Taqueria del Sol, a counter-service Mexican restaurant, recently announced that its Nashville location on Charlotte Pike will close on March 30. There’s only a short time left, but this spot should not be ignored before it goes. Before the Atlanta-based restaurant’s last week in the Nashville market, my friends and I visited for one final review.
Before even walking into the restaurant, it was evident the place was packed. While approaching from the parking lot, sounds of diners talking amongst themselves broke through the walls. Walking in, almost every table was full — the crowd ranged from students sporting college logos to families with young children. Considering it was only a Tuesday night, people were lined up to celebrate the restaurant’s last week.
The line to order at the register was decently long but moved quickly. The line also provided ample time to observe the bright, coastal vibe inside. The staff was friendly and attentive, and if we hadn’t known about the closure plans beforehand, there would truly be no way to know that this was a place in its last few days of life.
Starting with chips and guacamole, we agreed that the chips were warm and delicious and the guacamole was well-made with lots of lime. Its closest comparison would be Chipotle guacamole, although this one contained diced tomatoes for added complexity.
There was a wide variety in the tacos themselves. Their signature fried chicken taco did not disappoint with its perfectly crispy chicken and balanced amount of sauce to accompany it. While the tortilla was flour, which I usually do not prefer, it provided a strong vessel for the heavy chicken.
Other tacos ordered included carnitas, brisket, cheeseburger and Memphis. The carnitas and brisket options delivered strong flavors with a healthy serving of medium-heat salsa. The cheeseburger and Memphis tacos did not deliver on the same level, though. Overall, the simpler menu options appeared to be the best choices. For anyone familiar with Taqueria del Sol’s other locations, it did seem to be a step below. However, the restaurant still provides strong competition with the Nashville taco scene — at least until March 30.
All of the tacos we tried and saw on other tables were fairly simple, placing the main focus on the proteins. They serve a vegetarian option and several non-taco items too, such as enchiladas.
The location seems surprising. Located on Charlotte Ave. near Sylvan Park, it sticks out among its more mundane surroundings. Judging by the business of the restaurant, however, this inconvenience has not stopped people from coming to experience their last chance at their regular favorite or to try it for the first time. Compared to other Vanderbilt favorites, the tacos were less greasy and more flavorful than Taco Mama and the guacamole was definitely more tasty. The menu items have a different personality than Oscar’s and are really a different genre of taco.
The environment and food make Taqueria del Sol a fun place to eat on any day of the week, and the restaurant’s Instagram comments reflect a community of saddened customers who regret the upcoming loss of the spot. Luckily, there is still time to check out the restaurant and have one last fried chicken taco before bidding farewell.
