Updated: September 2016
When a craving for Mexican food hits, it hits hard, and very little can satisfy the need for salty, cheesy, cilantro-infused goodness like some freshly fried tortilla chips and piping-hot queso or a heaping pile of Spanish rice and refried beans. (DISCLOSURE: After writing this article, we grabbed the car keys and headed straight to the nearest Mexican joint, and you may do the same!) There are plenty of Mexican food restaurants in Nashville to keep your cravings satiated. Here are our some of our favorites, listed in alphabetical order:
The Best Mexican Restaurants in Nashville
Baja Burrito
722 Thompson Lane, Nashville • (615) 383-2252
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hailed as the better, local version of Chipotle, Baja Burrito certainly lives up to all the hype. Fresh ingredients, an abundance of cilantro and the lively atmosphere make this Berry Hill restaurant a Nashville favorite. The parking lot is small, and it’s always crowded. Plan your visit accordingly!
Bajo Sexto
216 Fifth Ave. S., Nashville • (615) 577-7717
Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Inside the Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville is one of our favorite taquerias. Bajo Sexto serves Mexican street food that is fresh and authentic, two important qualities for any good Mexican restaurant. Their cocktails are hard to beat, making it the perfect mid-week treat or weekend kick-off!
Bakersfield Tacos
201 Third Ave. S., Nashville • (615) 522-0970
Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bakersfield Tacos keeps things simple and classic with their Mexican street fare. Their combination of fresh flavors is just what we need when a Mexican craving takes over. Plus, with an impressive selection of more than 100 tequilas and whiskeys, delicious drinks are a given.
Chago’s Cantina
2015 Belmont Blvd., Nashville • (615) 386-0106
Daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
We love Chago’s Cantina for their fun atmosphere, flavorful food and fabulous happy hour. Their chips and dip sampler is great for sharing, and they have some of the best drink deals in town. With plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans alike, Chago’s is great for the whole family!
El Amigo
3901 Nolensville Pike • (615) 833-6434
Hours vary
The exterior may be unimpressive, as El Amigo operates out of an old gas station, but we promise what they lack in chic furnishing, they more than make up for in taste! Their grilled whole chicken dinner is perfect for picking up and bringing home on busier weekday nights or an impromptu dinner party. El Amigo is inexpensive and full of flavor – definitely worth the drive to the corner of Nolensville and Elysian Fields!
El Palenque
2210 Crestmoor Road, Nashville • (615) 383-6142
Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
A Green Hills favorite, El Palenque is a must for your next family night out. You’ll find all your favorite Mexican dishes, soaked in creamy queso next to a heap of Spanish rice and refried beans. With a cold Pacifico or margarita, is there really anything better? [SB TIP: The restaurant has reopened after their August renovations!]
Local Taco
4501 Murphy Road, Sylvan Park • (615) 891-3271
Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1100 Fatherland St., Suite 104, East Nashville • (615) 454-6892
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
146 Pewitt Drive, Brentwood • (615) 915-4666
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Local Taco is known for their trendy Tex Mex, offering a fresh combination of Southwestern and Southern flavors that make mouths water. With locations in Sylvan Park, East Nashville and Brentwood, plan a trip to the one nearest you, and enjoy a cold beer on the patio.
Mas Tacos Por Favor
732 Mcferrin Ave., Nashville • (615) 543-6271
Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
When you want your dive Mexican restaurant, Mas Tacos Por Favor is a must. The food truck-turned-restaurant in East Nashville is entirely unassuming, but the flavors they produce will absolutely blow you away. They have great vegetarian options; we especially love the fried avocado taco! [SB TIP: BYOB and cash only!]
Rosepepper Cantina
1907 Eastland Ave., Nashville • (615) 227-4777
Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Fabulous patio seating sets Rosepepper apart, especially when enjoying one of their amazing margaritas. We’re not exaggerating when we say they’re the best in town: they’ve won that title 11 years in a row. The food is also great; we love the Sonoran-style Mexican that makes up their eclectic menu.
Saint Anejo
1120 McGavock St., Nashville • (615) 736-5301
Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
We don’t typically think of “chic” and “Mexican” as coming together in a restaurant, but when in the Gulch, do as the Gulch-ians do. Cue Saint Anejo, a funky cantina with a creative menu that blends traditional Mexican dishes with other classic favorites. Think jalapeño poppers and Tex-Mex burgers.
San Antonio Taco Co.
416 21st Ave. S., Nashville • (615) 327-4322
Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight
SATCO speaks for itself. A favorite haunt of Vandy students and Hillsboro Village residents, this long-time Nashville establishment is also one of our favorites. A great patio, addictive queso, fast service, cold beer … need we say more?
Taco Mamacita
1200 Villa Place, Nashville • (615) 730-8552
Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Located in Edgehill Village, Taco Mamacita is one the best Mexican spots for enjoying the atmosphere. Even after the delicious food is devoured, stay for another drink and take advantage of the funky decor and fantastic patio, which offers an eagle-eye view of the bustling area near Music Row.
Taqueria del Sol
2317 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 499-4293
Tuesday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Taqueria del Sol stands apart for its fast and fresh service. Even when the line is to the door, it takes no more than 15 minutes to make your way to the register, giving you plenty of time to decide which of the delicious Southern-inspired Tex Mex tacos you want to try while also absorbing some of the atmosphere.
Find even more delicious restaurant options in the SB Guide!
