Tucked away on the edge of the city skyline in Nashville is a corner hipster hangout called Taco Mamacita. The Cooking Channel’s television show “Taco Trip” had once done a segment here and with my frequent travels to Nashville I wanted to check it out myself. The first thing that strikes you as you walk up is just the overall “cool factor” of the place and the stores surrounding it. Not your traditional taqueria by any sense of the imagination, that is unless you know of taqueria’s near you with Warby Parker stores next door. Secondly, you will quickly find out that you better get there early otherwise you’re gonna be waiting, especially if bad weather is keeping the patio area closed. Fortunately for me, I did get there early and the patio was open so I got an excellent seat on the “rail” as they called it looking out towards Music City.
Let’s review the pluses:
First on my list of must try’s was the Black Cadillac Margarita. Mixed much the same way as your traditional margarita the twist here is that the tequila is substituted out with bourbon. There are only two words that can really describe fully what this drink is…Super Fantastic. You can bet I will be doing some experimenting in my kitchen with some new concoctions for sure. Next up were the tacos. There are lots of options to pick from here and you’ll likely take a sharp left turn from your typical choice for a taco. As for me, I went with three different little numbers. I chose the Taco Royale, Shrimp Po’Boy BLT, and the Oy Vey. I told you it would be a sharp left! Honestly all three were great, but if (strike that…when) I go back I will likely go with all Taco Royale. Ingredients all tasted fresh, and there was just the right amount of everything tucked inside. Unlike some places where you get overloaded with a full head of lettuce and no meat.
Now the minuses:
There isn’t really much not to like here so I’m being pretty picky. First, I hate the fact that you have to pay for chips – I’m not sure why but it bothers me. Along with that the salsa wasn’t what I would rate as the real deal. Instead it seemed like something I would buy in the grocery store out of a jar. Second was the service, and again I’m being ultra picky. Since they were so incredibly busy servers other than the one that took your order would bring out the food. In every instance where someone was sitting at “the rail” food was brought to the wrong people. Not really a huge issue, but by the end of my time there I couldn’t help but wonder if there wasn’t a better system. And lastly was the house margarita. I’m a big time snob when it comes to margaritas and I fully admit it. The house margarita unlike the premium Black Cadillac had far too much sour mix. Again, ultra picky.
Overall:
If you’re looking for a spot that’s trendy and fun, this is a great option. On the other hand if you want traditional tacos you’ll need to find a local and ask them – cause this ain’t it. Food is quality, prices are good, and if you are looking for a drink go with an ice cold beer or one of their premium margaritas. Enjoy!
