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Top picks in Downtown

Lunch spots and Mexican food

You need a midday break that delivers authentic Mexican food without cutting into your afternoon.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Pie Town Tacos image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a hole in the wall vibe and authentic atmosphere. Quiet and pleasant inside with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, including a nice patio area. Energy varies from calm afternoons to friendly, fun dining experiences.

Lunch offers delicious, flavorful food under $10 with quick service and minimal wait times.

Tacos stand out with options like cauliflower, carne asada, and chorizo pork delivering strong flavors. The queso is creamy and rich, complementing the spicy hot chicken and birria tacos well.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are amazing and authentic."

"I woke up thinking about the cauliflower tacos at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and easy near the restaurant.

2

Expect quick service; food is ready in under three minutes.

3

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos.

02
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.

Lunch offers great food with no wait even on a Friday. Multiple visits confirm it serves delicious meals suitable for a quick stop or a casual work break.

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.

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 food at this lunch spot is fresh and delicious."

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.

03
Melโ€™s Drive-In Nashville image 1

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.

Meatloaf tastes like homemade, just like grandma makes. Atmosphere suits a relaxed lunch on a hot day with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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.

People are saying

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

"The smash burger at this Lunch Spot is outstanding."

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

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.

04
Dock Local image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood dishes come in large portions with a focus on lobster specialties like grilled cheese and fries. The setting is a busy food hall with many tables in a common area, creating a lively atmosphere where people chat and enjoy their meals. Lines form during lunch hours, reflecting its popularity despite premium pricing.

Lines get long during lunch hours at a super popular food hall store. Lunch salads cost more than typical, but orders come out quickly to keep you moving.

Tacos stand out with garlic shrimp, blackened shrimp, and lobster options offering a good balance of flavor and a generous amount of meat. The Red Snapper taco with mango pico and the salmon taco add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I found the lobster roll delicious and perfectly toasted."

"The shrimp tacos here are amazing, truly chefs kiss."

"The lobster roll at this Lunch Spot was so good and filling."

Good to know

1

Dock Local does not accept cash and is credit card only.

2

They ask for your phone number and text you when your order is ready.

3

The portion size of the tacos was very worth the price.

05
Country Music Gyros image 1
Greek restaurant

Food truck setting features a beautiful mural and plays great music, creating a lively yet cozy atmosphere. The crowd enjoys flavorful gyros and loaded fries, often late into the night. The vibe is casual and energetic, with fresh, hot dishes served consistently.

Lunch features a very good lunch special with food that stays amazing from lunch to dinner. The spot works well as a great food truck option for midday meals.

Unique burritos and quesadillas stand out with fresh, tasty ingredients. The menu also includes tacos, wings, and loaded fries, offering a mix of Mexican and other flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"This lunch spot is amazing, a must-visit for great food."

"I thought the loaded fries were amazing Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and costs over $20 per hour in the nearby lot.

2

Expect to pay around $18 for a gyro wrap with fries.

3

The food truck offers halal meat options for dietary preferences.

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.

Lunch service features quick and attentive staff with a menu suited for midday meals. The spot offers a casual atmosphere ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

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

"The tacos here are excellent, especially the Birria."

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
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 serve as the main lunch option with good flavors. The spot also offers a place to day drink alongside lunch.

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.

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."

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot were delicious and flavorful."

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
The Lounge at 2nd image 1

Modern bar and grill offers a laid-back atmosphere with live music and comfortable seating. It stays quiet off the beaten path near a busy area, attracting those who enjoy good tunes and relaxed vibes. The space feels inviting and clean, with occasional lively moments from talented performers.

Lunch hours feel quiet with few diners around. The spot handles large orders smoothly and suits casual visits, even when feeling under the weather.

Tacos stand out with Tika Chicken variety and solid flavor. Nachos come with queso sauce instead of traditional cheese, and onion rings are available as a side.

People are saying

"The live music here is fantastic and fun."

"I thought the Mexican food tacos were to die for."

"The artist playing at this Lunch Spot was great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6pm with reduced price drinks.

2

The kitchen is open late for late-night dining.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other places in the area.

09
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.

Lunch features a lively atmosphere with music that sets a great mood. Options come with drink pairings and shopping nearby adds to the experience.

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

People are saying

"I experienced great food here."

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

"Our server Anne made this Lunch Spot awesome."

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.

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