If there’s anything we can all unanimously agree on whether you’re from the North, South, East, or West, it’s that everybody loves tacos. Finding the perfect taco joint should be a priority on many people’s to-do lists after moving to a new city, and luckily for those of you moving to Nashville, we’ve got you covered. Although tacos are said to have been invented by Mexican miners in the 18th century to devour on Cinco de Mayo, we believe in the power to munch on tasty tacos 365 days a year. So whether you’re looking for an authentic carniceria or something more refined, here are 6 different spots to get tacos in Nashville that will have your mouth watering before you can say “¡delicioso!”
Tacos in Nashville – 6 Top Spots!
Mas Tacos Por Favor
This snug, no-frills taqueria had its humble beginnings serving mouthwatering tacos out of one of Nashville’s very first food trucks. By popular demand, Mas Tacos Por Favor opened its current brick-and-mortar location in East Nashville, where crowds swarm in for their unique taco creations. Some of their most in-demand options include the Quinoa Sweet Potato Taco (for the veggie-lovers) and the Fried Tilapia Taco topped with shaved cabbage, onions, and spicy dill yogurt. Oh, and don’t forget to order a side of fried avocado.
Bar Taco
One of 12South’s newest and most popular joints, Bartaco has kept a steady stream of loyal fans coming in for their personal silver tray of mouthwatering tacos. What puts the cherry on top is the ambiance of this restaurant, which evokes the dreamy beach culture of Brazil, Uruguay, and Southern California. Their tacos are small, so don’t hesitate to order two or three. We recommend the pork pastor, fried oyster, shrimp banh mi, and duck, which is drizzled with tamarind glaze.
Don Juan Carniceria Y Taqueria
Looking for traditional tacos in Nashville? This is as authentic as it gets, folks! True to its carniceria roots, Don Juan’s menu boasts an extensive selection of meats, featuring intriguing options such as buche (pork stomach), tripa (beef intestine), lengua (beef tongue), and chicharron (fried pork skin). They also carry more traditional choices such as pollo and carne asada, and at $1.25 a pop, it’s hard not to get at least one of each. The price per taco drops to $1 on weekends, so snag a refreshing horchata with your extra cents saved.
Taco Mamacita
Taco Mamacita is a popular fusion taco joint where you’ll find Mexican flavors paired with Southern ingredients. A crowd favorite is the Taco Royale – a double-stacked taco loaded with roasted chicken, salsa verde, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, crumbled chorizo, creamy black bean mash, and chipotle cream sauce. However, Taco Mamacita also offers a vibrant slew of more adventurous options that will get your taste buds in a tizzy about what country you’re actually in – the most popular being the Korean BBQ Taco and Caribbean Jerk Taco. Bon voyage and bon appetit!
Local Taco
Fusion seems like the new hit craze in taco-land, and nobody does it better than Local Taco, which delivers pristine Tex-Mex cuisine with a Southern flair. Local Taco wears the crown for one of the best margaritas in town, but their tacos are even better. We recommend their spicy shrimp taco, which is filled with buttermilk-soaked and crispy fried shrimp, topped with jalapeño coleslaw and spicy remoulade. If you’re feeling adventurous, order an appetizer of the Cowboy Nachos, which are layered in 10-hour smoked brisket. Do we have you drooling yet?
Rosepepper Cantina
This East Nashville staple is known for its award-winning Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine. Self-proclaimed “Nashville’s Tequila Specialists,” Rosepepper Cantina prepares dishes and tacos bursting with intense flavor that pairs perfectly with cold, lip-smacking tequila. Try their Cabo tacos, comprised of two pieces of white fish and topped with Baja sauce, shredded cabbage, and pico de gallo. Pair this with their signature margarita, a festive outdoor deck, and a beautiful day… we now know what heaven looks (and tastes) like! Hard to find a much better spot for tacos in Nashville than this one!
That’s just the tip of the taco iceberg!
We’re not kidding! No matter what side town you move to in Nashville, and no matter what kind of tacos you like, there’s likely a place nearby. These 6 spots aren’t the only places to get great tacos in Nashville. They’re just the beginning and we suggest giving them all a try!