Walk into Mas Tacos Por Favor on a Tuesday afternoon and you’ll immediately realize it isn't your typical Nashville "hot spot." There’s no valet. No neon wings for your Instagram. Just a converted 1970s Winnebago-turned-kitchen-attachment and the smell of frying corn tortillas that hits you like a physical wall before you even cross the threshold. If you’re hunting for the Mas Tacos Por Favor Nashville TN menu, you aren't just looking for a list of prices; you’re looking for the reason why people happily stand in a line that frequently snakes out the door and down McFerrin Avenue.
Cash only. Or it used to be. They finally joined the modern era with a card reader, but the soul of the place remains stubbornly analog.
The menu is small. Refreshingly small. In an age where every bistro tries to be everything to everyone, Teresa Mason’s East Nashville staple does a handful of things with terrifyingly high levels of competence. You’re here for tacos, obviously, but if you leave without the soup, you’ve basically failed the mission.
The Tacos That Built the Reputation
Let’s talk about the Mas Tacos Por Favor Nashville TN menu heavy hitters. Most people start with the Pulled Pork. It’s braised until it basically gives up, served with spicy slaw and onions. It’s simple. It’s $4-ish (prices fluctuate with the economy, but it’s always the best deal in the 615). But the real sleeper hit? The Fried Tilapia.
Nashville has a lot of fish tacos. Most of them are mediocre. Mas Tacos does it differently. They use a spicy dill yogurt sauce that sounds like it shouldn't work with lime and cabbage, yet it’s the exact reason people drive from Franklin just for lunch. The crunch of the fish against the soft, warm corn tortilla—which they source locally—is a texture profile that most high-end restaurants can't replicate despite having ten times the equipment.
Then there’s the Quinoa Sweet Potato taco. Honestly, if you told a native Nashvillian twenty years ago that one of the most popular items in the city would involve quinoa, they’d have laughed you out of the room. But here we are. It’s roasted, earthy, and topped with a red cabbage garnish that provides a necessary vinegar snap. It isn't a "vegetarian option" tacked on to be polite; it’s a core pillar of the menu.
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That Chicken Tortilla Soup is a Religious Experience
You cannot talk about the Mas Tacos Por Favor Nashville TN menu without mentioning the soup. It is legendary. It’s the kind of soup people talk about in hushed, reverent tones.
It’s not the thick, creamy, cheesy mess you get at chain restaurants. This is a clear, deeply savory broth packed with shredded chicken, huge chunks of avocado, and a squeeze of lime that cuts through everything. It’s served in a cup or a bowl, and even in the dead of a Nashville July—when the humidity makes you feel like you’re breathing through a warm wet rag—people still order it. Why? Because it’s perfect. It’s salty, bright, and topped with just enough fried tortilla strips to give it body.
If you’re feeling under the weather or just had a rough night on Broadway, this soup is the cure. Period.
The Sides and the Extras You’ll Regret Skipping
Usually, sides are an afterthought. At Mas Tacos, the Elote (Mexican street corn) is a mandatory purchase. They serve it on the cob, slathered in mayo, chili powder, and lime. It’s messy. You will get corn stuck in your teeth. You will get mayo on your chin. You will not care.
There’s also the Sweet Corn Tamales. They are dense, slightly sweet, and served with a side of salsa verde that has just enough kick to keep things interesting. If you see them on the board, grab them immediately because they do run out.
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And then there are the drinks. The horchata is creamy and heavy on the cinnamon, served in a no-frills plastic cup. If you want something sharper, the pineapple cilantro limeade is the move. It’s aggressive. It’s tart. It’s the perfect foil to a plate of greasy (in a good way) tacos.
A Note on the Vibe and Logistics
You need to understand how this place operates. It’s located at 1100 Greenwood Ave. It’s a blue building. You might miss it if you aren't looking.
- Parking: It sucks. It’s all street parking. Don't block someone’s driveway; the neighbors are tired of it.
- The Line: It looks long. It moves fast. Don't panic.
- Seating: It’s cramped. You might end up sharing a long wooden table with a stranger. Say hi. Or don't. It’s East Nashville; everyone is just there for the food.
- The "Secret": There isn't really a secret menu, but if you ask for extra lime or extra salsa, they won't roll their eyes. The green sauce is mild-ish, the red sauce is a warning.
Why This Menu Matters in a Changing Nashville
Nashville is changing. Fast. Old buildings are being torn down for tall-and-skinny condos every single day. The fact that the Mas Tacos Por Favor Nashville TN menu hasn't really changed in years is a comfort. It’s a touchstone for a neighborhood that is rapidly gentrifying.
Teresa Mason started this as a food truck—that aforementioned Winnebago—long before food trucks were a "thing" in Tennessee. She’s kept the prices low and the quality high. While other places are charging $18 for two tacos and a side of "artisan" chips, you can still get a full, life-changing meal here for under twenty bucks.
There’s a reason Guy Fieri stopped by for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. There’s a reason it’s constantly topping "best of" lists. It isn't because of a marketing budget. They barely post on social media. It’s because the food is actually good.
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The menu is a reflection of a specific philosophy: do a few things, do them better than anyone else, and don't charge people an arm and a leg for the privilege. Whether it’s the Cast Iron Chicken taco or the Fried Avocado (which is basically a warm, buttery gift from the universe), every item feels intentional.
How to Order Like a Local
If it’s your first time, don't overthink it. Get one fish taco, one pulled pork taco, and a small chicken tortilla soup. That’s the "Goldilocks" order. If you’re ravenous, add a tamale.
If you’re vegan, they’ve got you covered better than most taco joints. The Black Bean taco and the Quinoa Sweet Potato are naturally heavy-hitters, and they don't feel like a compromise. Just be sure to double-check on the elote (the mayo is the dealbreaker there).
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your Mas Tacos experience, follow this specific sequence:
- Check the Hours: They generally close between lunch and dinner (usually 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM) to prep for the evening rush. Don't show up at 3:15 PM expecting a taco; you’ll be met with a closed sign and a very sad stomach.
- Scope the Daily Specials: Sometimes there’s a seasonal pozole or a specific taco special written on the chalkboard near the register. Always look at the chalkboard first.
- Secure Your Drink Early: If the line is long, sometimes someone will come around taking drink orders, but usually, you just wait. Grab a Mexican Coke or an Ale-8-One from the fridge once you get inside.
- The "To-Go" Strategy: If the weather is nice, get your order to-go. There are several parks nearby, or you can just sit on the curb like a true East Nashvillian. The shop is small and can get loud/hot, so having a backup plan for seating is smart.
- Bring a Backup Payment: While they take cards now, their system has been known to go down. Having $20 in cash in your pocket is a "pro move" that ensures you aren't the person holding up the line while trying to find a signal.