Redheaded Stranger is a highly-acclaimed Tex-Mex and Southwestern taco shop located in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of East Nashville, Tennessee, known for its unique atmosphere, house-made ingredients, and chef-driven menu.
It is the creation of Chef Bryan Lee Weaver (formerly of Butcher & Bee) and restaurateur Michael Shemtov, opening its doors in July 2019.
What Makes It Unique: History and Vibe
The restaurant’s core identity is a blend of Chef Weaver’s Texan roots and a commitment to doing a few things exceptionally well.
- Name and Inspiration: The name, “Redheaded Stranger,” is a direct homage to the iconic 1975 album by Willie Nelson. Chef Weaver even received a personal stamp of approval from the Nelson family to use the name.
- A “Chip-Free” Zone: Perhaps its most infamous quirk is the deliberate absence of traditional tortilla chips. The motto “NO FUCKIN’ CHIPS” is even featured on their staff’s T-shirts and the shirt of their giant stuffed giraffe mascot, Willie (in honor of Mr. Nelson). This decision stems from their choice to make only high-quality flour tortillas in-house, leaving no corn tortillas for chip-making.
- Atmosphere: The vibe is bright, laid-back, and slightly quirky, described as having a classic diner feel with a modern, Southwestern twist, including chili pepper lights and an inviting outdoor patio.
- The Hatch Green Chile Focus: The restaurant is a champion of the Hatch green chile, an integral ingredient in New Mexican cuisine. Weaver’s menu frequently highlights this pepper, which is a flavor profile rarely seen with this dedication in Nashville.
Menu Highlights and Customer Feedback
Redheaded Stranger serves fresh, delicious Southwestern-inspired food for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on house-made flour tortillas. It has been recognized by MICHELIN inspectors and featured in the MICHELIN Guide as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, signifying great food at a great price. The restaurant has a strong rating of 4.5 stars.
Must-Try Menu Items:
- The Crunchwrap: This item has gained legendary status, being a superior, house-made version of the fast-food classic. Unlike the chain version, Redheaded Stranger’s crunchwraps are stuffed with creative fillings like house-made pork green chile, whipped feta, and a mix of green and red chiles (“Xmas style”).
- Green Chili Cheeseburger: This medium-sized burger is widely praised, with some calling it the best in Nashville. It features a Bear Creek Farm beef patty, chopped Hatch chiles, American cheese, Gifford’s bacon, and ranch on a potato roll.
- Tacos: All tacos are served on fresh, house-made flour tortillas. Popular choices include the Chopped Brisket Taco, the Pulled Pork Taco, and the Whipped Feta Taco. One customer specifically praised the “Special Curry taco” as a must-have.
- Totchos: As a playful, chip-free alternative to nachos, these use spiced tater tots as the base, perfectly crisped and topped with queso, pickled onions, and chiles.
Customer Reviews:
Customers frequently praise the unique and intense flavors. As one reviewer noted:
“This place is truly one of a kind! So many unique and interesting flavors, beautiful artwork, and that classic diner feel with a modern touch! The cheeseburger may be the best cheeseburger I have ever had in my entire life. The Special Curry taco is a must, all in all you should definitely visit this place while in Nashville!”
Significant Events
While Redheaded Stranger is not a traditional venue for major public events, it hosts one highly significant and unique annual event that defines its culinary commitment:
- Annual Hatch Chile Roasts: Every year from late August through September, Chef Weaver hosts a traditional Southwestern Hatch chile roast in the restaurant’s parking lot. This event fills the air with the intoxicating aroma of roasting chiles in huge drum barrels, bringing an authentic piece of New Mexican food culture to Nashville.
Contact and Location Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 305 Arrington St, Nashville, TN 37207 |
| Phone Number | (615) 544-8226 |
| Website | redheadedstrangertacos.com |
| Google Maps Link | Redheaded Stranger on Google Maps |
| Social Media | You can find links to their social media accounts on their official website. |
Current Hours of Operation:
- Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
