The Ground Beef Taco At This Tennessee Taco Shop Is So Unbelievable, You’ll Be Back Before You Know It
Walking down East Nashville’s McFerrin Avenue, you might spot a cheerful building with a line snaking out the door, and wonder what all the fuss is about. That colorful spot is Mas Tacos Por Favor, a local favorite serving some of the most crave-worthy tacos in Tennessee.
What started as a humble food truck has become a must-visit destination where affordability meets incredible flavor. Once you bite into their famous ground beef taco, you’ll understand why folks keep coming back for more.
How I Ended Up In Line For A $3 Taco (And Didn’t Regret It)
Spotting the bright exterior of Mas Tacos Por Favor from down the block, I knew I had stumbled onto something special. The queue wrapped around the corner, but nobody seemed impatient or annoyed.
Located at 732 McFerrin Avenue in East Nashville, this spot has earned its reputation as an affordable favorite among locals and tourists alike. Tacos here cost just a few bucks, making it easy to sample multiple flavors without breaking the bank. The crowd-pleasing menu keeps people coming back week after week.
I told myself I would only get one taco to try. Spoiler alert: that plan failed spectacularly. By the time I left, I had ordered three more and was already planning my next visit.
The Tiny Origin Story I Love Telling
Before Mas Tacos Por Favor became the beloved brick-and-mortar restaurant it is today, it started as a scrappy food truck operation in a Winnebago. Owners Teresa Mason and her team served tacos from that humble mobile kitchen, building a loyal following one order at a time.
That small-beginnings vibe still permeates every corner of the current restaurant. Knowing the journey from food truck to permanent location makes each bite taste even better.
There is something deeply satisfying about supporting a business that grew organically through quality and word-of-mouth. Those early days shaped the restaurant’s identity: unpretentious, genuine, and focused on serving delicious food without unnecessary frills or inflated prices.
The Menu Hits I Beg You To Order
Choosing what to order at Mas Tacos can feel overwhelming, so let me break down my personal favorites. The spicy carne molida, their ground beef taco, tops my list with its perfectly seasoned meat and tangy salsa combo.
Close behind is the cast-iron chicken, which arrives juicy and smoky with just the right amount of char. The fried avocado taco is a revelation for anyone who loves creamy textures paired with a crispy exterior. The Baja fish offers a lighter option with fresh, flaky fish.
Vegetarians should not skip the quinoa and sweet potato taco, packed with hearty flavors. Don’t forget to grab some elote on the side for that smoky, buttery corn goodness.
Tamales On Wednesday, Chilaquiles On Saturday
Here is the one day I plan my entire week around: Wednesday, when Mas Tacos rolls out their hand-rolled tamales. These beauties sell out fast, so arriving early is non-negotiable. The masa is tender and the whole experience feels like a warm hug from your abuela.
Saturday mornings bring another calendar-worthy event: breakfast chilaquiles. Crispy tortilla chips swimming in salsa, topped with eggs and cheese, create the ultimate hangover cure or weekend treat. Pair them with a cold drink for the complete experience.
Planning visits around these specials has become my little ritual. Knowing what day brings which treat adds an element of anticipation that makes each visit feel like a mini celebration.
The Vibe That Keeps Me Coming Back
Walking through the door, the first thing that hits you is the scent of fresh salsa mingling with sizzling meat. The clatter of plates and cheerful chatter creates a soundtrack that feels authentically welcoming.
I always grab a spot on the patio when weather permits. The colorful tables and chairs match the restaurant’s playful exterior, and people-watching becomes part of the meal. Counter service keeps things casual and efficient, perfect for solo diners or groups alike.
This hole-in-the-wall atmosphere is exactly what makes Mas Tacos special. No pretense, no fuss, just great food served in a space that feels like a neighborhood gathering spot.
Lines, Hours, And Other Survival Tips From My Visits
Timing your visit can make or break your Mas Tacos experience. The restaurant typically operates Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner, with Saturday service starting earlier.
If you want my move for skipping the crowd, here is when I go: weekday afternoons around 2 PM, after the lunch rush dies down. Parking is limited with only a small lot, so be prepared to hunt for street parking nearby. Bring patience and maybe some cash, though they do accept cards.
Online ordering has become available for those who want to grab and go. The to-go setup is efficient, making takeout just as appealing as dining in when time is tight.
Why The Ground Beef Taco Deserves Its Own Fan Club
Let me get specific about the star of the show: that unbelievable ground beef taco. The carne molida arrives perfectly spiced with a hint of heat that builds gradually rather than overwhelming your palate.
Fresh cilantro and diced onions add brightness, while the corn tortilla provides the ideal vessel for all these flavors. What sets this taco apart is the balance.
The meat is never greasy or heavy, and the salsa adds just enough acidity to cut through the richness. Every component works in harmony, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. This taco delivers more satisfaction per bite than menu items costing three times as much elsewhere.
Why I Keep Recommending It
Mas Tacos Por Favor represents everything great about Nashville’s dining scene: affordability without sacrificing quality, authenticity without pretension, and consistency that keeps the community coming back. Local press and food blogs regularly praise this spot, and the awards speak for themselves.
My most memorable bite happened on a sweltering July afternoon when I ordered the ground beef taco, sat on the patio, and watched the neighborhood buzz around me. That simple moment captured why this place matters: it brings people together over honest, delicious food.
The experience stuck with me more than countless fancier meals. Trust me, taste it, then tell me I was wrong. You will not be able to.