Years ago, we rounded up an impressive collection of Franklin’s best tacos, both traditional (beef and chicken) and a little out there (Nashville hot chicken, Korean cauliflower). We’re thrilled to share that not only are all the original tacos we covered still available, but their excellence has been joined by a slew of newcomers that have kept our taco game growing and strong. Needless to say, we know where you’ll be hanging out next Tuesday.
Meet the tacos that have stood the test of time and those crunchy munchies (there are very few synonyms for “taco”) that have joined the ranks (note: new entries are new to the list, not recently opened).
NEW: Mojo’s Tacos (Nolensville)
It’s exciting to watch beloved local restaurants expand due to demand, and that’s just what happened with Mojo’s Tacos. Formerly on the list for its ultra-popular location inside The Factory at Franklin, we’re shifting focus to the new location inside a charming two-story farmhouse in Nolensville. You’ll find the same excellent tacos (the cheeseburger is my all-time favorite) and perfect margaritas (spicy pineapple!!) as you would in The Factory, but in a more expansive dining room right in the heart of historic downtown. A location is now open in Thompson’s Station as well.
NEW: Tio Fun
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Translating to “Fun Uncle,” the duo behind Tio Fun live up to the nickname. Brian Riggenbach and Mikey Corona first opened Mockingbird in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood in partnership with celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan. But searching for something more casual to meet the community’s needs during the pandemic, they branched out with a fast-casual taco joint that’s equally fun and delicious.
The Franklin location brought color and cocktails to Columbia Avenue, and there are tons of tacos to choose from (even a giant breakfast version).
NEW: West Coast Taco Shop
Many a Franklin local cites this small taco shop as the best in town. Rolled tacos, hard and soft shells, taco salads, tortas… the list goes on. Whichever you choose, expect it to come sizzling hot and topped with fresh ingredients. But if we may make a recommendation, the taco birria packed with shredded beef, cheese, and served with consommé is a foolproof move.
NEW: Tacos el Prime
A good taco truck is a game changer, and Tacos el Prime is mine. Tucked off of Highway 96 in Franklin, this truck is a joint effort between friends Lorenzo Urista and Alfredo Lopez — from Guadalajara and Tijuana, the pair have a story many Franklin locals can relate to. Lorenzo visited Alfredo in Franklin and decided to make it home. They filled a need for Tijuana-style street food, and they keep things simple: you can get a taco, quesadilla, or mulita with carne asada, al pastor, or chicken.
Wilco Fusion Grill
Wilco Fusion Grill is fresh—from its ingredients to its lively, beach-themed décor. Said décor is hard to miss, as a giant, multicolored rooster stands tall outside its front door, and it continues to make an appearance inside, spray-painted on tables and in sticker form on glass-fronted fridges.
While I’m sure Wilco’s Latin fare will show up on our site, for today, we’ll focus on its soft tortillas, sharp sauces, snappy pico, and phenomenal Gouda. The Shrimp Tacos are a house favorite, featuring specialty shredded cabbage and chipotle crema.
Yayo’s OMG and Califarmia
Spend time at The Factory at Franklin on a Saturday and you’ll find the four-wheeled eateries Yayo’s OMG and Califarmia. Yayo’s OMG embodies its acronym, propping an Original Mexican Gourmet menu below its walk-up window. Tacos top the list, with the mahi mahi option proudly displayed with an “as featured on Food Network” logo. And while you’re on a roll (tortilla?), stroll over to Califarmia for an Asian BBQ taco, complete with marinated cucumber, cabbage, and carrots, and a gochujang-based sauce.
Oscar’s Taco Shop
We’ll step back into brick-and-mortar businesses with Oscar’s Taco Shop, located on the waterfront in Westhaven — but we haven’t stopped rolling quite yet. As you stand in the line of people eagerly waiting to order, you’ll notice a few things—the beef-filled rolled tacos on plates piled with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese being one of them. And you can’t miss the art; it’s in every corner of the small shop, from textured paintings on the walls to vibrant patches of pattern from floor to ceiling. Even the drinks are pretty: A syrupy Jamaica, its color reminiscent of red wine, is available to accompany your meal.
Herban Market
When you head into Herban Market, prepare to be enveloped by the sweet and the spicy. The sweet comes from stacks of unwrapped, locally made soaps and candles arranged on a wooden table by the door, while the spice emanates from its olive oil Tasting Bar.
Once you’ve inspected (and sniffed) all the goods, place an order for breakfast tacos. You’ll receive sturdy corn tortillas filled with fluffy eggs, creamy avocado, mozzarella, and a layer of cilantro, plus beans and bacon for meat lovers. Traditional tacos like carne asada, birria, and chicken tinga are available on tortillas or lettuce.
Sopapillas
Just around the bend lies Sopapillas, and you’ll hear it before you see it. As patrons enjoy thin, crunchy chips and citrus-y salsa, their chatter blends with upbeat pop. Slide into one of the lantern-lit booths and order some of its unique offerings. Go for the chicken-fried chicken taco topped with—wait for it—Southern gravy and a honey drizzle. Or stick with what you know and get the carne asada, which is aged 21 days and served as a street taco.
Pueblo Real
Located in an unassuming strip mall, Pueblo Real may not immediately catch your eye as you drive by, but you’ll be glad you dropped in. The tacos are classic: chicken, beef, al pastor, and more. Pick the corn or the flour tortillas as your vessel.
I can confirm both are delicious. Once you’ve finished your final taco—hopefully your last bite was a gooey, cheesy one and featured an aromatic grilled vegetable or two—walk around the corner of the squat building to end with a popsicle from Paletas Tocumbo.
