Cinco de Mayo, Franklin Style: Where to Celebrate with Local Flavor
Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, marks the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Though not a major holiday in Mexico, the date has taken on a new life in the United States, serving as a celebration of Mexican culture, food, music, and community.
Franklin’s take on Cinco de Mayo blends local flavor with festive traditions. From authentic, family-owned Mexican restaurants to Southern-inspired tacos and creative cocktails, the town offers plenty of ways to mark the day. Whether you’re sitting down to a plate of tacos, sipping a fresh margarita, or grabbing a dessert after dinner, Franklin makes it easy to mark the day close to home—and with a little extra Tennessee flair.
Southern Twists on Mexican Favorites
One of the things that makes celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Franklin unique is how local restaurants blend Southern flair with Mexican classics. While traditional tacos and enchiladas are easy to find, several spots in town have created signature dishes that reflect the region’s flavor.
At Mojo’s Tacos, the hot chicken taco is a standout—spicy, crunchy, and served on a house-made tortilla. Pair it with street corn queso or a seasonal margarita, and you’ve got a meal that captures both cultures in a single bite. Mojo’s is located inside The Factory at Franklin, making it an ideal place to grab dinner and explore live music or other events happening that evening.
Another great Southern-inspired option is Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, with locations in Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, and Nashville. On May 5th, they are offering $5 margaritas and a free loaded queso with any entrée. Their crispy chicken tacos are a crowd favorite and a great pick for a Cinco de Mayo meal.
In both Franklin and Brentwood, 55 South offers a Southern spin on tacos, featuring menu items like smoked brisket or blackened mahi mahi served in fresh tortillas, with ingredients and preparation that reflect Southern cooking roots.
Over in Nolensville and Spring Hill, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint delivers a barbecue-forward take on the taco, including options like BBQ nachos and brisket tacos. For something even more Southern, try the Redneck Taco—pulled pork or brisket piled on a cornbread hoecake and finished with slaw and sauce.
Where to Go for Classic Mexican Dishes
While Franklin offers plenty of creative takes on Cinco de Mayo, several local restaurants focus on traditional Mexican dishes, serving time-tested favorites with authentic flavor.
For those who like a little Tex with their Mex, Chuy’s—with locations in Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville—is offering all-day Cinco de Mayo specials on May 5th. Enjoy limited-time favorites like Pork Boom-Boom Enchiladas and the Macho Burrito, along with drink specials featuring house margaritas, floaters, and beer deals. Queso bowls layered with Boom-Boom Sauce, guac, and jalapeños are also on the list, and their Frozen Psychedelic Sangria—made with El Jimador Blanco Tequila and real blackberry purée—returns through late June.
Cinco De Mayo Mexican Restaurant, with locations in Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville, serves a variety of traditional favorites like sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and hearty chimichangas. It’s a reliable choice for classic Mexican dishes done well.
Tito’s Pueblo Real in Franklin and Spring Hill is another favorite. The menu offers everything from carne asada to seafood tacos, along with a variety of house
With two locations in Franklin, Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant is a solid choice for lunch or dinner. Here you will find traditional Mexican dishes like classic combination platters, flavorful rice, and house-made salsa that keeps regulars coming back.
Tío Fun, located in downtown Franklin, is a casual spot known for its street food-style tacos, loaded nachos, churros, and a variety of Mexican sodas and snacks. For those celebrating at home, Tío Fun also offers taco packs and nacho bars to go, making it easy to add a festive touch to a small gathering or family dinner on Cinco de Mayo.
Where to Sip Tequila
Cinco de Mayo wouldn’t be complete without a nod to tequila—and its smoky cousin, mezcal—and Franklin offers plenty of places to enjoy both in style. Whether you prefer a classic margarita, a bold agave-based cocktail, or something with a creative twist, there’s a local bar or restaurant ready to shake something up.
Start at JJ’s Wine Bar in downtown Franklin, where the Southern 75 gives tequila a bubbly upgrade. Made with blanco tequila, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, house-made simple syrup, and sparkling wine, it’s a bright and refreshing option perfect for spring.
Just down Main Street, Gray’s on Main serves up the Main Street Squeeze, a house favorite crafted with Southbound Blanco Tequila, Gray’s Made Arancello, tonic, lemon, vanilla demerara, and club soda. The bar’s upstairs lounge is a cozy place to unwind and sip something a little different.
Tupelo Honey pairs its Southern-influenced menu with the High Falutin’ Top Shelf Margarita, made with Patrón Silver, Grand Marnier, fresh sour mix, and a tajín rim. It’s a bold, refreshing option that stands out on their cocktail menu.
Finally, Skylight Bar offers a bright, modern setting inside The Factory at Franklin—an ideal stop if you’re looking for something a little different. Weekday happy hour runs from 2 to 6 pm, Monday through Thursday, and includes their classic margarita made with tequila, citrus, orange liqueur, and a salted rim. For more adventurous options, try the Agave Garden with gardenista and tajín, the Grand Hall Spritz with elderflower and grapefruit, or The Smokestack, a smoky mix of mezcal, lime, and ginger.
Bingo, Music, and Other Ways to Celebrate
Cinco de Mayo in Franklin isn’t only about food and cocktails—it’s also a chance to enjoy a few lighthearted activities and sweet finishes that add something fun and festive to the day.
At Curio Brewing Company, the festivities include more than just beer. On May 5th, they’re hosting a Cinco de Mayo-themed Bingo Night featuring food from Ceci’s Taco Truck and special micheladas—zesty beer-based cocktails typically made with lime juice, tomato or clamato juice, spices, and a salted rim. The event is family- and pet-friendly, making it a low-key way to join in the fun with kids or friends. They’re also extending their hours and offering an all-day happy hour to keep the fun going.
For live music, Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor is hosting its weekly Industry Night on May 5th. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to showcasing local talent, Kimbro’s is a favorite for music lovers looking for an authentic, come-as-you-are venue. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance.
Over at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, you can catch Katrina Burgoyne performing on May 5th. An Australian-born, Nashville-based country singer-songwriter, Burgoyne brings original songs and charting hits to the stage. There’s no cover for the show, but reservations are recommended for dinner.
Cinco de Mayo at Home
Cinco de Mayo doesn’t have to be a night out—there are plenty of ways to enjoy the occasion at home, from prepping your own taco bar to joining a hands-on cooking class the day before.
Get ready for the holiday with a hands-on culinary experience the day before Cinco de Mayo. On Sunday, May 4th, 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails at The Harpeth Hotel is hosting a Ceviche & Margarita-Making Class, where guests will learn to prepare fresh ceviche and mix margaritas using seasonal ingredients. Led by the restaurant’s chefs and mixologists, the class is a great way to pick up tips while enjoying flavorful bites and drinks. Space is limited, and registration is available here.
Planning a DIY taco bar with locally sourced ingredients is a fun way to bring Cinco de Mayo into your own kitchen. Herban Market in Franklin offers organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and ethically sourced meats that can elevate your taco creations. Whole Foods Market also carries a range of organic tortillas, salsas, and other essentials to round out your spread.
For traditional ingredients and flavors, La Villa Mexican Store and Tacos in Spring Hill is a favorite for authentic Mexican groceries. The shop stocks products you won’t typically find on the international or Latino shelves at larger stores, along with fresh produce, house-made salsa, and guacamole. A cafeteria-style taquería on-site serves street-style tacos and other favorites, making it an easy stop for both shopping and a quick bite.
For seasoning and spice blends that bring authenticity to your dishes, stop by Savory Spice in downtown Franklin. Their collection includes essential ingredients like ground chiles, cumin, Mexican oregano, cinnamon, cocoa, and vanilla. They also offer their “Taco & Fajita Night Collection,” a four-jar set featuring taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, Spanish sazón, and Makrut Lime Sea Salt—perfect for seasoning meats or even rimming margarita glasses.
For drinks, you can keep things festive with or without alcohol. Franklin Wine and Spirits offers a curated selection of tequilas, perfect for crafting your own margaritas. They also stock a variety of mixers and non-alcoholic options like sparkling limeade and specialty sodas. In Brentwood, Red Dog Wine & Spirits carries a wide range of agave-based spirits and cocktail ingredients. Another solid choice is Cool Springs Wine & Spirits, located near the mall, which offers an extensive tequila selection along with fresh mixers and bar tools for your Cinco de Mayo setup.
And don’t forget dessert! In addition to Mexican fusion dishes like fajitas and tacos, Wilco Fusion Grill in Cool Springs offers classic Mexican sweets like churros and tres leches cake. Take some home for an easy way to end your Cinco de Mayo meal on a sweet note.
Savor Cinco de Mayo in Franklin
Cinco de Mayo in Franklin is about great food, good company, and the joy of celebrating culture through flavor. Whether you’re gathering at a family-owned Mexican restaurant, trying a creative twist on tacos, exploring tequila cocktails, or enjoying dessert with your kids, there are plenty of ways to mark the day in true Franklin style.
Hungry For More?
Keep exploring local flavor with Brunch in Franklin and Brentwood, TN: Best Spots for Every Occasion. Craving heat? Check out The Spice of Life: Where to Get Nashville Hot Chicken in Franklin and Williamson County. Or, for a more casual bite, discover unique eats on wheels in A Different Way to Dine: Food Trucks in Franklin, Tennessee.
