Nashville is changing. Fast. If you’ve driven down McFerrin Avenue lately, you’ve seen the cranes, the sleek new condos, and the expensive coffee shops that look like they were copy-pasted from a Pinterest board. But tucked away in a modest, cinderblock building painted with bright, weathered colors sits Mas Tacos Por Favor McFerrin Avenue Nashville TN. It’s been there since 2010, long before East Nashville was "The New It Place."
Honestly? It hasn’t changed much.
That’s exactly why people still line up down the sidewalk in the humidity. You don't come here for the "experience" in a corporate, polished way. You come because Teresa Mason, the mastermind who started this whole thing as a 1970s Winnebago food truck, knows exactly what she’s doing with a corn tortilla and a lime wedge.
The Vibe on McFerrin is Different
When you walk in, the first thing you notice is the cash-only sign (though they've modernized slightly over the years, cash is still king for speed). It feels like a fever dream of a roadside cantina. There are mismatched chairs. There’s a sticker-covered cooler. It’s loud. It’s cramped.
It's perfect.
Most people who search for Mas Tacos Por Favor McFerrin Avenue Nashville TN are looking for a menu or hours, but you really need to know the logistics. If you show up at noon on a Saturday, you’re going to wait. The line often snaked out the door before the "Pharmacy Burger" across the street was even a thought in anyone's mind. Yet, the line moves with a certain rhythmic chaos that just works.
👉 See also: Weather at Lake Charles Explained: Why It Is More Than Just Humidity
Why the Fried Avocado Taco is a Local Legend
Let's talk about the food. Most taco joints try to do too much. They put kimchi and truffle oil and gold flakes on things. Not here.
The Fried Avocado taco is arguably the most famous dish on McFerrin Avenue. It sounds simple. It is. But the execution—a thick wedge of avocado, breaded and fried until the outside is crunch-shattering and the inside is basically warm butter—is a masterclass in texture. Throw on some shaved cabbage and a little bit of their signature spicy onion, and you understand why people have been writing about this place for over a decade.
But wait.
If you ignore the Pulled Pork or the Cast Iron Chicken, you’re making a mistake. The chicken is smoky, seasoned deeply, and never dry. It tastes like someone actually cared about the bird before it hit the tortilla. And don’t even get me started on the Elote (Mexican street corn). It’s messy. You will get mayo and cotija cheese on your face. You will need roughly fourteen napkins. It's worth every second of the indignity.
More Than Just Tacos
The "secret" weapon of Mas Tacos isn't actually a taco. It’s the Sopa de Lima.
✨ Don't miss: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
This chicken lime soup is the stuff of Nashville legend. It’s heavy on the lime, packed with shredded chicken, and topped with crispy tortilla strips that stay crunchy longer than they have any right to. I’ve known people who swear it cures the flu, heartbreak, and the worst hangovers induced by too many nights on Broadway. It’s bright, acidic, and deeply savory.
I remember talking to a local songwriter a few years back who told me they’ve written entire albums while sitting at one of those cramped tables, fueled entirely by that soup. Whether that’s hyperbole or not doesn't matter; the point is that Mas Tacos Por Favor McFerrin Avenue Nashville TN is a cornerstone of the neighborhood's creative energy.
The Elephant in the Room: The Cash Situation
Look, people complain about the "cash only" or "limited card" hurdles at older spots. In a world of Apple Pay and tap-to-verify, pulling out a ten-dollar bill feels like an ancient ritual. But it keeps the prices down. In a city where a mediocre taco can cost you $8 at a sit-down restaurant with a valet, Mas Tacos remains shockingly affordable. You can actually eat a full, life-changing meal here for under twenty bucks. That is becoming a rarity in 37206.
Navigating the Neighborhood
If you’re visiting from out of town, you need to understand the geography. This isn't the neon-soaked chaos of Lower Broadway. East Nashville has a different soul. Parking near McFerrin can be a bit of a nightmare if you aren't careful. Don't block people's driveways. The residents are nice, but they've dealt with a decade of people hunting for taco-induced dopamine hits.
- Check the Hours: They aren't open 24/7. They take breaks. They have specific lunch and dinner blocks. Always check their social media or the chalkboard before you make the trek.
- The Drink Situation: Get the horchata. Or an iced coffee with agave. Or a Mexican Coke in the glass bottle. The sweetness cuts through the spice of the habanero salsa perfectly.
- Seating Strategy: If the inside is packed, head to the back patio. It’s covered, it’s rustic, and it feels like a secret club where the only requirement for entry is a love for cilantro.
The Legacy of Teresa Mason
It’s important to recognize that this place didn't happen by accident. Teresa Mason didn't just open a shop; she built a community hub. She traveled through Mexico, learned the flavors, and brought them back to a part of Nashville that was, at the time, overlooked. Now, McFerrin Avenue is a destination. But Mas Tacos hasn't "sold out." They haven't opened fifteen locations in every airport and mall in the Southeast. They stayed put.
🔗 Read more: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong
That authenticity is why it still ranks at the top of every "Best Of" list. It’s not because of a marketing budget. It’s because the food is actually good.
What to Order if You’re Overwhelmed
If it’s your first time at Mas Tacos Por Favor McFerrin Avenue Nashville TN, don’t overthink it. Order three tacos:
- The Fried Avocado (non-negotiable).
- The Spicy Carne Molida (the ground beef is seasoned with a complexity that puts your mom's taco night to shame).
- The Quinoa and Sweet Potato (even if you aren't a vegetarian, the earthiness of the potato with the crunch of the quinoa is a sleeper hit).
And get a side of the black beans. They come with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro. They are simple, creamy, and better than they have any right to be.
Moving Forward: Your East Nashville Game Plan
Don't just eat and leave. Support the other spots on McFerrin. Grab a drink across the street or wander down toward the Five Points area. But make Mas Tacos your anchor.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Bring Cash: Seriously, just go to the ATM before you get there. It saves everyone time.
- Go Early or Late: The "sweet spot" is usually around 2:00 PM or right when they open for the evening shift to avoid the 45-minute wait.
- Sample the Salsas: They have different heat levels. Start small. The green salsa is bright and tangy, but the darker ones will sneak up on you.
- Check the Specials: Sometimes they do tamales. If you see tamales on the board, stop what you are doing and order them immediately. They sell out fast and they are some of the best in the state.
Nashville might be turning into a sea of glass towers and pedal taverns, but as long as the grill is hot on McFerrin Avenue, the city still has its heart. Go eat a taco. You’ll feel better about the world.