You’re standing on a cracked sidewalk on McFerrin Avenue. It’s hot. Or maybe it’s raining. Doesn't matter. There is almost certainly a line snaking out the door of a small, unassuming cinderblock building painted a faded shade of turquoise. This is Mas Tacos Por Favor. If you’ve spent more than twenty minutes in Nashville, someone has probably already told you that you have to go here. But once you get inside and see the chalkboard, the Mas Tacos East Nashville menu can feel a bit overwhelming, mostly because you want everything and the line behind you is moving faster than you'd like.
It started as a 1970s Winnebago. Teresa Mason, the mastermind behind the operation, spent years slinging tacos from that truck before planting roots in this permanent spot in 2010. It hasn't changed much since then. The decor is eclectic, the seating is cramped, and it's cash only—though they finally added an ATM in the back because, well, it’s 2026 and nobody carries paper money anymore.
The Absolute Essentials: More Than Just Tacos
When people talk about the Mas Tacos East Nashville menu, they usually lead with the fish taco. It’s the legend. It’s a tilapia fillet, lightly breaded and fried, topped with a spicy dill yogurt sauce and shredded cabbage. It sounds simple. It is simple. But the balance of the crunch against that tangy, herbaceous sauce is why people wait thirty minutes in the humidity.
But honestly? The tacos are only half the story.
If you skip the soup, you’ve basically failed the visit. The Chicken Tortilla Soup is, without hyperbole, some of the best in the American South. It’s a massive bowl filled with pulled chicken, huge chunks of avocado, tomato, onion, and a lime squeeze that cuts through the richness. It’s topped with a handful of crispy tortilla strips. Some regulars don’t even look at the taco list; they just come for a large soup and a side of the sweet corn.
The Elote—that’s the Mexican street corn—is served off the cob in a cup. It’s slathered in mayo, chili powder, lime, and a generous dusting of cotija cheese. It’s messy. It’s glorious. You’ll want two.
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Deciphering the Meat Options
If you aren't feeling the fish, the Pulled Pork taco is the runner-up. It’s braised in pineapple and spices, giving it a subtle sweetness that isn't cloying. Then there’s the Fried Avocado taco. This is the one that surprises the skeptics. It’s a thick wedge of avocado, breaded and deep-fried so the inside turns into warm butter while the outside stays crisp. Even the most dedicated carnivores in East Nashville swear by it.
- Cast Iron Chicken: Smoky, simple, and reliable.
- Quinoa and Sweet Potato: Not just a "vegetarian option" thrown on the menu to be polite; it’s actually seasoned with a heavy hand of cumin and lime.
- Spicy Ground Beef: It feels nostalgic, like the best version of a taco night you had as a kid, but elevated.
The Strategy for Navigating the Crowd
Look, Mas Tacos is small. It’s perpetually busy. You need a plan.
Don't be the person who gets to the front of the line and then starts asking about ingredients. Read the chalkboard while you’re waiting outside. Also, know your drink order. Their house-made horchata is creamy and spiked with cinnamon, but the real pro move is the Pineapple Ginger soda. It’s punchy. It clears the sinuses.
The seating situation is a bit of a free-for-all. There are mismatched chairs, some communal tables, and a small bar area. If it’s nice out, there are a few spots on the patio, but those go fast. Most people end up taking their brown paper bags over to Pharmacy Burger's beer garden or just eating in their cars. If you stay, embrace the chaos. It’s part of the charm.
What Nobody Tells You About the Sides
The black beans and sweet plantains are often overlooked because everyone is so focused on the tacos and soup. That’s a mistake. The plantains are fried until the edges are caramelized and almost burnt, which is exactly where the flavor lives. They provide a necessary sweet counterpoint to the salt and spice of the rest of the meal.
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Authenticity vs. Hype
Is it "authentic" Mexican food? That’s a debate that’s been raging in Nashville food circles for a decade. Teresa Mason has never really claimed to be a traditionalist. The Mas Tacos East Nashville menu is a reflection of her travels and her specific palate. It’s "taco truck style" but with a distinct Nashville soul.
Some people argue that the portions are small for the price. Each taco is roughly four or five bites. If you’re hungry, you need three tacos and a side. If you’re hungry hungry, you’re looking at a $25 lunch once you add a drink. For a cash-only spot in a cinderblock building, that might feel steep to some. But then you taste the pozole—which they only have occasionally as a special—and you stop caring about the math.
The nuance here is in the consistency. Most restaurants in East Nashville have gone through three owners and four menu reboots in the last five years. Mas Tacos stays the same. The menu is a constant. The flavor of that dill yogurt sauce in 2026 is exactly what it was in 2015. In a city that is changing so fast it’s unrecognizable, that kind of reliability is worth the premium.
The Drinks and the Vibe
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning the bar. It’s tiny. It’s tucked in the back. They make a marg that isn't some neon-green sugar bomb. It’s tart, heavy on the lime, and served in a plain glass. They also have a solid selection of Mexican lagers.
The vibe is "unintentional hipster." It’s not trying to be cool; it just happens to be the place where musicians, construction workers, and tourists all end up in the same line. There's no Wi-Fi. The lighting is dim. It’s a place meant for eating, not for "co-working."
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Seasonal Specials and Secret Items
Keep an eye on the smaller chalkboards. Sometimes they do a tamale special that sells out by 12:30 PM. Sometimes there’s a grapefruit margarita. If you see the Cuban Corn on the menu, grab it. It’s a variation on the elote but often features different spice blends or a heavier hand with the crema.
How to Order Like a Local
If you want to look like you know what you’re doing, follow this template:
- Bring Cash: Yes, there is an ATM, but the fees are annoying. Just stop at your bank first.
- The 2+1 Rule: Order two tacos (one fish, one of your choice) and one bowl of soup. This is the perfect caloric intake for a human being.
- Check the Specials FIRST: Before you commit to your standard order, look for the handwritten notes near the register.
- Napkins are Non-Negotiable: Grab more than you think you need. The tacos are juicy, and the elote is a disaster waiting to happen to your shirt.
Finding the Place
It’s located at 732 McFerrin Ave. Parking is... a challenge. There’s a tiny lot that is almost always full, and the street parking is increasingly restricted as more condos go up. Be prepared to walk a block or two. It’s worth the stroll.
The neighborhood has changed around it. What used to be a quiet corner is now surrounded by high-end boutiques and expensive rentals. Yet, Mas Tacos remains a bit of a time capsule. It’s a reminder of what East Nashville felt like before the cranes took over the skyline.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
With the rise of high-end "taco concepts" and fusion joints across the city, Mas Tacos could have easily been pushed out. But they didn't try to compete by adding truffle oil or $15 appetizers. They stuck to the chalkboard. They kept the Winnebago spirit alive. The Mas Tacos East Nashville menu works because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It does about ten things, and it does them better than almost anyone else in the state.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the hours before you go: They’ve been known to close for random holidays or staff breaks. Their Instagram is usually the most up-to-date source for closures.
- Identify your "Third Taco": Everyone gets the Fish and the Fried Avocado. Pick a "wildcard" meat like the Chorizo or the seasonal vegetable to see the range of their seasoning.
- Time it right: If you arrive at 11:15 AM on a Tuesday, you’ll walk right up. If you arrive at 1:00 PM on a Saturday, bring a book and some sunscreen for the line.
- Plan your exit: Since seating is limited, have a backup plan (like a nearby park) if the weather is nice and the interior is packed.