It's almost summer time, which means it's pretty much prime season for everyone's favorite food...TACOS.
And if tacos isn't one of your favorites, immediately leave this page because tacos are amazing and you're clearly an alien.
There IS a Nashville Taco Festival, but it's not until September and we can't wait that long for tacos, so here are the 5 Best taco spots in Nashville, according to myself, and I absolutely consider myself a taco expert.
5. Taco Mamacita
Located in Edgehill Village (and a quick walk from the radio station), the convenience of this one is a big part of why it makes my list. But the tacos are legit, the margaritas are good, and the patio is my second favorite one on the list...especially on a nice spring day. The hot chicken taco is excellent, but my go-to is actually the Mexican Chopped Salad with a cup of Chicken Tortilla soup. It's a little bit lighter fare, but filling and won't make you regret your decision for the rest of the day.
Also, added bonus: share a side of the Mexican Street Corn because you'll thank me later.
4. Edley's BBQ
Okay, this is one is sort of cheating, because its not a taco joint, so take away points for variety, but they DO have a pretty amazing small selection of tacos and honestly this makes the list solely based off of the brisket taco which is STUPID good and honestly may be the best single taco product in town.
Plus you can stop on the way and take a shameless Instagram picture in front of the "I Believe in Nashville" mural.
3. Bartaco
I struggled with my Top 3 a little bit, because they each excel at something different and I love them all for different reasons. Bartaco in 12-South wins the Ambience Award. Especially as the weather gets warmer, I'm here at least once a week. I highly recommend the baja fish and spicy chorizo tacos, but if you're not a meat person the cauliflower taco is really interesting too. The rice bowls are great too.
That said, Bartaco is on this list because their patio is my ABSOLUTE favorite in town. Really great vibe and a perfect spot to have some tacos + a cerveza and pretend to have a working lunch. Plus you're in the middle of 12-South, so you're surrounded by a really great feel-good vibe.
Only downside? Parking sucks and if you're not careful, your car might end up in the wrong spot and get ticketed or booted (trust me, it's happened to me).
2. Saint Anejo
Honestly probably my favorite full menu on the list - it was close between my #2 and #1. Saint Anejo at M Street is a little more of your upscale taco joint, so you'll pay a little more, but it's worth it. Skillet nachos are the best appetizer you'll find at a Mexican restaurant, and the Korean BBQ and Mahi Maho tacos - while a little pricier - are RIDICULOUS.
Also, Saint Anejo wins the Best Margarita Award on the list, and if you have enough room after your meal for some Churros...you definitely should get some.
From a pure taco standpoint, I like my number 1 better, but if you're looking for a good night out with friends with tacos and drinks, there's no beating Saint Anejo.
1. Mas Tacos Por Favor
Come at me, bro. I know this is cliche, and although I don't love the long lines in peak hours, from a PURE TACO standpoint, this little hole-in-the-wall in East Nashville is unmatched.
No frills, no "look at how pretty my food is" Instagram pictures - there's nothing fancy about this spot. But the tacos are INCREDIBLE. The pulled pork and the fried tilapia are my favorite, and you HAVE to get their tortilla soup on the side.
Oh, and their tamales are hand-rolled and the tastiest freaking thing ever.
Bonus: It's cheap and great to-go.
So, yeah, needless to say, it's worth the wait.
So, there ya go. The best taco spots in Nashville, according to me. Honorable mention to nada (which is brand new) and Local Taco, which were close to making the cut as well.
What did I miss? How would you rank Nashville's taco destinations?
It doesn't matter, as long as we can agree that TACOS ARE EVERYTHING.