There’s something magnetic about a city’s taco scene. Nashville’s definitely no slouch in this department. You can stroll down just about any major street and find a spot where a local is debating the merits of salsa verde vs. roja, or arguing over corn vs. flour tortillas. I still remember my first taco in Music City—a fleeting moment at a tucked-away spot where smoky brisket met a soft shell and bright cilantro. That was the turning point. Suddenly, I needed to uncover every taco worth your appetite.
Whether you crave classic carnitas, dig inventive daily specials, or just want the perfect bite after a honky-tonk night, Nashville’s taquerias know how to feed a craving. This isn’t just a list of places to grab a meal—it’s a curated tour for anyone who loves tacos as much as I do. Here’s where you’ll find everything from neighborhood favorites with a cult following to bold, chef-driven kitchens making taco magic. Get ready to explore your next favorite spot.
Where to find the best tacos in Nashville, TN
Here are some of the top spots to find the best tacos in Nashville, TN:
- bartaco
- Bakersfield
- Mas Tacos Por Favor
- Etch
- Lockeland Table
- Sun Diner
- Edley’s Bar-B-Que
- Kayne Prime
- Chauhan Ale and Masala House
- The Southern Steak & Oyster
1. bartaco
Step into bartaco, and the energy pulls you in fast. There’s a laid-back coastal vibe—think breezy open windows and lots of sunlight—paired with a menu that pushes tacos beyond the basics. I remember spending a long lunch here, sipping a tangy house-made limeade and grazing through several rounds of tacos, each one loaded with punchy flavors. Freshness and balance stand out with every bite.
The Baja fish taco is a must; the flaky white fish, crisp slaw, and gently spicy sauce capture bartaco’s knack for blending textures. If you want a hearty vegetarian, their portobello taco delivers, juicy and earthy, with just the right snap from pickled onions. The staff’s always quick to recommend something new, and you’ll find gluten-free and vegan options handled with care.
bartaco isn’t just about eating—it’s about catching Nashville in a deliciously easygoing moment.
2. Bakersfield
Bakersfield feels like a downtown celebration every night. The hum of conversation, vibrant energy, and unmistakable aroma of street-style tacos bring people in—and keep them coming back. I still recall my first late dinner here, tucked in a booth while a line built out the door. The taco flight was the right move, each one highlighting a new corner of flavor.
The mushroom taco here is a standout: meaty, smoky, and generously topped with fresh pico and creamy avocado. It’s easy to mix and match with their black bean or grilled portobello tacos, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Vegetarians and vegans find plenty to cheer about, and the kitchen understands the assignment.
Bakersfield shines for its simple, bold approach and a menu that lets you try something unexpected without worrying about missing out on the classics.
3. Mas Tacos Por Favor
Mas Tacos Por Favor sits in East Nashville, but feels like it belongs on a sunlit street in Mexico City. The spot may be cozy and no-frills, but the food has a cult following for a reason. I remember waiting in a colorful line—everyone in suspense, debating which taco is the best. Each order arrives bursting with personality and fresh ingredients.
The quinoa and sweet potato taco stands out for its rich flavor and smoky spice—perfect if you want something a little different but still deeply satisfying. The elote corn is also legendary, coated with lime and a dusting of crumbly cheese. You’ll find vegan-friendly options and warm service here, whether you dine in or take your tacos to-go.
Mas Tacos Por Favor embodies Nashville’s love for casual eats done right, one tortilla at a time.
4. Etch
Etch doesn’t just serve delicious food; it delivers an experience. The first time I visited, I sat at the open kitchen bar, drawn in by the scent of spices and the buzz of culinary creativity. Chef Deb Paquette brings a playful edge to global flavors, setting Etch apart from any usual taco stop in Nashville.
The roasted cauliflower taco is a revelation—crispy, seasoned florets, drizzled with zesty sauces that balance heat and tang. Vegetarians and those avoiding gluten find plenty of options, thanks to a menu that thinks beyond the obvious. The staff shares thoughtful recommendations, making a meal here feel like a guided tour of bold tastes.
Etch’s attention to detail, colorful plates, and inventive taco options help it stand out on the Nashville map.
5. Lockeland Table
Lockeland Table feels like a secret neighborhood gathering spot where locals come for comfort and creativity on a plate. My first meal here was a spontaneous late-night dinner, the kind that stretches on with good conversation and plates built for sharing. The exposed brick and friendly servers give the place a real sense of welcome.
The black bean and avocado tacos are a highlight—creamy, vibrant, and finished with just enough tangy slaw to keep things interesting. The kitchen doesn’t shy away from inventive twists, so expect surprises in textures and flavors with each visit. Gluten-free and vegan options show up bright and generous, never as an afterthought.
Lockeland Table is where you’ll find familiar food, elevated and personal, making every taco feel like a new discovery.
6. Sun Diner
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Sun Diner serves up a bite of nostalgia along with its food. The walls sing with music history, thanks to its Sun Records theme, but it’s the inventive menu that turns heads. My last breakfast here lasted hours, fueled by endless coffee refills and a diner playlist heavy on Elvis. There’s a comforting sense of place in every dish.
Breakfast tacos are the move—soft tortillas packed with scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, and veggies, all tied together with a punchy house salsa. Vegetarian-friendly plates abound, and gluten-free diners get plenty of love. Each taco has a homestyle warmth, without sacrificing flavor for novelty.
Sun Diner blends classic Southern comfort with a taco twist, offering a fresh take on morning favorites for any hour.
7. Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Edley’s Bar-B-Que feels as easygoing as an old friend’s backyard cookout, but with a serious upgrade in flavor. Walk in and you’re greeted by the smell of slow-smoked Southern oak and the sound of blues in the background. My go-to is grabbing a corner table and settling in for a hefty plate of what Edley’s does best.
The smoked turkey tacos deserve top billing—juicy, full of deep smoke, and topped with a crisp slaw that brightens up every bite. Vegetarian sides round out the meal, and there are solid gluten-free choices too. Each visit feels both familiar and a little bit surprising, with attention poured into every plate.
For taco lovers chasing something hearty and authentically Nashville, Edley’s brings barbecue flavor to the forefront, one tortilla at a time.
8. Kayne Prime
Kayne Prime fuses classic steakhouse tradition with modern flair—think polished wood, sweeping city views, and inventive dishes. Sitting by the windows, you get the full effect of Nashville’s skyline as your backdrop, while the menu keeps the night surprising. My first dinner here shifted my expectations of what “tacos” could mean at an upscale spot.
The veggie street tacos are the draw: hearty mushrooms, charred vegetables, and zesty dressings tucked into warm, soft tortillas. Each bite is elevated and considered, packed with bright herbs and bold flavors that set them apart from the casual taco crowd. Vegetarian and gluten-free diners can enjoy these without compromise.
Kayne Prime feels like an occasion but never stiff, and its refined take on tacos is worth savoring.
9. Chauhan Ale and Masala House
Chauhan Ale and Masala House isn’t just a dinner spot—it’s an adventure for the senses. Step inside and you’re greeted by bold colors, fragrant spices, and a rare blend of Southern hospitality with Indian flair. My last visit felt like a quick trip across continents, right in the heart of Nashville.
The gobi tacos steal the show: roasted cauliflower with masala seasoning, zippy chutneys, and a fresh slaw, all tucked into warm tortillas. The flavors are layered and crave-worthy, making these a favorite even among loyal taco traditionalists. Vegan and gluten-free options are never an afterthought here, and the menu buzzes with creative fusion.
Chauhan’s take on tacos bridges cultures and creates something memorable—ideal for anyone seeking bold, inspired bites in Nashville.
10. The Southern Steak & Oyster
The Southern Steak & Oyster manages to serve comfort and style in equal measure. My first visit was a long lunch that turned into an impromptu tour of their menu, served with a side of lively downtown views. The kitchen’s use of the wood-fired grill comes through in everything, setting flavors apart from the downtown crowd.
The grilled veggie tacos are packed with seasonal vegetables, smoky yet fresh, and finished with bright citrus and herbs for a well-rounded bite. Gluten-free and vegan diners will feel at home, and every taco comes with just the right balance of crisp and tender.
The Southern Steak & Oyster brings sophistication to Nashville’s taco scene, turning familiar flavors into something memorable.
More Things to Try in Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best tacos in Nashville, TN?
Nashville is packed with standout taco spots. Local favorites include Mas Tacos Por Favor for authentic street style, bartaco for a breezy, upscale feel, and Bakersfield for a vibrant downtown experience. There’s truly something for every taco craving and dietary need.
Are there vegetarian or vegan taco options in Nashville?
Absolutely. Nearly every top spot—like Lockeland Table, Etch, Chauhan Ale and Masala House, and Sun Diner—offers delicious vegetarian and vegan tacos. Many kitchens also provide gluten-free options.
Do Nashville taco restaurants offer gluten-free choices?
Many of the best restaurants—such as bartaco, The Southern Steak & Oyster, and Edley’s Bar-B-Que—feature gluten-free tacos and other menu items. Always ask your server for the latest gluten-free options.
What are must-try unique taco flavors in Nashville?
Don’t leave town without sampling the Baja fish taco at bartaco, the roasted cauliflower taco at Etch, and the gobi taco at Chauhan Ale and Masala House. Each puts a local twist on global inspiration.
Is it easy to find casual taco spots for takeout in Nashville?
Yes. Places like Mas Tacos Por Favor, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, and Taco Mamacita make takeout easy with fast, freshly prepared tacos—perfect for grabbing lunch on the go or a picnic in the park.
