10 Best Mexican Food in Nashville – A Food Tour

Get the scoop on the best Mexican food in Nashville! Find out which restaurants serve delicious tacos, burritos, and more!

Nashville boasts a vibrant Mexican community and a thriving dining scene, offering a wide array of traditional and creative Mexican cuisine. From the rich and complex Oaxacan mole to delightful popsicles and mouthwatering Mexico City-style carnitas tacos served on freshly made corn tortillas and freshly baked pan dulce, there is something for everyone.

You’re in luck with seeking out the best Mexican food in Nashville, whether for a festive celebration like Cinco de Mayo or a casual weeknight meal. The city has numerous exceptional Mexican restaurants catering to diverse tastes and preferences. If Taco Tuesday holds a special place in your heart, a dedicated guide highlights Nashville’s top taco spots.

So, whether you’re craving tasty margaritas and vegan nachos or simply searching for a delicious Mexican meal, Nashville has you covered with its finest Mexican dining establishments. So, take advantage of these fantastic options for experiencing the best Mexican food in Nashville.

1. La Conchita

La Conchita is a charming neighborhood panaderia located near K&S World Market on Nolensville Pike, and it is renowned for offering some of the best Mexican food in Nashville. Stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by a delightful assortment of bread, cookies, and cakes displayed along the walls, ready to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a celebratory treat like the luscious tres leches cake or the traditional Mexican bolillo, a baguette perfect for tortas, La Conchita has it all. Take advantage of their irresistible elephant-ear orejas cookies, also known as palmiers, and their delectable pan dulce, a sweet bread perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of coffee. With its wide selection of baked delights, La Conchita is a one-stop shop for Nashville’s finest Mexican pastries and bread.

2. El Cubilete

El Cubilete stands out as one of the top destinations for the best Mexican food in Nashville. This beloved restaurant is renowned for its hearty and satisfying dishes, including flavorful soups, delectable stews, fresh tamales, delightful breakfast options, and mouthwatering combo platters. The popularity of El Cubilete is evident from its multiple locations spread across Nolensville Pike, Harding Place, Madison, and two Murfreesboro, catering to a wide range of Mexican food enthusiasts.

When dining at El Cubilete, prepare to be impressed by their generous portions, perfect for sharing. For instance, consider indulging in a plate of enchiladas or succulent pork ribs (costillas) in salsa verde, splitting it between two people to experience a variety of flavors while satisfying your cravings.

With its inviting atmosphere and authentic Mexican cuisine, El Cubilete guarantees an exceptional dining experience. Whether you visit their Nolensville Pike, Harding Place, Madison, or Murfreesboro locations, you’re in for a treat with some of Nashville’s finest Mexican food offerings.

3. Frida’s Oaxacan Cuisine

Frida’s Oaxacan Cuisine is a must-visit for those searching for the best Mexican food in Nashville. Specializing in regional specialties from Oaxaca, the menu features tempting dishes such as tlayudas, chapulines (fried grasshoppers), and an array of deep, complex moles. One highlight is the memelitas, house-made masa cakes topped with light Oaxacan cheese and refried beans. She shares space with owner Katy Rodriguez’s Bee Ice Cream Shop on Nolensville Pike. Frida’s offers Oaxacan ice cream, popsicles, agua frescas, and other sweet treats. While Frida’s searches for its dedicated location, seize the opportunity to indulge in the flavors of Oaxaca at this unique culinary destination in Nashville.

4. La Juquilita

For the best Mexican food in Nashville, head to La Juquilita, where owners Jose and Maria Cepeda work their magic. This eatery stands out in the vibrant Nations neighborhood with its eye-catching bright orange building. La Juquilita is known for serving fantastic tacos, pupusas, and tlayudas that will satisfy your cravings.

One of the highlights of dining at La Juquilita is their flavorful and saucy dishes. Please take advantage of the opportunity to savor their rich Oaxacan mole packed with depth and complexity. If you enjoy some heat, try their spicy chile and verde salsas, adding an extra kick to your meal.

At La Juquilita, you can expect an authentic Mexican dining experience focusing on delicious flavors. The Cepedas have created a culinary gem beloved by locals seeking the finest Mexican cuisine in Nashville.

5. Birrieria y Taqueria Arandas

Were you craving the best Mexican food in Nashville to cure your hangover? Birrieria y Taqueria Arandas is the perfect destination. Located in Donelson off Highway 70, this cozy eatery offers a homey atmosphere reminiscent of your grandmother’s house. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of huevos rancheros, or indulge in the massive pambazo sandwich filled with potatoes, chorizos, cheese, and refried beans.

At Birrieria y Taqueria Arandas, their menu goes beyond the ordinary. Treat yourself to the three-taco quesitaco birria combo, accompanied by flavorful consomé for dipping. If you’re in the mood for a spicy kick, try the Nashville hot chicken taco with pickled onions and dill aioli. With its mouthwatering dishes and friendly ambiance, Birrieria y Taqueria Arandas is a top choice for experiencing the finest Mexican cuisine in Nashville. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem.

6. Alebrije

Alebrije food truck in Nashville offers delicious Mexican street food such as tacos and churros. Chef Edgar Victoria takes pride in using high-quality ingredients, including sourcing masa for his corn tortillas from a small family of farmers in Oaxaca, Mexico. Some standout dishes include the al pastor tlayuda, a popular Oaxacan dish served on a large tostada, and the mouthwatering Mexico City-style carnitas tacos. To experience the best Mexican food in Nashville, visit Alebrije food trucks in three spots. You can find them at Honeytree Meadery in East Nashville, downtown at Bar Sovereign, and in Wedgewood-Houston’s Geodis Park, which happens to be the home of Nashville SC, the Major League Soccer team. Take advantage of the opportunity to try Alebrije’s delectable Mexican cuisine.

7. Taco Mamacita

Taco Mamacita, a popular Mexican restaurant in Nashville and Chattanooga, offers many tasty options. They are known for their amazing margaritas and vegan nachos. Originally starting in Chattanooga, Taco Mamacita is a sibling restaurant to the highly regarded Community Pie pizzeria. In addition to their delicious food, they provide a trendy atmosphere. Their menu includes pozole in a verde broth and various slow-cooked meat options for non-vegans. For those looking for vegan options, they also offer an exclusively vegan menu upon request. Taco Mamacita is worth a visit when it comes to finding the best Mexican food in Nashville.

8. Maiz De La Vida

If you’re hunting for the best Mexican food in Nashville, look no further than Chef Julio Hernandez’s Maiz de la Vida food truck. This unique food truck stands out by nixtamalizing heirloom corn in-house to create flavorful tortillas. You can find the food truck permanently parked outside Chopper Tiki, a vibrant bar in East Nashville known for its tropical cocktails. Pair their refreshing drinks with mouthwatering tacos filled with crispy wagyu beef or chicken birria, served with a side of beef consomé for dipping. If you’re craving their delectable bone marrow broth, you can take it home by the quart.

Additionally, Hernandez has opened a brick-and-mortar location called Maiz de la Vida Tortilla Shop on Clarksville Pike. Here, you can enjoy limited dine-in options and browse retail items like tortillas, masa, and salsas. Take the chance to experience the exceptional Mexican cuisine Maiz de la Vida offers for an unforgettable dining experience in Nashville.

9. Taqueria Sope Express

When finding the best Mexican food in Nashville, take notice of the unassuming Taqueria Sope Express on Clarksville Pike. Despite being overshadowed by a nearby gas station, this hidden gem is worth a visit. Once inside, indulge in their delectable tacos made with house-made corn tortillas. Their menu also offers a variety of mouthwatering options, including shrimp and fish plates, nachos, wings, fries, fajitas, and quesabirria. Try their crispy and light chicharrones tacos, a true delight. Taqueria Sope Express may be easy to miss, but its flavors will leave a lasting impression.

10. Mar & Tierra Mexican Grill and Mariscos

For the best Mexican food in Nashville, look no further than Mar & Tierra. This vibrant and bustling restaurant in East Nashville beautifully showcases the sea and land flavors. On the seafood front, you can savor various delectable dishes such as fresh shrimp quesadillas, Mexican shrimp cocktails, grilled octopus, and scallop agua chile. But, if you’re in the mood for something from the land, their menu offers tantalizing options like fajitas, fried pork tips, and breaded steak or chicken milanesa. Mar & Tierra’s colorful decor perfectly complements the vibrant flavors they serve. Visit this restaurant for an unforgettable Mexican culinary experience in Nashville.

Nashville has something to offer, no matter what you’re looking for in terms of Mexican cuisine. It’s a unique and flavorful taco from Maiz de la Vida, traditional dishes from Mar & Tierra, or a casual meal at Taco Mamacita, and there are plenty of venues to satisfy your cravings. With its wide range of flavors, textures, and styles, Nashville is the perfect place to explore Mexican cuisine. So next time you’re looking for authentic Mexican food in Nashville, you know exactly where to go. ¡Buen provecho!