National Taco Day is here: Here are 12 Nashville taco spots to celebrate

Need a reason to celebrate? Wednesday, Oct. 4 is National Taco Day.

Have a reason to celebrate but not sure where to go?

We've compiled some top spots to enjoy tacos − from authentic styles to out-of-the-box recipes.

While several national chains are offering deals and special menu items for the unofficial official food holiday, Nashville locals are packed with options for delicious tacos and margaritas.

Style: Authentic and delicious

Maiz de la Vida is the name of a food truck and Bordeaux tortilla shop owned by chef Julio Hernandez. Tennessean food writer Mackensy Lunsford speaks highly of the truck's quesabirria tacos, which can be purchased six days a week at 1100 Stratton Ave.

The Bordeaux tortilla shop, located at 3101 Clarksville Pike, is open Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and serves tacos as well as sopes, chilaquiles and moles.

Mas Tacos Por Favor is a Guy Fieri-approved, locally beloved, small taco shop in the Inglewood neighborhood of East Nashville.

Mas Tacos, at 732 McFerrin Ave., offers hand-rolled tamales every Wednesday along with elote and a slew of specialty tacos available daily. The outpost also serves up fresh lime margaritas, palomas and sangria.

Tacos y Mariscos El Amigo is a solid pick for tacos along Nolensville Road, and you can't miss it, thanks to its brightly colored exterior walls. Their taco meat options range from carne asada to beef tongue. Add a side of guacamole to your order and enjoy.

Find it at 3901 Nolensville Rd.

Style: Laid-back with great margaritas

Taco Mama in Hillsboro Village is a favorite for Vanderbilt University students, but if you're willing to elbow your way into the occasionally very long line, you'll reap the benefits of a laid-back customizable taco bar with weekly deals on pitchers of delicious margaritas.

You'll also be able to build your own burrito, burrito bowl, quesadilla or nachos at Taco Mama, located at 1612 21st Ave. S.

Rosepepper Cantina is an East Nashville staple, offering tacos, burritos, entrees and margaritas locals love. The restaurant is known for its cheeky slogans and jokes on its large outdoor sign paired with a relaxed outdoor patio.

bartaco, with locations on 12 South and in 5 Points, is a national taco shop brand with a significant presence in Nashville. Service is nontraditional − guests order from their phone and food and drinks are delivered by servers and food runners.

The cheeky menu is divided into "tacos" and "not tacos" and also includes specialty cocktails and margaritas.

At Taqueria Del Sol, customers order at the counter and take a seat. The 12 South location of this neighborhood spot has closed, but the Charlotte Avenue location is still booming. Try the "House," "Texas" or "Westside" margarita, or build your own.

Style: Tex-Mex

San Antonio Taco Company is a laid-back Tex-Mex taco joint with good prices and quick service. It's located on 21st Avenue near Vanderbilt University and features an old-school ordering style. Mark up an order sheet with a pencil and pass it to the cashier. Grab a spot inside or on the patio and enjoy.

Redheaded Stranger, located in the McFerrin Park neighborhood of East Nashville, brought a unique take on Tex-Mex to Nashville under the leadership of chef Bryan Lee Weaver in 2019. The tacos are delicious and creative, but you'll be rewarded if you explore other parts of the menu as well, especially the green chili cheeseburger.

Ladybird Taco serves an Austin-style breakfast taco you want to try. The restaurant opened in the 12 South neighborhood in 2020, starting with takeout. An Inglewood location is expected to open in 2024.

Style: Out-of-the-box American tacos

Velvet Taco is a Dallas-based fast casual taco chain serving wild and creative taco recipes. Spicy tikka chicken, chipotle barbecue pork and fish 'n' chips tacos are just the start of the unique taco options. The restaurant has locations in midtown, Assembly Food Hall and East Nashville.

Head to Taco Mamacita for out-of-the-box taco recipes like a sloppy joe taco and hot chicken taco. The restaurant is located in Germantown at 1234 6th Ave. N. The margarita recipes are also popular.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: National Taco Day: 12 Nashville restaurants to try for the best tacos