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Welcome to Fonda On 12th

**Our Story: Fonda On 12th**

Nestled in Nashville’s vibrant 12 South neighborhood, Fonda On 12th brings a fresh twist to Mexican cuisine with a focus on shareable tapas and bold flavors. Founded by a passionate Latinx and LGBTQ-owned team, this lively restaurant captures the spirit of community and celebration. Guests are greeted warmly and immersed in an atmosphere of colorful decor and festive energy. Signature dishes like the Guacamole en Molcajete and Mushroom Enchiladas showcase meticulous craftsmanship, while the creative cocktail menu perfectly complements each culinary delight. At Fonda On 12th, every meal is not just dinner; it’s a joyous experience meant to be savored and shared.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Fonda On 12th, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Nashville's trendy 12 South neighborhood. Specializing in Mexican-inspired salads and innovative tapas, this Latinx- and LGBTQ-owned establishment captures the essence of contemporary Mexican cuisine while embracing a fun, festive atmosphere. The moment you approach the hot pink building, you’re greeted with an ambiance that feels like a lively fiesta, perfectly suited for everything from casual brunches to festive date nights.

Reservations and Accessibility

  • Location: 2316 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
  • Contact: (615) 800-4899
  • Utilities: Takes reservations, offers delivery, takeout, and catering, accepts various payment methods (Android Pay, Apple Pay, and credit cards), and even allows dogs on the patio.
  • Parking: Street and validated parking options make your visit hassle-free!

As you step inside, the captivating décor envelops you, inviting you to unwind and indulge. The restaurant boasts a full bar and complimentary Wi-Fi, making it an excellent choice for both social gatherings and casual outings.

Let's talk food—Fonda On 12th's menu is a culinary celebration of Mexican flavors, showcasing an array of botanas (small plates) like their infamous Guacamole en Molcajete, freshly prepared and served with chips and salsa. The Birria Quesadilla stands out for its tantalizing short rib filling, complemented by a rich broth that you’ll want to savor with each bite.

For those seeking a lighter bite, the Platos Pequenos feature dishes such as the Ensalada de Kale, a hearty combination of chopped kale, roasted jalapeño dressing, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. Don’t miss out on the Esquites con Langosta, a luxurious take on Mexican street corn that pairs beautifully with the grilled lobster.

As guests rave, Fonda On 12th is ideal for sharing. The vibe is lively, with the cheerful chatter of diners and the clinking of glasses echoing through the space. Reviewers often mention the impressive cocktail menu; with options that tantalize your taste buds, it's the perfect accompaniment to your meal. The Pomegranate Margarita is a crowd favorite, bringing a fresh twist to a classic cocktail.

What Guests Are Saying

  • Amy G. describes the restaurant as having an atmosphere that is "oh so good," praising the friendly service and festive vibe.
  • D'Llisha D. mentions that the ambiance transports you far beyond Nashville, with attentive staff suggesting delightful shareable dishes.
  • Rana M. raves about the mushroom enchiladas, calling them a "masterpiece" and highlighting the Instagram-worthy presentation of every dish.

The attention to detail in both the food and service makes Fonda On 12th not just a meal but an experience—a true celebration of flavor, community, and culture. So, if you find yourself in Nashville craving a vibrant spot to share intriguing Mexican dishes with friends or on a date, be sure to visit Fonda On 12th. It’s a treat for the senses that you won’t want to miss!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Fonda On 12th
amy g.
amy g.

Atmosphere, staff, cocktails, & food are oh so good, friendly & festive! A new fave for us! Outside bar seating perfect for people watching!

D'Llisha D.
D'Llisha D.

We were greeted by the hot pink building and upon entering the ambiance immediately removed us from the "Nashville vibe." Our server was very attentive and made sure to check in on us and provide suggestions. I enjoyed the tapas because you could easily share. I'd come back for sure

Heather F.
Heather F.

Context: This was my first time dining here for brunch. Love: tortilla chips, salsa verde, drinks, kind service, colorful decor, reserved parking for guests Like: chilaquiles (not the best I've had)

Taylor R.
Taylor R.

I think this is great for those craving Mexican style dishes but want to share with a group. I came here with my husband and we were able to get drinks and share chips & salsa and a meal between us and leave full. The ambience inside is cute but parking can be a pain as it is 12 south. I do think this is a great option when in this area.

Bethany S.
Bethany S.

Great date night spot for Mexican food! We've visited twice so far for dinner and were impressed each time. Cocktail menu has a lot of fun options. Tortilla soup (not pictured) was the best I've had. Enchiladas are delicious and extremely filling. Have not been disappointed by anything I've had there. Service is always fast and spot-on.

Rana M.
Rana M.

If you're not vibing with Fonda on 12th yet, you're seriously missing out. This place is a great spot for trendy Mexican food done right. First off, let's talk about the mushroom enchiladas--an absolute masterpiece. The earthy, savory filling hits like a warm hug from the culinary gods, and the sauces? Don't even get me started. Perfectly balanced, rich, and just enough heat to keep it interesting. But the real fun here is in their shareable tapas. Every plate feels like it was crafted for peak Instagram aesthetics and flavor. Think modern twists on traditional Mexican dishes, all served up with impeccable attention to detail. It's the kind of menu where you want one of everything, and honestly, you probably should. And while the wine list might be short, it's all killer, no filler. Each option is thoughtfully curated to pair beautifully with the food. Plus, the vibe in here is peak chic--dim lighting, curated decor, trance music, and just the right level of cool. Whether you're on a date or rolling deep with your crew, Fonda on 12th is the move. Pro tip: Get a reservation because this spot should stay buzzing.

Kendall R.
Kendall R.

What a great addition to 12 south! This place is so cute and has incredible food! I met a friend here for happy hour and ordered a chicken quesadilla and pomegranate margarita duo for $15. The quesadilla was incredible and the marg was good, but didn't taste at all like pomegranate. I think this is an incredible deal for Nashville 2024! The quesadilla is not big (3 slices) since it's HH, so I also added on the Mexican street corn and it was amazing!! A little Smokey/ spicy for me but I was obsessed! I just kept coughing lol, but kept happily eating it. Also, their chips are possibly the best tortilla chips I've ever had. Imagine chipotle chips, but a little greasier and much thicker. I can't wait to return!

Mathew S.
Mathew S.

All in all, 3.5 stars got the round up for the impeccable service. A new place, as I understand. Found it on Eater Nashville, a solid website for finds when venturing out of town. Located in, as seemingly everywhere else in Nashville is, a trendy part of town, I guess this joint is designed to cater to the Californians who now compose the majority of Middle Tennessee. So authentic-ish Mexican cuisine designed for experienced palates. Was a tourist on this one, so the usual 'order too much' playbook was in effect. When looking just at the dishes offered, the star of the show was, honestly, the tortilla chips. I don't know what controlled substance they sprinkle on to make them that addictive, but these are the crème de la creme of corn chips. Seriously. Buttery, salty, more of a pop than a crunch, if you get my drift, it's layers of thin crisp into a satisfying thick chip. Damned good. The guacamole was good. Made by the twenty year old at a station immediately next to our table, it was done as though he'd won this garde manger position by accumulation of demerits. Nonetheless, the Guac guy turned out fresh Guac with a methodical rhythm, if not panache. The queso fundido was also good. Not sure what the cheese matrix was, but not as light and neutral driven as I've had elsewhere. A satisfying layer of chorizo rendered fat was lurking on the rims of the bowl. The tortillas, flour, were well done. The mains were a bit underwhelming. The octopus tostada, depthy and with latent muted spice of the mole, was interesting. The octopus was cooked exceptionally well- the texture of the meat was spot on. But the semi-chalky after taste (though it may have been exactly what they were going for) wasn't as much to my liking. This is probably more my misunderstanding of traditional mole than it is their variation. The birria quesadilla was the best of the mains, though not particularly different than those I had elsewhere and the portion was a bit on the short side. The consume was wonderful; this saved the dish and made it the best of the mains. The crab empanadas fell flat. This is a dense, doughy empanadas without much lamination of the shell. The density also muted the filling, which I had a hard time getting to the season in order to assess the taste. So what else was good? The parking was directly behind the store and reserved for those dining; this was hugely appreciated. The service and coordination between front and back of the house was fantastic. Our server was incredible attentive, helpful with perspective on the menu, and a delight in table side small talk. The decor presents a wonderful backdrop for enjoying a meal. A lively crowd and fast paced (attributable to the laudable efficiency of operations) environment could be mistaken for hectic, but not crowded. My take is that this is because the management is too notch and brought in from other successful ventures. And it's to their credit that they've brought about this feel. All in all, a wonderful meal.