Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its hot chicken, honky-tonks, and thriving music scene, but there’s another culinary star rising in Middle Tennessee: Mexican food. Over the past few decades, the region has seen an influx of Mexican immigrants and a growing appreciation for south-of-the-border flavors, transforming Nashville and its surrounding areas into a hub for tacos, tamales, mole, and more. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the Mexican food scene near Nashville offers a delicious blend of authenticity, creativity, and Southern hospitality. In this article, we’ll explore the best spots to savor Mexican cuisine, the cultural influences behind it, and why this food has found a permanent home in Tennessee’s heart.
The Roots of Mexican Cuisine in Nashville
Mexican food’s presence in Nashville is deeply tied to the city’s evolving demographics. Tennessee has seen significant growth in its Hispanic population since the 1990s, with many immigrants from Mexico settling in Nashville and its suburbs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic community in Tennessee grew by over 400% between 1990 and 2010, and that growth has continued into the 2020s. With this migration came family recipes, traditions, and a demand for the flavors of home—spices like cumin and chili powder, fresh staples like cilantro and lime, and the comforting warmth of handmade tortillas.
What started as small taquerías and grocery store kitchens catering to the Mexican community has blossomed into a full-fledged culinary movement. Today, you’ll find everything from hole-in-the-wall taco joints to upscale Mexican restaurants within a short drive of Nashville’s downtown. The city’s love for bold flavors and hearty meals—think barbecue and biscuits—has made it a natural fit for Mexican cuisine, which shares a similar emphasis on spice, comfort, and community.
Nashville’s Mexican Food Hotspots
While Nashville proper boasts plenty of Mexican eateries, the surrounding areas—like Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville—add even more variety to the mix. Let’s take a tour of some standout spots near Nashville where you can satisfy your cravings.
1. Taquería del Sol (Nashville)
Located in the 12South neighborhood, Taquería del Sol blends Southern and Mexican influences in a way that feels quintessentially Nashville. This isn’t your traditional taquería—it’s a fast-casual spot with a creative twist. Their menu features tacos stuffed with brisket alongside classics like carnitas and pollo asado, all served with salsas that pack a punch. The Memphis taco, topped with smoked pork and a tangy jalapeño coleslaw, is a nod to Tennessee’s barbecue heritage. Pair it with a margarita or a sweet tea (this is the South, after all), and you’ve got a meal that bridges two cultures seamlessly.
2. Mas Tacos Por Favor (East Nashville)
A Nashville institution, Mas Tacos Por Favor started as a food truck before settling into a brick-and-mortar location on McFerrin Avenue. This spot is beloved for its no-frills approach to Mexican street food. The menu is concise but mighty: think tacos with slow-roasted pork, fried tilapia, or spicy chorizo, all served on soft corn tortillas. Don’t skip the elote—grilled corn slathered in crema, cotija cheese, and chili powder—or the pozole, a hearty hominy stew that’s perfect for cooler Tennessee nights. The vibe is laid-back, with mismatched tables and a chalkboard menu, making it a neighborhood gem that locals swear by.
3. Taco Mamacita (Edgehill Village)
For a more polished experience, Taco Mamacita in Edgehill Village offers a modern take on Mexican classics. The menu is eclectic, with options like the “Gypsy Taco” (grilled shrimp with avocado and mango salsa) and the “Memphis Nachos” piled high with pulled pork and queso. The margaritas here are a draw, too—freshly squeezed and served in mason jars. It’s a great spot for groups or a casual date night, with a colorful patio that’s perfect for people-watching. While it leans fusion rather than strictly authentic, Taco Mamacita captures the playful spirit of Nashville’s food scene.
4. Oscar’s Taco Shop (Multiple Locations)
With locations in Franklin, Hendersonville, and Cool Springs, Oscar’s Taco Shop brings a taste of California-style Mexican food to the Nashville area. Known for its massive burritos and crispy carne asada fries, Oscar’s is a go-to for quick, affordable meals. The tacos are simple but flavorful—try the al pastor with pineapple or the fish tacos with a zesty crema. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a meal on the go or linger over a plate of nachos with friends. The suburban outposts make it a convenient option for those exploring beyond the city limits.
5. Camino Real (Murfreesboro)
About 35 miles southeast of Nashville, Murfreesboro’s Camino Real is a family-owned spot that’s been serving up traditional Mexican dishes for years. This is the place for comforting plates of enchiladas smothered in red sauce, sizzling fajitas, and chiles rellenos stuffed with cheese. The portions are generous, the prices are wallet-friendly, and the atmosphere feels like a warm hug from abuelita. It’s a reminder that Mexican food near Nashville isn’t just about trendy tacos—it’s also about the classics that have sustained generations.
6. La Hacienda Taquería (Clarksville)
Roughly an hour northwest of Nashville, Clarksville’s La Hacienda Taquería is worth the drive for its authentic street-style offerings. Tucked into a modest strip mall, this spot serves tacos on doubled-up corn tortillas with fillings like lengua (beef tongue), barbacoa, and tripa (tripe) for the adventurous eater. The salsa bar is a highlight, with a range of heat levels from mild tomatillo to fiery habanero. Pair your meal with a horchata or a tamarindo agua fresca, and you’ll feel transported to a bustling Mexican mercado.
Beyond Restaurants: Markets and Food Trucks
The Mexican food scene near Nashville isn’t limited to sit-down restaurants. The region’s Hispanic markets and food trucks are treasure troves of flavor. Places like Plaza Mariachi on Nolensville Pike offer a cultural experience alongside their food court, where vendors sling tamales, gorditas, and fresh churros. Nolensville Road itself is a hotspot for Mexican eateries and tiendas, with bakeries like La Espiga turning out conchas and tres leches cakes daily.
Food trucks are another lifeline of the scene. Look for trucks parked near construction sites, gas stations, or community events—often, they’re the most authentic bites you’ll find. Tacos El Gordo, a roaming favorite, serves up al pastor shaved from a trompo (spinning spit) and topped with pineapple, while La Juquilita offers Oaxacan-style tlayudas—crispy tortillas layered with beans, cheese, and meats. These mobile kitchens keep the spirit of Mexican street food alive and accessible.
The Flavors and Influences
Mexican cuisine near Nashville reflects both tradition and adaptation. You’ll find staples like guacamole, pico de gallo, and queso fundido on most menus, but the execution varies. Some spots stick to recipes brought straight from Jalisco or Michoacán, with slow-cooked meats and handmade tortillas. Others riff on the classics, incorporating Southern ingredients like collard greens or pimento cheese into their dishes—a fusion that’s divisive but undeniably creative.
Regional Mexican cuisines also shine through. Oaxaca’s influence appears in rich moles and tlayudas, while the Yucatán brings cochinita pibil—pork marinated in achiote and citrus, wrapped in banana leaves. Coastal flavors show up in ceviche and shrimp cocktails, a refreshing counterpoint to Tennessee’s humid summers. And, of course, Tex-Mex has its foothold, with queso-drenched enchiladas and overstuffed burritos appealing to Americanized palates.
Spice levels vary, too. While Nashville’s hot chicken has conditioned locals to handle heat, many Mexican spots offer a range of salsas so diners can customize their experience. From smoky chipotle to bright salsa verde, the condiments are as essential as the dishes themselves.
Why Mexican Food Thrives Here
So why has Mexican food taken root so firmly near Nashville? It’s more than just demographics—it’s a cultural synergy. Both Southern and Mexican cuisines value communal dining, bold flavors, and resourcefulness. A plate of tamales wrapped in corn husks isn’t so different from cornbread baked in a skillet; both speak to a history of making do with what’s available and turning it into something extraordinary.
The affordability of Mexican food also aligns with Nashville’s working-class roots. Tacos are cheap, filling, and endlessly customizable, much like the meat-and-three plates of yesteryear. As Nashville grows into a more cosmopolitan city, Mexican cuisine offers a bridge between its past and its future—a way to honor tradition while embracing diversity.
Tips for Exploring the Scene
Ready to dive in? Here are a few tips for discovering Mexican food near Nashville:
- Go Beyond the City: Suburbs like Franklin, Brentwood, and Antioch have hidden gems worth seeking out.
- Ask for Recommendations: Locals often know the best under-the-radar spots—don’t be shy about chatting up your server or a fellow diner.
- Try Something New: If you’ve never had lengua or huitlacoche (corn smut), this is your chance. The flavors might surprise you.
- Check Social Media: Food trucks and pop-ups often announce their locations online, so follow your favorites for updates.
- Bring Cash: Some smaller spots and trucks are cash-only, so come prepared.
Conclusion
Mexican food near Nashville is a testament to the region’s evolving identity—a place where Southern charm meets global influence. From the smoky adobo of a roadside taco to the refined elegance of a mole-drizzled enchilada, the offerings are as diverse as the people who make them. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a sit-down feast, the area’s Mexican eateries deliver flavor, heart, and a taste of home for a growing community. So grab a tortilla, pile on the salsa, and dig in—Nashville’s Mexican food scene is waiting to be explored.
