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Top picks in Nashville

Authentic carnitas

Carnitas that honor the traditional preparation, rather than the watered-down versions that lose the soul of the dish.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tio Fun! image 1
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Restaurant

Colorful decor and a fun bar create a vibrant, inviting space with a lively atmosphere. Patio seating adds a relaxed, neighborhood feel, drawing a diverse crowd. Frozen margaritas and authentic Mexican dishes complement the energetic vibe.

Authentic Mexican food shines with chorizo and delicious tacos. The place offers authentic quality in a fun atmosphere.

Soft and tender meat defines the carnitas here, with fat adding a warm, savory accent. Options include carnitas tacos on corn or house-made flour tortillas and a 12/10 carnita melt, all cooked to perfection.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be great."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be out of this world."

"The carnitas are so soft and tender, with savory accents."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6 PM Wednesday through Saturday with great drink deals.

2

Parking is limited near the restaurant; consider street parking a block away.

3

The menu includes vegan and vegetarian options for diverse dietary needs.

02
The Salty Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean space with outdoor seating and wooden beams creates an upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere. A complimentary salsa bar offers multiple salsas and pickled veggies, adding a distinctive touch. The dining room tends to be loud even with few guests, making conversation challenging.

Authentic Southern California style Mexican food shines here with tacos and burritos that capture true Cali flavors. The vibe matches the food, offering a genuine Cali-style Mexican experience.

Carnitas appear in both burritos and tacos here. The carnitas burrito comes with queso, adding a creamy touch. Carnitas and al pastor tacos stand out as popular choices.

People are saying

"The food here is great and served quickly."

"I found authentic Southern California Mexican food here."

"I had the Carnitas Burrito and it was very good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday is a popular event at the restaurant.

2

The pricing is around $10 for a meal and drink.

3

Parking in the area is paid parking.

03
Tako Loko Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck with outdoor seating under a tent creates a casual, open-air setting. Atmosphere feels unpleasant due to nearby loitering, but the quick service and authentic Mexican flavors draw a steady crowd. Known for top-tier tacos and affordable prices, it stands out among local taco options.

Tacos deliver an authentic California Mexican taste with flavors that feel true to traditional street food. The menu offers great value alongside delicious, genuine Mexican street food.

Carnitas tacos come up often, showing consistent quality. Both carnitas and chorizo tacos offer solid flavor profiles.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always super fresh."

"I found the Mexican street food to be very authentic and delicious."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best I had."

Good to know

1

The prices at Tako Loko Truck are very reasonable.

2

The wait time is no more than 5 minutes.

3

They give grilled onions with the order, which not many places do anymore.

04
Tacos y Mariscos Los Carnales inc. image 1

Casual seafood taco spot with a no-frills atmosphere and clean, cozy interior. Serves authentic, highly praised tacos focusing solely on tacos rather than a broad menu. Offers affordable prices and late hours, attracting those seeking genuine Mexican flavors.

Tacos have authentic flavor and taste amazing. The Jamaica drink stays true to tradition with balanced sweetness and no excess sugar.

Carnitas tacos offer rich, savory flavors that stand out alongside birria and shrimp options. Tacos include cabeza, pastor, and pescado, all prepared with distinct, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the street tacos here were the best I'd ever had."

"The carnitas were so juicy and tender, cooked to perfection."

"I found the tacos to be authentic and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late for dinner service.

2

Prices at the restaurant are extremely affordable.

3

Order indoors for table service instead of at the food truck.

05
Gordo's Taqueria image 1
Taco restaurant

Bright space with original handmade tiles and colorful wall art creates a comfortable, fun atmosphere. Outdoor seating adds to the casual vibe. Known for large portions and classic Bay Area Mexican food, it draws a steady crowd seeking hearty burritos and tacos.

Authentic Mexican flavors shine through in the Chile Verde and protein selections. Burritos come with an amazing tortilla that stands out.

Carnitas here are tasty, warm, and soft. The super carnitas burritos stand out as a solid choice.

People are saying

"I thought their burrito was the best I had in Nashville."

"I found the authentic flavors and ingredients truly respected Mexican food."

"I found the carnitas to be simply amazing and incredible."

Good to know

1

The prices at Gordo's Taqueria are affordable.

2

The portions at Gordo's Taqueria are large.

3

Parking is easy at Gordo's Taqueria.

06
Calle Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with a lively atmosphere featuring reggaetรณn music and a salsa bar with multiple choices. The space includes a brightly lit dining room and an outdoor patio for seating. Tacos, especially Birria, stand out as some of the best in the area.

Tacos feature super fresh ingredients and deliver an authentic taste true to Mexican street style. The food offers a vibrant, genuine flavor that closely matches traditional Mexican cuisine.

Juicy and tender meat stands out in the carnitas tacos and quesadilla de carnitas. The carnitas deliver a rich flavor that pairs well with other tacos like gobernador and birria.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be delicious."

"I found the carnitas to be juicy and tender."

Good to know

1

Calle Taco has a 2 for 1 taco special every Tuesday.

2

They offer late night food until 3am on weekends.

3

Parking costs $11, which some consider expensive.

07
Little Rey image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers fun atmosphere with front and back porches for outdoor seating and a self-serve salsa bar. The vibe suits groups, families, or solo diners, complemented by strong, refreshing margaritas and flavorful tacos.

Fresh food delivers authentic flavors with generous servings. Salsas stand out as very good and authentic.

Carnitas tacos come on soft flour tortillas with pork cooked just right. The meat is tender and flavorful, making these tacos a consistent highlight.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The carnitas here are cooked perfectly and were the highlight."

"The food here tastes so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Little Rey does brunch on weekends from 10am to 2pm.

2

Parking is available but can be limited; arrive early.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties.

08
Taqueria Don Carbon Express image 1

Drive-thru and carry-out setup with a few outdoor benches creates a no-frills dining experience. Tacos and burritos offer authentic Mexican flavors at insanely affordable prices. Exterior looks dingy but food delivers a simple, satisfying vibe reminiscent of street tacos in Mexico.

Perfect tortillas deliver essential authentic flavor. Meat flavors stay true to traditional Mexican taste. Food comes out quick, delicious, and economical.

Carnita tacos come with a generous amount of meat and are a common choice alongside chorizo. The tacos are served with a side of rice and are available through a convenient drive-thru.

People are saying

"I found the authentic tacos here to be among the best I've had."

"The tacos from the Drive Thru are always flavorful and a real deal."

"I love the chorizo and carnitas tacos here."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $2 each, and a small side of rice is $1.

2

The place is drive-thru or carry-out only.

3

There is a cash discount available, but check your total.

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Nashville, Tennessee

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