Mount Juliet might be known for its quiet neighborhoods and family-friendly vibe, but when it comes to Mexican food, this town defies easy categorization. From taquerias where the salsa verde is a point of local pride to upscale spots where margaritas are crafted with artisanal mezcal, the scene here offers a surprising depth. Whether you’re craving authentic street tacos or modern Mexican fusion, start your journey with these nine essential spots.
Oscar’s Taco Shop
$ | (615) 288-4048 | WEBSITE
Oscar’s Taco Shop is what every new taqueria hopes it will be like in 30 years – a place with more authentic flavor than your grandmother’s secret recipe. Part family restaurant, part neighborhood hangout, part lunch spot for the busy and budget-conscious folks from Mount Juliet nearby, it’s one of the realest Mexican joints in town.
The complimentary chips and salsa aren’t really anything special (they don’t even offer them, which is a bummer), but it’s a hell of a lot of delicious thanks to standout dishes like the carne asada burrito, and that handheld masterpiece with juicy carne asada, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy guacamole is something everyone who craves Mexican food should experience at least once.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
$ | (615) 622-5622 | WEBSITE
You spot Bubbakoo’s Burritos before you even step inside, thanks to the owner who spends all day guiding customers through the build-your-own menu at this counter-service spot in Mount Juliet. There’s a solid selection of burritos and burritodillas like the Nashville Hot Chicken and General Tso Crispy Chicken here, but it’s that generous portion size that will keep you coming back (and make you want to ask for extra, because man, that feels worth it).
El Comal – Mt Juliet
$ | (615) 758-4430 | WEBSITE
El Comal is cozier than many other Mexican spots in Mount Juliet that could host quinceañeras, but that just makes the vibe in this standout restaurant that much more inviting. It has a great dining area that’s set back off the main road, a space with plenty of character thanks to that unique décor, and the Arandas special is an excellent dish with steak, chicken, and chorizo in cheese sauce.
For an even tastier experience, try the fajitas with pineapple or the #22 chili rellano, burrito, and taco—all praised for being flavorful with unique sauces. The chips are warm and on the thicker side, the ice tea is fresh brewed, and the service is friendly and attentive. Parking directly in front is limited, but there are plenty of spots nearby. Overall, El Comal is a must-visit for Mexican food lovers, as it stands out among others in the region.
El Ok Corral
$ | (615) 773-3598 | WEBSITE
El Ok Corral doesn’t have the best food of the restaurants on this list. While there are a few dishes at this TexMex place that we love, like the enchiladas suizas and the Flautas platter, there are just as many that don’t really hit their mark (the spinach quesadillas). And yet, it’s the first place we take people to when we want to show them Mount Juliet, because it’s a cozy and colorful spot that is equal parts restaurant, bar, and local hangout where everyone’s always having fun.
The margaritas are great, especially the mango margarita, and drinking them in the vibrant dining room with friendly service from Antonio is a perfect way to spend a warm night.
Cinco De Mayo Mexican Restaurant – Mount Juliet
$ | (615) 758-4920 | WEBSITE
A plate of tacos and a margarita is one of life’s most satisfying pairings, right up there with a lazy Sunday afternoon and a good mariachi band. And that’s exactly what you’ll crave at this bustling spot in Mount Juliet.
They’ve got a variety of other options like burritos, fajitas, and quesadillas on the menu along with beers and cocktails – but the frozen house margarita may not impress, the on-the-rocks version is much better, and the veggie burrito, while solid, isn’t as memorable as the tender, well-seasoned steak fajitas that come sizzling with peppers and onions. The complimentary chips and salsa are a nice touch, and the queso is definitely worth ordering.
It’s a reliable choice for authentic and delicious Mexican fare.
Dos Sisters Mexican Restaurant
$ | (615) 758-8244 | WEBSITE
There are a few things we can’t figure out about Dos Sisters Mexican Restaurant. We can’t figure out how they manage to keep the table salsa so consistently divine – it’s like they’ve bottled some kind of culinary magic. We can’t figure out why a place this tucked away manages to feel so warm and cozy, with that dim lighting that makes you want to linger over your meal.
And we don’t know why anyone would call the prices medium to high when the portions are so generous you’ll likely leave with leftovers. But we do know that the Mexican food is outstanding – we’d pay way more than $15 for the chorizo queso dip alone, and have enjoyed everything from the veggie quesadillas to the tacos paisa with pastor, carnitas, steak, and chorizo. If you live in Mount Juliet and don’t stop at Dos Sisters at least once a week, then you could medal in the Self-Restraint Olympics.
Margarita House Mt. Juliet
$ | (615) 758-8992 | WEBSITE
Margarita House Mt. Juliet is the type of Mexican restaurant where you’ll wish you could try every item on the menu. And here, you can actually do that, because $25 gets you a generous sampling of their most popular dishes. The food stays consistently delicious (as you’d expect from a place with a clean, spacious dining area and friendly staff who greet you). What makes the place even better is that it serves an excellent mango mini pitcher that’s a customer favorite. This place is awesome.
Cuerno Grill
$ | (615) 773-2777 | WEBSITE
There are dozens of Mexican restaurants in Mount Juliet, and Cuerno Grill is better than every one of them. It’s authentic, has an extensive selection of margaritas, and it makes you wish you were a chef writing in a leather-bound notebook that smells of fresh cilantro and lime. There’s no shortage of food here (though occasionally you might discover off-menu pastor tacos) but you don’t need anything else.
This is the perfect place to get a meal with friends – and it’s one of the only places in Nashville where every plate leaves completely clean.
Blue Coast Burrito
$ | (615) 288-3613 | WEBSITE
Keep Blue Coast Burrito in mind the next time you’re craving Mexican food during that busy part of the week, when the thought of cooking makes you want to sit in a lively spot and watch families enjoy themselves, instead of contemplating how to single-handedly navigate another complicated menu so that you never have to settle for bland takeout again.
This little coastal cantina of a restaurant in Mount Juliet unsurprisingly has some of the best fish tacos in the area, drizzled in tangy Baja and Pineapple Salsa, along with a good menu of things that families probably enjoy on whatever a quick meal is, like the warm Cabo Bowl and fresh fruit tea.