As I've visited Nashville more this year, coming from deep South Texas, I got a craving for some good tacos. I would ask folks that are native to Nashville where I could get my hands on some and get a look of confusion followed by, "Why would you look for that here? They don't have good tacos here." After a few responses like this, I decided to do a quick Google search, and found myself staring face to face with a long list of taco spots in and around Nashville. I combed through a long list of food trucks, restaurants as well as a variety of taco types. Below are the fruits of my tasty taco tour to give you the delicious taco secrets of Music City.
Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant — Midtown Gultch Young Executive Building
Veronique Medrano
1302 A Division St, Nashville, TN 37203
Tucked away between Broadway and Music Row is our first stop, Los Toritos, touting to have the best Tex Mex and Authentic Mexican Cuisines. On the menu is: "Quesabirrias"
- It comes as a plate of three birria quesadilla tacos of beef brisket, marinated with peppers and spices, and melted cheese, served in a corn tortilla with white rice and birria consomé (broth). The meat was tender and delicious. The flavor, authentic and familiar. It is not spicy whatsoever, and they provide a very flavorful salsa casera that also has no kick but provides plenty of added zest. If you'd like some heat, you'll have to ask for it, but be careful what you wish for as it might come directly from the kitchen staff's personal stash. But don't worry, they'll make sure you can handle it before they hand it over. Seriously, the waiter asked me twice before he handed it over, smiled and left. Los Toritos delights, from the seasoning, to the consomé (broth), to the service, and is a spot that you definitely want to visit if you're in the downtown area..
Tacos Y Mariscos Lopez 2
Veronique Medrano
890 Murfreesboro Rd, Nashville, TN 37217
Close to the airport, this spot is one with multiple varieties and protein flavors that bring out the best of each. On the menu is: Shrimp, Pastor, Asada (Beef), and Chorizo tacos.
- Every taco had a healthy serving of protein, and the beans served as a side tasted just like what my grandmother makes for me on Sunday mornings. The tacos and the beans sent me to, as Happy Gilmore would call it, "My Happy Place." The flavors and serving portions are so good that it should come as no surprise that this taco spot is packed by locals around lunch and dinner. I didn't go later, but for those out having a good time at night, just know it's open till 12 a.m.
Parlour Doughnuts - Nashville West
Veronique Medrano
1720 West End Avenue Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37203
Up the street from the Nashville Sign, this quaint little shop may be known in downtown Nashville for their decadent donuts, but they have a taco secret. On the menu is Chorizo and Cheese and Bacon, Egg and Cheese breakfast tacos.
- Chorizo and cheese taco is small but mighty. The chorizo has a kick in it that I was not expecting. I've had some good chorizo, but this packed a flavor with some heat that really builds.
- Bacon, egg and cheese takes on a whole new life, in a corn tortilla. I never thought about a flour tortilla having its own flavor atop the protein. It was apparent to me while eating this that while I may be a follower of the idea that a Breakfast Taco should be in a flour tortilla; this changed my mind. Maybe there is enough room in this town for both of them.
- While there is a limited assortment of ingredients to choose from, it is nice to have options to build your own breakfast taco downtown in the same shop where you grab your morning java to start your day. Also don't be fooled by salsa; it has even more heat inside its tiny plastic container.
Pupuseria Reina La Bendicion
Veronique Medrano
3003 Nolensville Pike Nashville TN Yeah 37211
Up the road from Plaza Mariachi, this restaurant known for their delicious Pupusas and Aguas Fresca truly exemplifies its namesake as a blessing because of its hidden gem...their tacos. On the menu is: Pastor, Bistek and Shrimp tacos.
- The tacos here were big, the tortilla to protein ratio matches their bigger than normal, since the corn tortillas are freshly made. This is how I believe they achieve the size compared to how they might normally look. The salsas at the table that are made in house are hot; green and red. Taking a bite out of these tacos is a mouthful so make sure to have your plate close and your napkin closer. But also eat some pupusas because they are Pupuseria first for a very good reason.
Mojo's Tacos
Veronique Medrano
230 Franklin, Rd Franklin, TN
This taco spot is furthest off the path. Twenty five minutes from downtown Nashville, Mojo's Tacos brings a fusion of Nashville flavor staples and Tex Mex BBQ flavor. On the menu is Hot Chicken, Brisket and Korean Cauliflower tacos.
- The Hot Chicken was a dry rub version of the Nashville staple. The heat index, as the waiter told me, was something that can easily change depending on the week. If I know anything about making salsas and spicy rubs, it is that the heat index depends on your mood. If every traffic light was red on the way to work, it's gonna be spicy and if that impulse lottery ticket purchase paid out, it might be even spicier. I managed to get it right smack dab in the center, as that Hot Chicken heat paired beautifully with its unique "Chipotle slaw," an extra heat that lingered and made my ears pop. This taco is an honor to its namesake.
- The Brisket which also has the chipotle slaw has such a different flavor profile and adds a smokiness to the dish, that pairs well with the sweetness of the BBQ and nice glaze of the brisket.
- Korean Cauliflower is the most unique of the bunch and it is the best breaded cauliflower I've ever had. The Ginger slaw, and Mojo Sauce adds a freshness to this taco that I wasn't expecting. This probably should have been in the case considering it was one of the few vegetarian options at any of the restaurants I had tried.
