A friendly guide to tacos and Mexican eats on Nashville’s 12 South.

You’re walking down 12 South. You want tacos. Maybe queso. Maybe both. Good news—this street has tasty spots for Mexican food and Tex-Mex. Let’s make your belly happy.

Quick answer

“Mexican on 12 South” means the Mexican and taco restaurants on Nashville’s 12 South street. Top picks include Fonda on 12th (modern Mexican), Mesero – 12South (Tex-Mex), bartaco (taco & margarita spot), and Ladybird Taco (breakfast and lunch tacos).

Pick your vibe

• Date night: Fonda on 12th. Warm lights. Fresh tortillas. Big flavors.
• Big group: Mesero – 12South. Queso, fajitas, and lots of seats.
• Sunny patio & tacos: bartaco. Street-style tacos. Fun drinks.
• Fast breakfast or lunch: Ladybird Taco. Egg tacos. Salsa. Quick and easy.

Simple what-to-order list

• Queso + chips at Mesero for sharing.
• Birria or carnitas at Fonda for deep, rich flavor.
• Crispy fish taco at bartaco for a crunchy bite.
• Potato, egg, and cheese taco at Ladybird for cozy comfort.

Kid-friendly and wallet tips

• Ask for mild salsas. Little mouths will thank you.
• Share plates. Tacos are easy to split.
• Go early on weekends to skip lines.

Plan a tiny taco crawl

Start with chips and queso at Mesero. Walk to bartaco for two tacos. End with a sweet drink or a salsa flight at Fonda. If it’s morning, swap in Ladybird Taco for breakfast.

Good to know

• Menus and hours can change. Check each spot’s site before you go:
  • Fonda on 12th
  • Mesero – 12South
  • bartaco (12 South)
  • Ladybird Taco (12 South)

Fast FAQ

Is it “real” Mexican or Tex-Mex? It’s both! Fonda leans classic Mexican. Mesero mixes Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes. bartaco and Ladybird focus on tacos with simple, bright flavors. Different styles. Same happy tummy.

Bottom line

If you search “Mexican on 12 South,” you’re looking for great taco and Mexican spots on Nashville’s 12 South street—like Fonda, Mesero, bartaco, and Ladybird Taco. Pick your vibe, grab a taco, and smile.

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