food, and a rooftop with great views of Nashville, and it is just SO fun. The energy in this place the moment you walk in is contagious.

The decor is absolutely stunning, with pink cathedral lanterns and black velvet wallpaper. And every corner of the place feels intentional and photo-worthy. The brisket nachos and El Pastor tacos get a lot of praise, and the margaritas are great too. Now look, this is a Broadway spot so you’re paying a little extra for the experience. And the food doesn’t have to be the best, but honestly it delivers. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s 100% worth adding to your Nashville list.

I brought my entire extended family when they were all visiting for my baby shower and we all had so much fun. It was the perfect spot for a solid meal while still being in the middle of the action. And not having to go far from the rest of the sights that we were exploring that day. I love how it’s family friendly, and close to some of my favorite bars on Broadway.

12. Chuy’s

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Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
Address: 163B Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
What to Order: Famous Steak Burrito, Chuychanga, Steak and Chicken Fajitas

Okay, I know, I know, it’s a chain! But hear me out. Chuy’s is a Tex-Mex chain known for its generous portions and quirky, eclectic decor. And it is just really, really fun and consistently good. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need and there is zero shame in it. And honestly, it’s a very popular spot for sooooo many of my local friends. I didn’t love it at first, but after much coercion from friends who are obsessed I have begun to understand.

They’re known for their made-from-scratch “big as yo’ face” burritos and fresh-squeezed lime juice margaritas, and both live up to the hype. The creamy jalapeño dip is something I enjoy more than I’d like to admit. And the chips situation here is always on point. It’s a great spot for groups, families, or anyone who just wants a reliably good, filling, fun Tex-Mex meal without any fuss.

I usually get the fajitas which are kinda basic but include tons of food which is perfect for sharing with my toddler, and is consistently tasty. But my husband loves the burritos.

13. Bakersfield

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Hours: Sun 11am-10pm, Mon-Sat 11am-12pm
Address: 201 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201 
What to Order: Short Rib Queso, Al Pastor Taco, Huitlacoche Taco, Stuffed Poblano Pepper

The first Mexican restaurant I ever visited in Nashville was Bakersfield, located right in downtown just steps from most of the best attractions. Bakersfield serves authentic Mexican street fare alongside a curated selection of over 100 tequilas and American whiskeys.

The tacos are the move, and I mean that. The short rib taco and the pollo verde are both phenomenal. The chips come out warm, which is always a nice touch, and the salsas are really good too. It’s a great pre-show dinner spot if you have tickets at Ascend Amphitheater, and honestly just a great spot any time you’re downtown and want a solid, unpretentious meal with a really great drink. We used to go here after work when I worked at Bridgestone arena and we always had a great time!

14. Cilantro

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Hours: Sun & Mon 11am-9pm, Tues-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10:30pm
Address: 2330 8th Ave S Nashville, TN 37204  
What to Order: Mexican Street Corn, Nachos Jalisco, Quesabirria Tacos, Baja Burrito

This is one of my husbands favorite spots of the best Mexican restaurants in Nashville. Cilantro is your classic, no-frills neighborhood Mexican spot and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s located over in the very popular East Nashville neighborhood, just a few minutes from downtown. Here, the portions are large, the menu is huge, and the owner Javier will make you feel like family. It’s the kind of place where you walk in, feel totally at home, and leave very full and very happy.

They do happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 PM and Taco Tuesday deals during that same window, which makes it an awesome weeknight option. The fajitas are great, the burritos are great, the margaritas are great. Nothing here is going to blow your mind, but everything is solid and the value is really hard to beat. A dependable neighborhood gem for sure.

15. Velvet Taco

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Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-12am, Thurs 11am-2am, Fri & Sat 11am-4am
Address: 1911 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: Chicken & Waffles, Bacon Smash Burger, Mexi-Cali Shrimp, Beer Battered Cauliflower

So Velvet Taco is not your traditional Mexican spot, and I want to be upfront about that! The whole concept is really fun and creative. They have over 20 globally inspired scratch-made tacos on the menu. Think chicken tikka masala, Nashville hot chicken and waffle, crispy shrimp banh mi. Wild combinations that honestly sound amazing on paper.

Here’s my totally honest take though: I think they’re trying a little too hard. The tacos are creative to the point of being overdone. And for me personally they were kind of a let down after all the hype. Like, sometimes you want a taco to just be a really great taco, you know? That said, they now have over 50 locations across the country, so clearly I am very much in the minority here! Lots of people absolutely love this place and I totally get the appeal.

I’ll also say this, I genuinely need to go back and give it another shot. I haven’t tried everything on the menu and there are definitely a few tacos I’m curious about. So maybe my opinion changes! For now though, that’s why it’s sitting last on this list. Go, have fun, try the WTF (Weekly Taco Feature) and let me know what you think.

And there you have it, the best Mexican restaurants in Nashville from someone who has eaten her way through every single one of them! Whether you’re a Nashville local looking for your new go-to Tuesday night spot or a visitor trying to squeeze in the best meal possible between honky-tonks and hot chicken stops, this city’s Mexican food scene has something for everyone. From the most authentic birria you’ll ever taste out in Mount Juliet to the buzzy downtown cantinas with incredible cocktails and rooftop views, Nashville is truly punching above its weight when it comes to Mexican food. Now go eat some tacos and report back!