Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Cool Mexican food in Downtown, Nashville

Made for those who seek out Mexican cuisine that matches their specific sense of style.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
User
User
User
Updated June 2026
01
Mel’s Drive-In Nashville image 1
Mel’s Drive-In Nashville image 2
Mel’s Drive-In Nashville image 3
View all

Huge diner space blends retro decor with a modern twist and features mini jukeboxes at each table for music selection. Bright, lively atmosphere channels an old-school road trip vibe with neon lights and classic car themes. Crowd enjoys a mix of nostalgic ambiance and contemporary bar offerings.

Breakfast burritos stand out here, especially the Bomb burrito which comes with a fruit side and fills you up. Biscuits and gravy with eggs also appear alongside the burritos on the menu.

A cool vibe fills the diner with a retro atmosphere that stands out. The spot feels fresh and inviting, making it a unique hangout.

People are saying

"The food here is great, and Noelle's service is fantastic."

"You have to try the breakfast burrito; it's the best I've had."

"The atmosphere here is really cool."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a 25% discount on parking for up to 3 hours.

2

Breakfast is served all day, including vegetarian options.

3

Expect large portion sizes for all menu items.

02
Bar Sovereign image 1

Cozy bar with dim lighting and eclectic decor creates a chill, laid-back vibe away from tourist spots. Live DJ spins 90s rap and hip hop on weekends, complementing lounge-y couches and a small outdoor patio. Space welcomes large groups and dogs, offering well-crafted cocktails and highly praised tacos.

Tacos stand out with great flavor and quality, especially the carnitas which are highly praised. The churros also make a notable dessert option, complementing the Mexican food offerings well.

A laid-back vibe sets the tone with cool bartenders behind an amazingly stocked bar. The spot feels eclectic and chill for drinks.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were really good."

"I found the vibe here to be super cool and chill."

"The tacos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Dogs are welcome at the bar.

2

The kitchen is closed on Sundays.

3

Live DJ starts at 8 pm on weekends.

03
The Herban Underground image 1

Cozy coffee shop with a laid-back atmosphere and local art decorating the space. Friendly energy fills the small but inviting environment, making it a relaxing hideaway. Offers a unique blend of coffee, herbs, and artisan products for a distinct experience.

Breakfast burritos come with meat and veggie options and taste delicious. Custom lattes and banana bread also complement the Mexican food offerings well.

A cool little hideaway spot with a vibe that stands out. The staff are beyond amazing, adding to the overall cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee and the nice chill vibe."

"I loved the burritos; they were delicious and had great options."

"This spot was super cool and the staff were amazing."

Good to know

1

The Herban Underground offers a variety of coffee and herbal products.

2

Parking is always available, making it convenient for visitors.

3

Discounts are offered in the afternoons on select items.

04
Champy's Nashville image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers old school Americana decor and a great atmosphere for watching football or enjoying live music. The space attracts crowds for game days and concerts, creating lively energy without overwhelming noise. Large portions and reasonable prices complement the casual, friendly vibe.

Tamales stand out as soft and flavorful, often recommended as appetizers. Plates with smoked sausage, cheese, and pickles complement the menu alongside dishes like catfish and fried chicken.

Friendly staff create a welcoming vibe. The bartender and overall atmosphere add to the cool feel.

People are saying

"The food here is plentiful, delicious, and perfectly seasoned."

"You have to try the tamales; they're the best I've ever had."

"The bartender and staff here are really cool and friendly."

Good to know

1

Expect no wait during lunch hours on Fridays.

2

The menu offers unique items not found in other downtown restaurants.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly with a straightforward menu.

05
Garage Sale Bar image 1

Vintage thrift store blends with craft cocktail bar, creating an eclectic, nostalgic vibe filled with house-infused spirits and curated retro decor. Warm, inclusive atmosphere invites a diverse crowd to enjoy live shows and unique fashion finds.

Tacos stand out with options like vegan mushroom carnitas and spicy varieties paired with margaritas. Queso and chips also feature alongside a big cocktail menu in a thrift shop setting.

Combines a vintage thrift store vibe with a craft cocktail bar atmosphere. Offers a unique mix of vintage clothes, vinyl, and drinks in a cool, vibey space.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot with vintage clothes, vinyl, and drinks."

"It's a cool spot with vintage clothes, vinyl, and a great vibe."

"You have to try the tacos; they're really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half off the second mimosa.

2

Cocktails are reasonably priced and affordable.

3

The bar serves tacos and drinks alongside vintage items.

06
Tennessee Brew Works image 1

Brewery offers plenty of outdoor seating and an upstairs area with ample space, decorated with graffiti walls that attract photographers. Atmosphere stays mellow and relaxed, catering mostly to locals with a balanced music and social energy vibe. Live music ranges from top-notch jazz bands to local showcases, enhancing the laid-back environment.

Fish tacos stand out with Miso sauce and bold flavors, earning consistent praise. Hot chicken tacos balance spice and sweetness well. Fries topped with meat and queso add a hearty touch.

A cool atmosphere with a relaxed vibe sets the tone here. Live music and bands add to the chill experience.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the beer; it was cold and great."

"The hot chicken sandwich has the perfect amount of heat."

"The fish tacos here are packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Open mic night occurs every Monday at 8pm, featuring local talent.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with 2-for-1 craft beers.

07
Yee-Haw Brewing Co. image 1

Large outdoor space features multiple Jumbotrons, live music, and games like corn hole creating a lively, party atmosphere. Open architecture allows a cool breeze, giving a relaxed, beach-like vibe. Crowds gather especially during college games, making it a busy spot with firepits and big screens.

Tacos from White Duck Taco Shop stand out with options like the Duck Taco and chicken BLT. The food pairs well with moonshine margaritas and a good selection of beer.

Moonshine tasting offers a unique experience here. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a cool spot to unwind.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; they're better than some of the best I've had."

"The beer here was great and on point."

"I found the atmosphere here to be really cool and relaxed."

Good to know

1

Yee-Haw hosts live bands, trivia, and video game events regularly.

2

Happy hour beer deals offer great value for sampling craft brews.

3

The brewery offers a whiskey and moonshine tasting experience.

08
Brugada Kitchen and Bar image 1
American restaurant

Modern American restaurant offers a calm and serene atmosphere with live soulful music at a comfortable volume that allows easy conversation. The space features stunning decor and a loungey vibe near a busy area, creating a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience.

Brisket tacos stand out with special cilantro-free salsa available on request. Breakfast options like the brisket breakfast tacos and Breakfast Burrito pair well with a Bloody Mary.

Atmosphere feels calm and carries a consistently cool vibe. Decor and decorations add to the overall cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good and tasty."

"The atmosphere here is really cool."

"The brisket tacos here are amazing and yummy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 pm with special drink prices.

2

Gluten-free options are limited to eggs, bacon, and fruit.

3

A $20 cover charge applies on certain nights.

09
Calle Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with a lively atmosphere featuring reggaetón 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 stand out with Birria being a favorite and considered the best in the city. Salsa and margaritas also impress with bold flavors and freshness.

Awesome music sets a cool vibe that makes the atmosphere fun and lively. The spot feels like a cool little place to hang out.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The tacos here are on point, especially the carnitas."

"The service here is fast and friendly."

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.

10
Stationairy image 1
Restaurant

Dining takes place inside a historic train station building with gorgeous architecture and steel windows. The atmosphere feels cozy and lively, enhanced by live music performances that add a classy touch. The setting combines bright brunch vibes with a pleasant, elegant environment.

Breakfast tacos stand out with great flavor and fresh ingredients. Brunch tacos offer a satisfying and tasty option.

The original entrance to the old train station gives the setting a super cool vibe. The station features pretty architecture and a unique atmosphere that stands out.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and fresh."

"The breakfast tacos here are amazing."

"The architecture and atmosphere here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Only valet parking is available, and it is validated for two hours.

2

Expect high prices, with entrees averaging around $50.

3

Auto gratuity is added to the bill without prior notice.

11
Tin Roof image 1
Live music bar

Live music bar offers great live bands and a fun atmosphere with space to dance and hang out. A rooftop with DJ, bar, and pool provides nice views and a separate vibe. Multiple TVs with sound create a lively setting for games and socializing.

Fried avocado tacos and street corn quesadilla stand out with affordable prices and strong flavors. Chicken quesadillas and wings also deliver solid Mexican food options alongside cold beer and margaritas.

A cool dive bar vibe sets the tone with comfortable dancing to cool music. The rooftop adds a relaxed, inviting spot for private events or casual hangouts.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are great and attentive."

"The Mexican food here is fantastic, with great live music."

"It's a cool place with a fun atmosphere and great music."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 6 PM with affordable drink options.

2

The drag brunch is a popular event that attracts many guests.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

12
Margaritaville Restaurant - Nashville image 1

Two-level American restaurant combines live music with a lively atmosphere and a sports bar upstairs showing college football games. Noise levels are high, making conversation difficult even without music. Decor mixes mother-of-pearl booths with city views, creating a casual yet energetic vibe.

Tacos stand out with grilled fish and blackened Mahi options that taste great. Margaritas and a chicken quesadilla add solid variety to the menu.

A cool bar offers a relaxed vibe with music that stays at a comfortable volume. The radio room provides a unique view of the music row happy hour on Sirris XM, adding to the experience.

People are saying

"I experienced great food here."

"The Mexican food here is great, and the servers are super friendly."

"The live music here is cool and not too loud."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available upstairs with live music.

2

Validated parking is offered during special events, but may run out.

3

Expect higher prices for food and drinks compared to other local spots.

13
Taco Bell Cantina Cantina image 1
Fast food restaurant

Live music and a bar with frozen alcoholic beverages create an electric vibe uncommon in fast food spots. The space feels like a cozy hangout with an upstairs area overlooking the stage. Controlled occupancy keeps the atmosphere comfortable despite a small interior.

Offers classic Taco Bell dishes like fresh chalupas and the Baja Blast drink. Combines food with alcoholic drinks and live music for a unique Mexican food experience.

A bar serving beer with a live band creates a cool atmosphere that feels more like a hangout than a fast food spot. The decor and concept of combining a bar with casual dining add to the fun vibe.

People are saying

"I experienced live music and alcohol here."

"I experienced live music with my Mexican food here."

"It's cool here with live music and drinks."

Good to know

1

This Taco Bell is 21+ only, so bring your ID.

2

Live music currently ends at 9 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect higher prices compared to regular Taco Bell locations.

Discover more

Downtown, Nashville

Area guide
Loading Map...